Flat lay of Pasta Amore branded materials including Italian restaurant menu, brochure, and table tent, arranged on wood and burlap background — Cohesive print materials designed with consistency and warmth in mind for Pasta Amore .

I’ve never been particularly fond of Italian restaurants—at least, that was the case until about three years ago, when I had one of the most memorable Italian meals during a vacation in New York City. Shortly after returning, I began a class project that couldn’t have been more perfectly timed. I was still riding the high of that unforgettable dining experience when I was assigned to create a cohesive branded collateral system for a fictional Italian restaurant called Pasta Amore.

The project required three cohesive print pieces—a table tent, a menu, and a brochure—all designed within the framework of a detailed brand style guide. I was genuinely excited to dive in, channeling my fresh perspective into a family-friendly dining concept that celebrated warmth, comfort, and good food through thoughtful, intentional design.

The Design Challenge

This project wasn’t just about creating attractive materials—it was about solving a real communication problem: How do you help a casual Italian restaurant stand out in a saturated market?

By identifying Pasta Amore’s target audience as younger families with moderate to high income, I tailored my design choices to emphasize warmth, comfort, and a modern touch. The brand’s mission to deliver a “modern twist on timeless classics” became the creative throughline for my visual decisions.

Phase One: Table Tent Design

Pasta Amore table tent design featuring a heart-shaped tomato graphic, rustic wood background with scattered herbs, and the phrase “Enjoy yourself, we’ll take care of the mess” above a QR code linking to the menu. — **“Enjoy yourself. We’ll take care of the mess“**

The first deliverable was the table tent—a piece designed to catch the eye of customers already seated at their table. I used a rustic wood texture to suggest authenticity and a family-friendly feel.
The message was casual and inviting, and I included a QR code for contactless menu access—combining modern convenience with charm.

Phase Two: Menu Design

Pasta Amore double-sided restaurant menu design featuring rustic wood and chalkboard backgrounds, Italian flag-inspired header, hand-drawn food illustrations, and sections for starters, pasta, pizza, desserts, hot drinks, and an extensive wine list. — **Double-sided single page menu design**

Next came the menu, where structure and clarity were essential. I designed two 8.5” x 14” pages with print-ready specifications, complete with bleeds and margins. I went with the chalkboard theme and used guides, proximity, and white space to keep content clean and organized.
To reinforce the casual vibe, I chose playful vector illustrations instead of food photography. The typography followed brand standards—Goudy Old Style and Klinic Slab—and I used selective color to distinguish headings, categories, and pricing. The result was a menu that felt approachable and modern, perfect for busy parents dining with kids.

Phase Three: Brochure Design

Designed to tempt. Built to inform.

The final piece was a trifold brochure meant to attract new customers. Because this was the most outward-facing item, I incorporated vibrant food photography to grab attention. Still, I maintained visual continuity by reusing the chalkboard and wood textures and keeping typography and color consistent with the menu and table tent.

Strategic placement of imagery—like rotating a bay leaf twig to guide the eye—helped drive visual engagement. I also used bold typography to highlight phrases like “Half Off Tuesdays” and key words from the brand’s mission like “modern twist” and “passion.”

Pulling It All Together: The Final Presentation

Once the individual pieces were complete, I compiled them into a final client presentation in InDesign. Each deliverable was accompanied by an annotated sample explaining my layout decisions, font selections, graphic treatments, and how each piece aligned with the client’s brand goals.

The final presentation showcased a cohesive, intentional brand system—one that could realistically help Pasta Amore stand out and connect with its target audience.

Reflecting on the Experience

This project pushed me creatively and technically. I refined my skills in layout design, typography, vector illustration, and visual hierarchy, and I used professional tools to bring all the pieces together in a unified, high-quality print system.

But beyond software and technique, what I loved most was the opportunity to tell a story—not just of a restaurant, but of an experience. One where families feel welcome, traditions meet modern tastes, and a simple pasta night becomes a moment worth remembering.

Reviving the Family Table: A Branding Project for Pasta Amore