Restaurant Porn is a regular column of daydreams presented as a means to introduce Vancouver diners and designers to concepts, looks, and fully-formed ideas that they might draw an inkling of inspiration from. We do our best to pair the foreign rooms with local addresses so as to let everyone in on the fantasy.

WHAT IT IS: Omar’s Place, a swanky Mediterranean restaurant and bar designed by Tatjana von Stein and Gayle Noonan of UK firm Sella Concept with the architectural assistance of Wilson Holloway. From the restaurant:

“Omar’s Place is an invitation to the most essential flavours and smells of the Mediterranean, tapas, selected wines and cocktails; a journey through countries bathed by such a mythical sea. From Mallorca to Istanbul, like the Serrat song. More than twenty countries, with many elements in common. With an innovative, indulgent and elegant setting signed by chef Vicente Fortea.”

WHERE IT IS: At 13 Cambridge Street in the heart of Central London’s Pimlico micro-neighbourhood (within the ancient City of Westminster).

WHERE WE WISH IT WAS: On the still “For Lease” ground floor of the newly built Brixton Flats building on the northeast corner of East Pender and Gore Street where Chinatown meets Strathcona.

WHY WE WISH IT WAS THERE: Because it’s a big space that was purpose-built for a restaurant, and I’d sooner see it house something interesting, good and attractive than something boring, bad and ugly. I’ve heard the asking price is pretty ridiculous, so I’m psychologically prepared for the latter. Hence this fantasy.

Photography courtesy Sella Concept