Spring Onion Asian Restaurant | Restaurant Interior Designer in Pune

 Location – Dhanori, Pune

Area –2000 sq.ft.

Year –2025

Timeline – 3 months

Lead Designers – Prashant Kulshreshtha, Priyanka Jangam

Photography – Amey Surve

Budget – 75 lakhs

Spring Onion: Designing a Warm Sanctuary of Asian Cuisine in Dhanori

When we were entrusted with designing Spring Onion in Dhanori, our goal was to create more than just a restaurant. We wanted to craft a warm and inviting sanctuary where guests could momentarily escape the demands of everyday life and immerse themselves in an atmosphere of comfort, authenticity, and cultural richness inspired by Asian cuisine.

From the outset, we envisioned the journey beginning at the entrance itself. To create a stronger sense of arrival, we extended the front gateway, transforming it into a welcoming threshold that draws visitors into the restaurant. More than a functional entry point, the gateway serves as a prelude to the experience within, offering a visual and emotional transition from the busy streets outside to the calm, intimate world inside.

One of the most significant challenges we faced was the restaurant’s compact footprint. The available space was limited, and maximizing seating capacity while maintaining comfort required thoughtful planning. Arranging seating along the passage areas was particularly challenging, as we needed to ensure smooth circulation without making the space feel cramped. Through careful zoning and strategic furniture placement, we were able to create intimate dining pockets that provide privacy while preserving openness and ease of movement throughout the restaurant.

As the restaurant gained popularity, the growing demand for seating prompted us to expand the dining experience vertically. We introduced a dedicated first floor seating area to accommodate more guests while maintaining the warm and intimate atmosphere that defines Spring Onion. This expansion not only increased capacity but also added another layer to the dining experience, offering guests a variety of seating environments within a cohesive design language.

Materiality played a crucial role in shaping the restaurant’s identity. We chose exposed brick walls as a primary design element to introduce warmth, texture, and a timeless character to the interiors. Their earthy presence creates a sense of familiarity and comfort, grounding the space in an authentic and welcoming aesthetic. To complement this backdrop, we incorporated woven pendant lights that cast a soft, ambient glow throughout the restaurant. These handcrafted lighting elements bring an artisanal quality to the interiors, enriching the cultural narrative while enhancing the intimate dining atmosphere.

Our design approach focused on balancing functionality with emotion. Every material, texture, and spatial decision was made with the intention of creating a genuine connection between the guests and the environment. The combination of earthy finishes, warm lighting, and thoughtfully planned seating arrangements encourages visitors to slow down, engage in meaningful conversations, and enjoy the experience beyond the meal itself.

As Ar. Prashant Kulshreshtha often says,

“Design is not just about aesthetics; it is about creating spaces that nurture comfort and cultural identity. When a space reflects the values and emotions of its users, it becomes a true sanctuary.”

This philosophy guided every aspect of the project. We wanted Spring Onion to embody the warmth and cultural depth associated with traditional Asian hospitality while responding to the practical needs of a contemporary dining space.

In a city where life often moves at a relentless pace, we designed Spring Onion as a place of pause, a destination where guests can disconnect from routine, reconnect with one another, and savour authentic Asian flavours in a setting that feels welcoming and familiar. Despite its compact footprint, the restaurant demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform spatial constraints into opportunities for creating memorable experiences.

From the extended entrance gateway and carefully zoned dining areas to the expanded first floor seating and warm material palette, every element contributes to a cohesive story of comfort, culture, and hospitality. Spring Onion stands as a testament to our belief that great design goes beyond form and function, it creates spaces where people feel at ease, connected, and truly at home.