Noto

A new Italian restaurant, Noto, has opened in the One Trinity Place complex, a modern hub located on the Petrograd Side of the city.

The restaurant is named after the Sicilian city of Noto. Situated in the mountains, but at a relatively low altitude, the city boasts a landscape where bridge supports form soaring arches, roads wind like serpents, lemon and pine trees grow, and nearby beaches are nestled among rocky cliffs. Boats bob in the harbor. "Serpents, Noto, lemons, staircases, and lighting – these were our inspirations when creating the Noto restaurant. Our mission is to convey the atmosphere of relaxation, pleasant emotions, and the joys associated with Italy," says the Noto team. "We are not just another Italian restaurant; we are a project that is relevant to our time, but inspired by this city." A team of talented designers from the Ula studio brought the restaurant's concept to life, blending elements of the Sicilian city of Noto with historical forms and modern architecture to create a balance of aesthetics and comfort. They used a minimalist approach, incorporating large architectural elements and carefully considered details to evoke the image of a Sicilian city in a modern interpretation. The stone used for the tables, bar counters, and wall cladding is a high-altitude quartzite, visually similar to marble but heavier and more imposing. Traditional materials like stone and wood are combined with modern materials like steel and glass. On the first floor, guests are greeted by vintage Italian boucle armchairs with metal tables and a massive stone bar. There is also a room that can be used as an open dining area or a private space, shielded from view by curtains. The walls feature arches reminiscent of bridge supports, made of perforated stainless steel, a popular motif in Italian architecture. A staircase leads to the second floor, with lighting that evokes the atmosphere of Italian port cities. Live olive trees and a floral installation with Mediterranean pebbles, specially imported for the restaurant, add to the island-like ambiance. The lighting further enhances the atmosphere, with slatted blinds casting graphic shadows on the walls. In the evening, the lighting changes color, mirroring the sunset that can be seen from the restaurant. A terrace with 36 seats, offering views of the sun-drenched Malaya Neva River, is a nod to the tradition of summer evenings and long white nights. The view is complemented by boats, the Lazarevsky Bridge, and the modern landscape of One Trinity Place. Details throughout the restaurant evoke the authenticity of the Sicilian city. One such detail is a solid oak chest with hand-carved elements of the restaurant's signature style: lemons, olives, grapes, the sun, and historical architecture. The tables are adorned with ceramics made to order by an Italian manufacturer in the Sicilian city of Caltagirone. The colorful details feature the shapes of the classic Sicilian pine cones, often found on Italian accessories, and the head of a Moor, a symbol of Sicily originating from a legend in Palermo. Table tents made from stone from the ruins of the city of Noto complete the look. Chef Pavel Skvortsov (White Rabbit, Fresa's) has created a menu that combines Sicilian recipes with his own creative touches, presented in familiar formats. He focuses on minimalism and avoids overwhelming combinations of flavors and presentations, creating dishes that are enjoyable to eat every day. He emphasizes the Sicilian influence through his choice of ingredients, while his creative approach allows him to reinterpret classics in his own unique style. The Noto restaurant menu features approximately 50 dishes, some of which are seasonal specials that are updated regularly. The wine list, which features primarily Sicilian wines, is curated by a sommelier who favors a conservative approach, focusing on Italian wines from well-known producers and seeking out exclusive selections from smaller wineries. To allow guests to explore the wine list gradually, the Noto restaurant offers a system where guests can purchase a full bottle of wine and enjoy the remainder on a subsequent visit. The cocktail menu features Italian classics and mixes, including non-alcoholic options, with a focus on Sicilian flavors.