Tippy Tay by Technē Architecture and Interior Design with Eleisha Gray Design(Melbourne CBD, VIC). Photographed by Caitlin MillsIf the old adage—‘we eat with our eyes’—is true, then dining out should be a feast for more than just your tastebuds. Consider the role furniture, lighting and decor plays in any space, and you’ll understand why designers toil for months to create the perfect restaurant setting. More than a place where you simply eat, a restaurant’s decor has the power to lift your mood, transform your headspace and cultivate an experience—no matter the occasion. And after three years of living through a pandemic, the lure of dining out in beautiful surrounds has never been stronger.Perhaps that’s why this year’s shortlist for theEat Drink Design Awardsfeels stronger than ever. In the restaurant category alone, the 38 shortlisted destinations reflect the best in Australian and New Zealand hospitality and interior design. Wide ranging in scope, vision and atmosphere—for 2022 there’s a distinct thread of nostalgia and a yearning for warm, tactile comfort. Gone are the uber minimal, concrete spaces ofprevious years; instead we’re welcoming the return of colour, curves and textural accents.From restaurants immersed in natural settings, to inner-city gems bursting with cool and creative treatments, here we present 38 of the best designed restaurants in Australia and New Zealand right now.Olea by Guru Projects (Lindfield, NSW). Photographed by Steven WoodburnFlame by Altis Architecture (Dee Why, NSW). Photographed by Toby PeetTippy Tay by Technē Architecture and Interior Design with Eleisha Gray Design (Melbourne CBD, VIC). Photographed by Caitlin MillsSt.Alma by Five Foot One Design (Freshwater, NSW). Photographed by Ryan LinnegarPicnicka by CTRL Space (Tauranga, QLD). Photographed by Sarah GraceArcher’s by DKO (Docklands, VIC). Photographed by Nicole EnglandPress Food & Wine by Claire Kneebone (Adelaide, SA). Photographed by Qi ShenLola’s Level 1 by H and E Architects (Bondi Beach, NSW). Photographed by Nikki ToLucky Kwong by APS Design (Eveleigh, NSW). Photographed by Tom FergusonStratton Bar & Kitchen by Newstead Hospitality Group (Newstead, QLD). Photographed by The Pixel FactoryGrill Americano by Mitchell and Eades (Melbourne, VIC). Photographed by Adrian Lander and Tom BlachfordCappo Sociale by Emma Tulloch Architects (Fitzroy, VIC). Photographed by Peter ClarkeHubert Estate by Cera Stribley (Coldstream, VIC). Photographed by Peter BennettsCopycat Bar & Restaurant by Techne Architecture Interior Design (Elsternwick, VIC). Photographed by Tom BlachfordRocco’s Bologna Discoteca by Studio Co and Co (Fitzroy, VIC). Photographed by Emilio Scalzo and Eugene HylandStringers Sorrento by Chris Connell Design (Sorrento, VIC). Photographed by Earl CarterMoonhouse by Ewert Leaf (Balaclava, VIC). Photographed by Jack Lovel.Santa Caterina by Guru Projects (Sydney, NSW). Photographed by Kitti GouldUrsula’s Paddington by Brahman Perera (Paddington, NSW). Photographed by Nikki ToShell House by Woods Bagot (Sydney, NSW). Photographed by Jonny ValiantEntrecôte Prahran by Brahman Perera (Prahran, VIC). Photographed by Lillie ThompsonJane by Luchetti Krelle (Surry Hills, NSW). Photographed by Anson SmartMeet Fresh by Wall Architects (Burwood, NSW). Photographed by Sebastian PhotographyLOAM Sydney by Flack Studio (Sydney, NSW). Photographed by Anson SmartPatina at Alumni Court by DM2 Architecture (St Lucia, QLD). Photographed by Scott BurrowsWoodcut Restaurant by Loop Creative (Barangaroo, NSW). Photographed by Anson SmartBKK by Dion Hall (Melbourne, VIC). Photographed by Earl CarterKoi by Loop Creative (Sydney, NSW). Photographed by Robert Walsh PhotographerVan Bone by Laura Simone (Bream Creek, TAS). Photographed by Adam GibsonThe Heke by Izzard Design (Waiheke, NSW). Photographed by Jono ParkerDi Stasio Carlton by Hassell (Carlton, VIC). Photographed by Peter BennettsGage Roads Fremantle by Finespun (Fremantle, WA). Photographed by Ross WallaceSunset by CTRL Space (Auckland CBD, QLD). Photographed by Sarah GraceSou’West Brewery by Ewert Leaf (Torquay, VIC). Photographed by Jenah PiwanskiArkhé by Studio Gram (Norwood, SA). Photographed by Timothy KayeSakura Kaiten Sushi by Bergman and Co. (Melbourne, VIC). Photographed by Timothy KayeHer Bar by Dion Hall (Melbourne, VIC). Photographed by Earl CarterWant moreVogue Living? Sign up to theVogue Livingnewsletterfor your weekly dose of design news and interiors inspiration.