Dish of the day: A design that feed
Dish of the day: A design that feed

By invite: Sanjiv Malhan

What makes up a great restaurant? In short; a great design, great service and great food equate in shaping a great restaurant.

“Ideas are refined and multiplied in the commerce of minds. In their splendor, images affect a very simple communion of souls.” – Gaston Bachelard

One such avenue of experiencing the ‘images affecting communion of souls’ is the bar and restaurants of the recent times. Bar, lounges and restaurants are changing and becoming more experimental than before.

The design elements and concepts adapted are the central contributors to entice guests and retain their presence in years to come. More so, because the epicurean society of the modern times desire an unforgettable dining experience along with gourmet delights in a fun-filled design created by these outlets.

Earlier, restaurants primary existence was to lay out a sumptuous meal, but with changing times, the diners now seek splendid dining experiences, which could be as varied as adventure, serenity, concept and theme along with a nourishing food palate.

Rightly said, first impression makes a lasting impact. And why not? Unmistakably, the potential diners and customers come in touch with the ambience of the restaurant first; then with the food.

Not only this, the contemporary designers also vouch for the first impression embossed on the customers mind. Hence, it is imperative as well as challenging for the restaurateur to focus on the decor and ambience of the restaurant.

We, at the Office for International Architecture (OFIA), believe that architecture can uplift spirits and transform an ordinary day into something extraordinary. Every project is an opportunity to create an engaging and interactive environment that would provide a holistic dining and entertaining experience.

China Doll, one of OFIA’s distinguished interior design illustrations, is a delightful visual statement in itself. The decor at China Doll – a Chinese restaurant, specialising in human cuisine creates a luxury experience and exclusivity for its patrons.

The success of China doll emphasises that the visuals undoubtedly play an important role in setting the mood of the diners and an impressive decor is the hallmark of creating magic from the mundane. The innovative and impressive experience of the interior ensures the patron to be a habitué to restaurants done by the designer.

A restaurant design is prominently noticeable for own individuality and thus, strikes a chord with their patrons instantly. The interior designers and architects are unanimous on the reasons for drawing in repeat patronage to the restaurants. I believe that customers come back for ambience, service and food; in that order or exactly the reverse order depending upon their needs.

The seamless merging of design elements, good service and delicious food are the defining essentials for restaurants to stand out and be counted among the finest restaurants. All the more reason to rejoice for the restaurateur because this aids to achieve break-even faster leading to cumulative reservations eventually turning into a higher average spend per customer (APC).

So, what makes up a great restaurant? In short; a great design, great service and great food equate in shaping a great restaurant.

At the close, I would reiterate the fact that with changing lifestyles and dissolving boundaries, the restaurants are expected to fulfill more than the culinary needs of its customers.

Thus, restaurateurs are increasingly employing the services of best interior designers or architects, who specialise in this art and package the offerings in the form of remarkable ambience for the customers and enrich their dining experience.

Ultimately, it is the palate of ambience and visual interior designs on which the restaurants serve food and fulfill the appetite of their customers. And the palate at OFIA comes with a platter of services on interior designing and styling which can be summed up aptly by what Gaston Bachelard quotes – “Man is a creation of desire, not a creation of need.” 

 
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