Rafi by Luchetti Krelle. Photographed by Steven WoodburnThere are few things as simple, yet pleasurable asdining out. Whether gathered with a large group of friends or tucked away into a quiet corner with a partner, the joy of a delicious meal shared with a loved one never gets old. It’s especially exciting when paired with a new venue. While hundreds of eateries pop up around Australia each year, there are some that instantly stand out from the pack, filling up reservations and drawing instant accolades for their menus and expertly crafted wine lists. Even though many factors contribute to the success of a restaurant, one of the main elements lies undoubtedly in its design.A beautiful interior does more than simply invite diners in—it creates ambience, sets the mood and fosters a sense of connection to a space. In many ways, design is the invisible thread linking a restaurant’s cuisine to its food philosophy, and can shape your entire dining experience. While some interiors stand front and centre, creating an obvious talking point; others work in more subtle ways, imparting atmosphere while seemingly receding into the background. This variation of design styles is one of the reasonsrestaurant designremains so exciting—there’s no one way to craft a great interior. In fact, if the diversity of design styles in the 2023Eat Drink Design Awardsshortlist tells us anything, it’s that the future of design in Australian restaurants is very bright indeed. Keep reading to discover 26 of the best designed restaurants around the country.Photographed by Jonathan VDKHNLY by Genesin Studio (Henley Beach, SA)Photographed by Steven WoodburnRafi by Luchetti Krelle (North Sydney, NSW)Photographed by Nikki ToRedbird by Luchetti Krelle (Redfern, NSW)Photographed by Cieran MurphyBabylon Brisbane by Hogg and Lamb (Brisbane, QLD)Photographed by Shannon McGrathYūgen by Architects EAT (South Yarra, VIC)Photographed by Timothy KayeFugazzi Private Dining Room and Bar by Studio Gram (Adelaide, SA)Photographed by Anson SmartThe Charles Grand Brasserie and Bar by Cox Architecture in collaboration with H and E Architects (Sydney, NSW)Photographed by Brock Beazley PhotographyThe Wolf by Melissa Collison Design (Brisbane, QLD)Photographed by Tom FergusonHurricane’s Grill and Bar by Luchetti Krelle (Cronulla, NSW)Photographed by Nicole EnglandKomeyui Brisbane by Baenziger Coles (Spring Hill, QLD)Photographed by Andrew WorrsamOborozuki by Giant Design Consultants (Sydney, NSW)Photographed by Jack LovelFiglia by Ewert Leaf (Brunswick East, VIC)Photographed by Jack LovelVin Populi by Rezen Studio (Fremantle, WA)Photographed by Jessie PrinceLight Years Asian Diner by Studio Plenty (Byron Bay, NSW)Photographed by Nicole ReedLuma Bar and Restaurant by Hachem (Adelaide, SA)Photographed by William LabourierRekōdo Restaurant and Vinyl Bar by H and E Architects (Barangaroo, NSW)Photographed by Anne StroudSuch and Such by MyMyMy Architecture (Canberra, ACT)Photographed by Romello PereiraBeau by Smart Design Studio (Surry Hills, NSW)Photographed by Jenah PiwanskiSth by Adrian Condina (Unley, SA)Photographed by Jenah PiwanskThe Light Room by Georgie Shepherd Interior Design (Adelaide, SA)Photographed by Nikki ToLulu’s Restaurant and Garden, The Lodge Jamberoo by Studio Barbara (Jamberoo, NSW)Photographed by Sarah GraceBossi by CTRL Space (Auckland CBD, New Zealand)Photographed by Pablo VeigaKiln, Ace Hotel Sydney by Fiona Lynch Interior Design (Sydney, NSW)Photographed by Jack LovelFive Vineyard by Ewert Leaf (Mernda, VIC)Photographed by Martina GemmolaGrazia Restaurant by Richard Hall and Son (Glen Iris, VIC)Photographed by Kat LuGildas by Atoma Design (Surry Hills, NSW)Want moreVogue Living?Sign up to theVogue Livingnewsletterfor your weekly dose of design news and interiors inspiration.