Kalpaney, a newly opened vegetarian restaurant by Studio Camarada in Bengaluru’s JP Nagar, masterfully blends the nostalgia of a South Indian home with imaginative design. Founded by chef Sombir Choudhary and bar-maker Avinash Kapoli—fresh from global acclaim at SOKA, Asia’s #28 bar—the space eschews alcohol but upholds the drinking culture’s warmth in mocktail form.

Upon entry, guests duck under a refurbished 80–90‑year‑old wooden door before being welcomed into a high-ceilinged dining hall. Above, the mirrored ceiling captures ripples from a central wooden-boat water installation, offering a serene focal point. Wood-paneled walls embed vintage sari borders, while tables echo temple-door latticework, complemented by terracotta, brass, and clay accents—materials chosen to evoke home yet avoid overt theming.

Kalpaney’s playful brand identity, a hybrid elephant-tiger-monkey kalamkari mascot, influences the wall art and tableware. Feast your eyes on “Brinjal Baba,” “Eternal Supper,” and “Paan-chtantra”—vignettes that double as conversation starters and storytelling prompts. These visuals extend onto plates and coasters, integrating aesthetic delight into every moment.

The space caters to families: comforting yet refined for adults, whimsical for children, and versatile for diverse palates. Even the weight of cutlery is calibrated to trigger memories of a home kitchen or pooja room, reinforcing a sense of belonging with every tactile detail.