Oceana

Designed by New York-based New World Design Builders, Oceana introduces a classic interior aesthetic driven by unique lighting elements, stained glass, warm tones, ample greenery, community spaces, and varying textures to create a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. The design is intended to exude bustling energy and attract a lively crowd, while preserving the restaurants timeless character and continue to cement its position as one of Manhattan’s quintessential, fine-dining seafood restaurants.

Various lighting components are incorporated in the design to elicit an enticing and dynamic environment. Throughout the restaurant, arches crafted with antique stained-glass line the walls, illuminating the space with soft amber hues and green accents. These handmade masterpieces serve as key focal points within the restaurant, setting the tone with a warm glow and soft color scheme. Custom brass chandeliers with walnut accents and 28 glass bulbs are introduced throughout the space adding a modern, yet timeless element that are adjusted to compliment natural light changes throughout the day.

Complimenting the lighting elements, the design leans on an earthy color scheme of warm brown, soft olive green, and rich cream tones, and incorporates abundant greenery. The stained-glass arches are custom made to incorporate subtle amber and green hues that align with the overall palette. Olive green leather banquettes, detailed with natural brass railings, outline the main dining room, while deep walnut shelving units, decorated with flowing greenery, separate the window-lined banquettes. Similarly, all tables are made with rich walnut wood and are complimented by dark wooden chairs upholstered with a muted dark brown leather.

The interior also integrates new seating arrangements to create unique dining experiences that make the space versatile. A large, high-top table is located near the main bar, allowing for larger parties and a more casual dining experience, while sizable banquettes partitioned by the wooden bookshelves create a more intimate setting. Most notably, a six-seat Chef’s Counter overlooks the kitchen, offering guests the opportunity to engage with Chef Tim Jocz, Chef Michael Aungst, and the rest of Oceana’s culinary team. Reminiscent of ripples in the water, the semi-circular bar is composed of a leather top with brass edging, and a tiled bar face that blends in seamlessly with wave pattern tiled flooring.

To encourage visual stimulation throughout the space, the design features elements with various textures as well. Walls and columns are lined with fluted white panels resembling ionic Greek columns and are generously lit creating scalloped shadows and texture. Weathered white wooden beams run the length of the ceiling and an expansive green ivy wall covering, designed by New York City artist Eva Buchmuller, is integrated near the large high-top table. Encouraging additional visual components, the space also incorporates a floating white trellis with hanging greenery and a backlit frameless mirror.

The private dining rooms have also been modernized and follow the overall design scheme and palette. The sliding glass doors to the salon in the rear of the restaurant have been replaced with alternating fabric-wrapped soundproof walls, floor to ceiling windows, beautiful light fixtures, and several custom art pieces by Athens-based artist Kyvèli Zoi, creating a more private space separated from the rest of the restaurant. Zoi was also commissioned to create two large scale custom murals, which flank the wine room walls. Titled Life is a Game, the series depicts a large gathering of friends meant to be an extension of the table, creating an intimate and festive atmosphere.