Tapori
Introducing Tapori, a playful restaurant and cocktail bar from the culinary team behind Daru, serving an eclectic menu that spans from Kerala to Nepal.
THE BRIEF /
The concept called for more than just a great dining space—it needed to be a sensory experience that matched the boldness of the food and drinks. Streetsense in turn created a layered, maximalist collage—full of storytelling, texture, and color—anchored by a deep love of South Asian culture and a flair for the cinematic.
THE APPROACH /
Streetsense transformed the space into a vibrant collage of hand-painted patterns, nostalgic forms, and tactile richness. Acid green millwork frames a glowing back bar, vintage tile work creates a patchwork bar and 20-person communal table, and prefab laminate booths give a nod to classic Indian cafés with a contemporary twist. Warm ochre walls and whimsical lighting balance the saturated palette, while playful accents—like garlands, hanging fish lanterns, and beaded curtains—evoke a sense of street festival meets set design. The result is a space that feels familiar and fantastical all at once, where guests can settle in with pani puri and a pineapple daiquiri and let the experience unfold.
WHERE THE WALLS TELL A STORY /
One of the restaurant’s most striking features is a bold, custom mural by artist Patrick Owens—an ode to Rangeela, the cult classic Bollywood film. Set directly opposite the bar, the piece features a surreal mix of movie icons, tigers, rickshaws, and peacocks, all layered in psychedelic symmetry. Framed by a pair of all-seeing eyes, the mural anchors the room with a dose of visual swagger and a celebration of Indian pop culture.
A SHOWSTOPPER IN SPIRITS /
The bar is more than a functional element—it’s a design statement. Topped with a mix of vintage tiles in bold tropical hues and wrapped in retro-inspired geometric millwork, it invites guests to gather, linger, and take in the theatricality of the room. The back bar is framed by a custom arch with acid green accents—a nod to Indian architecture and roadside cafés—punctuated by plant life and glowing backlighting. The bar is a glowing anchor for the experience, buzzing with both aesthetic energy and cocktail creativity.
