The concept
The story of the Magic Ambience of La Mandragora
Used as a hallucinogenic, but also as a poison, “mandragora” or the mandrake is a plant, which, depending on the dosage can cure or kill. These extremes can be found in the concept of the La Mandragora restaurant, decorated with contrasting elements.
The restaurant provides to its guests more than a special culinary experience. Beside the gastronomic masterpieces cooked by Paul Peter Kopij, the elegant and welcoming ambient charms you the moment you set foot in the mandrakes’ world.
The story of La Mandragora begins in 2005 in Germany, when Octavian Popescu convinced the German Chef Paul Peter Kopij to decline the offer of becoming the chef of the most luxurious hotel in the United Arab Emirates, in order to come to Romania with him and build a restaurant to his taste. The director Cristi Puiu and his wife Anca, Alex Munteanu and Bobby Păunescu joined them and together they opened the doors of La Mandragora on September 21, 2006.
Cristi Puiu suggested the name, after his production company, and chose a special place for the restaurant. The house in 29 Mendeleev Street (Bucharest) is where the painter Ștefan Luchian, the flowers master, lived and painted. Therefore, the restaurant is placed downtown, within walking distance from Piata Romana and Bd. Magheru.
The house still has the original massive wood beams and doorframes on the inside and outside. To these, the architect Daniel Bălăneanu added an unconventional mix of old and modern materials. The light and shade mix directed by Cristi Puiu harmoniously bonds all these elements and creates a setting with a spectacular air.
The first room on the ground floor, the restaurant, is a select hall where the contrast of the colors and textures is emphasized by the dim light. The lamps resemble to flower clusters, the walls are either violet, or plated with gold leaf, or made of light panels, and the gold and silver painted mandrakes go up and down in a mysterious dance, going round the elegant folds of the curtains.
The other area on the ground floor is the cigar room, where the guests are invited to relax in an innovative atmosphere. The extravagant setting contrasts with the ceiling, which is covered with silver pipes, winding like mandrake spindles.
Upstairs you can find the lounge, a room split in two areas - one with Plexiglas walls painted with mandrake motifs, comfortable couches and beady drapes, and the other one with low tables, armchairs and a bar plated with green marble.
The La Mandragora terrace is the passing way from the “outside world” to the enchanted mandrakes’ land. It can seat up to 50 people and can host various events.
We invite you to meet the magic air of the La Mandragora house and taste our Chef’s savory creations. Please bear in mind the fact that we also organize corporate and private events, from weddings to surprise parties and corporate launches and press confferences.