Today we feast our eyes on the crème de la crème of Australia’s hospitality scene. The 2024 Eat Drink Design Awards shortlist has just dropped, and it’s serving up a smorgasbord of visual delights that might just have you drooling over more than just the menu. In a year marked by economic challenges, these spaces demonstrate the industry’s resilience and creativity.

This year’s shortlist is like a treasure map of Australian design excellence. From sleek city bars to cozy regional cafes, these venues push the envelope of hospitality design.

Cassie Hansen, the awards’ jury convenor and editor, gives us the lowdown on what’s cooking in the world of hospitality design: “In a time of extreme economic uncertainty for the industry, celebrating the places where we break bread and convene as a community has never been more important. These shortlisted venues represent the very best newly designed venues in the country and many have common threads that unite them.”

Latteria by Studio Gram. Photos: Timothy Kaye.

The jury has identified five key design narratives across this year’s 62 (wowzwer!) shortlisted projects.

Out-of-This-World Design. Forget your typical restaurant vibes. This year, it’s all about transporting guests to a whole new dimension (or at least somewhere they’ve never been before). Think alien landscapes and far-flung destinations. An array of restaurants, bars, and cafes look far from traditional and make a big impact.

Heritage with a Twist. Old is gold, but make it fresh AF. While restoring and rejuvenating heritage buildings isn’t easy, a number of designers have breathed new life into old spaces, turning them into hip hangouts that respect the past while embracing the future.

Moody and Intimate. Dim the lights and crank up the atmosphere. Dark, intimate spaces are having a moment, creating dining experiences that feel exclusive and just a tad risqué.

Your Cool Friend’s House. Ever wished you could dine at that art gallery-slash-cool apartment you’ve been eyeing off? Well, now you can. Several restaurants this year are channelling private home vibes, complete with enviable art collections.

Regional Rockstars. Who says all the design fun happens in the big smoke? Regional venues are stepping up, creating spaces that are both tourist magnets and local treasures.

The winners will be announced on November 1, 2024. Until then, take a design-fuelled road trip to check out some of our faves below. Cheers!

Johnny’s Green Room by Dion Hall. Photos: Earl Carter.

Canteen Pizza by Studio Gram. Photos: Dion Robeson.

Orlo by McCluskey Studio and James Klapanis. Photos: Timothy Kaye.

King Clarence by Pascale Gomes-McNabb Design and Jasmax. Photos: Murray Fredericks.

Comedor by Welsh and Major Architects. Photos: Steven Woodburn.

Alfie’s by Tom Mark Henry. Photos: Damian Bennett.

Saint Hotel by Telha Clarke. Photos: Sharyn Cairns.

Genzo by Cox Architecture with HE Architects. Photos: Alec Bruce Mason.

White Horse by Farago Han Studio. Photos: Gavin Green.

Emme by Alkot Studio. Photos: Cieran Murphy.

Gerards by J.AR Office. Photos: David Chatfield.

[Images courtesy of Eat Drink Design Awards.]