Royal Vega Restaurant at Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur, designed by Art & Architecture Associates, received a nomination at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2023 held in Singapore. The World Architecture Festival is one of the most prestigious global platforms for architecture and design, bringing together leading architects and designers to showcase innovative projects from around the world.
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 cultural and architectural heritage of Rajasthan, translating the visual language of royal palaces into a contemporary dining environment.
The interior narrative incorporates symbolic elements commonly seen in royal celebrations and palace art, including elephants, horses, and peacocks, which represent grandeur and ceremonial traditions. Another key design feature is the reinterpretation of the traditional “Chhatri” (royal umbrella)—a distinctive architectural element found in Rajasthani palaces—transformed into suspended lighting fixtures that act as elegant pendant elements across the dining area.
The restaurant layout is designed to create an intimate and luxurious dining experience. The main dining hall accommodates thirty-two guests, with table arrangements designed for groups of two, four, six, and eight diners. Two private dining alcoves provide exclusive spaces for smaller gatherings while maintaining a visual connection with the main dining area.
Interior finishes celebrate traditional craftsmanship and royal aesthetics. Marble flooring with floral inlays, engraved decorative wall panels, arched niches displaying artwork by local artisans, and rich cornices create a layered interior environment inspired by palace architecture. The predominantly white backdrop balances the richness of these details while highlighting the artwork and decorative elements.
Furniture design draws from Rajasthan’s traditional craftsmanship, incorporating intricately detailed seating upholstered in regal fabrics and dining tables styled with gold-toned coverings and motifs. Customized silverware further enhances the ceremonial dining experience associated with royal vegetarian cuisine.
The World Architecture Festival 2023 nomination recognizes the project as a notable example of hospitality interior design that reinterprets regional cultural heritage through contemporary design, creating an immersive and memorable dining experience within the luxury setting of ITC Mementos Ekaaya.