9 Restaurants That Delight the Senses
Posted on May 23, 2025 · Stephanie Chen, Stefanie Schwalb, and Will Speros
Obica, Manama, Bahrain
Qreative Design Studio crafted Obica with royalty in mind, resulting in 4,640 square feet of sumptuous splendor fit for a queen. Spanning three floors, including a forthcoming rooftop patio, rich materials, bold color, and thoughtful detailing shape the eatery into a platform where cultural heritage and modern sophistication meet. “The vision for Obica was to capture the essence of palatial luxury,” says Qreative founder and principal designer Mohamed Alqari. “I wanted the space to feel opulent but also refined—where every material, texture, and detail contributes to an atmosphere of grandeur without excess.” Hues of deep burgundy and emerald green invoke nobility, while warmth and glamour is added with gold and brass accents. Details like hexagonal mirror patterns and the painterly landscapes of the wallpaper showcase the precision of the design, as do bespoke marble floors made from 415 precisely cut pieces. The centerpiece, however, is the glitzy chandelier composed of 78,000 mother-of-pearl shells. “It’s a true labor of craftsmanship, meticulously designed to create a mesmerizing effect,” Alqari adds. “The way it catches and reflects light adds a sense of movement to the space, making it feel dynamic and immersive. It’s a statement piece that defines the entire experience.”
Photo by Fadhi Muhammed
