Isabella Eatery, located in Tysons Galleria, is a 41,000-sf culinary destination that redefines the food hall experience. With a capacity of 600 people, the eatery features a variety of formal and casual dining concepts, offering guests an array of flavorful cuisines under one roof. The modern, stylish design includes large communal seating areas, bars, and lounge spaces, making it a versatile location for both casual meals and social gatherings. Isabella Eatery was designed to activate an under-utilized space within the mall and transform it into a vibrant, upscale “food emporium” that seamlessly integrates with the existing retail environment.

IMEG’s lighting design team, Illuminating Concepts, played a key role in enhancing the ambiance of this dynamic venue. The lighting design team crafted an inviting atmosphere, skillfully blending warmth and sophistication to elevate the dining experience. Thoughtfully integrated lighting design solutions bring each restaurant concept to life, while creating continuity throughout the space.

To differentiate Isabella Eatery from the surrounding mall environment, our team used warm white 2700K, 83 CRI cove lighting to gently delineate the threshold between the new food hall and the existing mall, adding a subtle glow to highlight this transition. The dining areas feature downlights with a 3000K color temperature and 83 CRI, striking the perfect balance to mitigate the contrast between the warmer lighting of the eateries and the cooler lighting of the mall’s original design, which was lit with metal halide and mixed source lighting.

The result is an immersive dining experience where the lighting enhances the guest experience, whether enjoying a casual bite or a night out in one of the dedicated lounge areas. The lighting was a key element in transforming Isabella Eatery into a vibrant, multi-concept dining destination that appeals to both shoppers and food enthusiasts.