Given their importance in social interaction, restaurants and other F&B spaces should not only serve impeccable dishes, but also they should pay even greater attention to their look. In this sense Instagram and Pinterest are the perfect social media for those restaurants eager to increase their brand’s exposure. That’s why unique-looking restaurants are blooming all over the world. In fact, a restaurant with an inspiring interior design will probably attract many customers, as a great culinary experience usually involves not only the mouth but also the eyes.

The Duchess at W Hotel by Baranowitz Kronenberg (Amsterdam)

This baroque-style Viennese café restaurant is located in the new five-star W Amsterdam Hotel. The designer Baranowitz Kronenberg decided to fully exploit the high ceilings of the building, originally a bank, but decorated them with wide pendant chandeliers at mid-height. The restaurant combines Southern French and Italian cuisine, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Potato Head by Sou Fujimoto (Hong Kong)


With his funny name, Potato Head by Sou Fujimoto perfectly fits into the designer’s style, mixing decorative greenery and angular structures. In this multifunctional space customers can go shopping, drink a coffee or enjoy a meal at the restaurant.

Pharmacy 2 in Newport Street Gallery by Damien Hirst (London)

Well-known designer Damien Hirst worked together with British chef Mark Hix to realize this very atypical project. Pharmacy 2, winner of the Riba Stirling Prize 2016, is a gallery-restaurant decorated with some of the artist’s most iconic works. Combining seats in leather with flooring in marble, glass and stainless steel, the ambiance has been criticized as too austere. An artist’s work always arouses mixed reactions, indeed! See our related article about Pharmacy 2

Chaimiduo Farmer’s market and restaurant by Zhaoyang Architects (Dali, Yunnan, China)

This space was originally an abandoned office complex. Zhaoyang Architects took up the challenge and transformed it into a market and restaurant. Passersby can now buy fresh products in the 200 square meters courtyard or sit at the tables beneath the bamboos.

The Bistro Prouti Proudu by Mimosa Architekti (Prague)

Located in Prague, the Bistro Prouti Proudu by Mimosa Architekti shows a plain, immaculate design. Nevertheless, its visible electrical system, which automatically turns on the lights suspended on the tables every time that somebody passes by, is quite unconventional. Here, waiters are also “masters of light”.

The Nacrée restaurant by Kengo Kuma (Tokyo)

A Japanese chef who studied in a Michelin 3-star restaurant in France runs this unique French restaurant.  Then, what’s so special about it? The transparent tubes which give the impression to fluctuate inside a wave, while the plastic walls suspended from the ceiling to the floor create a bright but intimate setting.

Koï by Vincent Coste (Aix-en-Provence, France)

Vincent Coste chose a very atypical pattern for the concept of Koï: Japanese Mafia body tattoos. And this concept is pervasive, even the dishes are decorated with graphic elements inspired by yakuza’s body decoration. This motif, designed by Claire Lena, extends all over the floor, the walls and the ceiling.

The 108 by SPACE (Copenhagen)

Restaurant 108 is located inside an old industrial warehouse in the Danish capital. Although the Scandinavian style is clearly dominant, the choice to keep some of the original structures is quite original. All the furniture is made to measure, including the long wooden benches.

Noglu by Mathieu Lehanneur (Paris)

As suggested by its name, this restaurant designed by Mathieu Lehanneur only serves gluten-free menus. The designer chose a very contemporary style for this restaurant characterized by a private atmosphere and a huge arch. Located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, the café is always full of both tourists and local people who are perfectly happy to squeeze up on the sofas and taste delicious pastries.

Vyta Sana Margherita by Collidanielarchitetto (Florence, Italy)

Located in an old waiting room in Santa Maria Novella railway station (Florence), Vyta Santa Margherita’s design mixes leather, glass and marble. Designed by Collidanielarchitetto, this high-end bakery is one of a kind.