Design Dish: Dom’s Taverna
Author:Lindsey ShookStep inside one of Santa Barbara’s hottest new haunts
“My approach to design is rooted in storytelling and authenticity. I am drawn to spaces that feel layered and timeless, where historic elements and modern sensibilities coexist naturally,” says Zlata Nikonovskaya of Z&R Design. “I believe the most successful interiors invite people to gather, linger, and connect, while remaining grounded in context, craft, and the personal stories behind a space.” The firm applied this thinking when enlisted to transform historic 1928 building in Santa Barbara’s El Pueblo Viejo district into the current hotstpot—Dom’s Taverna. “The restaurant spans approximately 2,500 square feet, and preserving the integrity and character of the original architecture was central to the design approach,” Nikonovskaya notes.
As lead designer on the project, Nikonovskaya is also married to one of the owners of the restaurant so she had a strong connection to the overall vision. “I approached the project first and foremost as a designer, bringing my own vision and creative process to the table,” she remarks. “The personal rapport allowed for an exceptional level of trust and collaboration, making the project especially meaningful.”
Keeping the original architecture top of mind, the goal was to cultivate a welcoming environment that centered around the shared culinary experience. “The design needed to feel transportive yet grounded, capturing the convivial and social spirit of coastal Europe while remaining unmistakably Santa Barbara,” says Nikonovskaya. “One of the primary challenges was that the dining room felt cavernous due to its low ceilings. To soften this, we introduced light wood flooring and furniture to bring airiness to the space. The walls and ceilings were kept light and bright, while a hero teal color anchors the perimeter through banquette seating and tile work, creating definition without visual heaviness.”
The design not only takes cues from the regional essence but from coastal European aesthetics and the menu’s bold, ingredient-driven approach. “While inspired by the Basque Country, the space feels distinctly Santa Barbara,” she notes. “The coastal color palette, natural materials and emphasis on light, reflects the city in a subtle and refined way, without leaning into overt themes.”
The team preserved the original marble that lines the front of the bar that is said to have originated from an old church. The custom bar top was milled from a reclaimed oak tree found on the chef’s parents’ vineyard, beneath which he married his wife. “The open kitchen serves as the focal point of the restaurant, illuminated by a central skylight that draws the eye and creates a powerful sense of arrival, much like light pouring into a cathedral,” she says.
With an abundance of dining options in Santa Barbara, Dom’s Taverna has quickly become one of the most sought-after restaurants in the area. When asked how the owners feel about the design, Nikonovskaya shares, “They were especially pleased that the restaurant is recognized for its charm, thoughtful design and cozy atmosphere—creating a space where guests can linger, connect and enjoy exceptional food in an environment that feels refined yet entirely unpretentious.”
