Neopolitan street food goes gourmet in Vicolungo

Part of restaurant with tables and chairs and shelves with bottles of wine on it

(Image credit: Pepe Fotografia)

last updated 29 August 2022

Traditional Italian streetfood has been given a Michelin-starred coating, courtesy of decorated chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo. In the principality of Vicolungo in Novara, northern Italy, Cannavacciuolo has developed a new gourmet format for quick bites; creating an eponymous lifestyle concept store and cafe centred around fast food.

Fried pizza, eggplant parmigiana, mozzarella in carrozza, sfogliatelle, babà, and unxious donuts fill the feel-good menu. Humble Neapolitan favourites like cuoppo – paper cones piled with deep-fried delights – have been elevated by the chef's light touch (without detracting from their rustic street-eats charms).

Illustration of take-away food in wrapper — Illustration of cuoppo, by Lamatilde

The irreverent visual identity is designed by Turin-based architecture studio Lamatilde. Vernacular italics and a logo with a vintage twist complement illustrations that immortalise meal-related moments. Tag phrases poke gentle fun of colourful Neapolitan sayings – ‘facciamo muore grosse' – imitating the bustle of the market. Wallpaper patterns are innovatively made using forks, whisks and knives in lieu of brushes (watch Lamatilde's video of this process below).

Functionally, the floor plan is divided into two, with one area for food preparation and another for its sale, alongside scullery novelties including cookbooks, aprons and take-home oils and sauces. Scaling the walls, awnings made from mirrored panels further constitute Antonino’s idea of a market square: an space for mingling, pausing and tasting.

Part of restaurant with fridges with take-away food

Illustration: © Lamatilde. Film: © Andrea Silvestri

Illustration of cup of tea and teapot — Illustration: © Lamatilde

Antonino street food packaging with take-away food and an empty disposable cup

Part of restaurant with fridge and take-away food

INFORMATION

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Elly Parsons is the Digital Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees Wallpaper.com and its social platforms. She has been with the brand since 2015 in various roles, spending time as digital writer – specialising in art, technology and contemporary culture – and as deputy digital editor. She was shortlisted for a PPA Award in 2017, has written extensively for many publications, and has contributed to three books. She is a guest lecturer in digital journalism at Goldsmiths University, London, where she also holds a masters degree in creative writing. Now, her main areas of expertise include content strategy, audience engagement, and social media.

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