TGP International was appointed to represent Café Milano as part of the exclusive 'Never Been Seen Before' restaurant programme at Expo 2020 Dubai. Working closely with the internationally recognised brand, the team developed the interior design and managed the operational delivery of the venue, creating a destination that embodied Café Milano's reputation for refined Italian hospitality and exceptional dining.

The Brief

Café Milano required a restaurant that would uphold the brand's established identity while meeting the operational, technical and design standards of Expo 2020 Dubai. The venue needed to deliver an authentic guest experience while accommodating the unique demands of one of the world's largest international events.

Design Drivers

The design approach was centred on translating Café Milano’s established identity into a contemporary setting that felt both sophisticated and welcoming. Drawing on the brand’s refined Italian character, the interiors were developed to create an atmosphere of understated elegance, with a focus on quality, proportion and materiality.

A carefully considered palette of premium materials, warm tones and refined finishes created a sense of timelessness while allowing the restaurant to feel appropriate to the scale and international nature of Expo 2020 Dubai. Rather than replicating the existing Café Milano environment, the design interpreted its core characteristics through a contemporary lens, creating a venue that felt recognisably part of the brand while being specific to its new location.

The layout was also driven by the need to balance guest experience with operational efficiency. Circulation, seating configurations and back-of-house requirements were carefully integrated to support a seamless service flow, while maintaining the sense of comfort and exclusivity expected from the brand.

As part of the wider design process, TGP International worked closely with Café Milano and Expo stakeholders to ensure that the interiors aligned with the programme's technical and operational requirements. This collaborative approach allowed the team to resolve the complexities of delivering an international hospitality concept within a major event environment without compromising the restaurant's distinctive identity.

Outcome

The completed restaurant successfully introduced Café Milano to the Middle East as part of Expo 2020 Dubai's landmark hospitality offering. By combining thoughtful interior design with operational project management, TGP International delivered a venue that maintained the brand's heritage while providing guests with the gracious service and authentic Italian dining experience for which Café Milano is renowned.

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