Located at Sydney’s major tourist hub of Circular Quay, the Spice Room focuses on the delicately spiced, aromatic cuisine of India including lunch meals reminiscent of the charming tiered tiffin boxes distributed by Dabbawallas (delivery boys) to white collared workers across Mumbai.

 

Obtaining a design and license for outdoor seating and dining is the natural evolution for the popular restaurant. The location of the restaurant is near an underpass and has an absence of active street frontages. Dickson Rothschild created a tactical urbanism inspired approach to outdoor seating that would enliven this forgotten corner of Circular Quay Square. The design brings colour and activity, drawing people to enjoy their food while interacting with the square. Drawing on the tiffin boxes and an active street culture, there are a variety of seating options, including sitting with your back to the building looking out at the public life. 

 

Due to the City of Sydney’s strict outdoor dining controls, a careful approach to planning and detail-design was required to achieve a boutique outcome. The result will be a unique outdoor dining experience in Circular Quay.