Housed within one of the Brera district’s grand 20th century buildings in the heart of Milan, Cittamani is the first restaurant designed by London-based design firm Paolo Cossu Architects for celebrity chef Ritu Dalmia and Indian entrepreneur Analjit Singh. The design is the result of a close collaboration between the architect and the clients. Paolo Cossu Architects were set a brief of designing an elegant and timeless interior to celebrate the arrival of a new modern Indian restaurant, whilst maintaining the architectural features of the existing building. The design also had to carefully respect and integrate Vastu design principles. The original terrazzo floor and the large glazed arches have been carefully restored while a restrained and rigorously selected pallet of material, such as brass, marble, sucupira, leather and mirrors have been utilised to provide a sophisticated setting for Cittamani’s dining experience. The solid brass bar stools are custom designed by Paolo Cossu Architects and have been manufactured in India by local artisans. The table tops and the wall lining of the rest rooms have been finished in a brass and iron mesh resin coating specially developed by Mobint for this project. External timber seats finished in a custom powder metal paint open up the restaurant to the street and create a new dialogue with the public realm.