In new restaurant Joshi House, architect Ashiesh Shah evokes Jaipur’s havelis and pays homage to Rajasthani architecture and crafts

In the heart of bustling Bandra — a hip suburb on the coast of Mumbai — Joshi House’s leafy courtyard and white marble ornaments befit the two-storey bungalow that was once the home of Pali Village Cafe, the popular eatery that shuttered in 2019. ‘This made the project quite challenging, since we were working with something that people were very fond of,’ says architect Ashiesh Shah, who designed the new 2000-square-metre establishment in close collaboration with restaurateur Suren Joshi. Inspired by the architecture of Rajasthan’s traditional havelis, the design of the new restaurant pays homage to Joshi’s roots.

Over the course of the day, Joshi House’s various spaces come to life. Hand-carved white marble columns and railings line the contours of a shady courtyard framed by lush trees, while embroidered cushions, vermilion and cyan details and a flowery mural lend the space a bohemian atmosphere. ‘The outdoor area’s colour palette and sculptural water fountain exude a cooler and calmer feel, much like the aangan, or courtyard, of a haveli,’ says Shah.

The indoor dining area is realised in shades of white and brown, a simple yet elegant scheme. White arches and pillars contrast with the ceiling’s dark wooden beams, and finely executed paintings on the wall emphasise the hand-crafted nature of the space. ‘The interior setting plays with a minimal aesthetic. Overall, the space is infused with techniques and objects that were custom made and embody the spirit of Indian artisanship. Most furniture pieces, light fixtures and rugs were specially crafted for the space,’ says Shah.

The bar area exudes a different character. Here, dark-toned bench seats and armchairs are layered against a monochrome mural that wraps the entire room. ‘The charcoal mural give the space a certain drama,’ says Shah. ‘Its subjects are inspired by Mughal art and the miniature paintings usually found in Rajasthan’s havelis and palaces.’ A minimal brass bar and a hand-cut mirror ceiling add a hint of luxury.

Upstairs on the white marble balcony overlooking the courtyard, two tables are paired with turquoise and teal armchairs. On tables, colourful dishes from chef Richard D'Souza’s kitchen perfect the space’s vibrant atmosphere. The cuisine and decor are crafted with equal attention, but the former surprises with its eclecticism. Pasta dishes are served alongside tacos and kofta, and meals are paired with wine and wine cocktails — a convivial, charming mix reminiscent of home-cooked feasts.

Text / Nina Milhaud
Images / Atelier Ashiesh Shah