Project: Otoki, Colaba: Modern Japanese Restaurant Design
We transformed the site of the iconic Indigo Deli into a serene, Japanese-inspired dining space in Colaba. Our design focuses on quiet strength through minimalism, warm wood tones, and thoughtful spatial flow.
The entrance to Otoki, where the building's original colonial arches frame a simple, clean wooden door, signaling the calm and minimal aesthetic within.
The interior is bright and airy, with a double-height ceiling, a neutral palette, and a striking checkered console table that adds a touch of modern geometry.
The main dining area features clean lines, a custom fan-like chandelier, and large abstract art. The space feels open and serene, with plenty of natural light from the arched windows.
A view from the mezzanine level shows the relationship between the two floors, connected by the open space and the consistent, calming design language.
From behind the sushi bar, you can see through to the main dining area, creating a sense of connection between the chefs and the guests. The ceiling features a textured wood finish.
An overhead view of the booth seating, highlighting the mix of textures in the cushions and the soft glow of the unique, sculptural light fixture.
The main bar is crafted from light wood and features a textured black tile front, providing a subtle contrast while maintaining the minimalist aesthetic.
About this collection
Turning the space that once housed Indigo Deli into Otoki was a lesson in preservation and restraint. We chose to respect the original architectural footprint rather than forcing a total overhaul, utilizing the existing archways as a foundation for the new Japanese aesthetic. By layering warm, neutral wood tones and soft, indirect lighting, we were able to shift the atmosphere from a high-energy deli to a calm, minimalist restaurant.
The Otoki project highlights our approach to hospitality design: finding the balance between a brand's new identity and the site's inherent character. Located in Colaba, Mumbai, this restaurant needed to move away from the noise of the street while inviting guests into a space of quiet strength.
We focused on a material palette of warm woods, soft beiges, and brass accents to keep the space grounded. The lighting was carefully planned to enhance this mood. We installed custom, fanned chandeliers that draw the eye up, emphasizing the double-height ceilings. The bar area, often the centerpiece of such spaces, features a textured black tile front that contrasts subtly with the lighter woodwork throughout the dining room.
We avoided the temptation to over-decorate. Instead, we used clean lines and functional layout changes, such as the open kitchen pass that connects the staff and the guests, to create a natural, fluid dining experience. Every element, from the fluted glass partitions to the custom cane-weave stools, was chosen to offer durability without sacrificing the aesthetic. If you are looking to renovate an existing commercial space, the lesson from Otoki is clear: you do not always need to start from scratch to build something that feels entirely new.
Sarah Sham
We are Essajees Atelier, and we build spaces that tell a story. We do not believe in trends; we believe in creating spaces that feel like they belong, just as we did with the Otoki project in Colaba.
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