Redefining Zafran’s Brand with Contemporary Restaurant Design in Dubai Hills Mall

Dubai, UAE – Broadway Interiors has recently completed the interior design of Zafran restaurant in Dubai Hills Mall, setting a new benchmark for the brand’s interior standards that will be adopted in all future branches across the region. Chris Barnes, the founder of Broadway, designed the project to complement the superior quality of Zafran’s Indian cuisine while aligning with the modern trends of 2023-2024.

“Being located in such a competitive and high-profile shopping destination, we saw an excellent opportunity to elevate the Zafran brand. The restaurant is situated right next to the VIP entrance on the ground floor, offering dual access to accommodate the significant footfall from both directions,” says Barnes. “The design caters to the diverse clientele that Zafran generally attracts, providing varied dining experiences to suit their different preferences.”

The interior design subtly celebrates Indian spices and food colours without being literal. Warm hues, natural textures, and varied seating create an inviting atmosphere that encourages diners to engage with the culinary specialties on offer.

Barnes highlights the strategic placement of the open kitchen, enhancing the dining experience: “We showcased the kitchen prominently, allowing guests to see their food being prepared, which is quite unique for a mall setting.”

Emphasising cost-effectiveness, Barnes adds, “One of my particular interests is creating interest without significant expenditure. We’ve used a palette that appears luxurious, yet is economically applied, delivering value to our clients.”

Design walk-through

Right from the main entrance, the custom-made seating arrangement with a bold circular red velvet booth anchors the space. Its plush fabric and vibrant colour draw the eye, creating a focal point that is both inviting and elegant. 

Complementing the booth are the terrazzo-patterned marble tables and custom-made chairs with warm wooden frames and cane detailing, surrounded by a variety of upholstered seats in muted green and pink hues.

Taking centre stage is the lush greenery, which brings life and vibrancy to the interior. The arrangement of tall, leafy plants and smaller shrubs is encased in a wooden planter that doubles as a room divider, seamlessly integrating nature into the dining experience.

This green oasis enhances the restaurant’s ambiance, providing a refreshing contrast to the urban mall setting outside. Warm lighting from woven pendant lamps enhances the inviting atmosphere, set against a backdrop of contemporary, abstract designs, creating a soft and organic feel.

Utilising a palette of materials that give the impression of opulence, Broadway Interiors in collaboration with Design Infinity, the appointed fit-out contractor for this project,  has balanced cost-effective solutions with premium accents to forge an elevated dining environment without the associated high expenditure.

“Zafran’s redesign needed to be understated yet remarkable, a task we achieved by focusing on layout, material harmony, and creating different dining zones that cater to varied demographics,” Barnes continues and concludes. “The design DNA we’ve introduced is neutral and sophisticated, mirroring the mall’s luxurious vibe and ensuring that the true star remains the food.”

Project details: 

Project name: Zafran Restaurant 

Size: 5,400 sqft

Location: Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai, UAE

Interior design: Broadway Interiors

Fit-out: Design Infinity