Renowned Italian furniture brand, Pedrali celebrates the charm of Ester in some of the most esteemed restaurants across the globe.

The dining experience is much more than just its menu. Throughout the hospitality industry, restaurateurs strive to create an inviting and energetic atmosphere to captivate the diner from start to finish. To do this, they look to architects and designers to create a unique space that awakens the senses, taking in the complex flavours and the inspiring techniques within. Combined with the surrounding aromas and electrifying ambience, the influence of great design in a restaurant is paramount for creating a memorable dining experience.

For French designer, Patrick Jouin, his products recognise the importance of comfort in the eating space. His celebrated Ester collection for Italian furniture brand Pedrali is functional, elegant and brings its own unique flair to the hospitality scene.

Ester’s story began with its release in 2013, when Patrick presented a sinuous leather armchair designed and made specially for renowned chef, Alain Ducasse’s restaurant, The Dorchester in London. Throughout the years, Ester has continued to grow – evolving into the iconic seating range featuring a chair, armchair, stool and pouf to complete the collection.

As a furniture range that continues to surprise the industry, Ester’s impact on the dining scene is paramount. Its monolithic leather forms and distinct materiality has been featured in restaurants all over the world; from the vibrant cities of Singapore and Tokyo; to the busy strips of Las Vegas; and all the way to the extraordinary spaces of Versailles – Ester is a sight to be seen. Crafted with a die-casted aluminium legs on a steel structure, polyurethane foam and the beauty of leather, Ester is exceptionally designed with a magical charm and versatility suited for every culinary journey.

Around the world, the Ester products bring a distinct glamour and modernity to every dining room – embodying comfort, warmth and exceptional grandeur that is unique to Patrick Jouin’s design narrative. The French designer’s attention to detail is also predominant throughout Ester: refined in every intricate element to integrate Ester into the world of hospitable luxury. To name a few, the prestigious establishments of renowned chefs, Alain Ducasse, Julian Serrano, Safa Rodas and Marc Haeberlin invite their customers to sit back and relax in Ester’s exceptional style, time and time again. 

Within the historic walls of the iconic Raffles Hotel in Singapore, BBR by Alain Ducasse is a contemporary grill restaurant and bar, which captures the flavours of the Mediterranean coast. The atmosphere is convivial and cosy, driven by the electrifying energy of the open kitchen located in the centre of the main dining room. Defined by a tall, curved countertop, customers dine on the Ester high stools. Its sleek, sculptural form and neutral-toned leather elevates the culinary spectacle, allowing them to sit and bask in the artistry beyond the counter. Complemented by the neutral tones and lavish materiality throughout the room, Ester fits perfectly within the story of BBR. 

Across the ocean is the famed Esterre Restaurant at Palace Hotel Tokyo. Similar to BBR, Esterre by Alain Ducasse showcases contemporary French haute cuisine in an open and white dining room. As one of Tokyo’s revered hospitality destinations, the interiors do not disappoint. Local design studio, SIMPLICITY, crafted a unique space that celebrates the beauty of nature. The restaurant is designed with an earthy, neutral-toned and tactile palette; overlooking the Imperial Palace gardens and Tokyo’s skyline and fully immersing the individual in the Esterre dining experience. 

Tucked away from the main space is the private dining room that boasts expansive floor-to-ceiling framed views, complemented by luxurious design touches, such as the Ester armchair. Smooth, sumptuous and calming – Ester embraces you in and lets you bask in the experience from start to finish in Esterre. As a tribute to French exuberance, Esterre and Ester provides a dining experience that is artful, comfortable and extravagant all at once.

A place that is a little closer to home is the small town of Illhausern in Alsace, France. Located in the heart of Alsace is the five-star establishment, Hotel Des Berges: a nod to times past and the heritage of French cuisine. This historic place celebrates the roots of French hospitality and the legacy of the Haeberlin family in the illustrious restaurant of Auberge de L’Ill. Today, the restaurant transports the diners to an ethereal world of rich French flavours, bold aromas and remarkable design.

Both the culinary and architectural experience was designed in perfect harmony with Pedrali furniture and the essence of nature. The Ester armchairs gracefully sit amongst a myriad of origami butterflies and hummingbirds surrounding the walls and cocooning the customer in an enchanting, wooden oasis. Enhanced by the intricate design details of ambient lighting and Pedrali’s Ester armchair, Auberge De L’Ill bridges the magic of French cuisine and the skill of Italian design.

Across the world is LAGO: the first Italian restaurant of renowned Michelin-starred Chef Julian Serrano. Nestled within the famous Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, LAGO takes the diner through a journey of style, art, fashion and the rich history of Italian culture.

The interiors were designed by Alessandro Munge to reflect the Bellagio brand, but with its own signature twist. Influenced by notes of Italian Futurism in the early 20^th century, the Ester armchairs from Pedrali were the perfect addition to characterise the restaurant by bringing a sophisticated and relaxed personality at the same time. As one of the most prestigious gastronomic locations in Las Vegas, the design is a true reflection of its prestige. From its iconic arched windows; alfresco dining areas; right down to the design details such as the mirrored chrome accents and the Ester chairs by Pedrali, LAGO is a one of a kind dining destination.

Since the beginning, the Ester collection for Pedrali was destined to elevate the interiors of the hospitality landscape. Patrick Jouin’s meticulous attention to detail and his refined eye for French contemporary style is unlike any other. From one corner of the globe to the next, Ester continues to bring an extraordinary elegance to the fine dining scene.

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Feature image: Ore – Versailles ph. Photography by Pierre Monetta. 

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