Dine in Design
Restaurants that boast both delicious food and pretty interiors
One of the things we love most about going out to eat is the… design. What is the vibe when you walk in? Are the seats comfortable? Is it dark and cozy, suitable for a chilly night, or does it beckon that al fresco feeling on a sunny day.
Restaurants can be seasonal, not just in what produce they serve but the atmosphere they provide. Today we’re sharing some of our favorite both well-designed and yummy spots. And we've added a new one on our list to try in New York, designed by our client Becky Carter. Read on for a taste…
Cecchi’s
The new kid on the block. Our client Studio Becky Carter’s design of Cecchi’s, a restaurant by Michael Cecchi-Azzolina (author of Your Table is Ready), is just as cultural as it is aesthetic. Aiming to deliver an exceptional dining experience without being just another “French bistro,” Cecchi-Azzolina tapped principal Becky Carter to create a classic yet playful environment for his newest restaurant concept. At once, the space speaks to the ultimate fine dining experience—exceptional food—with an approachable and highly engaged service that is also relatable. To execute Cecchi-Azzolina’s intentional departure from predictable fine dining culture while still evoking the sophistication and elegance of old New York, Becky married high-quality materials with playful forms to mirror Michael’s sense of humor. Every design decision was filtered through a lens of 'sexiness'. Read more about this special spot on ELLE Decor.
Leo’s Oyster Bar
Leo's Oyster Bar is a stylish and well-regarded restaurant in San Francisco designed by the renowned interior designer Ken Fulk. Fulk is known for his distinctive and imaginative design aesthetic, which often combines elements of glamour, vintage charm, and a touch of whimsy. Leo's Oyster Bar features sophisticated and retro-inspired interior design, with a blend of tropical and nautical motifs and elements like palm fronds, shell-shaped light fixtures, and a color palette reminiscent of the ocean and beach. Ken Fulk's attention to detail and penchant for creating immersive spaces has contributed to Leo's Oyster Bar's unique and visually appealing atmosphere. If you ever find yourself in SF, do stop by for some great vibes, delicious oysters and a lobster roll, it never disappoints.
The Peacock Mediterranean Grill
On a recent visit to Austin, we were obliged to stop by the Proper Hotel to see designer Kelly Wearstler's southwestern masterpiece - the renowned interior designer is known for her distinctive and eclectic design style across hotels, restaurants, and residential spaces. Her designs often blend bold colors, textures, and patterns to create unique and visually striking environments. The hotel’s restaurant, The Peacock, embodies Austin’s authentic artisanal soul with an infusion of Mediterranean heart. Inspired by local historic craftsman-style architecture and arts-and-crafts motifs, the design evolves the city’s historic charm through pigment-charged colors and layers of organic and textural materiality. And the food is equally as memorable.
Polo Bar
Perhaps the most well-known restaurant for both its design and dinner, it needs no introduction. We have still not had the good fortune to eat there BUT we can still admire it until the day we can snag a res. “Gathering around the table evokes so many memories for me, most of time spent with friends and family—those I love. I wanted The Polo Bar to be a place where people could come together in that spirit,” says Ralph Lauren.
LA Cha Cha Chá
One of the best al fresco spots in Los Angeles. Located in the Arts District, the restaurant is a part of Mexico City-based restaurant group Grupo Palmares and its U.S. managing partner, Alejandro Marin. The concept originated from Terazza Cha Cha Chá in Mexico City and the rooftop atmosphere and outdoor space are integral to Cha Cha Chá's. The rooftop design in its Los Angeles location creates a lush, green oasis to provide a natural escape within the city. Lead architect Lena Kohl—who is also Alejandro Marin's wife— designed the rooftop, which includes a large, well-lit kitchen space and vibrant aesthetics to encourage creativity and a community atmosphere. We love how they documented the process of bringing this place to life, and LA Cha Cha Chá is a must in sunny LA year round.
This list could go on forever, so we’ll wrap it here. If there are any beautifully designed restaurants you want to tell us about, write to us anytime.
Until next time,
Margo + Maddie