A historic limestone pavilion in New York City has been redesigned as an open-air restaurant by local firm Gachot Studios, using a bocce ball court as a focal point.

The Bocce restaurant occupies a landmarked structure in New York's Union Square Park, which was built in 1929 in the Greek Revival style, with limestone columns and archways.

John and Christine Gachot of Gachot Studios redesigned the space for Bocce's owners after the building was refurbished in 2011, and aimed to retain the building's charm in the process.

Black awnings extend from the perimeter, accenting the ornate limestone pillars, to form an outdoor dining space.

A nearby court for playing bocce ball – a game that dates to ancient Roman times and has developed into its present form in Italy – provided a point of references for the designers.

The restaurant's interior relates to the sport's European roots, with rustic elements, and bent-wood dining chairs that are popular in the continent's many cafes.

Upon entering through the central atrium is an oversized round dining table, topped with a huge white vase and greenery.

The indoor-outdoor restaurant is complete with a bar and various seating options within its covered portion. Built-in benches covered in bright blue cushions line the sides.

In order to create a sense of cosiness, slatted shutters were added around the building, between the stone pillars.

These large wooden panels are a soft mint colour, and designed "to remind guests of looking out the kitchen window at home", said a statement from the firm.

Decorating the exposed stone interiors are weathered mirrors, floral arrangements, and frosted globe light fixtures. Black metal chairs and square-seated bar stools add a more industrial feel to the time-worn space.

Bocce is Gachot Studios' third take on play and dining in New York City, in addition to The Royal Palms shuffleboard court in Gowanus, and Gringos Taqueria and Arcade in Staten Island.

Italian restaurants are plentiful across the city, with recent additions including Una Pizza Napoletana by Jordana Maisie in the Lower East Side and Don Angie by GRT Architects in the West Village.