![]()
As the year comes to a close, Eater takes a look back at the most stunning restaurant designs of 2015. And while stark whites and slates have ruled minimalist restaurant design (and Instagram), this year saw the return of vibrant color and eclectic tchotchke-ism. Restaurants, like Eater's 2015 Stone Cold Stunner of the Year winner the Grey, pictured above, tackled impressive renovation projects to transform everything from bus stations to art galleries into chic dining destinations. Midcentury modern furniture and aesthetics were also a major theme this year — from gorgeous pieces of Don Draper-ready furniture to impressive plays on indoor/outdoor space. Exposed lighting still rules the ceilings, but instead of sticking to what real estate and design publication Curbed has called a cliched "Ye Olde-y vibe" with copper filaments, the newest lighting obsession is riffs on the mid-century modern orb, like this one. "People want their restaurant decor to be as fun, surprising, thought-provoking, and nostalgia-inducing as the food they’re eating." "I love that this crew of restaurants really commits to the looks they are going for," says Curbed editor Asad Syrkett. "There's nothing worse than a restaurant interior — or one of any kind, really — that can't make up its mind about what its vibe is. New York's Polo Bar doubled down on the luxe All-American aesthetic (with its plush leather banquettes and low, coffered timber ceilings); and San Francisco's Bon Marché really nails that mix of California breeziness (with perky yellow accents and Eames chairs slipcovered in punchy fabrics). I think people want their restaurant decor to be as fun, surprising, thought-provoking, and nostalgia-inducing as the food they're eating, and these interiors hit those notes." Syrkett's favorite restaurants of the top 15 all display a perfect "lack of clutter" — "I'm a fan of sleek, minimally fussy spaces," he says. Below are the best in show, and do keep an eye out for Syrkett's picks. Address: 222 S Hope Street, Los Angeles, CAKey Players: Timothy Hollingsworth, Bill Chait, Studio UNTLD, House of Honey, Osvaldo MaiozziOpened: November 2015The Look: Worthy of its position next to the ultra-contemporary Broad Museum, Otium combines striking natural materials, midcentury modern accents, and plenty of greenery. Industrial touches and a Damien Hirst mural bring of-the-moment drama. Address: 109 Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Savannah, GAKey Players: Mashama Bailey, Johno Morisano, Parts and Labor DesignOpened: January 2015The Look: Behold Eater's Stone Cold Stunner of 2015, a refurbished bus station that lives somewhere between Art Deco and industrial. The original flow of the station is still very much visible, but infinitely more stylish. Address: 1416 Fourth Avenue N, Nashville, TN Key Players: Terry Raley, Metal FredOpened: February 2015The Look: This German-inspired restaurant beer hall is all about gorgeous woods, industrial metal accents, and the drama of its super-high ceiling. Stacked stone features and clean white tiled walls keep things from looking hokey. Address: 1 E 55th Street, New York, NY Key Players: Ralph LaurenOpened: January 2015The Look: Comfortably elitist, complete with sporty art, deep leather banquettes, and equestrian flair. This is Ralph Lauren's co-ed gentleman's club, a stunning fantasia of American prep and New York snobbery. Address: 300 E Pike Street, Seattle, WA Key Players: Eric Johnson, Callie MeyerOpened: Late 2014The Look: Technically this restaurant opened at the tail-end of 2014, but since Stateside won the 2015 Stone Cold Stunner Award from Eater Seattle, it deserves the pass. It also gets a pass because in grey Seattle, Stateside delivers tropical vibes and bold patterned walls while showing a sophisticated restraint. Address: 1170 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, GAKey Players: Ford Fry, Elizabeth IngramOpened: July 2015The Look: Marcel pairs luxurious fabrics in vibrant jewel tones with tchotchkes aplenty — there's a fencing helmet lighting feature, vintage photos, and a bathroom setup that could double as a hipster barber shop. Address: 2100 14th Street NW, Washington, DC Key Players: Social Restaurant Group, SwatchroomOpened: April 2015The Look: Elegant historic details and bold colors are an unexpected and wholly welcome setting at Provision No. 14. The name provided a bit of design inspiration, which harkens back to early 20th-century trading with luggage, oil drums, and other repurposed pieces. Address: 105 W Hargett Street, Raleigh, NC Key Players: Ashley Christensen, Louis Cherry, James A. GoodnightOpened: June 2015The Look: What you wish your home looked like, if your home was a repurposed early 20th-century bank tricked out with a top-of-the-line wood-fired grill. Carrera marble, polished grey tones, and local artisanship inject the right amount of Southern charm.*Syrkett Favorite: "In addition to having a really rad name, Death & Taxes also exceeds at a simple café aesthetic with those chic black Thonet-style chairs and barstools." Address: 12 S Michigan Avenue, Chicago, ILKey Players: Land & Sea Dept., Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, Roman and Williams Opened: May 2015The Look: A jaw-dropping restoration of a private men's club, the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is home to multiple dining properties designed down to the tiniest detail. There's cozy leather booths in the Cherry Circle Room, a wood-clad Game Room complete with bocce ball court, and sweeping views from the bright rooftop restaurant Cindy's. Address: 1355 Market Street, San Francisco, CAKey Players: Mercer Restaurant GroupOpened: August 2015The Look: A commercial space in the Twitter building has given way to the multi-purpose Bon Marché. There's a nod to Parisian cafe style, with classic tiled floors and a cheerful awning — but the overall impression is fresh and quirky.*Syrkett Favorite: "There's a nice mix of contemporary and vintage furniture, and bits of color on rugs, chairs, and, most notably, the awning over the bar, make it feel fresh." Address: 103 Spring Street, Charleston, SCKey Players: Lynn Easton, Dean Andrews, Anne Bowen, Dave DabneyOpened: December 2014The Look: This former art gallery cleaned up into an airy restaurant space thanks to pops of green and romantic touches. The original facade makes for a unique interior accent wall that nods to the building's history.*Sykett Favorite: "The appropriately green upholstery on the chairs at Cannon Green in Charleston add a bit of zest without trying too hard."
