Royal Vega Restaurant, ITC Mementos Ekaaya Udaipur – Winner at Asia Design Awards 2024
Asia Design Awards 2024 – Winner
Royal Vega Restaurant, ITC Mementos Ekaaya Udaipur – Asia Design Awards 2024 Winner
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 international award recognizes projects that demonstrate excellence in architectural design, cultural expression, and spatial innovation. Royal Vega is a signature vegetarian fine-dining restaurant by ITC Hotels, known for celebrating India’s royal culinary traditions. The design concept for the restaurant draws inspiration from the rich architectural and cultural heritage of Rajasthan, translating the grandeur of palace architecture into a contemporary hospitality interior. The interior narrative is built around symbolic elements that have historically appeared in royal processions and celebrations such as elephants, horses, and peacocks. These motifs are subtly integrated into the design language to evoke the ceremonial richness associated with Rajasthan’s royal past. One of the most distinctive features of the restaurant is the reinterpretation of the “Chhatri” (royal umbrella)—an iconic architectural element found in Rajasthani palaces. These forms have been transformed into suspended lighting fixtures that act as elegant pendant elements above the dining tables, creating a celebratory ambience within the space. The restaurant layout is designed to provide an intimate yet flexible dining experience. The main dining hall accommodates thirty-two guests, with tables arranged for groups of two, four, six, and eight diners. Two private dining alcoves allow for exclusive dining experiences while maintaining visual continuity with the main space. The interior surfaces reflect the rich craftsmanship and decorative traditions of Rajasthan. Marble flooring with intricate floral inlays establishes a luxurious base, while engraved wall panels, ornate cornices, and arched alcoves showcase artwork created by local artisans depicting royal processions and cultural narratives. A predominantly white palette provides balance and allows the decorative elements and artwork to stand out. Furniture design draws inspiration from traditional royal dining settings, featuring intricately detailed seating upholstered in regal fabrics and custom-designed dining tables dressed 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. By combining heritage-inspired design elements with contemporary hospitality planning, the restaurant creates a unique dining environment that celebrates Rajasthan’s royal culture while delivering a refined modern experience. Receiving the Asia Design Awards 2024 highlights the project as a notable example of hospitality interior design that successfully integrates cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary spatial design.