Mohamed Alqari Designs a Theatrical Dreamscape at Obicà Bahrain

Obicà, a new culinary destination nestled in Manama, Bahrain, emerges as a theatrical reverie brought to life by award-winning boutique firm Qreative Design Studio. Situated in the heart of Adliya — one of Bahrain’s most vibrant cultural enclaves — the restaurant unfolds like a carefully orchestrated performance: a carnival of opulence swathed in deep, moody hues.

“The concept is steeped in the grandeur of historic palaces, velvet-draped theatres, and intimate members’ clubs,” Mohamed Alqari, founder of Qreative Design, tells SceneHome. “We layered it with Bahraini cultural references, particularly the country’s deep connection to the pearling industry and its once-lush, natural landscapes.”

Before being swept into the principal dining space, guests are first greeted by a transitional foyer, a quiet prologue to the spectacle that follows. Here, marble flooring lays a timeless foundation with its radial pattern and diverse tones, while a round wooden table, adorned with floral arrangements and a solitary white bust, sets the tone. It’s a space that doesn’t shout, but rather whispers, gently, assuredly preparing you for the drama to come.

“Material selection was driven by a dedication to durability, craftsmanship, and the richness of texture,” Alqari says. “The reception area showcases more than 400 custom-cut marble pieces, immediately establishing a luxurious ambiance upon arrival.”

Inside, suspended from the ceiling, 78,000 mother-of-pearl shells form the statement chandelier. The space’s radiant centerpiece is inspired by The Danish architect and designer Verner Panton’s iconic ceiling design. Its contours ripple like a breaking wave, cascading overhead in a shimmering dance of light, and commanding attention like a leading star on stage.  The chandelier serves as a reverent homage to Bahrain’s maritime legacy, evoking the glint of sunlit waters and the soul of the pearling past.

But the ceiling’s story doesn’t end there. It continues to captivate the gaze with delicate hexagonal mirrored panels that glimmer across its surface, cascading elegantly down to the corniced edges of the wall. Custom-designed in alternating brushed and chrome finishes, these faceted reflections catch and amplify the chandelier’s glow — scattering light, adding depth, and infusing the space with a sense of layered radiance.

“One of the key challenges lay in navigating the existing structural columns, elements that were not only preserved but reinterpreted,” Alqari explains. “Seamlessly woven into the spatial layout, they now discreetly conceal air-conditioning systems, allowing the design’s visual purity to remain untouched.”

A deep palette of burgundy and emerald green anchors the room in a mood that is both intimate and regal, while accents of brass and gold catch the light with a quiet glimmer. At the centre, marble-topped round tables reflect the soft glow around them, their smooth, cool surfaces echoing the room’s composed opulence.

Lining the hall are dark camel and forest-green leather high chairs — their tactile richness offering a grounded elegance, reminiscent of old private society clubs, though with a contemporary inflection. Nearby, upholstered chairs in fabrics adorned with flying geese and slender trees conjure the delicate grace of chinoiserie, each piece a subtle homage to both nature’s serenity and artisanal craftsmanship.

“The design journey began with an in-depth exploration of Bahrain’s cultural identity and indigenous materials, with the aim of reimagining them within a contemporary hospitality context.” 

The narrative deepens with cascading velvet drapes in deep red, and lush botanical wallpapers that pulse with exotic vibrancy. These elements, layered with intention, evoke the grandeur of a forgotten era. The real brilliance lies in how seamlessly they are composed — each material, each tone, each silhouette, choreographed to form a palatial scene, where every corner hums with its own quiet tale, and every detail serves as a vignette in a larger unfolding story.

Photography Credit: Fadhi Muhammed