For TAO Group’s second Avra restaurant, the client wanted to duplicate the hits of the original in Midtown East—like the market-style seafood display and courtyard atmosphere—and create a modernized, rustic interpretation of a classic Mediterranean restaurant. Located in an historic Upper East Side building, Rockwell Group restored and revitalized the entrance and large bay windows of the restaurant, receiving permission from the New York City Landmarks Commission to open them up during warm weather and to create a sidewalk café. Inside, we excavated a skylight that had previously been closed off. Using a palette of white oak, Dolomiti white marble, oil-rubbed bronze, custom artwork and light fixtures, and beautiful greenery, we created a chic, naturally-lit escape from the bustling streets of Manhattan, where the materials and the lush food shine.
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