MARIO Di NARDO REIMAGINES A ST KILDA ICON

#THE EUROPEAN HOTEL NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS 
# STUNNING INTERIORS ACROSS THREE VENUES
# CASUAL EATERY, FINE DINING AND MELBOURNE LOUNGE ALL BECKON
# DESIGN BY ALEX ZABOTTO-BENTLEY

#4 DA VINCI’s IN 1 RESTAURANT!

The iconic and historic 1854 Melbourne landmark – The European Hotel in St Kilda – has had the ultimate of make-overs, with famed Melbourne restaurateur and entrepreneur Mario Di Nardo engaging award winning interior designer director Alex Zabotto-Bentley of AZBcreative to do the honours, and the results are breathtaking including FOUR Leonardo Da Vinci’s in the Rafael’s casual dining restaurant. 

The European Hotel and each of its three impressive dining areas are now open to receive guests and Alex’s layered, detailed approach to design is apparent in every corner, says Mario. Alex was inspired by the authentic Italian cuisine within and the history of the site when inspiration came by way of moody, ambient private spaces, and rustic walls coming to life with spectacular and colourful pop art featuring 4 limited edition screen prints of NEO EXPRESSIONIST artist Shane Bowden’s modern interpretation of Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa with wild overprinting and potent colours. 

The end result mixes drama, detail, the balance between mood and eccentricity, as well as modernity mixed with classical, something Alex said suited the space and Mario’s brief perfectly. ‘This is inherently how I design – by reading the space and its purpose - and Mario was a perfect bouncing board, giving me incredible reign and support for my vision for his very special hotel.’

TO INTERVIEW MARIO DI NARDO & ALEX ZABOTTO-BENTLEY email max@marksonsparks.com or call Max 0412 501 601 or email marta@marksonsparks.com or call Marta 0409 291 785.

For images of The European Hotel, visit: The European Hotel St Kilda_Interiors

About The European Hotel The European Hotel’s restaurants include casual eatery Rafaels, authentic and modern Italian dining at CRUDINO cucino aperitivo e vino, and cocktails and bar food in the Melbourne Lounge. Onsite also, is the 1854 STORE - a providore where all the wines, olives, breads and balsamic vinegars served at The European Hotel are available to purchase and take home.The European Hotel St Kilda, 169 Fitzroy St. on the corner of Fitzroy and Princes Street, is now open www.theeuropeanhotelstkilda.com.au. 

About Alex Zabotto-Bentley. Alex Zabotto-Bentley founded AZBcreative in 2007. From his beginnings as a stylist and fashion designer to his international career as a multi-awarded interior designer, Alex’s philosophy has been “imagination without limits.” As a visualist and creative director, Alex is known for a layered, detailed approach to design and for creating compelling spaces. 

About AZBcreative Founded in Sydney in 2007 AZBcreative is an international, full service creative agency, drawing passionate collaborators from different creative backgrounds to create innovative solutions. AZBcreative has garnered international awards and accolades for its holistic approach to event and interior design. AZBcreative designs large installations and immersive events to marketing campaigns, styling and product design as well as interior design across restaurants, hotels, shops, bars and boats.   https://azbthecreative.com/