New Delhi: The elaborate seafood menu, a range of Turkish appetizers, and the extensive cocktail menu are drawing Delhi’s diners to Cosy Box in Bhikaji Cama Place. But, it’s not just the food that’s wowing patrons. The restroom has become a star attraction.
And after 10 pm, once the party crowd starts streaming in, this bathroom is not just a pit stop, it’s the main event. With elements airlifted from China and Turkey, it’s buzzing like the backstage of an award show. In front of the powder pink sinks and art deco-inspired mirrors, women touch up their lipstick and eyeliner. They take selfies with the tropical wallpaper in the background. And there’s enough space for them to stand around and gossip about their dinner dates like they’re on the set of Sex and the City.
With mirrors everywhere—even on the cubicle doors—and sea-green fibreglass balls dangling from the ceiling, it risks looking like a carnival attraction, but the result is the perfect space for selfies. Every corner is made for your inner influencer to get those Instagram shots. It’s all a calculated move.
“Restrooms, in the last two-three years have emerged as a prominent marketing tool for the restaurant owners. When customers post images from aesthetic restrooms, it becomes organic word-of-mouth promotion,” restaurateur Samartya Bhargava (32) told The Print.
Bhargava, who oversees restaurant chains in Delhi and Goa, including Ping’s Bia Hoi and Saz, said that while a stellar dining experience remains the priority, the restroom experience is just as pivotal. Restaurateurs are investing big bucks into restrooms.
Lavish, Instagram-worthy bathrooms are popping up across Delhi NCR. And diners who can’t resist snapping a mirror selfie the second they spot their reflection are turning into unofficial brand ambassadors and working for free. The washrooms are where the action, design, and investment are in fancy restaurants and bars.
With over 1.7 million #bathroomselfie hashtags on Instagram, alongside how-to guides on nailing the perfect shot, it’s clear: bathrooms are now an integral part of the dining experience.
This trend isn’t limited to India. In a recent article, Bloomberg—scanning restaurants across New York City —called restrooms “the most important room in a restaurant.”
From Ophelia’s safari-themed washroom, with a 3-D giraffe protruding from the walls and film posters all over the walls of the restroom in Ping’s Bia Hoi to Comorin’s tropical-theme wallpapers that cover the ceilings—restaurant owners are pulling out all the stops to make their restrooms the new “it” place in their establishments.
Restaurants have become more deliberate with washroom design, it’s no longer just about functionality. Restrooms are seen as an extension of the restaurant’s personality. It’s a change that’s taken place in the last five to six years.
“From the wallpapers, the quality of the mirror, printing on the tiles, even the scent used inside the restroom is thoughtfully considered,” said Bhargava.
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Big-budget restrooms
The restroom lobby at Ophelia instantly transports the customer to a jungle, thanks to the wraparound wallpaper in soft sepia tones featuring lions, elephants, eagles and rhinos. The ceiling, cloaked in a smoky mirror, creates an illusion of infinity.
The two black granite sinks in the restroom sit above cylindrical aluminium structures, like mini art installations.
The space is lit up by light fixtures made of strings of cowrie shells, inspired by African artistry.
Designed by Abhigyan Neogi of Chromed Design Studio, the restroom at Ophelia is an extension of the restaurant’s theme.
Meanwhile, at Cosy Box, owner Akash Anand has created a stunning washroom with an array of different textures—mosaic tiles behind the mirror, printed tiles beneath the glass basins and sleek faucets.
“We source our materials locally in Delhi, but if we can’t find what we need, we get it airlifted from countries like China or Turkey,” said 40-year-old Anand, who’s also behind other popular establishments like Toy Boy and Ophelia.
Since opening its doors in 2019, Ophelia has led the charge in redefining restroom experiences in restaurants. Anand (40) believes that restrooms are crucial to the overall dining experience. He got taps, matte black toilets and urinals airlifted from Turkey for Ophelia.
When customers post images from aesthetic restrooms, it becomes organic word-of-mouth promotion
– Samartya Bhargava, restaurateur
“That’s where you spend a significant amount of time. Many restaurants cut corners, but the restroom is vital because hygiene is paramount. A cramped, uninviting washroom can spoil the entire experience. On the other hand, people don’t mind waiting in a beautiful, spacious restroom,” he said.
His biggest source of inspiration is Annabel’s in London—a private members’ club.
At Annabel’s, over four million pieces of mosaic glass adorn the walls, floors, and ceilings of the restrooms, arranged in stunning patterns of exotic birds and lush trees. A selfie here is a coveted social media status symbol, especially after Victoria Beckham shared images from the glamorous washroom in 2019.
“The fact that they have used semi-precious stones for the decor on the walls blew me away,” Anand said.
Ophelia’s restroom used to boast a floral theme, with bold, colourful flower-patterned wallpaper, sleek black basins on golden stands, and oversized mirrors framed in gold. Then, in May 2023, Anand gave it a complete makeover, transforming the space into a lively, jungle-inspired escape.
“Whenever I renovate any of my restaurants, the restroom gets a makeover too. It must align with the restaurant’s theme,” he said.
In the past, Anand noted, many restaurateurs have cut corners by opting for unisex restrooms or minimal facilities, but now there’s a growing recognition of their importance.
We source our materials locally in Delhi, but if we can’t find what we need, we get it airlifted from countries like China or Turkey
– Akash Anand, restaurateur
At both his outlets—Ping’s Bia Hoi and Saz—Bhargava has spent close to Rs 10 lakh on building the restroom.
“At Saz Goa, the total amount is slightly higher, maybe close to Rs 15 lakh,” he added.
Meanwhile, Anand has gone all out with his investments. He has so far spent Rs 50 lakh on the restrooms at Ophelia.
“I make no compromises,” he said, claiming that he replaces the water closets, washbasins and even urinals every three to four years. This commitment ensures that the restrooms remain hygienic, visually appealing, and inviting.
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All about selfies
Once upon a time, the bathroom was the ultimate private space—but that was before people stood in front of the mirror, clicked selfies and posted them on the internet.
It’s led to full-size mirrors in restrooms becoming an essential feature, transforming these spaces into mini glam rooms. Restaurants like Cosy Box in Gurugram Horizon One go all in with mirrors at every nook and corner.
This creates a playful, maze-like atmosphere and only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the photograph, making sure it finds a place on the diners’ Instagram.
Then, in the same vicinity, there is Ping’s Bia Hoi. The restaurant has a washroom ‘lobby’ catering specifically to customers who just want to wash their hands. To access the restrooms, guests must stroll past a brightly lit mirror that often becomes a backdrop for impromptu selfies.
The restroom cubicles are quirky, featuring vibrant posters of Korean films like Penthouse, American classics such as Saigon, and beloved boy band BTS. In the centre, a small mirror invites patrons to take photos alongside this eye-catching display.
“We’re very particular with getting the placement of mirrors and lighting just right,” Bhargava said. “I’ve personally tested countless mirror selfies during setup to make sure the framing and placement are perfect. We even took pictures from every angle a customer might use.”
The mirrors and lights seem to be paying off. Bhargava proudly shared that their restrooms often feature in customers’ Instagram posts.
Attention to the bathroom experience can be more subtle, too.
For example, the Delhi Club House. Its chic, minimalist restroom features a single cubicle with an all-black interior. While it lacks extravagant decor, its striking black aesthetic—save for the white water closet and basin—creates a dramatic atmosphere. What’s constant is a large mirror, for selfies.
“I’ve become quite the photographer,” laughed Lakshmi, who has been managing Cosy Box’s housekeeping for three years, in Delhi.
“Women often ask me to take their pictures, and over time, they’ve taught me the tricks—like how to snap photos without catching my reflection,” she said.
Anand chimed in, revealing that in 2019, Ophelia’s first year, their Instagram was tagged in over 4,500 restroom selfies.
“Our restroom became so popular that people were booking tables just to come in and take pictures in the restroom and the lobby. It gave major FOMO to those who hadn’t visited yet,” Anand added.
I’ve personally tested countless mirror selfies during setup to make sure the framing and placement are perfect. We even took pictures from every angle a customer might use.
– Samartya Bhargava, restaurateur
Maintenance is key
While designing an aesthetic restroom is a task, maintaining it is equally crucial.
Many restaurants employ one or two attendants who are permanently stationed in the restrooms to maintain cleanliness and hygiene, especially during peak hours from 9 pm to 2 am.
Anand said that when tons of money has been put into building an experience, it is even more crucial, and challenging, to maintain it.
“These helpers not only keep the washroom clean but also take care of women who visit restrooms after getting tipsy or are experiencing uneasiness due to liquor intake,” said Ashish Kapur, owner, Whisky Samba.
During busy times, the attendants are often seen actively cleaning, replenishing supplies, and making sure everything is in order.
“I have no room to move, so I cling to the wall like a lizard,” said Neeti, a shy young woman responsible for the women’s restrooms at Whisky Samba in Gurugram’s Horizon One.
“After 9:30 pm, the restroom is almost always full, leaving little time to clean the two cubicles. It can get pretty chaotic with women waiting, clicking pictures, at times even puking, but I do my best,” she added.
Pit stop or destination
There is a clear gender divide when it comes to restroom design. It’s not just a matter of aesthetics but also functionality, driven by gender expectations and usage patterns.
The concept of ‘potty parity’, which advocates for equal or equitable access to restrooms for men and women in public spaces, has been a cornerstone of feminist and labour movements in the US.
However, Indian restaurants seem to be creating their own narrative, by offering tailored restroom experiences for each gender.
Women’s restrooms in Indian restaurants often receive much more attention and thoughtful design compared to their male counterparts. Restaurant owners understand the unique needs of their female patrons and make sure every aspect of the space is inviting.
After 9:30 pm, the restroom is almost always full, leaving little time to clean the two cubicles. It can get pretty chaotic with women waiting, clicking pictures, at times even puking
– Neeti, housekeeper, Whisky Samba
Kapur, the owner of Whisky Samba and The Wine Company, highlights the various aspects they keep in mind while designing women’s loo.
“We ensure women’s restrooms are spacious, provide comfortable seating, have generous counter space, large mirrors, a top-notch sanitary disposal system and pleasant fragrance,” he said.
This attention to detail isn’t just about comfort; it’s about creating an experience.
“The ambience is designed to be pleasant. When a woman walks out of the restroom, you want her to feel like she’s stepping into the restaurant for the first time,” Kapur said.
This goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about making the space functional in ways men might not consider, like providing hooks or knobs for handbags and clothes.
“It seems like a small touch, but we know women appreciate a place to hang their Birkins,” said Anand.
By contrast, men’s restrooms are often designed with a more utilitarian approach. The focus isn’t on creating a luxurious or extended experience but on practicality and efficiency.
Men, as Kapur noted, rarely linger in restrooms, whether to take selfies or chat. “They come and go. So, we ensure the restroom smells great and is clean—that’s about it.”
The intention behind these design choices reflects how men view restrooms: as a pit stop, not a destination.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)