A Modern Classic – CicciaBella by Fiona Lynch

Fiona Lynch has styled a modern take on the authentic trattoria. The hall is lined with clean sheets of steel, ashen timbers, and concrete walls covered in graffitied initials. The soul of Italian dining takes a new form amongst this interplay of organic forms and brutalist structure.

CicciaBella is a generous and open-plan space traced by an array of dining moments. The tables sit in angular sets of poised revelry, with clean lines and warm tones of timber and suede. Sister restaurant of Maurice Terzini’s CicciaBella Bondi, this iteration is located in the new Parramatta Square development. A natural drawing point for locals, the restaurant’s modern materials set the stage for authentic cuisine and genuine connection.

The drama of the kitchen is visible throughout the restaurant, with broad spaces opening to connect diners with the artistry of the food. In keeping with the ethos of the trattoria, the central value of CicciaBella is a shared appreciation for quality dining. The far wall of the kitchen is lined with jade green tiles, radiating a motif of colour. The hue echoes back throughout the restaurant, calling from the olive green of the dining chairs and the full-height velvet curtain that hangs at the entrance. Together their shared organic shades contrast with the brutalist materials to bring a visual balance.

The drama of the kitchen is visible throughout the restaurant, with broad spaces opening to connect diners with the artistry of the food.

Working with the artist Benzo, a series of artworks and visual elements have been added through the restaurant. These artistic elements suggest a certain authenticity and drama. A collection of tie-dyed cotton banners hangs from the ceiling, reminiscent of national flags or anthemic sporting teams. The fabric elements add a contrast of colour and movement and allow guests to imbue their own meaning into the emblems and hues.

A cluster of light rods hang from the ceiling forming an angular art piece which injects a sense of drama to the space. Long steel cylindrical columns descend from the ceiling, their directional glow creates pockets of light for the diners below. Secured to ‘knuckle fulcrums’ they can be adjusted to suit a range of occasions and create bespoke lighting for diners below.

The fabric elements add a contrast of colour and movement and allow guests to imbue their own meaning into the emblems and hues.

Bordering a public courtyard, the outdoors is connected with the internal space through a full-height wall of glass. An external seating area ties the restaurant to the square with greenery and open-air dining. Fermob Bistro chairs sit neatly with accompanying Tasmania oak table tops, stained with charcoal oil, lined with planters of accompanying greenery.

The interplay of inside and outside reflects the duality of the space as a whole. CicciaBella balances organic materials with harsh industrialisation and encases classic traditionalism in a modern form.