This Is What the First Serbian Restaurant from Jamie Oliver’s Famous Chain Will Look Like – “Jamie’s Italian” to Open in April

At the beginning of April, Belgrade will get another corner for hedonists, and this one has been drawing a lot of attention from the moment it was announced. It is the first Serbia restaurant from Jamie Oliver’s famous chain – “Jamie’s Italian”.

It will be located within Belgrade Waterfront, at 14 Hercegovacka Street, and it will spread on 400 square meters. The design also includes a balcony of 250 m2.

Jelena Stanojevic, MA in Architecture (Soho Architecture), who designed the interiors of all the “Kafeterija” coffee shops and the team of hospitality owners from Belgrade, represented by JO Brend, are the people behind the idea to implement the famous chef’s restaurant in the local context, through an Italian cuisine restaurant. The opportunity to work on the project of the interior of “Jamie’s Italian” is a result of their long-standing cooperation since 2013, when, as a group of graduates, they cooperated on launching the brand of said coffee shop chain.

– “Jamie’s Italian” is a modern concept of an Italian restaurant, so the biggest challenge was to bring the brand closer to a local guest, who sees an Italian restaurant through the prism of the warmth and hospitality of a traditional Italian trattoria. Therefore, through the careful use of warm colors, materials and textures, we strove to combine the Italian style with our Balkan disposition. Warm earthen colors like brown, terracotta, olive green and a shade of sand not only guarantee the sense of comfort and elegance, but also contribute to creating a pleasant atmosphere and emphasize the natural charm of the space. For the same reason, we picked natural materials: wood, stone, leather, while at the same time avoiding sharp lines, creating a softer, more fluid and more comfortable space that way – says Jelena Stanojevic.

When it comes to the textile, colorful, soft, natural cloths were chosen, whose patterns are redolent of the south and the Mediterranean. Decorative plants add freshness and liveliness to the space, while at the same time bringing associations of Italian gardens and balconies. A lot of attention was also paid to the lighting, so the restaurant provides different ambiances at daytime and nighttime.

Jelena Stanojevic says that the requests of the team of the world-renowned chef primarily pertained to complying with the high standards regarding the designing of the spaces where food is prepared, where the space is planned out to the minutest detail:

– There is no possibility of improvisation here and all the rules have to be honored. On the other hand, if we are talking about the design of the space for the guests, the main request was to create a unique environment which reflects the identity of the brand, with a high level of functionality and comfort for the visitors.

She also revealed that talks with Jamie Oliver about his presence at the opening of the restaurants are in progress at the moment.

Let us remind that, in his statement, published on the official website of the restaurant, Jamie Oliver said:

– I am proud of “Jamie’s Italian”. Our excellent team is like a big family. They will take care of you while you are enjoying the tasty food, prepared from exquisitely selected ingredients. Great food, top energy and a gorgeous ambiance.

Aleksandra Kekic

SOHO ARCHITECTURE BEOGRAD

Soho Architecture

Jamies Italian

Jamie Oliver

Belgrade Waterfront

14 Hercegovačka Street

JO Brend

Kafeterija

Jamie Oliver restaurant chain

Jelena Stanojević

Italian restaurants Belgrade