Suspended in the air above the bar a cloud of over 1100 model cars hangs. This is Garage Italia Milano. A former Agip gas station from 1953 it’s been transformed. This isn’t just any restaurant. Garage Italia is a creative hub. It’s a testament to Italian ingenuity.
Architect Michele De Lucchi oversaw the renovation. He aimed to evoke the original atmosphere. He preserved the building’s original structures. Yet he also projected it into 21st-century modernity. Sustainability was key. The building now blends fashion design and art. This is thanks to Paolo Castelli SPA and Lapo Elkann. They’ve redefined bespoke.
The furniture is custom-made. It echoes the industrial style. Fine details are inspired by cars boats and airplanes. Even the stair treads are tire casts. The entrance echoes the original 1950s glazing. That’s a smart detail. It links the past to the present.
The Materioteca is Garage Italia’s heart. It’s an inspirational space. It showcases the materials used for customizations. Imagine touching the fabrics and paints used on custom cars. This is a multi-sensory experience. The flooring is Nuvolato Architop. It’s a brutalist solid background. It perfectly complements the industrial style.
Outside Garage Italia looks like a spaceship. Inside it’s a motor lover’s dream. The original Agip station has been meticulously restored. The ceramic tiles are cleaned. The neon lights are recreated. The building’s Streamline style is unique in Italy. The elongated curved shapes and nautical elements are breathtaking.
This was once a disused 1950s distributor. Now it’s a multisensory space. You can drink coffee here. You can even choose car and ship interior fabrics. This is the vision of Lapo Elkann architect Michele De Lucchi and chef Carlo Cracco. They’ve created a timeless space.
Upstairs in the restaurant the ceiling is a Formula 1 track. Model cars race above you. A Ferrari 250 GTO sits in the center. Cassina created the seats. They have smartphone and PC chargers. The lamps are made from mufflers. Even the toilets are special. They feature Riva motorboat details. Vintage for ladies contemporary for gentlemen. The restaurant’s menu is shaped like a tachometer. Dishes are named after motor racing legends. You can even try the Enzo Ferrari tortellini.
The Sky terrace is a tropical garden. Unique Unopiù furniture graces the space. A customized plane overlooks the roof. The building is also eco-sustainable. Airlite paints eat pollution. Geothermal and photovoltaic energy are used. Garage Italia is more than a restaurant. It’s a celebration of Italian excellence. It’s a place where you can admire toys for boys while enjoying superb Italian cuisine. So next time you are in Milan remember this iconic landmark. Garage Italia Milano awaits you.