In a captivating move for Edmonton’s evolving dining scene, Ste Marie Studio has unveiled Olia Ristorante, an Italian restaurant interior that masterfully balances classic elegance with a quiet, contemporary edge. Serving as the primary dining focus within Chef Daniel Costa’s ambitious three-part hospitality concept—which also includes the sister venues Mimi and Va—Olia refuses to be easily categorized. The design firm’s approach here was not spectacle, but a calibrated atmosphere of presence, allowing guests to fully inhabit a space where time feels luxuriously extended. This thoughtful execution positions Olia as a beacon of modern hospitality design in Canada.
The key to the restaurant’s immediate, yet subtle, sophistication lies in its achromatic, warm palette. This choice creates a soft, almost painterly canvas against which the rich colors of the Italian cuisine truly pop. The foundation is built on natural, luxurious materials like custom walnut tables and ecru leather benches, which are arranged to feel both communal and intimate. This materiality speaks to a desire for authentic, grounded architecture and interior design, creating an experience that is immediately tactile and deeply comforting, perfect for long-stay fine dining.
One of the most defining architectural and atmospheric elements is the dramatic canopy of linen lamps that hang over the main dining room. These oversized, sculptural pendants cast a butter-soft, uniform glow that immediately alters the mood, inviting diners to settle in and linger. This lighting design is intentionally low-level and ethereal, serving as a vital counterpoint to the neutral backdrop. It transforms the space from day to night, showcasing Ste Marie Studio’s commitment to creating fluid, responsive environments—a crucial element of high-end restaurant design today.
Fragments of striking feature materials are strategically introduced to prevent the neutral scheme from becoming monotonous. Segments of beautiful Santorini quartzite on the tables provide a cool, refined texture, while playful blue pendants from renowned lighting designer Lambert et Fils dance against the mellow walls. These pops of material and colour contrast are minimal but impactful, ensuring the interior maintains its individuality and sophisticated charm while still allowing the focus to remain on the overall sense of atmospheric calm.
The back of the room is anchored by the backlit, lacquered, framed bar, a true focal point and piece of custom furniture design. Its sleek form hosts the silhouettes of liquor bottles and a carefully curated collection of curios, acting as a luminous backdrop for the entire space. This strong, linear element injects a subtle dose of quiet drama, complementing the softer, curved forms found throughout the seating areas and reinforcing Olia’s contemporary design narrative.
What truly layers Olia’s unique appeal is the inclusion of unexpected art and sculptural elements. Pieces inspired by fumetto (Italian pop art and comics) and playful sculptural accents are dotted throughout the room. This juxtaposition of high-end classic dining room finishes with pop-inspired contemporary art is a deliberate strategy by the Ste Marie Studio team to ensure the venue is never “too nice or too classic.” The result is a newly born, yet timeless dame of an interior, delivering an unparalleled Italian dining experience in Edmonton, Alberta, that architecture and design enthusiasts are already celebrating.