A Romantic Factory of Italian Delights in Rotterdam
Fabbrica
Client
Fabbrica
Concept & Design
Tjep.
Design Team
Frank Tjepkema, Janneke Hooymans
Production
Brandwacht & Meijer
Year
2009
Harbor Haven Where Pleasure is Crafted
Nestled in Rotterdam's bustling harbor, amid the sway of boats and the silhouette of cranes, Fabbrica emerges as a romantic Italian haven—where the grit of industry meets the warmth of la dolce vita. Designed by Tjep. in 2009, this restaurant transforms a former warehouse into a whimsical factory canteen, producing not widgets, but waves of culinary joy and intimate evenings by the water.
A Logo That Whispers of Moonlit Pizzas
Fabbrica—Italian for "factory"—inspired Tjep. to craft a space where every element evokes production with a poetic twist: the logo's dotted "i" morphs into a handmade pizza's perfect curve or a full moon bathing the terrace in silver glow. Indoors, rustic beams and exposed brick blend with plush banquettes, while outdoor seating invites al fresco feasts under the stars, turning harbor views into a backdrop for shared plates of pasta and wood-fired wonders.
From Praq's Success to Harbor Harmony
Building on the triumph of Tjep.'s earlier Rotterdam gem, restaurant Praq, Fabbrica was commissioned by a cherished client to capture the port's raw energy. The result? A venue alive with candlelit corners and lively terrazzo floors, where guests savor seasonal Italian fare—think velvety risottos and crisp Neapolitan pies—fueled by an open kitchen that hums like a well-oiled machine.
Tjep.'s Provocative Palette of Place
More than a meal spot, Fabbrica embodies Tjep.'s signature irony: a factory of delight echoing the connective whimsy of House of Yes and the self-sufficient spirit of Oogst. It challenges diners to find romance in the industrial, proving Rotterdam's harbor can harbor heartfelt escapes.