Places and Spaces: This Mediterranean-Inspired Restaurant Will Transport You to the South of France

When childhood friends David and Lionel decided to partner in business, it was a no-brainer that their restaurant would combine the essence of the French Riviera with the duo's combined passion for pizza. Having nailed down the overall vibe and cuisine for La Riviera, they set upon finding the perfect space to house their new venture, landing a beautiful space in the bohemian 10th arrondissement in Paris. It's the first of its kind for Paris and combines two of our favourite things—delicious, fresh food and crisp, Mediterranean-inspired interiors.

To bring to life the vision that David and Lionel had imagined for years, they turned to the talented local design studio, Friedmann & Versace. The result is equal parts Parisian chic and rustic Mediterranean. From the herringbone terracotta tiles to the plush velvet seating, every detail here is perfectly balanced to explore both of these European influences. The interior palette takes cues from the sun, with deep burnt oranges and golden ochre paintings that make this spot perfect for a sunset cocktail. Pops of white on custom furniture pieces provide a refreshing contrast, while deep walnut timber tones provide a rich, luxurious look that makes you feel like you could be sitting on the shores of Cannes. The crisp white walls have been carved to create arched display niches to house sculptural objects, vases and seaside trinkets to further accentuate the laidback aesthetic.

To get a glimpse of all the action and for prime people-watching, the custom-built, oval bar in the heart of the restaurant is the place to be. From the soft velvet bar stools, you can catch a glimpse of the bustling kitchen overseen by chef Aurélien Jame and pizza master Giuseppe. The food on offer is mostly organic to match the hundreds of organic beverages on offer, with artisan cheese boards, sea bream ceviche, and homemade vegetable pie just a few of the signature dishes. You can't leave La Riviera without trying something from the pizza menu that's made from French flours that come from within a 100km radius of the premises. If, like us, you love French style and Italian food, you're going to want to visit this spectacular restaurant on your next visit to Paris.

Images courtesy of Friedmann & Versace. Photography by Hervé Gozula.

For more inspiring places, check out this historic Italianate terrace in Tasmania that's now a contemporary glass greenhouse.