KABABI PERSIAN BARBECUE RESTAURANT

Kababi transforms a tired 150sqm takeaway into a warm, vibrant Persian BBQ restaurant, inspired by chef Hamed Allahyari’s memories of 1990s Tehran. Designed for storytelling and community, the 26-seat space features a vintage pink chandelier, patterned tiles, and preserved joinery, blending old-world charm with modern dining.

Smart spatial tweaks and a colour-drenched Dulux Watershed palette create cohesion, while sustainable, repurposed materials honour the project’s tight budget. The refinished floor, traditional copper cookware, and handcrafted details reflect Hamed’s vision, culture, and craftsmanship.

More than a restaurant, Kababi is a heartfelt tribute to Persian heritage, resilience, and hospitality.

It a was privileged to gift my time and provide professional services to assist with Kababi’s interiors as a part of my ongoing support of Chef Hamed’s wonderful work as a social entrepreneur.

You can support Kababi by booking a table with them here.

Inside a modern restaurant or cafe with the cafe name 'KABABI' displayed on the wall. The interior features light green walls, a chandelier, shelves with decorative items, and various tables and chairs. A person is walking past the counter.
A kitchen counter with pink cabinets, stacked bowls, plates, and cooking utensils, a framed black-and-white artwork on the mint green wall, and some hanging greenery.
A dining table set with various dishes including grilled meat, salad, pizza, baked vegetables, corn on the cob, and beverages, with a teapot in the background, in a room with green wall paneling and indoor plants.
Interior of a cafe with light mint green wall, three glass-door refrigerated display cases filled with beverages, a menu board with handwritten items in a mix of English and Arabic, a glass display case with desserts, and green and white chairs around wooden tables.
Interior of a bright, modern kitchen with a large green potted plant on a wooden counter, a menu or cookbook, colorful patterned tiles on the front of a kitchen island, and a coffee grinder and espresso machine on the counter. there is a window with sunlight.
A table filled with a variety of Middle Eastern foods, including grilled meats, rice, salads, a whole roasted fish, bread, and small bowls of spices and sauces.

Project: Restaurant

Location: Sunshine, VIC

Interior Design & Styling: Petrina Turner Design

Photography: Amorfo

A colorful plate of mixed vegetables, grilled chicken, yellow rice, salad, and lemon wedge on a table with a blue and white patterned tablecloth.
Interior of a restaurant with a colorful tiled counter, a kitchen area with a range hood, jars, and kitchen utensils, and a sign on the wall with Arabic script and the word 'KABABI' in English.

If you are interested in working with me on your retail, hospitality or community project, that blends beauty, function, and personality - get in touch.

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