This Italian restaurant has a medieval city wall running through it

The ancient Italian city of Udine lies between the Adriatic Sea and the Alps, near Italy’s borders with Austria and Slovenia. The area – a flat plain at the foot of snow-capped mountains – is steeped in history. Legend has it that Attila The Hun founded not only the town of Udine, but also the knoll it was built upon. Apparently he thought the landscape was too flat and had his soldiers build a hill with his quarters on top – which grew into Udine.

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The oldest restaurant in this historic place is Vitello d’Oro, which dishes up plates of fresh regional cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood, and has just had a masterful renovation in the capable hands of Visual Display design. The space was freshened and modernised while historical elements were preserved – like the medieval city wall that literally traverses the restaurant (pictured below).

An arch carved through the old city wall leads patrons from the entrance to the pride of Vitello d’Oro – a private dining room illuminated by three enormous brass pendant lights. In artful shapes reminiscent of petals, the bulbs shine down on a five-metre long table made from a single plane of wood. Bucolic wallpaper and original Venetian terrazzo flooring complete the atmospheric space.

The restaurant’s owners, brothers Massimiliano and Gianluca Sabinot (also the chef and maître d’hôtel respectively), wanted to create a space that was charming and modern – while also respecting the history of this special building. “Our customers are cosmopolitan and demanding, used to eating out in the best restaurants around the world,” says Sabinot. “This is why we wanted to be more contemporary. We are aiming for the highest quality, not only in the menu, but also in the environment in which we welcome people.”

Scroll down for more details on this inspiring ristorante.

A restored heritage timber ceiling is a key feature in the public dining area.

The original ceiling is complimented by abstract artworks and custom-designed velvet seating.

The main dining space features panelling upholstered in blue velvet.

A skylight introduces natural sunshine to the space.

Oak parquet flooring adds warmth and elegance.

A modern fireplace is flanked by a rust-coloured velvet bench and floor-to-ceiling lacquered-oak panelling.

Adjacent to the fireplace, this is one of the most requested tables in the restaurant.

Bathrooms feature bespoke marble sinks and mirrors created by the Visual Display design company.

A lighting installation on the stairs sets the scene.

Fresh flowers welcome guests at the entrance.

Visit: vitellodoro.com