The 2025 Eat Drink Design Awards has revealed its shortlist of 64 projects across six primary categories, showcasing a hospitality industry increasingly focused on creating memorable, tactile experiences that draw customers away from digital distractions.
Jury chair and editor of InteriorsAu, Cassie Hansen, noted that this year’s entries reflect designers’ creative responses to an “increasingly digital world,” with many compelling interiors specifically designed to encourage in-person visits through storytelling, atmosphere and emotional connection.
“From immersive bars to expansive breweries, the focus has shifted toward storytelling, atmosphere and emotional connection. Designers are creating memorable, tactile experiences that resonate deeply with customers,” Hansen explained.
The jury highlighted how this year’s selections “broke away from tradition, making a striking impression with designs that feel bold and original.”
Leading the pack, the Best Restaurant Design category features 21 shortlisted projects spanning Australia and New Zealand. Notable entries include Centennial Homestead by Five Foot One Design, Scholé by Taylor and Hinds Architects with Luke Burgess, and Lito at Mondrian Gold Coast by Alexander and Co.
Other standout selections include Maison Batard by Mitchell and Eades, The Joey by Co: Aika, and Bistro Saine at Hotel Indigo Auckland, created through collaboration between Ingram Advisory, Title Hospitality, Ewert Leaf, Chroma Group and Neoscape.
The shortlist also showcases work from prominent studios including Studio Esteta (Harriot), Acme (Lunetta and Supernormal), DKO (Tombo Den), and Sans-Arc Studio (Mensa and Sofia Bistro).
The awards, organised by Architecture Media and endorsed by the Australian Institute of Architects and Design Institute of Australia, draw from hundreds of entries evaluated by industry leaders, including Good Food’s national restaurant editor, Callan Boys, Simone McEwan, co-founder at Nice Projects, Ritz and Ghougassian director Jean-Paul Ghougassian, and Entrecôte and Hopper Joint founder Jason M. Jones.
Winners will be announced on 29 October 2025.
The jury will also select one iconic venue from Australia or New Zealand for induction into the Eat Drink Design Awards Hall of Fame, recognising establishments that have achieved cultural significance and demonstrated longevity in the often-transient hospitality industry.
The full gallery of the ‘Best Restaurant Design’ shortlisted projects can be viewed here.
