The Prix Versailles is a prestigious global award that recognizes excellence in architecture and design across various sectors, including restaurants. In 2024, the award honored 16 dining establishments worldwide for their exceptional aesthetic appeal and innovative design. Here are ten of the most beautiful restaurants that stood out:
1. Ariana’s Persian Kitchen – Dubai, UAE
Located in Atlantis The Royal, Ariana’s Persian Kitchen is a tribute to Chef Ariana Bundy’s heritage from Kashan, Iran. The restaurant’s design features vibrant turquoise hues and intricate stained-glass windows, creating a luminous atmosphere that reflects traditional Persian artistry. The space is adorned with elements like rose water, mint, cinnamon, and orange blossom, enhancing the sensory dining experience.
2. Reine & La Rue – Melbourne, Australia
Housed in the historic Melbourne Stock Exchange building dating back to 1891, Reine & La Rue combines Gothic architecture with modern elegance. The Cathedral Room, once the trading floor, now serves as a grand dining area, while the adjacent La Rue offers an intimate wine bar setting. The design seamlessly integrates the building’s rich history with contemporary elements.
3. Madi Hiyaa – North Malé Atoll, Maldives
Situated at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Madi Hiyaa is an overwater restaurant inspired by the graceful rays of the Indian Ocean. Designed by Nomadic Resorts, its bamboo ribcage structure mirrors the Pink Whiprays found in the nearby lagoon. The sustainable design harmonizes with the natural surroundings, offering panoramic sunset views and a serene dining experience.
4. Virador Beach Club – Costa Rica
Nestled within the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Virador Beach Club blends Eastern Mediterranean cuisine with Costa Rican coastal beauty. The architecture utilizes local materials like stone and wood, merging modern design with the natural landscape. The restaurant offers breathtaking coastal views, enhancing the dining ambiance.
5. Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic – Hong Kong, China
Overlooking Victoria Harbour, Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic showcases French culinary artistry in a setting that emphasizes light and reflection. The restaurant’s design incorporates crystal elements, creating a mystical and ethereal atmosphere that complements the fine dining experience.
6. Tomacado – Hong Kong, China
Inspired by the Hong Kong orchid, Tomacado offers a floral-themed dining experience. Hidden behind a florist’s window, the restaurant features garden-like interiors with floral decorations, creating a dreamy and intimate atmosphere. The design reflects a blend of nature and culinary artistry.
7. Jiwan – Doha, Qatar
Located within the National Museum of Qatar, Jiwan marries contemporary design with Qatari heritage. Designed by Koichi Takada Architects, the restaurant’s interiors reflect desert landscapes and cultural narratives, offering a dining experience rooted in local traditions. The setting provides stunning vistas of Doha, enhancing the ambiance.
8. Harudot – Chonburi, Thailand
Harudot redefines the coffee shop as a serene retreat where architecture, culture, and nature converge. Idin Architects’ design, characterized by its undogmatic spirituality, invites guests to experience a sense of renewal. The collaboration between the Nana Coffee Roasters chain and a rare plant connoisseur has resulted in a space that exudes elegance and tranquility, where each visit feels like a journey into a secluded haven.
9. Nusara – Bangkok, Thailand
Nusara’s architectural narrative, crafted by TasteSpace, frames Bangkok’s iconic temples as cinematic vistas. The restaurant’s interior, with its homage to Thai craftsmanship and culinary heritage, transforms each floor into a sensory exploration. The interplay of textiles and gold leaf creates an ambiance imbued with artistic and spiritual significance, offering diners a rich tapestry of cultural experiences.
10. Ilis – New York, United States
Ilis, conceived by Danish chef Mads Refslund and architect Grant Blakeslee, disrupts conventional restaurant design with its open, performative kitchen. The industrial hangar in Brooklyn is transformed into a dynamic culinary theater where chefs and servers become artists. The seamless integration of back and front of house, illuminated by conical brass sconces, creates an environment of controlled chaos that elevates the dining experience to an art form.
These ten restaurants exemplify how architecture and design can enhance the dining experience, offering not just exceptional cuisine but also immersive environments that captivate the senses. Each establishment reflects its cultural heritage and innovative spirit, making them worthy recipients of the Prix Versailles recognition.
Published: 18th June 2025
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