For those who enjoy café culture, a delightful spot has opened its doors to Dhaka’s vibrant crowd. Nervosa is a cafe located on Siddheswari Road, Dhaka, at the edge of a bustling neighbourhood—just above Brutown, which has long been a favorite in the heart of Bailey Road.
Why Nervosa
The name, “Nervosa,” is a deliberate nod to the beloved sitcom Frasier, where a fictional coffee shop of the same name served as a backdrop for the characters’ daily lives. Sabeel Rahman, CEO and Proprietor of BruTown and Nervosa, explains his choice with a playful intrigue: “The question of ‘Why Nervosa?’ is what makes it captivating. It draws attention, it’s a memorable name.”
Consider Nervosa as the upscale, fancy, artistic neighbor of the popular cafe, BruTown, finding its niche in the community.
Behind the Scenes
Rehnuma Tasnim Sheefa, the principal architect of Parti.studio elaborates on the design philosophy: “Every design develops from a concept or a vision and if for a restaurant or a cafe, the branding has its influence as well. For Nervosa, that concept was built on strong character and a vibrant color palette, designed to draw a younger crowd into the cafe, as envisioned by the owner. When working in a public realm like cafes, as an architect I also had to focus on the psychological impact a person would have with the colors and the characters.”
The color palette evolved gradually. Pale Orange took precedence, aligning with the theme initially, with striking illustrations bringing life to the walls.
To make the illustrations stand out, a monochrome backdrop was introduced for the floors, ceilings, and other walls, allowing the boldly patterned and colored furniture to shine truly.
The exposed brick on some of the walls adds a touch of urban grit, while the wooden flooring brings warmth and texture; keeping them aligned with the basic pale orange color.
The cafe culture in Dhaka thrives on connection. Comfortable seating arrangements encourage heartfelt conversations, from an upcycled plush couch perfect for intimate gatherings to communal tables fostering spontaneous interactions. Nervosa goes a step further with cozy bookshelves stocked with comics and novels, perfect for anyone who wants to settle in with a good read.
Instagrammable Spots
Several strategically placed elements aim to create visually captivating ‘Instagrammable’ moments.
The journey begins at the entry staircase, where a whimsical illustration introduces the cafe’s personality. Upon entering, a prominent neon light sign immediately catches the eye. Inside, a one-of-a-kind waffle mirror greets you at the entrance for your mirror selfies with your friends.
Track lights are incorporated here to highlight specific areas, making them ideal for photos. “You will also find the neon lights in different spots around the cafe”, shares Architect Sheefa.
The use of neon lights is an interior design trend in restaurants targeting younger crowds, particularly Gen Z. They create a visually appealing and Instagram-worthy atmosphere, making restaurants more attractive to social media-conscious customers, to create a unique and memorable visual experience.
illustrations that speak to you
To add character to the interiors, the beams and walls are filled with vibrant illustrations. In the beam above the counter, the illustrated characters resemble the target audience of the cafe, and how they interact and behave.
Describing the artworks, Mashqurur Sabri, the artist, shares, “Nervosa walls are a burst of young energy and Dhaka madness — messy, loud, and full of heart. The hand-drawn, sketchy art style mixes raw lines with pops of bold, chaotic color — think warm reds, electric yellows, moody teals — capturing the city’s wild rhythm. From buzzing rickshaws to rooftop chill scenes, it’s the city on caffeine — vibrant, warm, and wide awake.”
“When I think of Nervosa as perceived by the public, I wish it to be known as the most happening place in Siddeshwari,” says the owner, Sabeel Rahman.
The vibrant interior, the playful name, and the strategic use of social media-friendly elements all point to a well-thought-out strategy. Nervosa isn’t just serving coffee; it’s serving an experience. And if the initial buzz is anything to go by, it’s an experience that Dhaka’s café-goers are eager to embrace.
Written by Samira Ahsan
