Atrio is an Italian restaurant nestled in a three-story high space inside the Conrad Hotel Seoul. With a rectangular floor plan that is deep and narrow evoking the Gothic cathedral. The space boasts a soaring 23-meter high ceiling with full height window glazing. At each window bay, a wood portal rises from floor to ceiling with black metal and wood screens, framing a sky view perfectly with filtered light. Their repetitive patterns and immense scale sound a rigorous rhythm that echoes the spirit of the prominent colonnades and clerestory windows in a cathedral -- equally celebratory and astonishing. This massive scale does not prevent the restaurant from being an affable and quaint place to dine. Quite the opposite, the experience is both welcoming and liberating.
The décor is humble, slightly rustic, yet still contemporary. The finished palette consists of roughly hewn oak that has been rubbed with sand color pigment to give a weathered appearance and black oxidized metal that imitates the wrought iron character of farm tools. Two huge circular chandeliers, inspired by the large candle fixtures of medieval cathedrals, hang from the high ceiling. Aside from providing illumination, they add a layer of intimacy to the tall nave in the center space. The large geometric pattern on the limestone floor draws inspiration from the famed Italian cathedral of San Pietro.
The subtle farm inspired furniture pieces throughout elicit a nostalgic sense, though modernly presented. Natural linen fabrics have been selected for the furniture in neutral beige and brown, while mustard yellow and olive green act as accent colors to add freshness to the low key and rustic palette. The back section of the restaurant has been raised to emulate the altar in a cathedral, drawing you toward it through the entire space. It hosts a large community table, a lounge area, and a bar at the back featuring custom wine chillers. A massive block of gold veined white stone, the bar symbolically connects to the pedigree of ancient altars.
The restaurant aims to serve in a smart-casual and laid back manner; and live cooking action has been arranged to share with guests. Next to the dining hall, a black iron pizza oven encased in a glass box marks the nostalgic signature of the space. Included are two working counters for the preparation of pizza and anti-pasti, along with a beautiful glass chilled room where top quality charcuterie is stored.
The Conrad Seoul Hotel occupies one of the four towers in the International Finance Center (IFC) of Seoul, Korea, and is the first large-scale mixed-use development in this populated and long-standing financial hub. The complex is teeming with high-earning professionals seeking leisure and entertainment in addition to work. Naturally, the local business tenants and the weekend shopping crowds are expected to contribute a large share of the patronage to the food and beverage outlets in the Conrad Seoul Hotel.