Since opening in 2004, IT Coffee & Food by StudioMateriality has been a trailblazing establishment in the fast-paced cityscape of Athens, where fast food tends to be conventional. It questions norms and rewrites the story of food. Their handcrafted dishes use only the freshest ingredients to go beyond the traditional fast food concept. This is an innovative restaurant. It provides a quick-service menu that is also wholesome and mindful of health.
IT set out to transform the culinary scene from its modest beginnings as a small store in the city center. 2013 saw the opening of its first comfort restaurant in Kolonaki, a huge turning point in the company's successful development. Fast forward a decade, and IT Coffee & Food takes another stride forward, expanding its family with a new store in the northern suburbs of Athens.
Green Philosophy
At the heart of IT Coffee & Food's ethos is a commitment to green living and sustainability. The restaurant in Halandri not only showcases a menu that promotes health but also embodies a zero-waste philosophy. The brand's commitment to recycling various materials and implementing a circular waste management system to reduce its environmental impact is evident in exterior and interior design.
The color green, synonymous with freshness and vitality, takes center stage in the design palette. This intentional choice serves as a visual cue for patrons, instantly evoking thoughts of the restaurant's popular salads and bowls. The emphasis on green extends beyond the culinary offerings to create an immersive dining experience that aligns with a healthy and environmentally conscious lifestyle.
True to its name, IT Coffee & Food spotlights quality coffee and delectable fare designed for those on the move. The restaurant's design philosophy revolves around creating an atmosphere reminiscent of an open garden, offering a brief respite from the fast-paced urban life that surrounds it. This intentional design aims to provoke a contrast within the city, mirroring the diverse contrasts in the materials that define its appearance.
The use of white tiles, a hallmark of modern and contemporary cafes worldwide, contrasts with the natural building material of brick, invoking a sense of rural architecture within an urban context. This deliberate play with materials mirrors the restaurant's mission to seamlessly integrate contrasts, offering patrons a sensory experience that transcends the ordinary.
Yellow Seats and Nostalgia
As IT Coffee & Food prioritizes take away functionality, the design is crafted to encapsulate the essence of a communal garden open to everyone. However, recognizing the need for a space to accommodate visitors who wish to linger, a series of yellow seats becomes a playful element reminiscent of old waiting areas, akin to those found in suburban bus stations. These seats serve practical purposes and inject a vibrant color play into the ambiance, creating a dynamic and fun-filled environment.
(Photo: Alina Lefa)
A Culinary Haven with a Purpose
Beyond its culinary offerings, IT Coffee & Food in Halandri is a testament to purposeful design and conscientious living. It seamlessly weaves elements of sustainability, contrasting aesthetics, and a playful atmosphere, creating a haven that invites patrons to savor a meal and an experience. In a city where the ordinary often prevails, IT Coffee & Food stands as a beacon of innovation, a testament to the belief that fast food can be both fast and wholesome. As it continues to redefine the gastronomic landscape, IT Coffee & Food beckons diners to embark on a culinary journey that transcends expectations and embraces a greener, more vibrant future.
