Emilia – Italian Restaurant + Bar, Philadelphia, PA

interior design + furnishings

(Photo credit: Jason Varney)

Located in Philadelphia’s burgeoning Fishtown neighborhood, Emilia is the brainchild of James Beard Award-winning executive chef Greg Vernick. This Italian eatery sits on the ground floor of a new apartment building developed by the client, who together with Greg, had the stated goal of creating a dining experience that was fresh, inviting and beautiful. The result is a space that is rich in texture and thoughtfully composed from a blend of natural and raw materials. The dining room and bar areas are lined with floating white oak wall panels, slatted wood ceilings, vertical elements of concrete block and steel, muted upholstery from Jane Churchill and sculptural wall sconces rich in nuance from Santa and Cole. Together, these elements present an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming and which blend subtly in a way that no single detail screams for attention – a space where you can exhale, relax and enjoy a memorable meal.