FOODIE
“You don’t just want to have a business; you want to create an experience from the moment they walk in to the second they leave.” —Agostino Sannino
L ET’ S TAL K FL AVORS
• Il Dandy’s Michelin-starred chefs have carefully curated their menu to feature some classic Calabrian dishes. Treat yourself to the gorgeous and creamy cremoso, a panna cotta that is nearly too beautiful to eat, or prepare your taste buds for the chef's special of the evening. Always a crowdpleaser, Il Dandy's modern spin on classic spaghetti is made with sea urchin, tomatoes and a finishing touch of fresh basil.
Brass, Marble and Velvet IL DANDY IS MAKING HISTORY AS A CULTURAL-CHIC DINING DESTINATION WRITTEN BY: DEVIN URIARTE • PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BHADRI KUBENDRAN
Welcome to Il Dandy, a modern Italian restaurant bringing elements of Calabrian culture and food to the city of sunny San Diego. The swanky space draws inspiration from the Mediterranean seaside village, creating a strong visual impact and electrifying ambiance.
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By incorporating clean lines and shapes with bright colors and textures, designer Agostino Sannino has melded classic Italian midcentury decor with a modern-day Art Deco twist. “We wanted to do something a little bit different than many traditional Italian restaurants and bring our culture into the design,” explains Sannino— and culture he brought. A modernized replica of the
Italian “Bronzi di Riace” statues stand boldly as a centerpiece, with plexiglass bubbles that represent the ones found on the original statues when they were pulled out of the sea. To contrast this piece of history, Sannino installed a sinuous neon electrolier to hover above a semi-private dining space, illuminating a long shelf of plants that resemble the Calabrian landscape.
AN ARTFUL EXECUTION
• Il Dandy’s brassy accents and futuristic design work in tandem to give this stunning restaurant a glossy and inviting interior. Sleek marble tables and blue velvet chairs hug the perimeter, offering the eye a pop of color. Let’s just say, chic is an understatement.
Sannino worked closely with the chefs in order to create a cohesive story and overall feel. “You don’t just want to have a business; you want to create an experience from the moment they walk in to the second they leave,” explains Sannino. The poignant clash between cultural and contemporary decor makes Il Dandy an aesthetically unparalleled masterpiece.
IL DANDY 2550 Fifth Ave, Ste 120 San Diego, CA 92103 619.310.5669 www.ildandyrestaurant.com