2024
La Terrazza
LaTerrazzaRaleigh.com
Background
La Terrazza, a new rooftop restaurant under Umbria Hospitality Group, opened in May 2024 and needed a dedicated website to introduce its brand, menu, and atmosphere to Raleigh’s dining scene. The site needed to reflect La Terrazza’s fresh, sophisticated personality, showcase the food and environment through strong visuals, and remain simple enough for the restaurant team to update seasonally.
Core problem
Establishing a Distinct Identity
As a new concept within Umbria Hospitality, La Terrazza needed a digital presence that stood out from it's sister restaurant, Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar, while maintaining visual alignment with the parent brand.
Balancing Aesthetics with Usability
The site had to capture La Terrazza’s modern rooftop vibe without compromising usability or performance—especially on mobile devices where most guests browse menus and make reservations.
Streamlining Content Management
The client needed a flexible WordPress layout that allowed quick updates to menus, event details, and photography without relying on developer support.
Our Process for La Terrazza
Working collaboratively with my team, we began by researching competitor and precedent restaurant websites to understand best practices for layout, content hierarchy, and user flow. From there, we sketched and refined wireframes to establish structure and navigation patterns that emphasized visual storytelling through imagery and simplicity.
I then translated our findings into high-fidelity mockups and a live WordPress build, maintaining close feedback with the client to align visuals and usability goals before launch.
Approach
Designed a clean, scroll-based website for intuitive exploration and easy maintenance.
Developed a visual hierarchy emphasizing rooftop ambiance and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Applied a warm, light color palette and elegant typography to convey openness and sophistication.
Integrated menus, reservation links, and contact forms in a cohesive flow across devices.
Optimized load times and layout responsiveness for an ideal mobile experience.
Homepage and Reservations Page Walkthrough
Menu + Drinks Page Walkthrough
Outcome
The website launched in tandem with La Terrazza’s grand opening, providing an elegant digital introduction to the brand. The design balances refined aesthetics and usability, making it simple for guests to explore menus, reserve tables, and experience the restaurant’s atmosphere online. By maintaining harmony with Umbria Hospitality’s brand while showcasing La Terrazza’s individuality, the site positioned the restaurant as one of Raleigh’s most inviting rooftop dining destinations.