Minnie Bhatt has designed an impressive array of projects, each distinguished by her signature blend of exquisite and timeless design. 

Minnie Bhatt, an accomplished interior designer, embarked on her design journey in an unexpected yet serendipitous manner. Her first major project came when a friend’s business partner needed an interior designer for Silver Beach Café in Juhu, Mumbai. This initial venture into café design proved successful and set the stage for her illustrious career. Since that pivotal project, Minnie’s portfolio has expanded exponentially, showcasing over 100 premium restaurants, each distinct yet imbued with her recognizable design signature.

With a career spanning 28 remarkable years and nearly 500 completed projects, Minnie Bhatt’s reputation is particularly strong in the restaurant design category, where she is celebrated for harmonizing aesthetics with functionality. Her creative prowess is exemplified in celebrated establishments such as all the Burma Burma outlets across India, Dobaara, Eight in Bangalore, Ishaara, Cafe Holiday in Mumbai, and Taco and Tequila Co. in Pune, to name a few.

Minnie’s approach to restaurant design is immersive and thoughtful. She ensures that every element, from spatial layout to lighting and decor, aligns with the brand’s identity while enhancing the overall guest experience. Her designs constantly create unforgettable dining experiences. merging style with comfort and functionality.

Her work has taken her across India and beyond, driven by her remarkable ability to adapt and tackle on-site challenges with agility. Growing up surrounded by Art Deco architecture, Minnie developed a keen eye for timeless design, influencing her ability to blend heritage with modernity in her projects. Her residential designs are equally distinguished, having created bespoke spaces for prominent figures such as Ronnie Screwvala and B.K. Modi. While rooted in cultural richness, her work embraces contemporary trends, innovative materials and global inspirations.

Minnie’s relentless passion and dedication have been the cornerstones of her enduring success. Even after nearly three decades in the industry, she approaches each project with unbridled enthusiasm, consistently seeking to innovate and inspire through her designs.

We have handpicked a few standout projects from her extensive portfolio.

Taco and Tequila Co. in Pune

Taco and Tequila Co. in Pune is an inviting 3,000 sq. ft. Mexican restaurant spread across two levels, each boasting a prominent bar. The lower level welcomes patrons through an entrance marked by a stylish glass and metal door featuring a cactus motif. Inside, guests are greeted by a cosy nook with branded signage and a hostess desk, set against a backdrop wall hand-painted with vibrant murals of cacti and desert plants.

The space is thoughtfully divided into indoor and outdoor sections, separated by a sleek glass and metal partition. The fluidly designed bar seamlessly connects these areas, becoming a central visual highlight. The flooring is a mosaic of beige and brown rhombus-cut tiles, creating an earthy yet refined look. Near the entrance, curved built-in booths invite guests to settle in, framed by a dark teal wall adorned with playful borders of handmade ceramic tiles.

Custom lighting fixtures enhance the space’s ambiance. One standout is a large, rust-hued hanging light adorned with an abstract ivory pattern, while another mixes woven cane and fiberglass for a unique touch. Comfortable, stylish furniture features bold prints that evoke Mexican flair; creating a cohesive and inviting dining experience.

The bar, a focal point of the lower level, is accented with a suspended rack showcasing textured stained glass highlights, perfect for displaying bottles. Its apron features faux terrazzo in a blend of three colors, adding both texture and visual interest.

The outdoor section continues the vibrant theme, crowned by a stunning installation inspired by the iconic Mexican sombrero, crafted from metal and woven cane. The backdrop wall combines terracotta lattice and firebricks, blending rustic warmth with contemporary design. Furniture in this area is a mix of metal, wood, and rope, complemented by terracotta-hued floor tiles. Lush potted plants add greenery and life, enhancing the alfresco ambiance.

Ascending to the terrace level, patrons pass by cheerful Mexican murals and quirky signage on the staircase’s mid-landing. Terracotta pots with cacti lamps decorate the ledge wall, creating a welcoming scene. Built-in seating lines the parapet walls, adapting to the structure’s curves and nooks. Planter beds brimming with cacti echo the arid landscapes of Mexico, seamlessly blending with the restaurant’s theme.

The terrace itself features a striking elliptical bar at its center, topped with a roof finished in Chattai for an authentic touch. The bar apron is lined with decorative tiles, while the countertop is crafted from rich green Indian marble. Three bar tables adjoin the central bar, inviting lively gatherings. To provide shade, tensile kites have been installed in one section, adding a playful, practical element to the space.

Loose furniture on the terrace is a tasteful combination of woven rope, metal, and cane, paired with cushions and upholstery adorned with Mexican-inspired prints. The terrace is further enlivened with numerous potted plants and large cacti in earthen and ceramic planters, creating a lush, inviting environment. Carefully sourced artifacts highlight various corners, adding character and enriching the overall experience at Taco and Tequila Co.

From curated details to vibrant aesthetics, the space captures the spirit of Mexico, making it a destination for a truly immersive dining experience.

Eight in Bangalore

Eight in Bangalore is a sophisticated Asian bar and restaurant, meticulously designed by Minnie and her team to captivate a premium clientele. The entrance sets the stage with an open section framed by stained wood railing that elegantly defines the space. Faux stone walls and contemporary Asian-style seating create a welcoming yet refined ambiance.

The bar serves as a functional and visual centerpiece, dividing the restaurant into four distinct sections while allowing access from all sides. Its apron, crafted from corrugated corten steel, brings a touch of industrial chic, the bulkhead above features a unique blend of metal and intertwined rice paper, adding an element of texture and subtle elegance.

To the right of the bar are wood and metallic glass panels lending privacy to two table seating areas, perfect for more intimate dining. The walls in this area are textured in a deep blue, highlighted by striking hand-painted black calligraphy that adds an artistic flair and contrasts beautifully with the surrounding decor.

A raised floor section offers a view into the bustling restaurant kitchen, adding an interactive touch to the dining experience. This area transitions seamlessly to the terrace at the back, which features bold 3D abstract artwork adorning one side. The terrace seating is composed of tall, contemporary Asian-style sofas paired with an eclectic mix of chairs, offering a variety of seating options for guests.

A standout design feature is the set of tall metal and glass doors that mark the entrance to the restaurant from the front and lead to the terrace area at the rear. These doors contribute to the restaurant’s modern aesthetic while enhancing the sense of openness and connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Minnie’s thoughtful design integrates traditional Asian influences with contemporary elements, resulting in a space that is both visually striking and inviting—perfectly suited for a high-end dining experience.

Canto in Mumbai

Canto in Mumbai is an inviting dining destination that artfully balances contemporary luxury with comfort. The name “Canto,” meaning “corner,” inspired a design that embodies a unique experience, transforming the space into a refined and visually captivating environment.

The restaurant’s layout offers an array of seating options, accommodating both intimate dinners and larger social gatherings. A sophisticated palette of greens, blues, and rust, enriched with warm wood accents, defines the space. Plush seating in hues of teal, blue, and coral enhances the sense of opulence, while table surfaces feature a mix of veneer, marble, terrazzo, and decorative tiles, adding textural interest.

A standout feature is the floor-to-ceiling façade with its metal framework adorned with geometric patterns, inviting ample natural light and offering picturesque views of the surrounding greenery. The black-and-white terrazzo flooring, laid in dynamic geometric patterns, is complemented by sections of raised wooden tiles, infusing the space with warmth.

The bar area is an epitome of modern sophistication, highlighted by structured shelving in veneer and tinted mirror, showcasing an extensive selection of spirits and glassware. The fluted green marble bar counter exudes luxury, while a suspended MS display with stained glass accents in shades of blue, amber, and yellow add a touch of elegance. Central to the décor is a striking black sculpture, serving as an artistic focal point.

Throughout the restaurant, unique sculptural light fixtures create visual intrigue. Booths are illuminated by oversized fabric and wireframe domes, while central light features incorporate frameworks with crushed fabric, casting soft, diffused lighting. A textured wall with geometric patterns is accentuated by gold-toned light fixtures, their pebble-like forms adding a natural and artistic dimension. Stone veneer-clad columns with linear wall lights further enhance the space’s sophisticated aesthetic.

Mirrors framed with fluted wooden panels contribute depth and a sense of openness, while a ribbed green wall with an ombre effect transitions from deep forest green to lighter shades, serving as a captivating backdrop. These elements together create a space that is both modern and luxurious, perfect for a dining experience that is as comfortable as it is stylish.

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