Dragon Restaurant, Turkey

Operating in Istanbul since 1987, Dragon is an acclaimed Chinese restaurant that opened its latest branch in Bebek, İstanbul. Designed by Geo ID, the main idea behind the concept was to preserve the ambience in a contemporary yet mystical way. The client wanted to modernise the space and get a new look on the design. The designers drew inspiration from Chinese culture with the selection of pearls, lighting, artwork and patterns. The design also referenced Chinese Art Deco since the restaurant Bebek Hotel was in the same theme. Guests enter the restaurant via the hotel’s original, wooden, vertical staircase. The entrance captures a glimpse of what is to come: dark grey surfaces covered with textile wall panes, and a bronze dragon ornamented in colourful stones and pearls.

The qualities of space played a decisive role in design, i.e. the low ceilings and the view. A palette consisting of various tones of beige lines the restaurant interior and compensates for the flatness caused by the low ceiling.

The main seating area features both square and circular tables to accommodate groups with different numbers. An enclosed dining area is hidden behind the folding cane with slightly darker colours to provide exclusivity. Privacy is added via wooden dragons carved and coated with pearls on the separators between the lodges in the main dining area. All three lodges face a buddha sculpture, to bring positive energy and a serene ambience.

A geometric pattern design leads the eye up towards a suspended wood ceiling, that features an abstract interpretation of China’s Art Deco movement merged with traditional Chinese motifs. Custom graphics were developed and weaved onto textile wall panels.