At new Istanbul restaurant Scalla, the design and the dishes are inspired by the Mediterranean

A new 120-seat restaurant in the hills above Istanbul puts design at the forefront, challenging the eye and emphasising custom craftsmanship at every turn. Scalla, named after the Italian for ‘staircase’, was orchestrated by Urbanjobs, a multidisciplinary practice founded nearby by Murat Dede, who designs retail, residential, corporate and Michelin-star restaurant spaces. Dede devised a scheme of copper, leather and wood to create a warm, tactile space with a crafted identity, adding blue marble-effect cabinetry, copper-toned hardware from Turnstyle Designs and an engraved plaque in the geometric-tiled floor bearing the restaurant’s name. Upholstered seating in fabrics from Dedar and Ralph Lauren introduces layers of texture and softness, along with wall coverings by ARTE and Phillip Jeffries.

At the restaurant’s heart is the Glass Curtain, a curvilinear architectural system inspired by the undulating lines of the Mediterranean coast. The three-dimensional glass surface folds inward and extends outward to serve various functions. It gives a fluid effect to the structure of the space — a breathable, flexible shell. The wall is supported by copper-coated aluminium profiles.

A central wooden bar uses a similar curvilinear structure and functions as an anchor or wayfinder — a social magnet that helps guests orient themselves in the space. In the day, sunlight filters through the curtain system, gradually transitioning into night with bespoke wall sconces, table lamps and integrated LED systems.

‘Guests first pass in front of the bar and then the kitchen pass-through window before ascending to a higher level, offering a shift in perception,’ says Dede. ‘On their way back from the bathrooms, they re-engage with the interior before once again encountering the bar, reinforcing spatial continuity.’

The team incorporated the ceiling into this undulating aesthetic. In some areas, it has been elevated; in others, it is defined by structural beams or accentuated with woven leather inserts.

An outdoor seating area repeats the curved theme with a pergola that integrates into the sofas. Sculptural plantings designed by master florist Yunus Karma foster their own microclimate.