Delicatessen: How the humble NYC newsstand inspired this bustling Soho restaurant’s design

Delicatessen is one of Soho's most iconic eateries, but did you know that its design was inspired by the humble NYC newsstand? Designed by <a title="Nemaworkshop" href="http://www.nemaworkshop.com/">Nemaworkshop</a> in collaboration with <a title="Mark Thomas Amadei" href="http://www.sothebyshomes.com/nyc/agents/Mark.Amadei">Mark Thomas Amadei</a>, the bustling restaurant is an exploration of urban identity centered around the idea of an open but under-the-radar structure - like the ubiquitous newsstand - that invites pedestrians in with a buzzing, non-pretentious energy.

Built into the lower floors of an early-20th-century brick-and-mortar tenement, the restaurant has sleek stainless steel and glass garage doors aligning the street. These "walls" fill the interior with sunlight and seamlessly open in the warmer months, allowing for natural ventilation throughout the restaurant. The façade creates an inviting environment that fosters a unique social energy.

The main dining room is decorated with a modern flare, with polished white tables juxtaposed by refurbished old wood that extend from the back walls to the chair backs.

The main dining room is decorated with a modern flare, with polished white tables juxtaposed by refurbished old wood that extend from the back walls to the chair backs.

The main dining room is decorated with a modern flare, with polished white tables juxtaposed by refurbished old wood that extend from the back walls to the chair backs.

Downstairs is one of New York City’s best kept secrets, a mini bar, lounges, and multi-stall gender neutral bathrooms.

Downstairs is one of New York City’s best kept secrets, a mini bar, lounges, and multi-stall gender neutral bathrooms.

Downstairs is one of New York City’s best kept secrets, a mini bar, lounges, and multi-stall gender neutral bathrooms.

Downstairs is one of New York City’s best kept secrets, a mini bar, lounges, and multi-stall gender neutral bathrooms.

The old dark boiler room is transformed it into a glass-roofed, sky-lit lounge lined with an mural by a local artist, Juan Jose Heredia.

Much like its design, the Delicatessen serves traditional comfort food with a twist. It was named Best Designed Restaurant and has a vibe inside that finds a common ground between comfort and stylish.