Dining inside a palace!

At a restaurant in New Delhi, Beyond Designs stages a two-act masterpiece

03 Dec 2025

Long before one notices the chandeliers and the mirrors, Kala Swasti holds its head high, trumpeting its presence with a history to reveal. Co-founders Sachin and Neha Gupta of Beyond Designs describe it as “an artistic narrative.” This phrase becomes evident as the interiors transition into different acts of a drama like well-written scenes than overt theatrics. Located within the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts in Janpath, New Delhi, the restaurant is entirely shaped by the principal designers Sachin and Neha, who also identify as restaurateurs, helming the 2,000 sq ft space that extends into a 5,500 sq ft garden.

"A sculptural escape, one where the grandeur of the outdoors is tempered by the intimacy of salon-like gatherings under Delhi’s night sky"

-Neha Gupta

Black suede upholstered chairs under the mirror ceiling — Amid the layered detailing and black suede-upholstered chairs, an evening unfolds beneath a mirrored ceiling; Photography by Atul Pratap Chauhan

Within the dining room

The dining atelier embraces Beyond Designs’ philosophy of meaningful maximalism, combining warm Art Deco detailings with a French salon-like aura. The entrance porch soon blooms into the central hall, mapped precisely as the design plan indicates, with seating alcoves in the centre and bespoke buffet consoles.

Looming overhead, the mirror and gold-foil ceiling mural create the room’s most theatrical feature. “Its reflections double the perceived volume,” the designers explain how this illusion allows a compact footprint to assume a surprisingly generous presence.

Amid the layered detailing, it is easy to picture an evening beneath the mirrored ceiling that seems to beckon rather than simply reflect.

The mind drifts naturally to the artisanal washrooms conceived as miniature salons with period-era mirrors, gilded vanities and antique chandeliers. One can almost anticipate the gentle pause of guests lingering for mirror photographs.

Out in the garden

In contrast to the interior, the outdoor arrangement significantly transforms the overall experience. The 5,500 sq ft garden is structured with distinct pathways that lead to cosy seating alcoves. Stone fireplaces, vintage sculptures, cane chairs, and pedestal tables contribute to a sculptural ambience.

Salon inspired sinks in Kala Swasti — Designed as miniature salons, the washrooms pair vintage antique-gold mirrors with black metal-and-glass chandeliers and bespoke vanities; Photography by Atul Pratap Chauhan

Private cocoon like seating — A cocoon-like private dining alcove defined by French draped curtains and lush Art Deco wallpapers; Photography by Atul Pratap Chauhan

Two settings in one soul

While the influences are drawn from Versailles, European salons, and Art Deco, Neha asserts that “the soul of Kala Swasti lies in Indian craftsmanship.” Doors adorned with velvet, hand-painted furnishings, bespoke consoles, and surfaces embellished with mirrors are all crafted in their workshop. She also elaborates how, instead of resisting the scale, the design embraced it, and that’s where the true character of the space emerged.

As one distances oneself from the sketches and notes, what remains is the paradox that characterises Kala Swasti. The interior resembles an intimate palace scene, whereas the garden presents an entirely new narrative — a transformation in tone, mood, and texture. It is easy to envision moving between both realms in a single evening. And perhaps that is the pleasure of it, being able to dine somewhere that feels composed in acts, each one distinct yet connected, each one leaving you eager for the next.