Inside a cleverly designed small space eatery in Gurugram

Studio Dot uses every inch of the assigned 350-square-foot area to craft an aesthetically pleasing and highly functional restaurant for Long Finish by Ramen Donn.

Curated by: Deepa Nair
Photographs: Abhay Khatri; courtesy Studio Dot

The brief

Long Finish, the new ramen restaurant in Gurugram designed by Studio Dot sits in a cosy 350-square-foot space. The design team was required to create an environment that balances a fine dining and a street food set-up.

The design intent

With a tight area to work with — for both, a functional kitchen and indoor seating space — the architects allocated 225 sq ft to the kitchen, leaving just 125 sq ft for the indoor ramen bar. Despite the challenge of limited space, the ramen bar’s design incorporates both creativity and functionality, resulting in a snug space that can accommodate up to seven customers at the same time.

The design and material details

From the moment one steps in they are transported into a world of textures and colours that mimic the very dish they’ve come to enjoy. The carefully chosen colour scheme and raw textures complement the rustic brick tile store front. Further, they align perfectly with the brand image, ensuring a cohesive and consistent visual identity. Inside, the lime plaster walls with their rough texture is reminiscent of the texture of the noodles, while the teak ledge adds a touch of warmth to the space. The high stools, carefully arranged around the bar, evoke the feeling of a traditional ramen bar; and the splash of orange fabric on a few stools represent the brand’s unique colour.

The metal structural brackets for the table which is designed to hang personal belongings, show an attention to detail that is rare in modern design. In the ramen bar, the raw, unfinished walls are enlivened by the crisp, clear signage. Phrases like “supplies go here” and “staff entry only” serve as helpful guides, aiding visitors in orienting themselves within the space. Meanwhile, the open kitchen with its pass-through slit, invites customers to watch and be part of the cooking process. From fresh ingredients to bubbling pots, it brings an atmosphere of authenticity to the space.

The highlight of the space is the fabric installation covering the whole length of the ceiling, hiding the services. “Rather than going for a generic lighting fixture, we wanted to create mood lighting which could fill every corner of the space. The fabric, with its natural folds, helped to translate the texture of ramen into the space. The atmosphere is enhanced by the free-flowing fabric light that cascades from the ceiling with a help of a metal mesh, giving the space a warm and inviting feel,” explains Shubhit Khurana and Anmol Arora, principal architects, Studio Dot. This soft and fluid glow of the installation (best enjoyed once the sun goes down) creates the perfect ambience for enjoying a bowl of steaming hot ramen.

Fact file

Project: Long Finish by Ramen Donn
Location: Gurugram
Area: 350 sq ft
Principal architect: Shubhit Khurana and Anmol Arora
Design team: Vidhi Chopra
General lighting: Atcom LED
Fabric lighting and signages: Vijay Batra and Co
Lime plaster: Creton Inc
Flooring and wall tiles: Karishma Tiles