A new hifi bar and lounge is redefining the dining scene in Cortina, Italy. Lanterna, a project by PerissinottoLab in collaboration with Eugenio Tibaldi, invites guests to settle in rather than pass through, with a relaxed but immersive rhythm to evenings. Set within a reimagined winter garden at Hotel Ambra Cortina D’Ampezzo, the experience combines Japanese-inspired plates with cocktails and top notch sound. Here, we speak to co-founder of Now.Here Agency’s Maria Vittoria Perissinotto about the inspirations behind the project’s design.

What was the project brief and how did you respond to it?
Our aim was to enhance the existing open-air terrace at Hotel Ambra Cortina D’Ampezzo, with the goal of creating a dedicated food and beverage offering and generating a new point of interest for the property. At the same time, we wanted to introduce a concept that didn’t exist at the hotel before: a hi-fi bar. Not just a new space for eating and drinking, but a place designed around sound quality and a clear identity. So, we transformed the terrace into a highly distinctive environment, developing a concept that blends Japanese tradition with the hotel’s DNA, both aesthetically and in its culinary offering. The objective was to create something new for the area while remaining in context with the hotel’s identity.

What are the standout features and why?
One of the bar’s standout features is the custom audio system created by H.A.N.D. Hi-Fi, designed specifically for the space. Sound becomes a central part of the experience and the definition of its identity. Another distinctive element is the raku tiles applied to the tables, which introduce a strong, tactile artisanal component, creating a direct connection to Japanese culture and the value of craftsmanship. Aesthetically, the project stands out for its balanced mix of wood and iron – materials that interact to create a minimal yet highly characterful environment. The space is essential in its lines but rich in details and precise choices.

How does the new bar bring value to guests?
The new bar significantly expands Hotel Ambra’s food and beverage offering while providing a distinct space with a clear identity. Lanterna isn’t just a place to eat and drink, but an environment where guests can work, relax and meet in a calm setting. The atmosphere makes the experience distinct from traditional options in the Dolomites, adding real value to every guest stay.

How does the design fit into the Hotel Ambra Cortina D’Ampezzo aesthetic?
Over time, the hotel has built an identity based on strong thematic choices in the rooms, attention to colour and pattern, and spaces with a precise personality. While Zelda Cocktail Club, formerly the hotel’s salle de thé, represented a deliberately more lively and playful side, Lanterna moves in a more minimal direction, but with the same intensity of character. What unites all these projects is an innovative, contemporary aesthetic with a strong sense of identity. Ambra does not replicate traditional formulas but explores different design languages while maintaining a strong personality.

What does the bar contribute to the Cortina dining scene?
The bar contributes by introducing offerings that simply did not exist before. Today, it is possible to enjoy a katsu-sando or a bao in a destination like Cortina, where until recently these items were not typically found on menus. In doing so, the bar expands the local culinary offering, bringing new flavours and references without losing the connection to the territory.