Ave Mario
Ave Mario, a restaurant under the Big Mamma Group, has taken the London dining scene by storm since its opening in 2021 in Covent Garden. With its remarkable concept, exceptional culinary offerings, and immersive ambiance, Ave Mario has quickly become a favourite destination for locals and tourists alike.
Ave Mario is the brainchild of the Big Mamma Group, an Italian restaurant chain founded by Victor Lugger and Tigrane Seydoux in Paris. The group expanded to London with the launch of Gloria Trattoria in 2019, and Ave Mario followed suit in 2021. The restaurant's name, a clever play on the iconic Italian artist, pays homage to Mario Merola, an Italian singer from the 1970s.
Ave Mario is celebrated for its immersive and visually stunning ambiance. The restaurant takes inspiration from Italian churches, featuring high vaulted ceilings, marble columns, and intricate frescoes. Patrons are welcomed by a 20-foot-tall statue of Mario Merola upon entry. This attention to detail and the immersive atmosphere has made dining at Ave Mario a memorable experience, earning it a reputation as more than just a restaurant but an art-filled sanctuary.
The Solution
We manufactured our plain back, booth seating combined with our stunning fluted back booths within 1 of the 3 spread out areas of the restaurant in beautiful plush burnt orange velvet, this brings a real traditional Italian vibe throughout and compliments the rest of the décor perfectly. Ave Mario prides itself on offering authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist. The extensive menu features a wide array of traditional Italian dishes, including wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and delectable desserts. The use of high-quality ingredients imported from Italy and the expertise of Italian chefs add to the restaurant's authenticity. Ave Mario provides an experience that transports guests to Italy without ever leaving London.
The second set of seating we created was a scalloped top plain back banquette, which creates a truly showstopping visual within this area. The restaurant's location in the heart of Covent Garden has played a crucial role in its success. Covent Garden is a vibrant and bustling area that attracts both tourists and locals, making it an ideal spot for Ave Mario to draw in a diverse range of diners. Additionally, the restaurant is known for its no-reservation policy, creating a sense of exclusivity and urgency, driving more people to experience Ave Mario's delights.
The Result
Ave Mario places a strong emphasis on sustainability, which resonates well with the environmentally conscious diners of today. The restaurant works diligently to reduce its carbon footprint by sourcing local and seasonal ingredients and minimising food waste. It also makes efforts to reduce single-use plastics and implements various eco-friendly practices, which appeal to a growing segment of the population. All the timber used on this project was FSC certified to keep in line with their policies.
Ave Mario, has achieved immense success through a combination of factors, including its enchanting ambiance, authentic Italian cuisine, strong social media presence, prime location, and commitment to sustainability. Ave Mario stands as a testament to how innovation, quality, and an immersive atmosphere can turn a restaurant into an unforgettable destination. If your craving incredible Italian delights head down to Big Mamma, Ave Mario!
Image Credit: Jérôme Galland