Cultural wayfinding
Industrial house in the middle of the tropical island
Company
Zaitoon Restaurant
Location
Nungambakkam
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Chennai’s culinary fabric is a living archive layered with traditions and global culture. Food here is an experience, a story woven through flavours and cultures, much more than just satiation. Zaitoon Restaurant, a brand that has been redefining South India’s palate for 15 years, takes this narrative further at its new eatery at Nungambakkam, Chennai, with the refreshed brand experience itself plays as an ingredient.
A curated balance of natural textures and ambient transitions, designed to leave a subtle yet enduring impression.
Set in the pulse of the city, the space serves as a canvas for culinary expression. ‘We wanted to create something that lingers, a place where the dining experience is as memorable as the flavours,’ says the design director. The outcome materialised as a seamless interplay of texture, flow and recollection.
An immersive dialogue of sandstone, terrazzo, and serpegiante marble sets the tone for the brand narrative grounded in earthy elegance with hints of metallic accents. Sunlight drenches the interiors during the day and custom fixtures subtly shifts the ambiance from the sunlit embrace to a hushed warm glow. The lingering whisper of warm aroma curated solely for Zaitoon, quietly imprints the brand experience in users.
‘Flow’defines the interiors of the circular site context. Softly curved ceilings and furniture encourage effortless movement. A wave-like wall installation stands as a centrepiece and a reflection of brand metaphor. ‘Itrepresents evolution, continuity, and the rhythm of Zaitoon’s journey,’ explains the designer.
From our client
Hey made sure that both teams were on the same page throughout the collaboration. The team was receptive to changes and adapted the designs to the company’s needs.
Aliyana Alexander
Founder & Director, Zaitoon
