Florentina: A Poetic Italian Dining Experience in Beijing

An Italian Restaurant Inspired by Poetry and Florence

The concept for Florentina was born from a Chinese poem called "One night in Firenze" by Xu Zhimo, a renowned poet from the turn of the century. Maxwell drew from her own perception and memories of Florence, particularly the way the light dances on the city's grey and white marble surfaces. The result is a restaurant that immerses diners in a poetic interpretation of Italy, both in its form and atmosphere.

One of the unique features of Florentina is its ability to transport guests from the bustling streets of Beijing into a tranquil sanctuary. As they enter the restaurant, they are greeted by marble chevrons that guide them into a serene bar area. The pattern in the space gradually shifts, leading them into a room enveloped in clouds, reminiscent of the turbulent skies of Florence.

The design of Florentina is a celebration of traditional Italian materials and craftsmanship. Carrara marble, carefully selected for its tone and shade, is used throughout the space. The lighting, including hand-blown Murano glass fixtures, is bespoke and adds a touch of elegance. The wall coverings pay homage to Fornasetti, while the chairs are detailed with Italian leather.

Despite the challenges of achieving European-level detail in China, Maxwell and her team found a contractor in Northern China with the necessary skills to bring their vision to life. The result is a restaurant that exudes the magnificence of the Renaissance period, with Carrara marble flooring, grey cloud motifs by Fornasetti, and lights resembling bursts of fossilized fireworks.

Florentina's design not only captures the beauty of Florence but also provides a unique dining experience. The main dining area features lights made up of hand-blown glass bubbles, creating a mesmerizing display reminiscent of a constellation of stars. The space seamlessly transitions into an open kitchen and bar, where lamps made from overlapping cubic frames hang from the ceiling, further enhancing the celestial ambiance.

Completed in April 2015, Florentina stands as a testament to the fusion of art, design, and culinary excellence. Its unique concept and meticulous attention to detail earned it the Bronze A' Design Award in 2016, recognizing its outstanding creativity and contribution to the quality of life improvements.

Experience the poetry of Florence and the artistry of Italian cuisine at Florentina, where every detail has been carefully crafted to transport you to the heart of Italy.