Operetta: A Theatrical Dining Experience

A Fusion of Classic and Modern Design

The inspiration for Operetta came from the world of opera itself. Monique Lee, the talented designer behind the project, explains that the design draws from both classic and modern theaters, as well as Italian architectural styles from the 17th to 18th centuries. The entrance door, reminiscent of a mask with a single eye, immediately captures the attention of visitors. This eye motif continues throughout the restaurant, with a focus on the bar counter where mixologists perform their craft. The dining hall features a modern extenzo stretch ceiling adorned with classic chandeliers, creating a grand and theatrical atmosphere. On one of the walls, a switchable glass eye becomes transparent during dinner service, allowing customers to catch a glimpse of the chefs at work in the kitchen.

What sets Operetta apart from other restaurants is its unique concept of interactive dining. The design revolves around the idea of allowing customers to witness the performance of the chefs and mixologists. This visual connection between performers and audience is achieved through the clever use of metaphorical eyes throughout the space. The eye motif not only serves as a design element but also as a medium for interaction.

Operetta seamlessly blends traditional and modern materials to create a truly unique dining experience. Wood, patterned fabrics, bricks, and tiles are combined with modern lighting systems, steel constructions, and mirrors. The use of brass-plated mirror steel, gypsum, and fabric undergoes various processes such as molding, stamping, and laser cutting to create the false ceiling with oval domes, the extenzo stretch ceiling, the arc-shaped partition, the bar counter, and the arc-shaped decorations in different sizes.

Operetta occupies a site area of 480.7 square meters and was completed in September 2016 in Hong Kong. The design team, led by Monique Lee as the Design Director and Mr. Leo Chan as the Designer, faced several challenges during the project. The drainage system of the site had to be reconfigured to accommodate the design, and the execution of the floor-to-ceiling wine cabinet required careful engineering to ensure its stability. Additionally, shaping steel into various arc shapes and sizes required skilled craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.

Operetta has received recognition for its outstanding design. In 2018, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious award recognizes designs that are well-designed, practical, and innovative, meeting professional and industrial requirements. Operetta's design integrates industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings to its patrons.

Operetta is a testament to the power of design to create immersive experiences. By combining elements of opera, architecture, and gastronomy, Monique Lee has crafted a dining space that transports guests into a world of theatrical elegance. Whether it's the eye-catching entrance, the mesmerizing performances at the bar, or the transparent glass eye revealing the kitchen, Operetta offers a dining experience like no other.