Mediterranean cuisine, which includes dishes from Greece, Italy, northern Africa and the Middle East, is one of the most dynamic and popular kinds of food for restaurants. While not as important as the food itself, the setting of a Mediterranean restaurant can help diners feel at home and immersed at the dining room experience, which may be anything from a relaxed, elegant day to some fast, lively meal.
Architecture
The architectural design of a restaurant can be an immediate indication of its Mediterranean motif. Arched doors, high ceilings and a large entryway all imitate the classic Mediterranean design. For your building’s outside, exposed rock or stucco can give the impression of a rural trattoria in Italy or some local eatery on the Greek islands. The same goes for Spanish tile roofing and arched or round windows.
Decor
Mediterranean decor fluctuates widely and gives you many opportunities to decorate your restaurant in your own style whilst staying true to the motif. Traditional Greek- or Roman-inspired statuary is just one simple way to signify that a Mediterranean motif in the foyer, setting the visual tone for the remainder of the space. Earth tones, for example tans and browns, can help signify the down-to-earth character of a Mediterranean meal, while pastels and trendy colors can create a more upscale beachfront setting. Ornate rugs, candles, urns, iron mirrors and heavy wooden furniture can all fit inside the Mediterranean fashion.
Family Style
Including a family-style dining area into a restaurant recalls the special relationship individuals from the Mediterranean area have with food. Encouraging diners to face one another and share huge portions of food will enliven the disposition. An alternative arrangement could be family-style dining at large tables in a separate party room or outdoor dining area, with traditional tables elsewhere. This can divide the quiet, romantic side of Victorian dining in the festive setting.
Walls
A Mediterranean restaurant walls are just another prime opportunity to set up or expand the motif. Architectural or landscape subjects are common among Mediterranean art, with still life and cafe scenes also suitable. The walls themselves can be finished or left as bare stone or brick for a more rustic feel. Tapestries and painted stucco offer additional wall treatments that can have a more formal, finished appearance that’s still inside a Mediterranean motif.
Landscaping
Prior to entering a Mediterranean restaurant, diners can be treated to a preview of the ambiance inside. A garden pathway with palms trees, hardy shrubs and evergreen bushes at a temperate foundation will consume comparatively little water and introduce a Mediterranean landscape to complement your restaurant’s exterior design. Stone features and decorative columns recall Roman or Greek ruins and also help form a classical motif. A indoor fountain can serve as a visual centerpiece in the dining room as a waterfall or outdoor fountain is able to create an outdoor seating area even more attractive.