Merai
Merai — A Harmony of Grace, Art, and Grandeur
Merai was envisioned as more than a restaurant — it was imagined as a cultural dialogue. Rooted in Japanese hospitality, refined through Italian culinary finesse, and elevated by Indian grandeur, Merai brings together three distinct worlds into one soulful dining experience. Every detail — from space planning to service rituals — was crafted to feel intentional, immersive, and emotionally resonant.
Experience
Year
2025
Industry
food & drink
Client name
Metro Group
Scope
Strategy, Identity, Experience
Location
Bhubaneswar, India
Balancing Three Cultures Without Dilution
The core challenge was to integrate Japanese, Italian, and Indian influences without falling into cliché or chaos. The brand needed to avoid becoming a loud “fusion” concept and instead feel refined, balanced, and timeless. Architecturally, the rooftop layout demanded seamless zoning between fine dining, bar, and private spaces. Experientially, the service, cuisine, and aesthetics had to coexist in harmony — where no culture overshadowed the other, yet each retained its soul.
Approach:
Designing Harmony, Not Fusion
Our approach began by identifying the shared philosophies between Japanese and Italian cultures — craftsmanship, simplicity, seasonality, and reverence for ingredients — and layering them with the warmth and celebratory spirit of India.
We developed Merai around three pillars: Grace (Japanese hospitality and restraint), Art (Italian culinary finesse and expression), and Grandeur (Indian scale, warmth, and emotion).
This translated into earthy material palettes, wabi-sabi textures, warm Italian tones, curated lighting, and a service philosophy inspired by omotenashi. Zoning was designed to allow calm transitions — from meditative dining to vibrant social energy — while maintaining a cohesive narrative throughout the space.
A Soulful, Curated Dining Destination
Outcome:
Merai emerged as a destination that feels composed, thoughtful, and deeply human. The space invites guests to slow down, engage, and experience dining as a ritual rather than a transaction. The design balances serenity with warmth, while the culinary and service experience reinforces Merai’s identity as a place where cultures converse effortlessly. The result is a brand that feels global yet grounded — refined yet welcoming — positioning Merai as a timeless dining experience rather than a trend-driven restaurant.
“Merai was always meant to be special, but ONEDESIGN helped us articulate what that truly meant. They didn’t just design a restaurant — they crafted an experience rooted in philosophy, culture, and emotion. Every detail feels intentional, and every guest interaction reflects the soul of the brand. Merai today is exactly what we envisioned, and more.”
Metro Group
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SATYA - YOUR BRAND STRATEGIST
Satya Subham Rout is a renowned Brand Strategist from India known for his innovative design approaches and deep understanding of consumer psychographics and the brand-market landscape, with 300+ brands to his portfolio.