What Is the Cost for Interior Design of a Restaurant?

Imagine this… you have found the perfect spot in Kolkata to start a new restaurant or cafe. This location is great, people are walking by, and the vibe is energetic. But then a big question comes to your mind: how much will it cost to turn that empty place into a real restaurant? From stylish seating arrangements to attractive lights, the cost can vary considerably. Let’s understand this in simple terms.

Factors That Will Impact the Cost

Restaurant Size and Layout

The bigger your restaurant, the more it will cost. A small 1,000 sq ft restaurant in Kolkata can cost anywhere between ₹2 lakhs for a very basic setup. And with fancier design, it can cost you up to ₹15 lakhs. Planning the layout also adds to the cost because you need smooth customer flow, service zones and proper ventilation. This can add another 10–15% to your budget.

Theme and Concept

Your type of restaurant decides a lot:

• A small cafe of 100–500 sq ft usually starts at around ₹15–30 lakhs.
• Casual dining restaurants with a size of 1,000–2,000 sq ft can cost between ₹45 lakhs and ₹1 crore.
• Fine dining space of 2,500–4,500 sq ft is the most expensive. It costs around ₹1-2.5 crore.

Also, remember the humid weather of Kolkata. Heavy fabrics or too much wood would not last long. Stone, metal and simple modern designs usually work better here.

Materials and Finishes

Most people overspend on materials. Premium materials like marble counters, polished wood or designer wallpaper can take up 40–50% of the total budget. A clever way is to spend on focal areas like the bar counter or a feature wall and keep the rest more cost-effective.

Furniture and Fixtures

Chairs, tables, lights, and decor can quickly push up your budget. Fancy designer furniture can cost ₹10,000–₹20,000 per piece, while simpler ones are much cheaper. On average, furniture and fixtures take up 20–30% of your total cost.

Kitchen Design

Your kitchen is the heart of the restaurant. A professional setup, including refrigeration, workstations and storage, costs you around ₹8–25 lakhs. Connecting it properly with the dining area (ventilation, service flow, and heat control) can add another 10–20% to your design costs.

Designer Fees

Hiring a designer in Kolkata usually costs about 6–12% of your total project budget. Some charge per sq ft, between ₹1,000 and ₹2,500, depending on the project. It may seem high, but a good designer can actually save you money by avoiding costly mistakes.

Extra Costs People Forget

• Licenses and permits: ₹50,000–2 lakhs
• AC and climate control: ₹3–8 lakhs
• Monsoon-proofing: ₹1–3 lakhs
• A 15–20% buffer for unexpected expenses

Industry reports show these hidden costs can push your budget up by almost 18%.

Final Thoughts

Designing a restaurant in Kolkata is not just about making it look pretty. It has to work well for daily use. Humidity, monsoon rains, and heavy customer traffic can ruin delicate materials… so plan smart.

The best move is to work with designers who understand Kolkata’s unique challenges.

At Interior Holic, we create restaurant interiors that are stylish, durable, and cost-efficient. From layout planning to material selection, we make sure that your restaurant looks great and lasts long.

Got a space in mind? Let’s turn it into Kolkata’s next famous dining spot.