KOI Restaurant — Concept Design by Algedra

KOI Restaurant, located at Dubai Mall on New China Avenue in Downtown Dubai, delivers a refined dining experience through a carefully crafted interior that blends geometry, material richness, and atmospheric lighting. The design is driven by a coherent vision — creating a space that feels both contemporary and timeless, where every detail contributes to a unified sense of place.

Design Vision & Atmosphere

The interior of KOI is shaped around the symbolism of the koi fish — its elegant movement through water becomes a metaphor for how guests move through the space. Circulation flows gently, guiding patrons from entrance to bar to dining areas, and promoting a sense of calm and deliberate rhythm. Warm wood surfaces, marble textures, soft lighting and subtle metal accents form a balanced material palette that supports comfort without sacrificing sophistication.

At the entrance, light cream walls with wooden accents and discreet back-lighting welcome guests with understated elegance. The transition from entry to interior feels natural, leading into the main bar area that becomes the heart of the space.

Signature Bar & Central Feature

The bar is designed as the restaurant’s visual anchor. A large circular wall — centered on the KOI logo — frames vertical wooden slats and built-in shelving illuminated by integrated light. Behind the bar, glassware and curated bottles catch soft illumination, creating depth and texture. Teal bar stools offer a controlled yet distinctive contrast within the otherwise warm and neutral palette. The result is a bar that feels sculptural, purposeful, and warm — a space where patrons naturally gravitate.

Spatial Layout, Lighting & Material Harmony

Ceiling geometry plays a key role. A timber grid overhead sets a rhythmic tone, hosting lighting fixtures that cast a consistent, inviting glow. This structured ceiling design establishes cohesion across the entire restaurant, from the bar to the dining and lounge areas.

Flooring and surfaces further contribute to cohesion. Marble-patterned porcelain floors flow throughout, connecting all zones visually. Wall surfaces, shelving units, and decorative elements combine wood, subtle metal detailing and soft lighting to gently define different areas without disrupting visual harmony.

Aquarium & Sculptural Details

A standout design gesture is the circular aquarium set into wall partitions. This aquarium is more than décor — it’s a spatial anchor, a dynamic element that introduces motion and quiet intrigue into the dining zones. The curved forms echo the circular motif of the main bar feature and reinforce the symbolic reference to koi fish. Soft lighting around the aquarium frames adds depth and creates a calming point of interest for diners.

Additional sculptural and decorative elements — such as custom display shelving holding coral-inspired forms, metal accents, and bespoke lighting fixtures — deepen the sense of material richness while maintaining balance. Furniture selections, from lounge seating to dining chairs, reference the overall palette, creating a softer contrast with dark and light tones, and contributing to spatial comfort and refinement.

Dining Experience & Flow

Seating is arranged to support both social and intimate dining experiences, alternating between open tables and more secluded zones for privacy. The layout works to maximize seating capacity while preserving comfortable circulation and avoiding overcrowding. An open-view kitchen setup allows diners to appreciate culinary activity while keeping service flow efficient and transparent. Lighting is tuned to highlight surfaces and create atmosphere without overwhelming the senses — offering a warm, relaxed environment suitable for both daytime and evening dining.

Cultural Narrative & Identity

KOI’s design draws subtle inspiration from East Asian aesthetics — through geometry, circular forms, natural materials and gentle lighting. The koi motif is embedded into the architecture itself: through curves, circular features and the aquarium. This narrative gives the restaurant an identity that feels rooted and meaningful, rather than purely decorative. The interior tells a story: one of balance, calm movement, and refined hospitality.

KOI Restaurant stands as a modern reinterpretation of fine dining interior design. It rejects excess for clarity. Every material, every light placement, every sculptural element supports a single vision: a serene, elegant and cohesive environment where guests feel grounded, comforted and visually engaged. The design by Algedra sets a high standard in hospitality interiors — delivering a space that is both memorable and timeless.

Project Type: Fine dining restaurant interior (concept design)
Location: Dubai Mall, New China Avenue, Downtown Dubai, UAE
Design Style: Contemporary, modern-Asian influenced interior design
Primary Materials: Timber cladding & detailing; large-format porcelain/marble-effect flooring; integrated LED lighting; metal detailing and accents; glass and custom shelving; aquarium installations.
Key Design Features: Circular feature wall with KOI emblem; central bar as spatial anchor; grid-patterned timber ceiling; circular aquarium partitions; open-view kitchen layout; display shelving; curated furniture palette with accent seating; layered lighting strategy for atmosphere.

Concept & Interior Design: Algedra Interior Design Studio
Design Direction: Tareq Skaik