Goa’s popular coastal restaurant Kiki–by the Sea has revealed an exciting new chapter in its story with the unveiling of a beautifully designed first-floor extension. The project, which blends tropical elegance with whimsical design details, was masterfully executed by Sangrah, a Goa-based interior design studio led by Shreeya Singh. This second phase of Kiki offers patrons a captivating blend of coastal charm, tranquil aesthetics, and a seamless connection with nature.
Kiki–by the Sea is more than just a restaurant—it’s a design marvel that takes full advantage of its spectacular location, with expansive views of the bay and river. This unique coastal property is a refreshing retreat where guests can savour fine food and drink while feeling at one with Goa’s scenic natural beauty. Yet, the journey to create this idyllic spot wasn’t without its challenges. What began as barren land, previously a car parking space, transformed into a flourishing, multi-layered dining experience that draws locals and tourists alike.
The Inception: Overcoming Challenges and Crafting a Vision
When Kiki first took shape, there was no clear design brief. According to Shreeya Singh, the project evolved organically, slowly building from a collection of ideas, often sparked by necessity. “It was not a one-shot design,” she explains. “The kitchen and the structural layout had to be sorted out first, and from there, we began brainstorming how the space could come together.”
One of the most defining features of the ground floor is the iconic bar. “I wanted a focal point, something that would grab people’s attention the moment they walked in. The boundary walls of the restaurant are low, which invites people to look inside, and the bar is visible from everywhere,” says Shreeya. “It’s an elaborate structure that has now become synonymous with Kiki. It’s the feature everyone remembers after their visit.”
The design of the ground floor emphasises openness and fluidity, reflecting the lively sundowner energy that Kiki is known for. The seating layout flows organically, with no rigid lines or sharp boundaries, giving the entire space a relaxed, breezy feel. “I didn’t want to constrain the space,” says Shreeya. “The idea was to create something where the movement feels natural, and that’s how I came up with the circular ceiling design in bamboo, almost by scribbling.”
A Thoughtful Palette: Grounded in Nature, Celebrating People
The colour palette of Kiki on the ground floor is deeply influenced by its surroundings. With the bay and the lush greenery of Goa as a backdrop, the design team focused on using natural tones. Shades of white and green dominate the space, with terrazzo flooring that blends seamlessly into the landscape. “I wanted the floor to have green chips, so that it felt like it was part of its immediate environment,” Shreeya explains.
Hints of orange in the upholstery add a subtle warmth to the space, but the goal was to keep the palette largely neutral and allow the people themselves to add colour. “People moving around are the real subjects of the space,” says Shreeya. “The palette is muted because I wanted the energy of the guests to shine through.”
The bathrooms, in contrast, take on a much more playful vibe. Brightly coloured murals, amoeba-shaped mirrors, and other whimsical details turn the restrooms into unexpected areas of fun and surprise. “We wanted people to feel something different when they stepped into the bathroom—a sense of joy and playfulness. It’s like stepping into another world for a moment,” adds Shreeya.
The First-Floor Extension: A Tranquil Enchanted Garden
As the popularity of Kiki grew, the opportunity arose to expand upwards, leading to the design and construction of the first-floor extension. This new space, completed in early 2024, takes the restaurant’s design to another level, offering a more serene and intimate dining experience compared to the vibrant energy of the ground floor.
“The first floor is the best part of the property in terms of views, and I knew I wanted to do something special with it,” says Shreeya. Initially unsure of the direction to take, she was inspired by the delicate beauty of cherry blossom trees. “I envisioned an enchanted garden, a space where guests could feel at ease, surrounded by natural beauty. That’s how the concept for the first floor came to be.”
Three cherry blossom trees, positioned at key corners of the floor, frame the stunning views of the sea and surrounding landscape. The trees act as natural anchors, drawing the eye outward and creating a sense of calm. The boundary walls are lined with greenery, and as guests ascend from the ground floor to the first, they feel a distinct shift in the atmosphere. “The ground floor is high-energy, lively, perfect for sundowners, but the first floor is more relaxed, more moody,” Shreeya explains.
The first-floor space is designed to feel intimate and cosy, with luxurious yet natural touches. An upside-down chandelier, reminiscent of a tree, hangs from the ceiling, adding an unexpected element of whimsy. “I wanted to create something that felt magical, but still in harmony with the natural surroundings.” The walls are adorned with tropical wallpaper, further enhancing the garden-like feel of the space. “The idea was to make people feel like they were sitting in an intimate, natural corner with the best views possible. It’s a place to unwind and be close to nature,” Shreeya adds.
An Iconic Dining Destination
Kiki–by the Sea has quickly established itself as a must-visit dining destination in Goa, not just for its food and ambiance, but also for its thoughtful, nature-inspired design. The first-floor extension is a testament to Sangrah Studio’s ability to create spaces that feel both elevated and grounded, modern yet in tune with their surroundings. Guests can now choose between the lively, open atmosphere of the ground floor and the more intimate, enchanted ambiance of the first floor, each offering a unique dining experience.As Shreeya Singh continues to build her reputation as a leading designer in Goa, Kiki–by the Sea stands as a shining example of her ability to blend beauty, function, and the spirit of a place into one cohesive vision.
