First immortalised in Plato’s Timaeus and Critias, and later in Francis Bacon’s New Atlantis and Thomas More’s Utopia, Atlantis has long been the embodiment of the ideal state. It’s a myth that’s now been transported right to the heart of Central by Hong Kong-based architectural firm Panorama with their design for Atlantis Blue, a 200sqm Greek restaurant located in the same building as FoFo by el Willy, Hanagushi and Beijing Club.

Despite its location amid the brouhaha that is Lan Kwai Fong, the setting is rather intimate, with only 64 seats, including a private dining room that can host up to ten guests. It seems right at home, however, in the heart of bustling Central where sophisticates flock to after work or over the weekend for a fancy meal or two.

In a quest for privacy, a mirror stainless steel ceiling-cum-window screen is installed to separate the restaurant from the bustling streets. Finished in an intricate laser-cut pattern that was inspired by underwater movements, the screen allows natural light to flood in by day, and when combined with artificial spotlights, creates shadow patterns that seem to stealthily sneak their way around the restaurant like mythical aquatic creatures.

Warmly-hued vintage timber is used on both the flooring and walls while Greek writings and ancient maps are rendered in cobalt blue on the walls and kitchen window.

More contemporary accents can be found in the grey marbled dining tables, and near-translucent screens, which divide up the dining area, resulting in a look that is glamorous without appearing flashy.

Panorama
panoramahk.com