Project Name: Royal Vega Restaurant, Mementos by ITC Hotels – Ekaaya Udaipur
Architect: Dharam Patel
Architecture & Interior Design Firm: Art & Architecture Associates
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, received the Winner recognition at the Asia Design Awards 2024 held in Singapore. The award celebrates outstanding achievements in architecture and interior design that demonstrate innovation, cultural expression, and design excellence.

The restaurant is part of ITC Hotels’ Royal Vega brand, known for its refined vegetarian cuisine inspired by the culinary traditions of Indian royal households. The design concept draws inspiration from the rich architectural heritage and ceremonial imagery of Rajasthan, translating these elements into a contemporary hospitality interior.

Symbolic motifs such as elephants, horses, and peacocks—icons often associated with royal processions and palace art—are integrated into the interior narrative. Another distinctive feature is the reinterpretation of the traditional “Chhatri” (royal umbrella), an important architectural element in Rajasthani palaces, transformed into decorative pendant lighting elements suspended across the dining area.

The layout features a main dining hall accommodating thirty-two guests, with table configurations designed for two, four, six, and eight diners, ensuring flexibility for different group sizes. Two private dining alcoves provide more intimate dining experiences while maintaining visual continuity with the main space.

Interior surfaces celebrate traditional craftsmanship and royal detailing. Marble flooring with floral inlays, intricately engraved wall panels, decorative cornices, and arched niches displaying artwork by local artisans create an atmosphere reminiscent of royal dining spaces. The predominantly white palette balances the rich detailing while highlighting the artwork and architectural elements.

Furniture design reflects Rajasthan’s rich tradition of wood, stone, and metal craftsmanship, with intricately detailed seating upholstered in regal fabrics and custom-designed tables dressed in gold-toned coverings with woven motifs. The dining experience is further elevated through customized silverware, echoing the ceremonial traditions of royal vegetarian cuisine.

Receiving the Asia Design Awards 2024 recognizes the project as an exemplary example of hospitality interior design that blends regional cultural identity with contemporary design sensibilities, creating a memorable and immersive dining environment within the luxury setting of ITC Mementos Ekaaya.