Nongor
The journey to Nongor begins long before the first meal arrives. As the elevator climbs to the rooftop of a ten-story building in Mirpur, the noise of the city slowly fades away.
The greenery softens concrete, warm lights glow against natural textures, and every corner feels designed to tell a story.
Named after the Bengali word Nongor meaning anchor the restaurant embraces the idea of stability, belonging, and connection. Spread across 15,000 square feet, Nongor unfolds over two rooftop levels, each offering a different experience while remaining connected through a single design language.
The project was envisioned by Md Istiaq Ismail, Founder and Chief Visionary of Nongor, while the complete architectural and interior design was developed by Interior Architect Rezaul Karim, Founder and Principal Interior Architect of Theme Studio.
The lower rooftop welcomes guests into a dramatic 5,000-square-foot indoor dining hall. Instead of separating indoor and outdoor spaces, the design allows them to flow naturally into one another. Large openings connect the dining hall with an expansive outdoor terrace, creating an environment where fresh air, natural light, and architecture exist together without clear boundaries.
A staircase leads to the upper rooftop, where the atmosphere becomes more relaxed. Designed for kebabs, coffee, and casual conversations, the open-air deck offers a quieter, more intimate setting. Surrounded by lush greenery and open skies, it transforms throughout the day from peaceful mornings filled with sunlight to vibrant evenings overlooking the city lights.
Nature plays a central role throughout Nongor. Trees, plants, and landscaped corners are carefully woven into the architecture instead of being added as decorative elements. Earth-toned materials, organic textures, and flowing forms create a calm and welcoming atmosphere, while clean lines, contemporary lighting, and modern detailing keep the design fresh and refined. This balance between nature and modernity defines the identity of the restaurant.
The restaurant follows a philosophy where organic elements meet contemporary innovation. Flowing forms, ambient lighting, and carefully selected materials create a calm atmosphere while reflecting the changing language of modern hospitality design.
That sense of connection defines the project. Flexible seating arrangements allow families, couples, and large groups to enjoy the restaurant in their own way. Intimate corners encourage quiet conversations, while generous communal areas invite gatherings and celebrations. Every space has its own identity, yet all remain part of one continuous story.
Guests move from one environment to another, discovering changing moods, framed views, natural light, and carefully curated details. The experience evolves with every step and with every hour of the day.
As sunlight filters through the greenery in the afternoon, the restaurant feels peaceful and relaxed. During sunset, warm golden light transforms the rooftop into a dramatic landscape. At night, carefully layered lighting creates an intimate atmosphere beneath the open sky. The rooftop itself becomes a living canvas that changes with nature.
Designed entirely through Rezaul Karim’s creative vision, Nongor demonstrates how hospitality design can extend far beyond aesthetics. It shows that architecture can shape emotions, strengthen human interaction, and create lasting memories through thoughtful planning and meaningful storytelling.
For Md. Istiaq Ismail, Nongor has always been about creating lasting memories. “An anchor gives people a sense of security and belonging. We wanted Nongor to become a rooftop where people return because they enjoy the atmosphere as much as the experience, he explains.
In a city where rooftop restaurants continue to multiply, Nongor stands apart by offering something deeper than beautiful views. It offers an experience where architecture, landscape, and people come together naturally. Above the city, Nongor becomes exactly what its name promises: an anchor in the sky, where nature, modern design, and community meet in perfect harmony.
