DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
THE WORLD’S
MOST BEAUTIFUL
RESTAURANTS
2024
In an era where the architectural narrative transcends mere structural innovation, the Prix Versailles 2024 illuminates the harmonious synthesis between form and function within the realm of gastronomy. This year’s lauded list of the World’s Most Beautiful Restaurants exemplifies the confluence of nature, culture, and architectural ingenuity, offering a diverse tapestry of aesthetic experiences across the globe.
JESSICA HALL
Tuju © Tuju
Ariana’s Persian Kitchen
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Ariana’s Persian Kitchen epitomizes the seamless integration of historical reverence and contemporary elegance. Nestled within the urban landscape of Dubai, the restaurant draws inspiration from the timeless beauty of Kashan. Chef Ariana Bundy’s vision breathes life into a space where the vivid hues of Kashan turquoise interplay with the dappled sunlight filtering through stained-glass windows. The ambiance, enriched by the aroma of rose water and cinnamon, transcends culinary delight, immersing guests in a sensory celebration of Persian heritage.
Reine & La Rue
Melbourne, Australia
Reine & La Rue transforms the once somber Melbourne Stock Exchange into a beacon of architectural renewal. The collaboration between Akin Atelier and Roger Beeston Architects has rejuvenated the Cathedral Room, imbuing it with a contemporary grace that juxtaposes the Gothic solemnity of its past. The spatial choreography of the restaurant, from the grandeur of its dining area to the intimacy of La Rue wine bar, reflects a masterful dialogue between historic reverence and modern sophistication.
Reine & La Rue © Reine & La Rue
Tuju
São Paulo, Brazil
In São Paulo, Tuju stands as a testament to the dynamic interplay of seasonality and spatial design. Chef Ivan Ralston’s culinary philosophy, mirroring the fluidity of weather patterns, finds its architectural counterpart in the vertical garden designed by Angelo Bucci and Raul Pereira. This verdant oasis within the cityscape of Jardim Paulistano crafts a serene environment where Brazilian artistry in furniture and decor anchors the ever-changing gastronomic narrative.
Ariana’s Persian Kitchen © Ariana’s Persian Kitchen
Tomacado Hong Kong © Tomacado
Tomacado
Hong Kong, China
Tomacado’s floral-inspired concept transforms its Hong Kong locale into a botanical haven. Liang Architecture’s design, anchored by the local Hong Kong orchid, crafts an environment where nature and dining coalesce. The artful arrangement of floral sculptures and paper blossoms evokes a dreamlike ambiance, inviting guests to experience a romantic immersion that transcends the typical dining experience.
Auyl
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Auyl, a homage to Kazakh heritage, blends Soviet modernism with ancient cultural motifs. The architectural firms NAAW and Dunie Design have crafted a series of immersive spaces that reflect Kazakhstan’s nomadic traditions. The stylized yurt and open kitchen create a sacred ambiance where modern interpretations of Central Asian cuisine are celebrated amidst an environment steeped in historical reverence.
Auyl © Damir Otegen, Zarine Zoman, Yulo Khan
Cristal Room
by Anne-Sophie Pic Hong Kong, China
The Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic in Hong Kong crystallizes the essence of French craftsmanship against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour. Gilles & Boissier’s futuristic design leverages the ethereal qualities of Baccarat crystal, creating an atmospheric interplay of light and shadow. The optical illusion of flames encapsulated within a chandelier encapsulates the fiery origins of crystal-making, offering diners a transcendent culinary experience suffused with a sense of ethereal wonder.
Cristal Room © Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic
Virador Beach Club
Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica
Virador Beach Club, seemingly timeless, showcases the delicate art of architectural integration. Mexican architect Jorge Borja’s design melds the new with the natural, harmonizing contemporary materials with the verdant Costa Rican landscape. The understated elegance of local stone and wood enhances the restaurant’s ethos of immanence, creating a dining venue that resonates with the serenity of its surroundings.
Virador Beach Club © Jorge Borja
Blanc
Paris, France
Blanc, a creation of Kengo Kuma, embodies the Japanese ethos of subtlety and tranquility within the heart of Paris. The restaurant’s progression from the dimly lit vestibule to the luminous dining room encapsulates a journey of discovery. The harmonious blend of walnut, bronze, and glass creates a sanctuary of calm, where the meticulous craftsmanship of Japanese tradition is celebrated within a modern context.
Blanc © Yuji Ono
Ladurée Champs-Élysées
Paris, France
At the iconic Ladurée Champs-Élysées, historical grandeur meets floral exuberance. The Malherbe Paris design studio, inspired by Impressionist and Art Nouveau motifs, has reimagined this Parisian institution as a living garden. The profusion of floral arrangements seamlessly links the cultural heritage of the macaron with a sensory celebration of French artistry.
Ladurée Champs-Élysées © Ladurée Champs-Élysées
Riviera Fuga
Paris, France
Riviera Fuga captures the essence of a Mediterranean escape within the urban landscape of Paris. JP Demeyer & Co’s design, with its nautical motifs and vibrant color palette, evokes a nostalgic elegance reminiscent of the French Riviera. The floating restaurant on the Seine offers a unique fusion of Italian and Japanese cuisine, enveloping diners in a sun-drenched ambiance that transcends geographical boundaries.
Riviera Fuga © Riviera Fuga
Beefbar
Milan, Italy
In Milan, Beefbar revitalizes the historic Corso Venezia with a blend of timeless elegance and contemporary flair. The architectural duo of Humbert & Poyet pays homage to the site’s rich heritage while infusing it with a chic, modern sensibility. The vaulted ceilings and classical elements juxtaposed with contemporary decor create a space that resonates with Milan’s cultural vibrancy.
Beefbar © Beefbar
The Oreum
Goyang, Republic of Korea
The Oreum offers an urban sanctuary that mimics the tranquility of a natural retreat. Space Dot agency’s design, with its central staircase inspired by a birch forest and cloud-like installations, creates an immersive experience that transports visitors from the bustling cityscape to a serene, otherworldly environment. The restaurant’s design philosophy fosters a meditative atmosphere, enhancing the culinary journey with a sense of ethereal calm.
The Oreum © Jisoo Park
Madi Hiyaa
North Malé Atoll, Maldives
Madi Hiyaa, inspired by the mythological realms of the Ancient Greeks, merges biomimicry with Maldivian natural beauty. The restaurant’s design, with its hyperbolic bamboo structures, echoes the forms of marine life, creating a symbiotic relationship with its lagoon setting. Nomadic Resorts’ architectural vision captures the essence of the Maldives, offering a dining experience that is both mythic and immersive.
Madi Hiyaa © Joe Chua Agdeppa
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.
Harudot © DOF Sky I Ground
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.
Nusara © Jinnawat Borihankijanan
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.
Ilis © ILIS
These architectural marvels, as celebrated by the Prix Versailles 2024, exemplify the profound impact of design on the culinary experience. Each restaurant, through its unique synthesis of form, function, and cultural narrative, offers a space where gastronomy and architecture converge to create moments of transcendent beauty.