Within Mumbai’s urban context, among Art Deco buildings, the renewed Bombay Brasserie interprets India’s cultural and culinary heritage through an interior design project by ARA Designs.
The renovation preserves the restaurant’s historical identity while introducing a contemporary language defined by materials, handcrafted decorations, and references to Indian regional traditions.
Hospitality renovation between Indian tradition and contemporary language
The project transforms Bombay Brasserie into an immersive experience, where each element contributes to the spatial narrative. Handwoven textiles, metal tiffin boxes, banana leaf fibers, painted dolls, and terrazzo tiles define a material palette rooted in local craftsmanship.
Ceilings decorated with handwoven pinwheels interact with Art Deco details, maintaining continuity with the building’s architectural context. The result is a balanced environment where memory, Indian visual culture, and contemporary design coexist.
Restaurant layout and spatial experience
The entrance welcomes guests through a lush veranda that anticipates the interior atmosphere. At the center, a double-height volume recalls a traditional Indian courtyard.
Mirrors expand spatial perception and reflect the colors of suspended kites, symbols of celebration and sharing. The layout creates a narrative sequence in which circulation becomes part of the sensory experience.
Materials, decoration, and handcrafted details
The Art Deco-style bar counter introduces a dedicated cocktail area with a more scenographic character. Walls decorated with Chennai sarees highlight the intense colors of southern India, while hand-carved tables from Rajasthan reference regional craftsmanship.
Light wall tones combined with warm wood finishes balance the richness of decorative elements, avoiding visual overload and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
Architectural identity and cultural continuity
The main design challenge lies in preserving the Art Deco architectural integrity while integrating contemporary elements. Bombay Brasserie becomes a hospitality project where interior design reinterprets the existing identity through materials, colors, and cultural references.
The renovation reinforces the restaurant’s role as a narrative space where cuisine, architecture, and Indian visual culture converge into a unified experience.
Location: Mumbai
Design: ARA Designs
Lead architect: Amey Dahanukar
Area: 279 sqm
Photo credit: Santosh Kardak
ARA Designs
Founded in 2011 by Amey Dahanukar, ARA Designs is a multidisciplinary architecture studio working across retail, hospitality, and residential sectors. The studio develops spaces that balance design sensitivity with a user-centered approach, with particular attention to the relationship between interior and exterior environments.