The upcoming Phnom Penh restaurant Il Vicolo seeks to set fresh standards for the Italian dining scene in Cambodia. Here, well-recognised symbols of traditional Italy – classical artworks and statues, archways and stone flooring – are playfully reinterpreted for a contemporary context, with diners surrounded by an eclectic mix of pastel colours, grand structures covered in greenery, and bold, rounded shapes in the ceilings and walls. The restaurant itself becomes a lively, memorable and surprising celebration of modern Italy and the spirit of its cuisine, culture and people. 

The use of materials such as copper, brass, and gold add a touch of luxury while the warm lighting and plants, a reference to the internal courtyards of traditional Italian houses, keep the space feeling intimate and elegant. Completing the experience is the elliptical glass panel which looks into the kitchen from the dining area, the frame to a modern art work being assembled before your eyes.