This Bengaluru restaurant is a homage to Brazil's vibrant culture

The interiors of a restaurant can make a big visual impact as soon as you walk in the door. But at Boteco, a new Brazilian restaurant in Bengaluru, India, you're greeted with an impactful mural before you even step inside. The 60-foot-tall, 20-foot-wide mural was designed by Atto Atelier and inspired by the neighbourhood watering holes of Brazil. Boteco is located in Ashok Nagar, the city's shopping and entertainment district. George Attokaran, the principal, of Atto Atelier, says, “The restaurant is at a prominent junction with a busy street and a mall on the opposite end, so we knew there would be a lot of eyeballs. The idea behind the giant mural was to bring Brazil to Bengaluru and give patrons as well as passersby a hint of what’s inside. It is composed of elements that we think represent Brazil—Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana beach, the samba, Sugarloaf Mountain, Lapa Arches [the Carioca Aqueduct, aka the Arcos da Lapa, in Rio De Janeiro], toucans and the Brazilian flag.” Colourful yet simple, geometric forms have ensured that the mural's visual appeal is maintained even when viewed from a distance. Plus it makes for an apt selfie backdrop before you step inside!

 

 

Viva Brazil

Botecos are neighbourhood bars found on street corners in Brazil. They are known for their great drinks and relaxed atmosphere, which is reflected in the design of the restaurant. The space is characterized by arches, and the entrance features a black-and-white mural that mimics the arched frame. The design was inspired by the vibrant neighbourhood of Lapa in Rio de Janeiro, which is famous for its bars, nightlife, and open-air music sessions held against the backdrop of the Arcos da Lapa aqueduct, now used as a rail line. Natural light from tall windows and potted bougainvillaea plants give the impression of outdoor space.

 

Design Details

The black-and-white ceramic mosaic tiled flooring, lined with a colourful border, reminds us of the pavements of Copacabana beach. The walls are clad in glass mosaic tiles similar to the ones on the mural outside. According to the designer, “The mosaic tiles along the walls and floor create a narrative that ties the spaces above, below, and outside together.”

This design is truly unique and pulls inspiration from many different elements - we can't help but be impressed!

 

 

As you enter the bar area, you'll be greeted by a striking, monochromatic yellow palette. But if you walk ahead, you'll find that the space is filled with hues of blue, green, and red - all colours that are featured in the Brazilian flag. The design team did a wonderful job of adding other colours that give the bar a tropical touch and make you think of the Amazon Rainforest. The columns in the bar also tell beautiful narratives about everyday life in Brazil. One of the walls by the seating area is covered in photos of Brazilian celebrities such as Pelé, Paulo Coelho, and Ayrton Senna, as well as iconic structures from around the country.

The upstairs seating at Boteco is more subdued and personal when compared to the downstairs area, but guests can still get a glimpse of the action from the balcony. Boteco also has a designated smoking section with a wall of greenery and wooden flooring.