By David T’ Kint
A Tapestry of Flavors & Elegance: Via Mercato Debuts as Riyadh’s Premier Luxury Food Market
Envisaged as a food hall parallel to the splendour of the New York and London food markets, Via Mercato, located in the Via Riyadh Mall ameliorates the comestible shopping experience. Designed by DTK Studio, this upscale gourmet destination was unveiled in early May offering a wide variety of artisanal and specialty food products to Riyadh encapsulated in an amalgamation of Japanese design ethos and Salmani Architectural style.
DTK Studio conceptualised this food market to be an embodiment of a modern lifestyle woven together with the vibrant tapestry of the region’s rich heritage thus bringing harmony in diversity to its design and offerings. Immersed in the opulent essence of Japanese Art Deco, Via Mercato results in a harmonious fusion of innovation, sustainability and human-centric design. It stands as a testament to the cultural and social metamorphosis unfolding currently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Upon entering, the discerning guests are guided by the focal points at the heart of Via Mercato, the glamorous Caviar Bar and the magnificent staircase. Clad in marble with the finest leather and veneer guard rail, this staircase acts as a structural and visual anchor to the space. The ethereal skylight bathes the market creating an enchanting ambience while an intriguing fusion of mystery and opulence beacons visitors to partake in a contemporary symphony of design fascets, awash with deep, resplendent hues that evoke an aura of luxury. The ample vertical expanse of the space is leveraged with the mezzanine level to expand the retail offerings and invite visitors to explore its myriad of flavours.
Via Mercato proudly showcases a meticulously curated collection of diverse retail booths from the aromatic allure of the matcha bar to the appetising rotisserie. Exceptional standard beef, delectable fresh baked goods, succulent fruits, a captivating palette of cheese and a tantalizing pizzeria add to the vibrant offerings in the market. The mezzanine level, connected by the splendorous stair hosts a sumptuous private dining experience along with an extension of the retail kiosks. These outlets share a common design language while showcasing their individual eccentricities.
Japanese Art Deco elements grace the space with a breathtaking skylight, wooden lattices slender wall sconces and towering columns seamlessly blending contemporary touches with the timeless elegance of continuous arches and dark metals.
Despite the challenge of a stringent timeline, requiring completion within a few weeks and execution in a few months, DTK Studio demonstrated unwavering finesse and strategic expertise, sourcing locally available material and meticulously planning every aspect of the project.
Via Mercato stands as a beacon of opulence and refined design, offering an unparalleled upscale experience that sets a new standard for luxury retail in Riyadh, It invites connoisseurs of fine cuisine and architectural enthusiasts to indulge in its splendour and immerse themselves in a realm where culinary excellence meets architectural mastery.
Photo courtesy of Wajd Ramadan
