The wealth of incredible new spots this year has been staggering, as restaurateurs enlist award-winning architects and designers to craft interiors as mouth-watering as the food they serve. Dishes and design both shine at our seven favourites, from a flamboyant Paris bistro to a revamped East London legend. Both are equally critical for — and successsful at — creating an unforgettable experience.
Deux Gares Express, Paris
British extravagance mingles with French flair at the new Deux Gares Express, located in the 10th arrondissement. The in-house restaurant for Hotel Les Deux Gares, it’s designed by maximalist tastemaker Luke Edward Hall, who also crafted the hotel’s theatrical guest rooms. Nostalgic ’60s and ’70s colour is the protagonist in his kaleidoscopic scheme. Pops of yellow and green complement antiques like the large refectory table sourced from a French monastery, and custom joinery, like a dresser filled with board games, books and pottery. The food, as compelling as the design, is by Jonathan Schweizer and Frédéric Lesire and focuses on classic French favourites.
Caffè Nazionale, Vicenza
A monumental revamp put this historic cafe, in Arzignano’s 19th-century city hall, back on our radar. Architects Marcello Galiotto and Alessandra Rampazzo of award-winning studio AMAA stripped back the 565sqm space to its original features, shedding decades of outdated interventions and unearthing hidden charms. Stainless-steel wall panels add a modern touch to the space while grand arches frame the area and a multilayered wooden coffered ceiling contrasts with the colourful mosaic floor. Custom furnishings by AMAA and artist Nero/Alessandro Neretti share the space with New York-ish subway-style benches and seating inspired by Donald Judd’s work.
Tom’s Pasta by House of Dré, London
A neighbourhood icon for Hackney, Tom Haydon has a new home now that interiors studio House of Dré has transformed Tom’s Pasta. Staying true to its laid-back family-style roots, the vibe is playful and cosy, with retro touches and artwork by local artists. Dré’s interior makes great use of buttery yellow, a constant in Tom’s handmade pasta dishes. Favourites from the menu include beef lasagne, ricotta toast and Tom’s more-ish tiramisù
JNcQUOI Fish, Lisbon
The Atlantic Ocean and its rich ecosystem are the main inspirations at JNcQUOI Fish, an elegant new restaurant in a 19th-century townhouse on Lisbon’s Avenida da Liberdade. Founder Miguel Guedes de Sousa tapped Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen to craft a space that reflects the architecture and textures of the sea-view Palácio de Sintra — and particularly its kitchens. The interiors feature diagonal-patterned Portuguese glazed tiles, Lioz limestone, deep green coffered ceilings and floor tiles of black clay. Meanwhile chefs Filipe Carvalho and António Bóia create fine seafood like Algarve white prawn over spinach, and roasted octopus à Lagareiro.
Milló, Bucharest
A hotspot for contemporary architecture-buffs, Bucharest has a growing reputation among foodies — and coffee fans too, thanks to an influx of high-quality, design-led openings. Milló is already creating buzz as the latest addition on the scene. Opened on the ground floor of an art deco office complex, it was designed by local studio AÉ02 with a scheme that reflects the site’s heritage. The palette is warm and layered, and a large lighting portal hovers above the main dining table, creating cinematic impact that’s still intimate and convivial. Standout features include a lamp by artist Andrei Arion and fixtures by Polish designer Piotr Dabrowa.
Black Crocodile Bar, Poznan
The soft brutalism of Black Crocodile creates a calming atmosphere at this new restaurant in western Poland designed by local practice Wiercinski-Studio. The dining room sits inside historic Betonhaus Hall in Wilson Park, a former exhibition pavilion for the 1911 East German Exhibition of Industry, Crafts and Agriculture, renovated in 2024. High ceilings and tall windows define the space, lined with a 13-metre bar that was crafted by hand from raw steel and solid oak. Two geometric chandeliers highlight the raw, textured walls, and linen accents add a dramatic aura.
Egeo, Madrid
Spanish studio Masquespacio took on the interiors of this new Greek restaurant in Madrid, using the myth of Pandora as inspiration. Egeo’s third outpost features creamy shades, earthy wooden textures and electric-blue accents that complement classic taverna fare like souvlaki and moussaka. The designers’ centrepiece is a wall of 3D-printed cladding that recalls ancient Greek columns and provides a fascinating, suitably festive backdrop.
Haze, Edinburgh
Over just a few years, Edinburgh has grown into a foodie destination to be reckoned with. The latest addition to its wine-and-food scene is Haze, opened last month inside the multidisciplinary hub Brown’s of Leith, at the historic George Brown & Sons steelworks. Founded by the same family behind wine-bar Montrose and Michelin-starred Timberyard and led by chef Bart Stratfold, it ticks all the boxes. The dining room circles a central bar in a former industrial building with lofty ceilings, expansive windows and miles of steelwork. Along with a changing menu of small plates and organic wines, there’s specialty coffee prepared on a Slayer V3 espresso machine.
