Gold Winner of the Architecture & Design Collection Awards 2023

Zalata Restaurant

Conceptual Design
Interior & Workplace Design

Architect / Designer:

Aljohara Beydoun

Studio:

Ink Design

Design Team:

Aljohara Beydoun, Ruba Aljuhani, Anan Azhar, Shaden Meer

Country:

Saudi Arabia

Zalata, at its core, is a vibrant celebration of the rich culinary traditions of Saudi Arabia, thoughtfully presented within a contemporary setting. The essence of the restaurant lies in its ability to seamlessly blend the nostalgia of the Najdi home with a modern, sophisticated elegance. The result is an immersive dining experience that transcends mere sustenance; it becomes a journey through time and culture.

The abstraction of Najdi home nostalgia serves as the artistic foundation of Zalata. Every corner of the restaurant is meticulously designed to evoke the warmth and familiarity of a traditional home in Najd, while simultaneously embracing the forward-thinking spirit of the contemporary world. The space becomes a canvas where traditional elements are deconstructed and reinterpreted, creating an environment that feels simultaneously timeless and cutting-edge.

Guests at Zalata are not merely diners; they are participants in an experience carefully curated to showcase the authenticity of Saudi cuisine. The carefully chosen color palette, inspired by the earthy tones of the Najdi landscape, sets the stage for a dining journey that is both visually stunning and emotionally evocative.

Zalata’s bold design accents, including statement furniture pieces and vibrant textiles, are not mere embellishments but deliberate choices that underscore the restaurant’s commitment to boldness and innovation. These elements serve as visual markers, inviting guests to explore the layers of meaning embedded in every corner of the space.

Ink Design

We are a multidisciplinary design studio with a strong conceptual ability to merge art, design, and science. Our inspiration is deeply rooted in our identity as we always aim to create means of a dialogue between our past and future. We at Ink always look for means of innovation and unique creations that reflect our clients’ dreams and needs. The combination of art, poetry, and science formulates the basis of our design philosophy.

At Ink Design, we believe in the power of storytelling through design. Our solid foundation in literature and design allows us to craft narratives that go beyond aesthetics, delving into the essence of our clients’ visions. We see each project as an opportunity to create a meaningful dialogue between the tangible and the intangible, blending the poetic with the scientific, and the historical with the futuristic.

We encourage designers and architects to share their best projects with the rest of the world so as to inspire the next generation and gain global recognition.