Apericena is a dining trend that’s been around in Italy for a few years. It’s a practice that adds cena – dinner – to aperitivo, making for a snack-buffet experience. Buenos Aires’ Duca Caffe & Apericena, with contemporary interiors designed by local practice Ohio Estudio in collaboration with Ripani Estudio and Tricota, shows that trend is starting to make its way abroad.

Located in Palermo, the city’s largest neighbourhood, the café serves coffee and gourmet tapas. The space, by design, contrasts with the looks of traditional cafeterias in Buenos Aires, usually dominated by industrial materials, wooden tables and dim lighting. It was the goal of Ohio Estudio’s creative team to develop a new look among the city’s hospitality scene.

That resulted in colourful interiors dominated by curved lines and varying textures. A pink neon sign is installed on the façade and visually entices a visitor to the main entrance, where a custom-made terrazzo floor leaves an Instagram-worthy impression. The walls, painted blue, are complemented well by millennial pink furnishings and finishes, such as the metal chairs, seating booths and mirrors.

In the cosy atmosphere, one can momentarily be transported to Italy at any time, whether for good coffee in the morning, or the apericena experience at the end of the working day.

ohioestudio.com