Inspiration through material
The big screen and gastronomy. That’s an equation that could be daunting. However, everything is in place for the new restaurant “Atica” to work its magic, thanks to its founder Ramzi Saade. This travel, culture and food lover has boiled down his passions into a single location, orchestrated by the architect Chloé Leymarie.
Nestled in the 5th arrondissement, “Atica” intends to be an invitation to travel. The first space on the ground floor where guests come in delicately and elegantly evokes airports, ships and trains, with warm birch wood, brushed metal, concrete and a splendid roof with mirrored slats. This play of deceptively neutral materials and colours is also found in the entrance, where the reception desk and coat room, made of stainless steel and light oak, are located. Both spare and lavish, it serves as an exhibit space, highlighting the themes of the moment.
For its first season, “Atica” is celebrating Basque culture, with sculptures and
obviously with the senses. This adventure starts at the bar, with a cocktail and some amuse-bouches, and then continues on the staircase, made of polished concrete, leading downstairs. Now comes the time for an olfactory experience.
An aroma wafts up, in phase with the seasonal theme, as if we are moving from one state to another, from light to shadow.
At the second landing, the light diffused by the Plexiglas panels becomes softer, and white gradually disappears in favour of brown and black. Then, at last, we discover the heart of this project, located in the cellar of this former cinema, in the old projection room, which according to legend was the first to show “Alice in Wonderland” in 1951. Its name? The Butter Dish. That’s because of its curved pyramid shape. It’s here that the magic works, once the lights go down and the theatre’s eight projectors start up. The 46 guests will taste their five- or three-course menu, as six cinematographic acts are projected before their very eyes, evoking Basque landscapes and craftspeople. Though plunged in darkness, the design of this space has been well thought out. The floor is covered in dark terracotta tiles, matching the dark chocolate oak and the black cloth-upholstered benches. A bespoke piece of furniture, also designed by Chloé Leymarie, the creator of the premises. The architect also took care to design the black wood foundations, highlighted by backlit LED strips on the floor. Furthermore, lights are low down here: just a few lamps placed on the tables catch the visitor’s eye. The table tops have also been designed to minimise the reflection of light. Atica, a delightful voyage between shadow and light. •
Year: 2024
Address: 8 rue Frédéric Sauton, 75005 Paris
Space design: Ramzi Saade and Chloé Leymarie
Materials: Wood, metal, concrete and mirror slats
Surface: 300 sqm
