Translated as “home”, Domo is an award-winning Sardinian restaurant, established by Raffaele Busceddu and Sarah Elliot who source fresh produce from local, independent Sheffield retailers to create delicious recipes that wouldn’t look out of place in their small town of Castelsardo.

Spending many years working for a high-end chef, the pair chose Eagle Works in Kelham Island (named as one of the best places to live in the UK by The Times) to open their first restaurant. The challenge was to unite the industrial aesthetics of an abandoned factory – that was once at the heart of Sheffield’s thriving steel industry – with the unique culture of Sardinia. 

Rather than trying to disguise the original building, our team celebrated it, enhancing the exposed brickwork with paint of a warm palette and preserving the large wall arches as windows. A poured concrete floor creates a contemporary feel while still suiting the character of the old factory. 

A dusty red – synonymous with Sardinia – is the central colour of the walls, fittings and furniture, much of which was built in our workshop. Raffaele and Sarah also introduced vintage pieces they had sourced in Sardinia; old Sardinian tomato cans hold the cutlery on tables and woven baskets handmade by family members adorn the walls.

Greenery tumbles out of planters and lines the tables; photographs of the Italian island cover the walls, and a large mural tells the story of a traditional Sardianian ritual based on the Mamuthones and Issohadores. Together, these details elevate Domo, transforming the once echoey space into a welcoming restaurant, showcasing the generosity of Mediterranean hospitality.