Shababeek, Sharjah

Pallavi Dean Interiors has developed a design story around the concept of ‘fusion’ to reflect both the collision of architectural and design styles which has existed in Lebanon for centuries and the restaurant’s eclectic array of influences: from Mediterranean cuisine to Khaleeji wildlife, French fashion to Romanesque and Islamic architecture.

In keeping with the interior design agency’s mission statement to create unforgettable experiences through design, it has taken a meticulous approach to research, working in close collaboration with Lebanese star chef Maroun Chedid and drawing upon local UAE design talent. The exceptional detail poured into the design narrative is combined with a vibrant colour and materials palette of rich greens, brushed brass and neutral tones. The result is a restaurant with an elegant, sophisticated and, above all, contemporary design language.

“Of all the elements I love about this restaurant, it’s the quality of the work produced by local artists and craftsmen that gives me the most joy. There’s always a danger when you put European designer furniture next to locally made pieces that the void in quality sticks out like a sore thumb. Not in Shababeek. Much of the joinery is by a third-generation carpenter from Rajasthan who’s based in Sharjah, the trolley was partly designed in our studio with the help of an Emirati intern called Alya, and custom made right here in Sharjah. I could go on. The owner of the restaurant was incredibly supportive in commissioning so much of the work by UAE suppliers, and they haven’t let her down. I feel so proud of brand Made-in-the-UAE!” Pallavi Dean, founder and design director of Pallavi Dean Interiors.

The client, approached Pallavi Dean Interiors with an incredible brief: to create a destination restaurant for the Northern Emirate, a world-class outlet that would raise the bar for the restaurant scene across the entire emirate. Shababeek is a refurbishment of an established Lebanese restaurant in Sharjah. While the restaurant has built up a loyal following, the menu and design has become dates and a complete overhaul was called for. Beirut-based celebrity chef Maroun Chedid developed a menu that blends the best of Lebanese and Emirati cuisine with an innovative, modern twist. Dubai-based Pallavi Dean Interiors created a design to complement and showcase this culinary approach inspired by traditional, regional design cues yet with contemporary ‘wow’ factor.