Nabila's Lebanese restaurant in a 19th-century building in Brooklyn
admin
Author
20 Jul 2022
Frederick Tang Studio has transformed a gloomy space in a historic building into a bright Lebanese restaurant, where the atmosphere of noisy family dinners reigns
Photo
Givs Anderson
Nabila's Restaurant occupies the first floor of an 1886 building in Cobble Hill. There used to be a gastropub here, resembling a library with an abundance of dark wood and dim lighting. The establishment has managed to gain popularity among local residents, so Frederick Tang studio decided to keep some details in the interior, but at the same time create a completely different atmosphere that will reflect the history of its owners — mother and son.
Photo
Givs Anderson
Mike Farah, the owner of Nabila's, named the restaurant after his mom. Nabila was born in Beirut and learned to cook from her mother and grandmother. Due to the civil war in Lebanon, Nabila had to move several times, but she managed to keep the family recipes, which are now cooked in Nabila's.
Photo
Givs Anderson
Photo
Givs Anderson
At the entrance there is a curved quartz counter with a showcase. It resembles a table that bursts with food during dinner parties that Nabila arranges. The wall behind the counter is covered with small cement tiles resembling fish scales. The decor is complemented by hanging lamps from Kelly Westler (Kelly Wearstler.
Photo
Givs Anderson
Photo
Givs Anderson
References to Lebanese art and architecture are manifested in bright colors, patterns, soft lines. Mosaic of turquoise-cream colored tiles, designed byIndia Mahdavi stretches through a series of arches organizing the space.
Photo
Givs Anderson
The seats for guests next to the showcase are located in two arch-shaped niches painted in purple and decorated with floral print wallpaper by Hella Jongerius. Floral motifs also appear in the decoration of the ceiling at the back of the restaurant, where many family dinners and friendly meetings are planned.
Photo
Givs Anderson
