English interior designer Tom Dixon has opened a 100-cover restaurant and bar in Milan called "The Manzoni".

Likened by Dixon to a "monastic" space, the sleek eatery and showroom, which temporarily opened its doors for Milan Design Week (9-14 April) is darkly illuminated by the designer's trademark Opal ball lights and incorporates a variety of locally sourced materials, such as granite from Veronan quarries and recycled paper and cork.

The Manzoni is also furnished with Dixon's veined marble coffee tables as well as his fat and slab chairs.

The overall subterranean atmosphere of the restaurant is reflected not only in its subway tiling but also in its earth-based menu, which was created by head chef Marta Pulini.

"In the world where everybody has a really short attention span, food is one of the few things that can slow people down," Dixon said in a video announcement.

"There is nothing dustier than a conventional lighting and furniture showroom," he explained, "but with The Manzoni, people are able to experience our new collections in an active context."

The flagship is scheduled to open to the general public in May.