The Art of Integrating & Adapting in Design and Dining
09 Dec. 2024
Renowned Italian brand Scalini Debuts First Casual Dining Concept in Dubai Mall
Dubai, UAE — October 2024 — Iconic Italian restaurant brand Scalini has unveiled its latest concept, Scalini Cucina, a brand-new culinary experience located on the ground floor of Dubai Mall opposite the famous waterfalls. Marking a pivotal milestone in the brand’s illustrious journey, Scalini Cucina seamlessly blends the sophistication of its heritage with the casual, dynamic energy suited for a mall setting.
This exciting evolution is the result of a collaboration between Fundamental Hospitality and renowned design firm Bishop Design.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Bishop Design, who have played an instrumental role in pioneering our first casual concept, perfectly suited for the vibrant, high-traffic setting of Dubai Mall,” commented Evgeny Kuzin, Chairman of Fundamental Hospitality. “Their approach and meticulous attention to detail have helped maintain the sophisticated ethos of the Scalini brand while seamlessly integrating it into unfamiliar territory.”
At the heart of this new venture is the delicate balance between preserving the timeless charm of the Scalini brand while adapting to the modern needs of a bustling mall location. The design of Scalini Cucina speaks to this very harmony.
Bishop Design carefully curated a space that embraces both familiarity and novelty, using soft, inviting textures alongside bold, contemporary elements to create an ambiance that mirrors the eclectic Bar Trattoria culture. Traditional Italian design cues have been reinterpreted with a fresh, modern twist — earthy tones, rich wood, and touches of Mediterranean accents coexist with sleek, industrial finishes to reflect the duality of the space.
"Our design challenge was to maintain the essence of Scalini’s elegance while making it accessible and adaptable to a more casual dining experience," said Dylan Adams, Senior Designer of Bishop Design. “We achieved this by integrating familiar elements of the Scalini identity with innovative materials and flexible layouts, ensuring that the space remains warm and inviting but also functional and fast-paced.”
A New Culinary Experience for New Audiences
Scalini Cucina is a continued effort to connect guests to Italy’s rich culinary culture. While offering the comfort of Italian favourites, the casual dining concept expands the brand’s appeal by providing a more relaxed and approachable environment without compromising the quality and authenticity of its cuisine.
The menu—inspired by the charms of traditional Italian eateries—focuses on classics from Italy’s gastronomic regions, with a continued dedication to quality ingredients and generational recipes. While it retains some of the brand’s signature classics, it also introduces a selection of lighter meals, offered at a lower price point, to cater to those seeking a quicker dining experience without sacrificing the quality for which Scalini is renowned.
Buon appetito e ci vediamo presto!
About Fundamental Hospitality
Fundamental Hospitality is a leading restaurant and hospitality management company known for creating, developing, and managing globally recognized brands across the GCC region.
About Bishop Design
Bishop Design, stands out as a globally acclaimed studio with operations in Miami and Dubai. They bring a wealth of experience to the table, crafting personalised approaches for hospitality, commercial, and residential projects across the world.
Their most celebrated work lies in the hospitality sector, where they have left an indelible mark. From luxury resorts and lifestyle and boutique hotels to Michelin-starred restaurants and fast-casual concepts. Their innovative approach to design focuses on delivering creative and functional spaces that push the boundaries of aesthetic and experience.
For more information on the design process or to connect with Bishop Design, visit https://wearebishopdesign.com/works/work/scalini-cucina
