The architects at IPA were entrusted with the creation of a new and distinctive venue in the heart of Sofia - Restaurant UNICA.
The project is housed within a seven-story residential building on Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard, designated as a cultural monument of national importance. UNICA occupies three levels of the structure - the basement, ground floor, and first floor above ground - and offers a total of 105 seats.
One of the most significant challenges faced by the team was adapting the existing layout, which initially appeared unsuitable for the needs of a restaurant. The kitchen, located on the basement level, serves the dining areas via a system of platforms that ensure seamless vertical circulation.
The entrance corridor, once long and dark, has been transformed into a bright and vibrant exhibition space showcasing carefully selected products. It leads into a retail zone and a dedicated wine room, which transition into the first dining hall, centered around an open pizza oven - both a visual focal point and a functional centerpiece.
The upper level features two additional dining rooms - one facing the boulevard, the other overlooking the building’s interior courtyard. The latter has been completely reimagined through the artistic intervention on the adjoining facade, turning the once-ordinary view into an extension of the restaurant’s atmosphere.
UNICA’s concept blends Italian cultural sensibilities with a distinctly Bulgarian perspective. This fusion is reflected in the mural, where architectural elements from the interior and the restaurant’s logo interweave into a composition of two contrasting yet converging currents - a visual metaphor for cultural dialogue in motion.
The arch serves as a recurring motif throughout the design and forms the foundation of the restaurant’s visual identity. It appears in various interpretations across all zones, bringing cohesion and spatial continuity. Lighting is provided by 47 hand-painted spherical fixtures, each contributing a unique accent to the dining experience.
A striking feature of the space is the presence of amorphous wooden structures - referred to as "vines" - that weave organically across the ceilings. These sculptural elements symbolize the dynamic interplay between cultures and ideas, offering a contemporary take on Italian tradition. They also serve as lighting elements, contrasting beautifully with the raw texture of the exposed concrete ceiling and completing the restaurant’s turquoise-hued interior.
Mirrors are used consistently throughout the space, enhancing both light and depth. Reflections of greenery and wooden vines in their surfaces introduce another visual dimension and amplify the natural materials within the space.
At UNICA, everything is intentional - measured, meaningful, and complete.
