With Mamuli, SOIA Design set out to create something more nuanced than a restaurant inspired by Georgia. The goal was to translate the character of Georgian culture into space without relying on familiar decorative symbols or turning heritage into a visual theme. The result is an interior built around interpretation rather than imitation, a warm, expressive environment in Krasnodar, in which traditional references, contemporary craftsmanship, and the rituals of hospitality come together as one experience.
From the beginning, the brief presented a clear challenge. The clients wanted Mamuli to feel unmistakably connected to Georgian culture while remaining sophisticated enough for a contemporary, cosmopolitan audience. They were looking for an interior that could compete visually within a crowded hospitality landscape, but without falling into the predictable language of ethnic or themed restaurants. The space also had to work hard functionally. It needed to transition naturally between intimate dinners, family occasions, wine experiences, and larger cultural events while retaining a strong and recognizable identity. For SOIA Design founders Anton and Ekaterina Baklan, this became an opportunity to approach cultural storytelling from a different direction. Instead of reproducing historical forms literally, the studio extracted ideas, shapes, materials, and associations from Georgian culture and transformed them into contemporary architectural elements.
all images ©Misha Chekalov
Subtle Georgian references shape Mamuli’s material interior
The interior communicates its identity through a collection of details rather than a single dominant motif. A warm, earthy palette establishes the foundation of the restaurant. Subtle gold plaster catches and reflects the light, introducing a sense of richness while keeping the atmosphere understated. Above the dining area, custom chandeliers take inspiration from the form of Georgian beehives, turning a cultural reference into an almost sculptural architectural object. Other references are deliberately less obvious. Dark balusters shaped like peppercorns bring the tradition of Georgian spices into the interior through an unexpected, tactile gesture. The result is a form of storytelling that rewards attention: the cultural connection is present, but it does not need to announce itself. Craftsmanship plays an equally important role. Custom wooden elements with zigzag detailing wrap the columns, while tables made from sections of natural tree trunks preserve the irregularity and character of the material. A fireplace incorporated directly into a dining table becomes both a functional element and a theatrical centerpiece, creating a sense of intimacy around the act of gathering. Throughout the restaurant, bespoke furniture, millwork, shelving, and lighting were developed specifically for Mamuli. Rather than treating these elements as background decoration, SOIA Design Studio used them to establish a distinct visual vocabulary for the brand.
the bar counter and shelving were tailor-made to frame the restaurant’s vibrant social life
mamuli extends beyond dining into a social and cultural space
The restaurant was conceived as a flexible social environment rather than a collection of fixed dining zones. Different seating configurations support quiet meals as well as larger communal experiences. A dedicated tasting room provides a more intimate setting for exploring Georgian wine and cuisine, while a stage creates a focal point for performances, tastings, celebrations, and cultural programming. The planning also considers families as an integral part of the restaurant experience. A children’s playroom is incorporated into the overall concept without disrupting the atmosphere of the main dining areas. Even spaces that are often treated as secondary received the same level of attention. The restrooms continue the material language and storytelling established throughout the restaurant, ensuring that the design does not lose its identity once guests leave the main dining room.
Mamuli ultimately operates on several levels. It is a restaurant, but it is also an environment for gathering, celebration, discovery, and cultural exchange. For SOIA Design, the project demonstrates how cultural identity can be expressed without literal reproduction. Georgian influences are embedded into proportions, materials, objects, textures, and atmosphere, allowing guests to experience the spirit of the culture without entering a space built around clichés. The finished interior is intentionally layered. Some references are immediately visible; others reveal themselves through closer observation. Together they create an environment that feels rooted in tradition while remaining firmly contemporary. Mamuli is therefore less about recreating a place from the past and more about imagining how its cultural character might exist today, through architecture, craftsmanship, food, light, and the shared experience of gathering around a table.
a fireplace built directly into a dining table creates a surprising focal point, merging intimacy with spectacle
the design concept is built around warm tones in the finishing materials, enveloping visitors in comfort
custom-designed beehive-shaped chandeliers, inspired by Georgian architecture, hover above the dining hall
the interior features zigzag-patterned wooden column cladding and tables carved from tree trunk slices
the arrangement can be easily adapted to different event formats, from tastings to concerts
every corner of Mamuli reinforces the brand’s identity, ensuring a cohesive, immersive experience for visitors
varied seating arrangements allow for both private dining and communal gatherings
dining tables made from tree trunk slices, all contributing to an organic and eco-friendly aesthetic
walls finished with subtle gold plaster bring a soft glow, suggesting luxury without ostentation
the balusters shaped like black peppercorns pay homage to the country’s deep-rooted love for spices
even the restrooms feature an authentic design, aligned with the overall interior concept
project info:
name: Mamuli
architect: SOIA Design
location: Krasnodar, Russia
photographer: Misha Chekalov
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edited by: Christina Vergopoulou | designboom
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