Nakkash Design Studio Creates a Light and Bright Gluten-Free Cafe in Dubai

When conducting research for a gluten-free cafe in the Dubai Marina, the founder of Nakkash Design Studio went above and beyond—he adopted the diet himself. “Limitations in design are like dietary restrictions—they breed creativity,” says Omar Nakkash. “Just as you must explore new foods when you refrain from gluten, you explore new design concepts too.”

This mentality shaped the design of Kobe-ya, which features energizing shades of teal and pistachio alongside earthy neutrals. But the palette is just one of many elements in the cafe that reference the food it serves up. In addition to exploring a gluten-free diet for a time, Nakkash surveyed friends with gluten-free lifestyles, asking them to put adjectives to their experiences, which the designer then used as a guide for his work. The resulting interior is inviting in its simplicity with plenty of natural light and greenery, as well as a few bold—perhaps unexpected—accents. Micro-cement flooring features brand illustrations, designed by the studio, and a Kuda wooden sculpture handcrafted from century-old wood greets diners as they walk in. With its elegant yet cozy design, Kobe-ya succeeds in making gluten-free dishes and pastries accessible to all—even those who prefer to carbo-load as they please.