This Restaurant by Architecture Discipline Offers Unbeatable Views of the Taj Mahal

When it comes to location, opulent grounds in the shadow of the Taj Mahal cannot be beat. But such a prime spot also comes with challenges—paying homage to the area’s distinct architecture for one. Tasked with transforming an existing structure into Bellevue, a contemporary restaurant that offers a mix of local and international cuisine, New Delhi-based firm Architecture Discipline set out to strike a balance between past and present. “We believe luxury has more to do with the quality of space, light, and air than the mere application of material,” says firm principal Akshat Bhatt. “With Bellevue, we attempted to express this renewed idea of luxury through our design.”

The grounds of The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra offer a striking backdrop for the space, which features a minimalist, contemporary palette of white walls and royal blue accents alongside striking architectural details throughout, such as grand archways. Cross vaults rendered in white plaster create a seamless transition from the ceiling to the flared columns and the ribbed profile of the walls, modulating the scale of the space while serving as an ode to Mughal architecture. “The restaurant had to be memorable without overwhelming the presence of the Taj Mahal; it had to evoke the spirit of its timeless location while being expressive of its time,” adds Bhatt. Mission accomplished.