Patrícia Lobo pendants mix with skylights with white aluminum profiles above the dining area’s custom tables.
Patrícia Lobo pendants mix with skylights with white aluminum profiles above the dining area’s custom tables.

July 20, 2022

Words: Jesse Dorris

Photography: Sérgio Garcês Marques – INVISIBLEGENTLEMAN

Studio Astolfi Takes Inspiration from the Seaside Town of Cascais, Portugal for This Restaurant

The charming fishing village of Cascais has long been a destination for travelers escaping Lisbon for the coast of the Portuguese Riviera. Now they have a new place to dine: Chef José Avillez’s Cantinho do Avillez, transformed from a previous restaurant into a homey oasis by Studio Astolfi.

The patio’s existing arcade offered inspiration for the curving transitions between the five niches of the main room, into which the studio set tables and seating. “These hidden alcoves create a feeling of intimacy and coziness,” says founder and creative director, Joana Astolfi. 

At the entrance, the team opened up a double-height space with a staircase leading to the first floor. “We added a more private dining balcony area that allows the passage of light down to the ground floor,” she notes. Custom tapestries and ceramics add a touch of home throughout, united by a color palette warmed by a striking pink tone and a deep blue inspired by the beloved Bay of Cascais nearby. 

The blue interior patio offers custom tables in Amarelo de Negrais stone with Patrícia Lobo scones, while the pink exterior patio has Zangra sconces and seating with Pedroso & Osório upholstery.
The blue interior patio offers custom tables in Amarelo de Negrais stone with Patrícia Lobo scones, while the pink exterior patio has Zangra sconces and seating with Pedroso & Osório upholstery.
Adico tables and chairs gather on RMC flooring in the exterior patio.
Adico tables and chairs gather on RMC flooring in the exterior patio.
The entrace bar features shelving of French oak and a counter of Amarelo de Negrais stone and half-moon painted slatted wood.
The entrace bar features shelving of French oak and a counter of Amarelo de Negrais stone and half-moon painted slatted wood.
Patrícia Lobo pendants mix with skylights with white aluminum profiles above the dining area’s custom tables.
Patrícia Lobo pendants mix with skylights with white aluminum profiles above the dining area’s custom tables.
The team installed new iron windows and refreshed the façade with a signature pink paint.
The team installed new iron windows and refreshed the façade with a signature pink paint.
The first floor stairs are terrazzo, with walls of half-moon slatted wood and brass finish detailing.
The first floor stairs are terrazzo, with walls of half-moon slatted wood and brass finish detailing.
Bathrooms include a Ceramica Globo sink and Bruma faucet.
Bathrooms include a Ceramica Globo sink and Bruma faucet.
A herringbone installation of solid oak flooring defines the private dining area.
A herringbone instillation of solid oak flooring defines the private dining area.

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