On Salaminos Street in Kerameikos, where neoclassical Athens meets contemporary life, Circus Design Studio has crafted Osteria Mamma, an intimate Italian restaurant that feels like a family home. Behind an iron gate reminiscent of Bologna or Genoa, a narrow corridor unfolds with a few simple tables, setting a tone of quiet familiarity. The design draws from domestic warmth and everyday authenticity, translating them into a setting that invites comfort and connection. An interior window offers a glimpse into the chef’s table and the open kitchen beyond, tiled with hand-painted ceramics of lemon trees in bloom. Facing the pedestrian street, the kitchen becomes a stage, connecting the restaurant to the neighborhood through the sights and aromas of cooking. The space extends across two levels, centering around a semi-open courtyard under a glass roof that diffuses soft natural light. Ochre-painted walls, white tablecloths, and a vintage sideboard filled with wine bottles and porcelain create an atmosphere that feels timeless. A marble sink filled with empty bottles stands as a sculptural reminder of shared moments and convivial nights. Materials shift between rustic and refined — old tiles, wood, marble, and iron coexist in an elegant, unforced balance. Lighting plays a key role: low sconces and hanging garlands create a glow that turns candlelit in the evening, evoking the charm of an old Italian home. For Circus Design Studio, Osteria Mamma is a space where every detail, from texture to tone, serves the feeling of being welcomed.
Circus Design Studio brings Italian warmth in Athens with Osteria Mamma
