Cortina, a new Italian dining concept from restaurateur Ethan Stowell, has opened with an elegant, urban design in downtown Seattle. Crafted by locally based Heliotrope Architects, abundant natural light as well as a 64-foot-long white oak bar—the longest in the city—anchors the space.
Totaling 8,000 square feet, Cortina evokes a classic European café, complete with extensive glazing that ties the interior to the city. The lobby and bar occupy one leg of the L-shaped layout, and the corner lounge, booth seating, and private dining room are housed within the other. A warm palette of rift sawn white oak complements red oak ceilings and tan leather upholstery that wraps the white oak banquettes and booths. White oak also appears in the floors, while white painted stile and rail wall paneling adorn the walls.
A large mirrored window with two-way glass reflects the natural light and ensures privacy for guests in the private dining room. The clandestine space embraces a secretive ambiance with dark walnut-paneled walls and a ceiling illuminated by twinkling overhead pendants.
