Torno Subito is a visual celebration for World number one chef and 3-star Michelin Holder Massimo Bottura in the recently established W Palm Jumeirah.
The brief was quite simply to realize the sentiment of Massimo having fun. It was to be a metaphysical manifestation of beachside days reminiscent of Rimini’s coastal playground of the 1950s/60s. Fun-filled days enjoying amazing food, drinks and ultimate relaxation. The chef known for passion, creativity and perhaps even his quirkiness saw a unique opportunity with this venture - he could recreate his childhood memories through intelligent design and an innovative food offering.
Massimo desired to create something entirely nostalgic with his restaurant, reflective of his innovative approach to food. His sentiments of “tradition in evolution” enticed the design direction to inherit the best of the past and carry it forward to the future.
Interaction remains at the heart of the venue’s sentiments by establishing a natural connection between guests and the all-embracing narrative. Film was an integral expression throughout as inspiration from Fellini films take precedent. Animated graphic stamped ceiling panels float in irregular lines representing canopies of old Italian food market tents that Massimo has been visiting since he was a child. Polaroids are taken from the photobooth situated at the entrance, then displayed within the suspended ceiling feature so one becomes an inherent part of the venue’s identity, and outside pedalo’s intrigue passers-by; all evolving the venue as a completely immersive experience, enabling guests to relive these experiences of Italian food markets and the 1950s/60s Rimini beachside days.
In a demographic that encompasses somewhat resembling concepts, Torno’s distinctive storyline brings a playful charm to the heart of the desert, satisfying Dubai’s crave for an authentic experience in its absence of nostalgia. Ahead of its time, Torno Subito engages guests with its story, taking them on a sensory journey through Massimo’s mind. Perfectly interactive as guests become an inherent part of the venue, Torno revolutionizes the F&B landscape as a pioneer of immersive dining.
“Torno Subito,” translating to “I’ll be right back,” perfectly captures the sentiments of the venues story, and plays a tongue in cheek reference to Massimo’s presence at the restaurant. But with Chef Bernardo Paladini at the helm, alongside a selection of Massimo’s handpicked culinary masters (who flew from Modena just a matter of months ago,) every item is cooked with genuine Italian charm. The menu boasts divine Modena recipes, from grilled octopus to gourmet pizzas which explode with creamy stracciatella cheese. Massimo has also intelligently crafted offerings that evolve Modena classics with Dubai heritage, such as the ceasar salad which combines 14 delectable ingredients and spices from Dubai’s own spice souk. The venue in its entirety is a beautiful fusion, bringing together design, food and influences from the golden days into one harmonious offering. Every element from the bold monochromatic striped flooring and sunshine yellow tiles to the wildly innovative food offering, become an enchanting fusion of perky hues that shouldn’t work together, but somehow do. A bit, it could be said, like Massimo himself.
