A close-up of Santo Palato's inviting dining area, designed by Naessi Studio, revealing a focus on authentic details. Above the deep wooden banquette, a curated collection of framed artworks, including a graphic of "AMATRICIANA," reflects the restaurant's culinary identity. Industrial pendant lights provide a soft glow, complementing the earthy palette of wood and cream tones.

Santo Palato: A Contemporary Take on the Roman Trattoria by Næssi Studio

Words by Eric David

Via Gallia 28, Rome, Italy

Located in Rome’s San Giovanni district, a few hundred metres away from its original location, Santo Palato, the beloved trattoria helmed by chef Sarah Cicolini, has reopened in a new space that reimagines the typology that it so proudly represents. Designed by Rome-based design studio Næssi, the relocation offered a rare opportunity to start from scratch, unbound by the constraints of a pre-existing interior, and to rethink what a trattoria represents in today’s world. By choosing which elements to carry forward and which to reinterpret, the designers crafted a space that honours the character of the humble trattoria while delivering an environment that feels unmistakably contemporary. The result is a dining experience that strikes a measured balance between familiarity and reinvention, embracing the spirit of the trattoria without lapsing into nostalgia.

The entrance to Santo Palato in Rome, designed by Naessi Studio, under a prominent "TRATTORIA" sign. Large wooden-framed glass doors open into a bright, inviting space. Inside, a vibrant orange communal table is visible, surrounded by minimalist wooden chairs, hinting at the modern yet authentic dining experience within.

Photography by Eller Studio.

A bustling corner of Santo Palato, designed by Naessi Studio, with a curved wooden banquette providing flexible seating. Warm wood tones dominate the space, contrasted by a bold orange communal table in the foreground. Industrial pendant lights and framed food art contribute to the trattoria's authentic yet modern Roman atmosphere.

Photography by Eller Studio.

An inviting trattoria interior by Naessi Studio for Santo Palato in Rome. A vibrant orange communal table, accented with red legs, anchors the foreground. Behind it, a row of framed art hangs above banquette seating and simple wooden tables, set against warm wood paneling and exposed industrial-style ceiling pipes with minimalist pendant lights.

Photography by Eller Studio.

Traditionally modest and family-run, trattorias have long served as cornerstones of Italian culinary culture, valued not for refinement but for their warmth, generosity, and deep roots in local tradition. Unlike the more formal ristorante, they evolved as democratic spaces for daily nourishment, where recipes reflected seasonal rhythms and regional identities. In recent times, a wave of new-wave trattorias across Italy is renewing this format, blending fine-dining rigor with unpretentious hospitality, while updating familiar archetypes with contemporary sensibilities.

It was within this evolving landscape that Næssi approached the redesign of Santo Palato, not as a nostalgic exercise, but as a critical exploration of what a trattoria could mean today. Their process began with a close reading of the typology’s essential features and a willingness to challenge those that felt outdated or purely ornamental: wooden boiserie, warm timber tones, and framed imagery on the walls were in; tablecloths and refrigerated display cabinets were out. With the end goal being not to replicate the past but to distil its atmosphere, they deliberately avoided elements more commonly associated with bistro culture such as barstools and plush banquettes, opting instead for straight-backed chairs and austere benches, reinforcing the egalitarian nature of the trattoria.

An intimate dining alcove at Santo Palato by Naessi Studio, showcasing the blend of rustic and industrial elements. Framed artworks are precisely aligned above a continuous wooden banquette, complemented by individual wooden tables with red bases. Exposed ceiling ducts and minimalist pendant lights underscore the space's authentic, unpretentious charm.

Photography by Eller Studio.

A dynamic glimpse into Santo Palato's kitchen pass, designed by Naessi Studio, showcasing a blend of functionality and vibrant color. Polished stainless steel countertops contrast with a striking red- and orange-tiled backsplash. Red-framed windows offer a peek into the dining area, while hanging kitchen utensils create an industrial yet inviting aesthetic.

Photography by Eller Studio.

The main dining area of Santo Palato by Naessi Studio, defined by a large, bold orange communal table with subtle red legs, contrasting with the warm wooden chairs. The industrial-chic aesthetic features exposed ceiling pipes and minimalist pendant lights. Behind the table, smaller wooden tables with red bases are visible, contributing to a modern, convivial atmosphere.

Photography by Eller Studio.

A warmly lit corridor at Santo Palato, designed by Naessi Studio, showcasing a refined neo-vernacular aesthetic. Wooden wainscoting and trim define the space, leading to a series of framed glass doors. A long wooden bench lines the right wall, while a striking red-framed window with fluted glass adds a pop of color and texture on the left.

Photography by Eller Studio.

  • An elegant view through the wooden-framed glass doorways of Santo Palato, designed by Naessi Studio. The composition reveals multiple dining areas, characterized by warm wood paneling, minimalist pendant lights, and framed artwork. The interplay of transparency and solid forms creates a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere in this modern Roman trattoria.

    Photography by Eller Studio.

  • A person's hands delicately hold an open menu at Santo Palato, revealing a list of Italian dishes. The warm lighting highlights the menu's orange spine, with a glass of water and cutlery on a white napkin positioned to the right, suggesting an immersive and focused dining experience.

    Photography by Andrea Di Lorenzo.

  • A cozy, well-lit corner of Santo Palato by Naessi Studio, featuring intimate dining nooks. Each wooden table with a subtle red base is paired with simple wooden chairs. The space is anchored by warm wood wainscoting and framed windows offering glimpses of the outside, creating a relaxed, authentic Roman trattoria feel.

    Photography by Eller Studio.

  • A modern Roman trattoria interior by Naessi Studio, blending warm wood tones with minimalist design. A long orange communal table with subtle red legs occupies the foreground, flanked by light wooden chairs. Industrial pendant lights illuminate the space, with a glimpse of the street outside through large glass panels, enhancing the casual urban atmosphere.

    Photography by Eller Studio.

A detailed view of Santo Palato by Naessi Studio, highlighting an innovative modular shelving system crafted from warm wood with subtle orange-red interior accents. Glasses are neatly arranged on the shelves, while framed artworks on the wood-paneled wall and the textured, multi-toned partition in the foreground reveal a meticulous attention to material play.

Photography by Eller Studio.

Encapsulating Næssi’s design approach, the use of walnut wood for the boiserie, tables, and chairs, an explicit nod to the classic trattoria aesthetic, is reimagined through streamlined forms and meticulous detailing, eschewing rusticity in favour of clarity and cohesion. That’s not to say that the space feels sombre or stark. On the contrary, vibrant red stripes lining the stems of pedestal tables—an echo of the restaurant’s brand identity—inject a fresh newness through the use of colour, rhythm and contrasting elements, also evident in the series of framed images on the walls, their orderly composition a deliberate counterpoint to the traditional trattoria’s more haphazard arrangements.

An ochre-toned communal table adds a sense of informality and shared conviviality, while the bar, wine and service counters speak to the studio’s layered design vocabulary. Conceived as a pastiche of historical references, these custom-made elements feature solid travertine countertops that recall the “wine fountains” of 1950s taverns (stone basins used for pouring wine from large carafes, often into customers' own containers), shelves in wood and metal, and sideboards in grey briarwood reminiscent of vintage dish cabinets. Even the lighting contributes to this dialogue, with custom-spun aluminium pendant lights reworking the archetype of traditional trattoria lampshades into something contemporary yet familiar.

Santo Palato's dining area by Naessi Studio, showcasing an eclectic mix of materials and textures. A custom-designed shelving unit with orange accents and textured grey panels creates a stylish room divider near a bar area. Framed artworks adorn the wood-paneled walls, lending an authentic, art-infused atmosphere to the modern trattoria.

Photography by Eller Studio.

A visually rich plate of pasta, likely ravioli, from Santo Palato, generously covered in grated cheese and dark specks of pepper, served on a vintage-inspired floral porcelain plate. The plate rests on a bold, circular red charger, adding a vibrant contrast that emphasizes the dish's comforting and artful presentation.

Photography by Andrea Di Lorenzo.

A dynamic service area within Santo Palato by Naessi Studio, combining functionality with playful accents. A vibrant, graphic poster hangs above a compact counter with a bright yellow espresso machine. Wooden wainscoting and shelves line the walls, while exposed track lighting illuminates the practical yet characterful space, reflecting a modern Italian sensibility.

Photography by Eller Studio.

  • A close-up of a rustic yet refined dish from Santo Palato: two tender artichokes, glistening with oil, presented on a white oval plate. A fork rests beside the plate, and a hint of bread and a glass of wine are visible, suggesting a delightful and authentic Roman culinary experience.

    Photography by Andrea Di Lorenzo.

  • A close-up of Santo Palato's service counter, designed by Naessi Studio, featuring a vibrant two-tone tiled backsplash in red and orange. Silver industrial-style pendant lights hang above a polished marble counter with neatly stacked white bowls. Red-outlined wooden frames with fluted glass add a distinctive, modern touch to the space.

    Photography by Eller Studio.

  • A vibrantly presented dish of beef tartare from Santo Palato, artfully arranged on a white, textured plate. The rich red meat is adorned with delicate green herbs, small white flowers, and slices of bright red tomato, showcasing a meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients.

    Photography by Andrea Di Lorenzo.

Beyond the dining room and down a few steps lies the “Santa Cantina”, a multipurpose space conceived and designed for tastings, workshops, and private events. A long communal table anchors the room, accompanied by a stainless-steel-topped kitchen counter and floor-to-ceiling wine-stacked shelves. Monochromatic terracotta walls, complemented by vibrant red accents, from shelving and cabinetry to stair railings and ceiling ducts, imbue the space with a theatrical, immersive quality, supporting conviviality, collaboration, and a fluid dialogue between food and wine.

In a moment when trattorias across Italy are having a renaissance, where fine-dining standards are being melded with daily conviviality, Santo Palato proves that heritage doesn’t have to be stifling. Through thoughtful design, today’s trattoria becomes elastic: able to stretch into the present without losing its essence.

A versatile event space at Santo Palato by Naessi Studio, defined by a warm terracotta palette. A long wooden communal table and tiered wooden seating offer flexible arrangements. A vibrant red bar counter with a sink anchors one side, while exposed red ceiling ducts and minimalist lighting create a contemporary, industrial-chic ambiance.

Photography by Eller Studio.

A captivating view of Santo Palato's wine storage area by Naessi Studio, dominated by a striking red metal shelving unit filled with wine bottles, creating a dramatic focal point. A sleek red bar counter with a stainless steel top extends into the foreground. The warm terracotta ceiling and flooring enhance the rich, immersive atmosphere.

Photography by Eller Studio.

A captivating view of Santo Palato's dining area by Naessi Studio, framed by a soft, warm red foreground element. A long, polished wooden communal table is meticulously set with glassware and crisp white napkins. In the background, a striking red wine rack filled with bottles and a minimalist counter with a sink are visible, all bathed in the warm, inviting glow of industrial pendant lights, reflecting a modern Roman trattoria aesthetic.

Photography by Andrea Di Lorenzo.

  • An interior detail of Santo Palato by Naessi Studio, showcasing the rich terracotta hues of the walls and a tiered, dark wood bench seating area, suggesting a relaxed, adaptable space. A black speaker on the bench hints at a vibrant atmosphere, while in the background, a wooden door with fluted glass leads to a staircase, reflecting the restaurant's cohesive design.

    Photography by Eller Studio.

  • A striking view of a staircase within Santo Palato by Naessi Studio, characterized by warm terracotta-hued walls and contrasting bold red handrails. The steps, made of light-colored tile, ascend with a subtle glow, creating a dramatic and inviting transition between levels, emphasizing the restaurant's playful use of color and texture.

    Photography by Eller Studio.

  • A beautifully plated dessert from Santo Palato, featuring a pristine white meringue topped with fresh strawberries and a vibrant red coulis, artfully placed on a small, striking red cylindrical table. The composition, set against a warm wooden backdrop, highlights the dessert's freshness and the restaurant's playful use of color.

    Photography by Andrea Di Lorenzo.

  • A close-up view of numerous artisanal terracotta pitchers, each featuring a bright orange interior and a uniquely notched spout, arranged in a textured pattern. The warm, earthy tones of the pottery are beautifully illuminated, highlighting their handcrafted quality and the subtle play of light and shadow, evoking a rustic yet refined aesthetic.

    Photography by Andrea Di Lorenzo.

  • A vibrant and modern restroom interior at Santo Palato by Naessi Studio, featuring a terracotta tiled backsplash and a minimalist, light-colored sink basin. Rolled white towels are neatly stacked, and a window with fluted glass adds a touch of privacy. The bold color scheme and clean lines create a contemporary yet warm space.

    Photography by Eller Studio.

A bold, monochromatic scene at Santo Palato by Naessi Studio, featuring a vibrant red bar counter with a stainless steel sink, set against terracotta-hued walls and ceiling. Industrial pendant lights illuminate the space. A striking red metal shelving unit brimming with wine bottles adds a dramatic vertical element, reflecting a modern industrial aesthetic.

Photography by Eller Studio.

A striking linear pendant light fixture featuring four silver cone-shaped lamps, suspended against a bold, terracotta-colored wall. The minimalist design of the fixture provides a clean, modern contrast to the richly textured wall and ceiling, highlighting Naessi Studio's refined approach to lighting within Santo Palato's inviting ambiance.

Photography by Eller Studio.

The inviting facade of Santo Palato, designed by Naessi Studio, is characterized by its modern travertine cladding and large wooden-framed glass windows. The illuminated "Santo Palato" sign above the entrance warmly beckons. Inside, glimpses of the vibrant orange communal table and the cozy dining areas promise an authentic Roman experience.

Photography by Eller Studio.

A warm evening view of Santo Palato's storefront by Naessi Studio, glowing under its illuminated "Santo Palato" sign. Large wooden-framed windows reveal the restaurant's inviting interior, showcasing banquette seating, minimalist pendant lights, and framed artworks, creating a welcoming and authentic atmosphere in the heart of Rome.

Photography by Eller Studio.

A warm evening view into Santo Palato by Naessi Studio, highlighted by the glowing "TRATTORIA" sign. The restaurant's interior is visible through large windows, showcasing cozy wooden tables, banquette seating, and industrial pendant lights. The warm lighting and inviting decor project an authentic and modern Roman trattoria ambiance.

Photography by Eller Studio.

A man and two women pose amidst a meticulously crafted restaurant space. Surrounded by warm wood paneling, framed food art, and sleek tables with bold red bases, they embody the fusion of modern design and authentic Roman sensibility. The overhead industrial pendant lights illuminate the inviting, artistic atmosphere.

Næssi Studio founders, Eleonora Carbone (left) and Alessandro D'Angeli, and Chef Sarah Cicolini (right). Photography by Andrea Di Lorenzo.