At Rare, we partnered with Pomodoro Pasta Bar in Bandra to build a brand that feels warm, cheeky, and full of character, much like the neighbourhood it calls home. The process began with the naming. We wanted something familiar yet flavourful, a word that could instantly evoke the comfort of Italian food without sounding too polished or pretentious. “Pomodoro” was the perfect pick. It’s simple, honest, and sits at the heart of almost every great Italian dish. It also gave us the chance to build an entire world around the tomato, something playful, versatile, and quietly iconic.

From there, we rolled out the brand identity, letting the name set the tone for everything that followed. The idea was to blend Italian charm with a Bandra state of mind. So the design direction pulled from classic Italian trattorias, vintage pasta packaging, and the everyday hustle of Mumbai’s streets. The result was a bold and colorful identity system that felt rooted yet refreshing. We played with typography that felt hand-painted, created a bright and approachable colour palette, and developed graphic elements that added warmth without becoming overly ornamental.

The tone of voice was just as important. Pomodoro had to feel like your witty friend who knows their food but doesn’t take it too seriously. The copy across menus, signage, and social templates was kept casual, a bit cheeky, and always full of flavour. Think one-liners about tomato drama, pasta truths, and the occasional Bandra inside joke. We made sure the brand could speak clearly, whether it was welcoming a first-time customer or showing up on someone’s Instagram feed.

As we moved deeper into the process, we also shaped the physical experience of the brand. Every touchpoint, from menu design and takeaway packaging to wall signage and little brand moments inside the restaurant, was created to bring the identity to life. Our goal wasn’t just to make Pomodoro look good. It was to make it feel good. Comfortable, easygoing, and just the right amount of quirky.

In the end, Pomodoro Pasta Bar became more than just a place to grab a bite. It became a little slice of Italy served with a side of Mumbai attitude. A space that invites you in with open arms, feeds you something familiar, and leaves you smiling on your way out.