This Mexican restaurant is a project that informs about the importance of introducing cultural aspects into spatial design narrative as a vital practice that transcends mere aesthetics, infusing spaces with a deeper sense of meaning, identity, and authenticity. Located in Ahmedabad, Tres Amigos is a 1500-square-foot Mexican restaurant that is designed by the firm Compartment S4. Originally a popular food truck, this culinary gem has transitioned into a brick-and-mortar establishment, seamlessly blending the casual charm of its origins with the sophistication of fine dining.

How can the integration of cultural elements in the design of spaces like Tres Amigos be balanced to ensure authenticity and respect for the culture being represented, while also catering to a diverse and potentially unfamiliar audience?

This Mexican Restaurant Informs About The Importance of Cultural Aspects | Compartment S4

The layout is organized into distinct zones, each catering to different dining preferences while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. Moreover, Compartment S4 approached the rectangular volume space with a thoughtful design strategy aimed at enhancing comfort and fostering a sense of community.

Eclectic Aura

Upon entering, guests find a waiting area and a merchandising display on either side. Thus, offering a glimpse into the restaurant’s eclectic offerings. The booth seating area, designed for those seeking privacy, features wooden tabletops and earthy yellow upholstered benches. Thus, creating a cosy and convivial atmosphere.

Moving further, this section is flanked by custom-designed block-printed Mexican patterned textile scrolls/screens that extend towards the ceiling acting as a partition, adding an element of intimacy and seclusion.  These motifs and patterns add a character of artistry to the otherwise plain collage of colors; also the firm’s signature touch.

At the heart of the restaurant lies the elongated community table, a cue taken from a simple idea of the food culture of communal dining in Ahmedabad. The central table, a highlight of the design, serves as a communal focal point and transforms into a vibrant grazing table during special events, further enhancing the cultural and social dining experience. Sofa seating flanks either side along the walls, and subtle motif decorations adorn the surfaces.

Paying homage to the Mexican heritage, three majestic 6-foot-tall handmade lamps inspired by desert cacti stand tall while the custom-designed skull rugs by Studio Arisaa, hanging on the walls, reinterpret the traditional skull motif, adding texture and colour against the otherwise sombre backdrop. Additionally, wooden hanging lights, crafted from disks and threads, evoke traditional craftsmanship.

Functionality with Aesthetics

The terracotta-tiled flooring, interspersed with greys, visually breaks the elongated volume of the space, distinguishing the main zone from the rest. Functionality meets aesthetics with strategically placed serving counters. These counters seamlessly blend into the space while ensuring efficient service.

At the other end, a live counter adds a dynamic element to the dining experience. Its backdrop of custom designed patterned tiles and a hanging glass canopy creates a lively focal point, with the color of the flooring continuing into the front area combined with a fluted glass panel on top. The ceiling, painted in a bold rustic red hue, remains exposed, adding to the raw and vibrant character of the restaurant.

Contemporary and Vibrant

Tres Amigos is more than just a restaurant; it is a cultural journey. Compartment S4’s design seamlessly integrates symbolism with contemporary aesthetics, creating a space that is vibrant, fun, and welcoming. The firm’s creative decisions have successfully transformed it into a culinary oasis that appeals to both families and the younger crowd, offering a truly immersive dining experience.

Fact File

Designed by: Compartment S4

Project Type: Restaurant / Bar / Cafe

Project Name: Tres Amigos

Location: Ahmedabad

Project Size: 1500 Sq.ft

Principal Architects: Aman Amin, Kishan Shah, Manuni Patel, Krishna Parikh, Nishita Parmar, Prasik Chaudhari, Monik Shah & Vedanti Agarwal

Photograph Courtesy: Murtaza Gandhi

Client’s Name: Tres Amigos

Execution Team: Ashish Mistry and team

Text Credits: Shivangi Buch

Rugs: Studio Arisaa

Firm’s Website Link: Compartment S4

The Firm’s Instagram Link: Compartment S4

Firm’s Facebook Link: Compartment S4

For Similar Projects >> Restaurant Resembling A Conservatory