Exuberance Redefined: Bad Roman Beverly Hills by GRT Architects
In the heart of Beverly Hills, a new culinary hotspot is turning heads with its striking aesthetics and unapologetically vibrant atmosphere. Brooklyn-based GRT Architects has crafted a compelling rendition of the maximalist restaurant Bad Roman, originally based in New York City. Set to open this month, Bad Roman Beverly Hills promises to be a feast for the senses, capturing the exuberant energy of its predecessor while adapting to the unique character of its new locale.
A Collaborative Vision
The inception of this exciting project stems from a long-standing relationship between GRT Architects founders Tal Schori and Rustam-Marc Mehta and Quality Branded founder Michael Stillman. United by a shared vision, the three embarked on a creative journey that explores the intersection of culinary art and architectural design.
“Maximalism has perhaps moved into the mainstream in a way that can sometimes feel safe,” Schori and Mehta remarked. “We wanted to keep our exploration going—neither of us can stop tinkering.”
An Eye-Catching Facade
At the forefront of the restaurant’s appeal is its eye-catching facade. Gone are the days of beige brick; instead, Bad Roman Beverly Hills welcomes visitors with a bold, two-tone striped exterior crafted from green tiles. The facade is adorned with playful glass-block windows surrounded by a checkerboard pattern of glossy tiles in vibrant greens and yellows that set the tone for the entire project.
The exterior is not merely a visual statement; it’s a beacon of the restaurant’s spirit—energetic, colorful, and unapologetically ambitious. “The facade was a huge step forward—broadcasting Bad Roman’s exuberant energy out to an otherwise quite monochrome street,” the architects explained.
A Journey Inside
Once inside, guests are greeted by an intriguing atmospheric shift. The interior design defies the common bright and airy templates frequently found in dining spaces. By opting for a moodier ambiance, both the ceiling trusses and walls are coated in sound-absorbing, tinted natural cork, allowing the restaurant to maintain an intimate dining experience.
Unique design elements—such as red neon elements that glow through textured glass bricks—create captivating visual interplay between the interior and exterior, ensuring that the vibrant hues dance through the space.
Eccentric Artistry and Mythology
Adding to the charm is an array of sculptures and motifs inspired by ancient Roman mythology. A standout feature is a boar sculpture at the entrance, modeled after an original from Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, which serves as a vibrant welcome to visitors. Faux-painted, bas-relief snakes and other creatures drawn from mythology, like greyhounds and a figure named Boaris, offer delightful surprises throughout.
“The design for Beverly Hills is an evolution, not a duplication,” the architects stated, emphasizing their intention to craft a unique identity while still honoring the original spirit of Bad Roman.
Unique Lighting Design
Interior lighting showcases GRT Architects’ collaboration with neon artist Danielle Bonnet, whose work brings a tactile elegance to the space. Neon tubes spiral within chandeliers, contributing to the restaurant’s distinct ambiance. This intricate lighting design is complemented by highly textured finishes, including antique mirrors and embroidered upholstery.
A Culinary Experience Like No Other
The design of Bad Roman Beverly Hills is not just an aesthetic endeavor; it enhances the dining experience as a whole. The interplay of colors, textures, and forms creates an atmosphere that invites guests to linger longer—sharing plates, sipping drinks, and indulging in an array of flavors.
This new iteration of Bad Roman is just one of many projects GRT Architects has brought to life, showcasing their capacity to redefine restaurant spaces while maintaining a unique character and narrative across diverse settings. Whether it’s transforming classic architecture into welcoming dining experiences or reimagining hospitality spaces, GRT continues to push boundaries in the architectural world.
An Invitation to Experience
With its richly layered approach to design and an unmistakable flair for maximalist artistry, Bad Roman Beverly Hills is more than just a restaurant; it’s an invitation to immerse oneself in a feast of visual and culinary delights. Armed with creativity and a bold design philosophy, GRT Architects has once again proven that architecture and dining can weave a compelling narrative filled with exuberance and charm.