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OMNIA
The experience of European Art & Music.
Omnia Bistro, recognised with two hats by the Australia Good Food Guide in 2023 and 2024, embodies the essence of a sophisticated European summer dining experience within South Yarra. In collaboration with our clients, we translated their vision of bringing fine dining precision to bistro style classics into a signature space that compliments their offering. Omina bistro is now an iconic culinary destination in Melbourne where people can experience all the flavours of Europe.
The Brief.
Omnia Bistro was the first stage of a three-part development Air Design Studio undertook at Capitol Grand in the heart of South Yarra, Melbourne. As part of a 3300 square meter hospitality development, the intention for Omnia was to be a sophisticated retreat for the high-end local clientele, including residents from neighbouring suburbs like Toorak & Malvern.
Located above Yugen Dining – a space we also designed – this Ground Level restaurant has the advantage of 5m high windows, an opportunity to create an inviting visual connection with people on street level. Omina, is a space designed for art and music – for the long lunches, casual but sophisticated dinners and entertainment, such as their in house jazz sessions. England born artist David Bromley who was involved in the project early on, helped interweave art into the fabric of the design and who’s work became a key part of the final outcome.
Together with our clients The LK Group, culinary director Steven Narin and Demroc Construction, we created a space that embraced an earthy European aesthetic, mirroring the culinary vision that celebrated classic European cuisine. Our design response was to create a timeless bistro ambiance, providing a refined backdrop that enhance the culinary offerings and allows the food to command attention.
Project Highlights.
The Conservatory
A light-filled, high-ceilinged space designed to captivate right from street level. Mirrored ceilings and cascading greenery create a unique ambiance, reminiscent of dining in a European piazza. The rich material pallet of red brick, deep green marble and lush velvet – a nod to historic European bistro interior, truly bring the space to life.
Architect testimonial.
"Omnia is a place to retreat but also a place gather and dine. The vision of the restaurant is to anchor itself as the gateway into the Capitol Grand complex.”
The Barrel Room
As the guest journeys through brick arches, as daylight fades to dusk, they discover the barrel room. This more intimate space, a retreat from the cocktail bar's vibrant energy, allows guests to engage directly with the open show kitchen. Here, the focus is placed on the intimate relationship between guests and the culinary experience. The ability to create multiple dining experiences within a restaurant is how we create destinations that people want to return to again and again.
The Feature Bar & Overhead Gantry
The floating bar, with its overhead bottle display crafted from green stone and brass, acts as a welcoming focal point, anchoring the room. This space was always intended to be filled with music and performance, therefore the bar was placed to ground that experience, while projecting the energy and ambiance out onto the street level.
