Situated on the pier of Pognana Lario on the shores of Lago di Como, pop-up restaurant Insolito offers a fine dining cuisine that blends the chef’s travels, heritage, and regional ingredients. We were commissioned to develop the brand identity, website, and print collateral for this unique dining destination.
Spread across three floors and seating just 25 guests indoors, Insolito houses a charming early 20th-century building that once hosted a small lake cuisine restaurant. Traces of this former eatery remain visible on the terracotta plastered facade, while the expansive lakefront terrace offers stunning views, conveniently located next to the Pognana Lario ferry terminal.
The renovation was skillfully executed by architect Gregorio Pecorelli, preserving the building’s original patina and exterior while completely redesigning the interior layout. The ground floor features a prominent stone counter and fixed furniture concealing a small Moltrasio stone grotto, while intimate tables with heavy curtains for flexible configurations occupy the upper floors. Light grey lime-washed walls reflect the lake’s light, harmonizing with the stained oak furniture and small-format stone tiles typical of early 20th-century homes.
Our branding for Insolito captures this blend of historic charm and modern elegance. The color palette, ranging from off-white and warm gray to a vibrant orange/terracotta accent, mirrors the building’s facade. The typefaces Lettera Text and Mono from Lineto nod to northern Italy’s industrial heritage and the Olivetti typewriter, creating a sophisticated yet understated look. The dynamic wordmark, playfully arranged on an imaginary musical staff, reflects the tonal qualities of each syllable and adapts to various media.
The website further enhances the experience with animated syllables forming different words, mimicking the gentle waves of Lake Como visible from any seat in the restaurant. This playful interaction ties back to Insolito’s unique location and vibrant ambiance, offering a digital preview of the in-person experience.
