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).
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. §
