The recently renovated Viennese restaurant, GMOA Keller has been an iconic part of the cityscape since 1858, and is a time-honoured institution known for its authentic charm. Because of this, the business running successfully, and the audiences and artists of nearby Konzerthaus and Akademietheater guaranteeing full tables, the landlord decided to expand the restaurant under-ground.

This meant that the team at local architecture firm Sue Architeckten were challenged with both adding a sub-level and keeping the space’s authenticity and charm intact. The response was a contemporary, calm and spacious dining area, allowing guests to enjoy excellent Viennese cuisine while offering space for regulars to have their beer at the classic Resopal table.

The design is uncomplicated, the brick arches were simply whitened, the wooden floor and panelling was stained dark and theatre curtain rails allow the rooms to be divided into zones and niches with curtains by Kenzo. Light fixtures by Moooi are mobile and can hang over tables creating privacy, or if the light isn’t need, they can easily be pushed aside and the room is again at its full dimension…