A retro pizzeria? Find whimsy and nostalgia served at this restaurant by Studio Camarada

This pizzeria in Bengaluru has us on a serious sugar (design) rush. Serious Slice designed by Studio Camarada is drenched in a palette so saccharine yet refined, one can’t help but swoon over its sundae-streaked sophistication. “We wanted to bring a fresh approach to the idea of a pizzeria, that would redefine the expectations of such spaces,” reflects Andre Camara, Partner at Studio Camarada.

A slice of nostalgia served with a modern twist, it’s reminiscent of 1950s American diners – the kind of space where polaroids are snapped, napkins catch scribbled notes, and pinky promises sealed over a strawberry milkshake topped with whipped cream. Sans a definite theme but with a touch of art deco and playful pops of colour, Andre who designed the pizzeria alongside Partner Shravya Shetty and associates Sanjana Raju, Shreya Jain says, “It’s definitely a take on the whole maxima-list typology.” 

Find your cosy corner!

At the heart of the pizzeria’s design of course is the piece de resistance – a soft blue teal pizza oven-like cherry atop a sundae. Surrounding it is an array of seating choices, each asking you to stay a little longer. 

The booths are tucked away as snug corners, straight out of a comic book diner – think Pop’s Chock’lit Shoppe – offering a perfect little space for fun conversations and quick bites. At the centre is a community table that brings people together over a slice, the high stools along the walls offer relaxed spots to unwind, while the tables by the windows bathe in natural light, ideal for unhurried weekend brunches. 

The oversized pendant lights in a fiery pop of red act as a bold accent, functional as they are remarkable, something you’d associate the space with even after your visit. Art deco arches lend the restaurant a touch of mid-century glamour while grounding the maximalist aesthetic with symmetry. Words like ‘sourdough goodness’ and ‘fired up’ emblazoned on the walls further infuse the space with personality. 

A retro colour palette

The tones here unfold like a cherished childhood memory. Vivid, sweet and brushed with innocent confidence. Candyfloss pinks ebb and flow throughout the restaurant, on the ceilings, floors and walls, and swirling with peppermint stripes every now and then. 

Strawberry sorbet reds pop as an accent colour, while soft pastels ripple around like taffy ribbons. Every hue melts into the next, conjuring a space that is as playful as it is refined.

Despite the air of whimsy that lingers through the design, the pizzeria is underpinned with a visual comfort. Talking about this balance, Andre shares, “The play of colours and patterns was both the highlight and the challenge – finding just the right balance was crucial and immensely rewarding.”

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