Gina by Tom Mark Henry
Conceived as a place that captures the warmth of a European summer holiday, it balances nostalgia with a distinctly contemporary and Australian sensibility. The interior embraces a bold palette of yellow, orange and terracotta, creating an atmosphere that feels both vibrant and welcoming from the moment guests step inside.
The inspiration traces back to classic Italian trattorias, reinterpreted through refined materials and confident colour. Rich walnut timber veneer, aged brass, crisp whites and soft creams anchor the interior with a timeless character. Glossy surfaces, square-format tiles, an abstract hand-painted mural and a terracotta epoxy floor add layers of energy and playfulness, while the suspended grid ceiling echoes the geometry found throughout the venue, culminating in the golden yellow windowpane façade that signals Gina’s presence along the waterfront.
At the heart of the restaurant sits a curved Striati Onyx Travertine bar, softened by timber battens and a white textured front. Woven pendant lights hover above, and a walnut veneer bulkhead mirrors the bar’s sculptural arc. Storage and display are thoughtfully considered, with walnut joinery and white powder-coated rod detailing creating a pared-back yet practical system designed to support the extensive wine offering.
The interior palette transitions seamlessly into a calmer outdoor dining area. Here, the energy gives way to a more neutral setting, shaped by custom banquettes in textured upholstery, beige-and-white terrazzo tabletops with a gentle bullnose edge and woven dining chairs. The alfresco setting channels a Mediterranean ease, offering guests a relaxed vantage point over the water.
Gina invites diners into an environment that is warm, expressive and grounded, capturing the spirit of Italian hospitality while embracing its place on the Australian coastline.
