March 19, 2026 | 5 Min

Designing a Dining Experience That Feels Timeless

Project Spotlight | Commercial

Italian inspired design is about more than how a space looks. It is about how it feels, how it performs, and how it invites people to slow down and stay awhile. At Bianco, an Italian restaurant in downtown Edmonton, thoughtful surface selection plays a central role in shaping a dining experience rooted in authenticity and intention.


From the moment guests enter, natural light pours through floor to ceiling windows, illuminating the contrast between exposed concrete and refined marble surfaces. 

This balance of materials establishes a welcoming atmosphere that feels elevated yet grounded.

 

A Design Vision Built on Experience

Bianco was designed by Sid Assaf of OCI Architecture with a clear goal in mind. The restaurant should feel dynamic rather than repetitive. Every seat was intentionally positioned to offer a different perspective, ensuring that guests experience the space in a new way each time they visit.

Assaf approached the project holistically, designing everything from the lighting and window placement to the way surfaces guide movement through the room. His vision was rooted in creating an environment where guests feel comfortable lingering rather than rushing through a meal. 


This philosophy shaped not only the layout, but also the material palette selected to support it.


Restaurant dining room with heavy veining gray marble tabletops and wall tile, booths with tufted black leather backs, and natural wood accents.

Carrara Gioia Marble as the Foundation of the Space

Throughout Bianco, Carrara Gioia marble serves as the unifying design element. Countertops, tabletops, wall surfaces, and service areas all feature this natural stone, creating a visual rhythm that connects every part of the restaurant. 

Carrara marble slab - light gray with medium gray, dark gray, tan, and brown veining
While alternative materials were initially considered, the design team ultimately chose natural stone for its authenticity and connection to Italian heritage. Joe Viana, co owner of Bianco, emphasized the importance of creating a space that felt genuinely Italian while remaining functional and clean for a busy restaurant environment.

With twenty six slabs used throughout the space, the marble maintains consistency in veining and tone, allowing the finished installation to feel cohesive and intentional rather than overwhelming.

Craftsmanship That Turns Surfaces into Statements

One of the most striking features at Bianco is the marble wrapped bar. Designed with sharp mitered corners and a continuous waterfall detail, the bar anchors the space visually while serving as a natural gathering point for guests.
 
The installation was executed by Filippo Maiorana of Maiorana Stone Inc., a craftsman with more than three decades of experience working with natural stone. According to Maiorana, the project required exceptional precision, particularly due to the detailed cuts and the scale of the installation.


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The consistency of the Carrara Gioia slabs allowed the finished bar and surrounding surfaces to appear as though they were carved from a single block of stone. That level of craftsmanship elevates functional elements into defining design moments.

Softening an Industrial Space with Natural Materials

The existing structure of the building featured concrete ceilings, walls, and floors that had remained untouched for years. While concrete adds character, the goal was to soften the space and make it inviting for guests. Carrara Gioia marble achieved that balance, introducing warmth and refinement without overpowering the architecture.

As daylight shifts throughout the day, the natural veining in the marble adds subtle movement and depth. The stone works quietly in the background, enhancing the experience without demanding attention.

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Endless Possibilities Begin with the Right Surface

Bianco is a testament to the impact of intentional surface selection. By choosing a single natural stone and using it thoughtfully throughout the space, the design achieves cohesion, warmth, and longevity.


Carrara Gioia marble brings authenticity and performance to a restaurant designed to be experienced again and again. When material, craftsmanship, and vision align, the result is a space that feels timeless rather than trend driven. 


Imagine what is possible when every surface supports the story you want your space to tell.

 

Make a statement.

 

Endless possibilities begin with inspired design choices. View the full case study here.