The Ballarò restaurant has opened at 18 Śniadeckich Street in Warsaw – an original concept by Dagmara and Giacomo Carreca, designed by the architects at Public Studio. The name of the restaurant refers to one of Palermo’s most recognisable markets, a hub of bustling daily life which became a natural point of reference for Giacomo when developing the concept. Ballarò defines itself as a fire-driven, wine-focused and fine bistro – a space where cuisine, wine and atmosphere are in balance, and the experience is refined yet relaxed. After all, Ballarò was created for pleasure.
At Ballarò, fire is a tool that shapes the atmosphere. It allows for depth and contrast, becoming one of the elements that define the flavour. Similarly, wine – primarily from Southern Europe – is an integral part of the experience here, always linked to the character of the dishes and the identity of the place. Here, a fine bistro signifies the tension between precision and freedom: the cuisine is well thought-out, but the atmosphere remains natural and accessible.
The design grew out of constraints
Public Studio, led by Mikołaj Wojciechowski, Maciej Granecki and Maciej Kuratczyk, is responsible for the interior design. The architects found a space that had previously served as a restaurant but was plagued by a serious functional problem – the lack of a separate washing-up area. For technical reasons, it had to be located in the main, relatively small hall. The designers treated this constraint as an opportunity to create one of Ballarò’s most distinctive features.
One of the dishwashing area’s walls was connected to the entrance to the second room, creating a portal made of welded steel. This striking element organises the functional layout and symbolically guides guests to the more intimate part of the restaurant. The steel portal has become the compositional axis of the interior – austere, yet precisely integrated into the logic of the space.
Open kitchen
Right next to the dishwashing area is the open kitchen and bar – a place where guests can watch Giacomo Carreca at work and soak up the atmosphere of an Italian home. The focal point of this part of the interior is a bespoke lamp created in collaboration with the Vivid Colors studio. It serves as both a light fixture and a glass rack, becoming one of Ballarò’s most recognisable features.
Opposite the bar, a monumental steel wine rack catches the eye. Its massive form organises the space and emphasises the importance of wine in the restaurant’s concept.
The intimate section
The second room, located on the first floor, has a more intimate character. The architects have emphasised this with a large wooden panel, which warms the interior whilst discreetly concealing the entrance to the toilet. There are also tables fixed to the walls here – they can be easily removed when space is needed for larger gatherings or events.
In this section, the polished sheet metal fittings play a special role. They reflect the light from the individually designed wall lamps, creating a subtle play of reflections on the walls and enhancing the intimate character of the room.
The character of Public Studio
The entire interior is unified by the ‘rough-cast’ plaster characteristic of Public Studio. Its distinctive texture lends the space a raw and authentic feel, whilst the warm, beige hue balances this effect, creating a welcoming atmosphere. All the individually designed furnishings – from the lamps to the steel details – were crafted by the Rear Subject studio, which works closely with the architects.
Ballarò is an example of a place where functional constraints became the starting point for creating a distinctive interior design. Raw materials, bespoke furnishings and the open relationship between the kitchen and the guests create an atmosphere that evokes Sicilian tradition – through authenticity and a closeness to everyday life.
design: Public Studio
photography: Maja Bułkowska
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