Project Name: Royal Vega Restaurant, Mementos by ITC Hotels – Ekaaya Udaipur
Architecture & Interior Design Firm: Art & Architecture Associates
Architect: Dharam Patel
Lead Architect: Keta Shah
Project Type: Hospitality Interior (Restaurant)
Built-up Area: 1599.80 sq. ft.
Carpet Area: 1455 sq. ft.
Location: Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
Project Year: 2023
Photography: Tejas Shah Photography

Royal Vega Restaurant at Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur, designed by Art & Architecture Associates, was nominated at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2023 held in Singapore. The prestigious international platform celebrates innovative architectural and interior design projects from across the world, recognizing excellence in design thinking and spatial experience.

The restaurant is part of the Royal Vega brand by ITC Hotels, known for its refined vegetarian cuisine inspired by India’s royal culinary traditions. The design brief aimed to create an immersive dining experience that reflects the cultural heritage and royal architectural language of Rajasthan, while maintaining a contemporary hospitality environment.

Drawing inspiration from the palatial architecture and ceremonial imagery of Rajasthan, the design integrates symbolic elements such as elephants, horses, and peacocks, which have historically appeared in royal processions and palace art. Another key motif is the “Chhatri” (royal umbrella)—a significant architectural element in Rajasthani palaces—reinterpreted as suspended lighting features that act as decorative pendant lamps across the dining area.

The restaurant layout is designed to create an intimate yet flexible dining environment. The main dining hall accommodates eight tables seating thirty-two guests, with table configurations designed for different group sizes. Two private dining alcoves further enhance the exclusivity of the space, allowing smaller groups to enjoy a more intimate dining experience.

Surface treatments and interior detailing celebrate traditional craftsmanship. Marble flooring with floral inlays, intricately carved wall panels, decorative cornices, and arched niches displaying artwork by local artisans contribute to the royal character of the space. These design elements are balanced with a predominantly white palette that highlights the richness of the decorative motifs and artwork.

Furniture design draws from traditional royal dining spaces of Rajasthan, incorporating upholstered seating with regal fabrics and custom-designed dining tables draped in gold-toned covers with woven motifs. The dining experience is further enhanced through customized silverware, reflecting the ceremonial traditions associated with royal vegetarian cuisine.

The World Architecture Festival 2023 nomination recognizes the project as a distinctive example of hospitality interior design that interprets regional cultural heritage through contemporary design, creating an immersive and memorable dining environment.