Zariya, New Delhi | Dal Samarkand

In Delhi’s ever-evolving culinary landscape, the shift from virtual kitchens to physical dining spaces presents both opportunity and risk. This project addressed precisely that challenge – a cloud kitchen to café bar transformation for a well-established multicuisine brand ready to step into the dine-in space.

Located in one of Delhi’s busiest neighbourhoods, the brief focused on retaining the brand’s existing goodwill while introducing a layered, immersive café-bar experience. The space needed to function effortlessly from morning service through late-night hours, without losing its core identity.

The Concept: Café by Day, Bar by Night

At the heart of the design was a dual-purpose vision. During the day, the space operates as a bright, welcoming café. After sundown, it seamlessly transitions into a moody, intimate bar. This concept guided every design decision—from spatial planning to material selection, lighting design, and furniture choices.

A deep burgundy palette ties the entire café-bar together. Chosen for its warmth and versatility, the colour bridges both functions effortlessly. Textural layering, varied finishes, and subtle contrasts ensure that each floor has its own character while remaining visually cohesive.

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Spatial Zoning and Flow Across Two Levels

The café-bar unfolds across two levels, each designed with a distinct role. The ground floor functions as the casual, high-energy zone. With direct street access, it caters to daytime coffee runs, informal meetings, and early evening gatherings.

Upon entry, visitors are greeted by a display counter clad in abstract mosaic tilework. The surface introduces colour, movement, and a handcrafted feel that reflects the brand’s artisanal roots. Above it, suspended green glass blocks filter light and break vertical monotony, adding visual depth without overwhelming the space.

Adjacent to the counter sits a compact espresso station, ledge seating for solo diners, and a partially open kitchen window. This visual connection reinforces transparency while subtly referencing the brand’s cloud kitchen origins.

Cloud Kitchen to Café Bar Transformation Through Design

A defining element of this cloud kitchen to café bar transformation is how circulation was used to shape experience. The central staircase becomes more than a connector—it acts as a sculptural focal point.

Finished in gold-coated mild steel with burgundy stone treads, the staircase establishes material continuity between floors. More importantly, it marks the transition from casual daytime energy to a slower, more intimate evening rhythm.

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The First Floor: Lounge & Bar Ambiance

In contrast to the lively café below, the first floor opens into a plush lounge and bar setting. Here, the palette deepens and the lighting softens. Leather sofas, muted gold-framed chairs, and stone-top tables form relaxed seating clusters suited for small groups and date nights.

Layered lighting plays a key role. Wall sconces and warm ambient fixtures cast gentle shadows across burgundy-toned walls, enhancing intimacy without dimming functionality. The organically shaped bar counter becomes the visual anchor of the space. With its smooth profile, textured finishes, and backlit liquor shelves, it comes alive during night service.

Operational needs are handled discreetly. Guest washrooms, liquor storage, and a smoking balcony are integrated without disrupting the lounge atmosphere. Meanwhile, an existing rear staircase was retained to streamline food movement from the ground-floor kitchen to the first-floor service area. This ensures operational efficiency without compromising the guest experience.

Material & Mood: Crafting a Layered Sensory Experience

Material selection was central to shaping how the space evolves throughout the day. Each surface was chosen for both performance and mood:

• Limewash walls introduce softness and aged texture
• Micro concrete flooring provides a neutral, durable base
• Burgundy-toned stone adds depth to staircases and counters
• Walnut brown ceiling paint grounds the visual narrative
• Green glass blocks and crackle tiles bring filtered light and texture
• Antique brass fixtures reinforce warmth without excess
• Furniture in muted gold frames and tan upholstery balances drama with comfort

Together, these materials support the cloud kitchen to café bar transformation by responding differently to daylight and artificial lighting, while remaining low-maintenance over time.

The Experience: A Space That Evolves with Time

Ultimately, the project delivers a space that adapts intuitively to time and mood. It begins as a lively café and gradually transforms into a refined bar setting. This evolution feels natural, guided by zoning, lighting shifts, and material contrast rather than overt design gestures.

The transformation reintroduces a familiar brand in a physical format, offering loyal customers a place to connect while attracting a new, experience-driven audience. As a result, the project demonstrates how thoughtful spatial design can successfully anchor a cloud kitchen to café bar transformation within a competitive urban context.

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Disclaimer: The information herein is based upon information obtained in good faith from sources believed to be reliable. All such information and opinions can be subject to change. Furthermore, the image featured in this article is for representation purposes only. It does not in any way represent the project. However, If you wish to remove or edit the article, please email editor@biltrax.com.