An evening of Italian romance is a reality at this high-end Atlantic City cafe. Lugo Italian is a distinctive dining experience, boasting dreamy views of the ocean, and the warmth of candle light. The objective of this project was to transform a formerly existing steakhouse, that utilized cold concrete design elements, into a warm and elegant Italian restaurant. Working within a tight budget, the design team took cues from the 1960's movie sensation, La Dolce Vita and used creative design solutions to ensure a flawless remodel. Black and white photography flank the modern Italian restaurant, with hints of iconic mid-century imagery and fixtures. The main bar is sleek and streamlined with comfortable vintage barstools wrapped in a sporty red leather, alluding to the feel of an Italian sports car. The 217-seat restaurant includes two private dining spaces. From every angle of the cafe, the design is intended to evoke a feeling of being lost in a movie; creating different emotions, and transporting you to another place and time.