Arlecchino by Tashas Brings Milanese Modernism to Sea Point

A contemporary Cape Town eatery blends Venetian glamour with clean Milanese geometry

Arlecchino by Tashas, located in Sea Point, fuses Milan’s late‑20th-century modernist clarity with Venice’s 1970s–80s decorative revival. Lead designer Neydine Bak from Verhaal describes it as “...a collision of the shared nostalgia and artistry of Milan, Venice and Sea Point. We were intrigued by the shared spirit – shaped by water, defined by movement and light, understated glamour and slightly surreal depending on the hour.” The result is a space that is familiar yet elevated, playful yet precise.

Mirrored geometry, burled walnut and Venetian mosaics fuse Milanese modernism with playful revivalist flair

Milanese influence is seen in mirrored diamond geometry, modular repetition, soft stainless steel and clean-lined metalwork. The bar, crafted from burled walnut and rounded steel, was imported directly from Milan. Venetian references appear in hand-painted geometric wall panels, large-scale mosaics, and chartreuse and faded blue velvets reminiscent of Venetian salons. Neydine Bak notes: “Playful curves and organic joinery, bringing fluid movement to the space. And wave-form metalwork has been designed to mimic the shimmering colour shifts of a harlequin costume.”

food

From Supper Clubs to Cabbage, a Shift Toward Substance

By day a luminous café, by night an intimate stage of layered textures, shifting light and sculptural form

Arlecchino functions in two modes: bright and café-style by day, intimate and sculptural by night. Paper-collared installations and layered textures respond to light, creating a space that gradually reveals itself. Custom furniture merges Italian references with South African craftsmanship, connecting the design to its local context.

From wave-form metalwork to hand-painted panels, small details quietly anchor the space in craft and character

Culinary offerings reflect Italian-inspired sharing culture, crafted by Tashas Group Culinary Director Jill Okkers. The beverage programme, led by Krystian Hordejuk, features classic aperitivo serves and a curated wine list from Italy and South Africa. Natasha Sideris, CEO of Tashas Group, explains: “We weren’t interested in recreating Italy. We were interested in translating its design languages into something that feels right for Sea Point today.”