Contessa, an Italian concept from Major Food Group, has opened in the Miami Design District. The restaurant recalls the Old World sophistication of northern Italy through a classic-yet-contemporary design devised by the hospitality group’s in-house team.
“We want guests to feel immediately transported to the iconic villas and traditional tastes that define Italy,” says Major Food Group cofounder Mario Carbone. “The core inspiration for the interiors derives from this region’s old-world sophistication. We envisioned a space where guests could experience a wonderful culmination of elegance and excitement. Contessa layers old world Italian charm with the vibrancy of Miami, while still speaking to the glamour of Miami Design District.”
Spread across two stories, the vibrant space touts a refined, tailored appeal with elements like high-gloss teak woodwork reminiscent of an Italian riva boat docked in Lake Como. Guests arriving through Contessa’s first floor are welcomed by lush greenery that complements the emerald hues of striped drapery and jewel-toned marble flooring featuring bold Art Deco patterns.
Pink Venetian plaster commands the dining room, while a curved grand staircase punctuated by original oil paintings, historic photographs, and vintage gilded wall mirrors—guides diners to the restaurant’s upper level. A scrolled opening to the second floor frames another dining space adorned with deep teal high-gloss wall panels inset with golden antique mirrors. Curvaceous booths are installed upon warm and smoky herringbone floors and flanked by Italian terracotta planters beneath custom silk pendants.
Anchoring the upper floor, an intimate curved bar showcases teak millwork and embossed leather panels that richly contrast the pink palm chandelier and vintage wall sconces.
Contessa’s first location debuted last year atop the Newbury Boston.
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