Mediterranean character at Osteria del Mare

Osteria del Mare—the latest culinary concept from the team behind Bocconcino—is located in the heart of Covent Garden, London. Conceived to evoke the elegance and energy of the Mediterranean coast, the interior uses Neolith throughout for its aesthetic impact and technical performance. Across the scheme, Neolith surfaces define a calm, inviting environment calibrated for high-end hospitality, ensuring a cohesive material language from arrival to dining. The atmosphere is warm and tactile, with soft reflections and refined detailing that support the restaurant’s contemporary identity while standing up to the rigors of daily service.

A focal point of the design is Neolith Pulpis, a sintered stone surface inspired by classic brown marble and celebrated for its warm veining and refined, earthy tones. Installed in a slim 6 mm thickness, Neolith Pulpis is used extensively on vertical surfaces—including the stairwells and ground floor walls—to deliver visual continuity and understated luxury. The design team embraced large-format pieces to minimize joints and heighten immersion. The slender thickness integrates seamlessly on the wall without adding structural bulk, a practical advantage in high-traffic environments.

Material properties were pivotal to the specification. Engineered to withstand daily service, Neolith offers high resistance to heat, scratches, stains, UV and moisture. The elegant soft sheen of Pulpis reflects ambient lighting to shape the warm, upscale ambience. Execution included precision cutting and a dry-lay process to align veining across slabs, achieving a flawless finish that elevates the natural stone appearance resulting in a cohesive, tactile environment that has drawn praise from both the client and guests.

Its integration into walls, staircases, and common areas reinforces spatial continuity, providing serenity while also conveying an exclusive feel. The outcome is a balanced interior, where the natural aesthetic of the material combines with a refined architectural language that aligns with the restaurant's Mediterranean identity.

Aligned with Osteria del Mare’s sustainable ethos, Neolith offers strong environmental credentials. All surfaces are produced from natural raw materials, and selected models contain up to 98% recycled content. They are fully recyclable and manufactured without resins or plastics, positioning Neolith as one of the most eco-conscious surface options available. This balance of durability and responsibility supports a long service life with reduced environmental impact.

“The ultra-slim 6mm profile gave us the flexibility to create a seamless, contemporary finish that complements the restaurant’s refined coastal Mediterranean identity. In a high-end, high-traffic venue such as this, Neolith’s durability, stain resistance, and ease of maintenance were essential—allowing us to deliver a luxurious aesthetic that endures daily use. The Neolith Pulpis finish not only enhances the atmosphere but also anchors the design in understated luxury.”

- Samanta Pancerevaite,
Development Manager at Bocconcino Restaurant

Another key element is the interaction of the material with the lighting. The smooth finish of Neolith Pulpis reflects light delicately, creating versatile environments that adapt to every moment of the day in the restaurant. During the day, natural light enhances the brightness of the space, while at night, warm, strategically placed lighting creates an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere.

The interiors mirror the restaurant’s culinary narrative, inviting diners on a Mediterranean journey through dishes such as wild Scottish lobster linguine, spider crab in bisque, lemon sole Meunière and pistachio tiramisu. Every detail—including the surfaces—contributes to a sense of escape and celebration that enhances the guest experience.

“We chose Neolith 6mm Neolith Pulpis to clad the walls at Osteria del Mare because it strikes a perfect balance between elegance and resilience. Its rich, warm veining evokes the timeless beauty of natural stone, adding depth and sophistication to the space without overwhelming it.”

- Samanta Pancerevaite,
Development Manager at Bocconcino Restaurant

The project translates into a statement of identity for the Bocconcino group. The integration of Neolith reinforces its position in the luxury gastronomic scene, consolidating an image of exclusivity and excellence.