Design
13 new restaurants in India that give thirteen reasons to feast!
MAY 22, 2024 | By Krupakshi Mehta and Disha Kalyankar
Food in India is a pot-luck of simplicity, vibrancy and variety. From comforting khichdi and sizzling curries to the crepe-satin crème brûlée and dripping jalebis, Indian kitchens brim with diversity. A result of this is the dilemma (of choice) for every food lover: a perfect menu amidst the perfect ambience.
ELLE DECOR India takes you on a tantalising exploration where food meets design through a wholesome trove of 13 new restaurants in India.
Au Four, Chandigarh
From the moment one enters, this cafe in Chandigarh engulfs with its airy yet cosy layout. Between modern and farmhouse aesthetics, this industrial design-inspired Au Four crafted by principal architect Navdeep Sharma of Design Three Sixty stands with an intriguing character. The space coalesces wood furnishings, exposed concrete block walls and an enclosed sunlit courtyard, creating a warm and inviting ambience amidst the urban landscape.
Clean-lined, neutral-toned furniture adorns the interior with trickles of natural light flooding in. Maximising seating capacity without compromising comfort was the key challenge here, a feat Au Four achieves through adaptable seating arrangements and communal tables that foster social engagement. Adding a bit of greenery, the cafe provides a visual treat to its patrons.
Ava, Pune
Minimalist interiors in their natural wooden attire waltz with the patterns of the furnishings at Ava-Artisan Kitchen and Bar crafted by architect Ruchi Jani. A multitude of layers unravels once you step in, from the warmth of sunlight and natural materials to the collection of contemporary corners and soothing colours seen all around.
Sprawling 4,800 sq ft and two levels, the restaurant in Pune becomes a calming cocoon tucked away from the hustle-bustle of Pune for a comforting meal or even a carefree cocktail night. From customised centrepieces styled with dried flowers to delicate hand-crafted banana fibre lights, hints of personalisation in the interiors effortlessly trickle onto the curated menu of Ava as well.
BLR Brewing Co., Bengaluru
Paying homage to the five elements of nature, this Euro-inspired brewpub in the heart of Bengaluru, dubbed BLR Brewing Co. designed by Studio Camarada, brings back timelessness to the forever-rushing city. A chilled pint and hearty entree are served with a scenic view of one of India’s largest waterfalls inside a brewpub, muzzling the noise of the urban jungle and setting the tunes of a carefree getaway. The antique finish of the grand brick walls revives the spirit of Bengaluru, brewing a warm ambience.
Delissio, Surat
Design Synthesis brings Santorini to Surat with the sprawling restaurant dubbed Delissio. A multi-cuisine culinary space draped with a Japandi backdrop, under a grand curve parametric ceiling, every corner here whispers tales of tranquillity. The unique blues of the walls mirror the Aegean Sea and the earthy tones of the flooring inspired by the island’s cliff, make every entree a getaway to Santorini.
Eight, Bengaluru
Celebrating the city’s vibrancy Eight at Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bengaluru creates a kaleidoscopic dining experience of Asian culinary traditions. Minnie Bhatt of her eponymous firm, Minnie Bhatt Design, has carefully amalgamated an earthy palette with contemporary elements. The open entrance is clad in faux stone walls and stained-wood railing, while the seating in the outdoor area is defined with a modern-Asian style.
Tall metal and glass doors lead indoors, where hand-painted calligraphy on the textured blue walls, along with the wood and metallic panels, enveloping culinary coves and lantern-inspired lighting come together in a mixing wok, simmering an exquisite Asian dining experience.
Mool, Mumbai
Addressed in the historic precinct of Fort in Mumbai, Mool is built on the ethos of ‘Authentic, Unpretentious and From The Heart’. The term “Mool” translates to “from the source” and the restaurant stands true to it by serving soul-nourishing dishes that remind one of home-cooked meals found across the country. The simple food goes hand in hand with the simple design.
Eschewing bright colours and heavily embellished walls, a perfect minimal backdrop with beige walls and golden lights sets up the space. The furniture is placed symmetrically, fostering an atmosphere of openness and flow. At the heart of the space is the statement origami light sculpture ‘Rooting’ by Aravindan Arumugam. It depicts the philosophy of the restaurant, which is to evoke the emotional essence of a diverse India. Serving cuisines from all around the country, the menu brings to the table culinary flavours straight from mothers, grandmothers and other food enthusiasts.
Lyla, Mumbai
Inspired by the landscapes of Central America and infused with an Afro-Latin soul, Lyla in Mumbai’s BKC, crafted by Splendour Living’s principal architect, Nyishi Parekh celebrates vibrancy—of colours, textures, flavours and life. Natural materials blend with a rich colour palette to create a rhythm reminiscent of Barry Manilow’s Copacabana. Here, the warm tones of the interiors merengue and do the cha-cha with humming colours. Art celebrating Native Indian, Afro-Latin, and Spanish influences weaves together a tapestry of the art of living at Lyla. The menu features a wide variety of Californian and. A diverse menu that ranges from guac to the Big Apple tells tales of the American dream and the vibrant Mexican culture.
Noor Lounge, Srinagar
By the banks of the serene Jhelum River in the frosted Srinagar is Noor Lounge, designed by Forearch Studios. Here, the contrast of reds and blues with the tones of diverse woodwork crafted by local artisans radiates a warmth that comforts you in the chilly Srinagar weather. Conversation and laughter flow freely along with the culinary experience tailored to the valley’s regional charm.
The walls, adorned with rippled arches that reflect the mountains encircling the valley, pay tribute to Arabic architecture. A life-like red Chinnar tree from Kashmir brings spring to Noor. True to the roots, the ingredients for the fleeting feast of fusion flavours are usually locally sourced. The Noor menu takes you on a culinary trip around the world, with its exquisite variety. Asian, Continental, Italian, Indian, Mediterranean any cuisine one could imagine has been reimagined and served in front of them with a Noor flair.
Nusa, Bengaluru
Planning a trip to Bali? Why cross oceans when one can bring the tropics to Bengaluru? Quaint quarters amidst the busy neighbourhood, Nusa, a 20,000 sq ft restaurant envisioned by Sunita Reddy is a culinary paradise like no other. Cascading fountains, a central Koi Pond and lush greenery spread across the exteriors. Verdant foliage brings green to the interiors.
The uneven walls add rawness to the space. The cabanas are reminiscent of one’s time in Bali on the beachside. Every moment at Nusa feels like a rejuvenating vacation, with each sip and bite offering the same refreshing sensation as a dip in the ocean. Whether it is the authentic Indonesian Penang curry or savouring the beloved Ghee roasts of Mangalore, every dish on the menu promises an experience, one that is particular to Nusa.
Oriental Pavilion, Bhubaneswar
A culinary oasis, Oriental Pavilion in Bhubaneswar offers a feast of Southeast Asian flavours for gourmets and food for thought for aesthetes. Ocasa Design Studio has defied convention, wandered away from the typical brooding reds and blacks for South Asian eateries and taken the mustard-yellow-road-not-taken.
The interiors boast authenticity and freshness, clad in a traditional array of florals seamlessly blended with sage green and mustard yellow hues. As one walks through the walls adorned in tropical foliage, stepping on the tiles depicting the Himalayan Brahma Kamal flower, they teleport to a curated culinary experience in the land of Southeast Asia. With this vibrancy, a touch of timeless elegance is added by the louvred screens and dark wood-panelled ceilings that pay homage to the colonial architecture of the region. Modern design blends with the concepts of age-old design elements in a softly lit, intimate ambience.
Takumi, Mumbai
The stereotypical red speaks volumes here. Crafted by the visionary team behind Richboyz Hospitality and designed by Sumessh Menon, Takumi in Mumbai sets up a perfect Asian dining experience. A sculpture of an Asian warrior within a custom-made Japanese Torri gate marks the entrance to a world where Asian culture comes to life in full glory.
Dim lights against the backdrop of bold red, bamboo shoots, grey Vivaldi and red Levante stones, and Asian-inspired artworks add an extra layer of flavour. One may choose to have their meal in the outdoor space adorned with lush green Bidar flooring, complemented by custom lights featuring imprints of typical Asian designs and organic-shaped cane fixtures. Indoors, intricate grid patterns adorn wall panelling, door designs and ceiling accents, while the true centrepiece emerges in the form of a cuboid-punctured burgundy wall, commanding attention as the undisputed star of the show.
Tea Amo, Pune
A space emerging from the earth or at least it looks like one! Tea Amo, a 6,000 sq ft take on earthy designs by Kaushal Tatiya Architects in Shanti Nagar, Pune, is where natural textures and pigments from the bare ground crawl up the wall. With symmetrical shapes reigning the design charts, this restaurant is perfect for an under-the-line event where peace is kept at the utmost.
It is perfect for forming personal connections, as discussions on food and design can make one gauge their like-mindedness. Patterns, predominantly curves, glide through the space. The restaurant utilises beige, orange, black, white and greens to evoke the earthy sense and uses nature-inspired curves that can usually be spotted on bark, sand and more.
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