Six International Restaurant Design Trends Making it in South Africa

While local restaurants are taking cues from international frontrunners in cuisine, they are also adopting global design trends. Interior trends go beyond just selling a concept and turning tables; they aim to create a specific ambiance, closely tied to the current cultural mood. The connection between what people feel and how restaurant interiors look is strong, making dining spaces a reflection of what nourishes us as people and patrons today.

Trend 1: Home Away from Home

Restaurants are increasingly adopting homely interior designs, with furnishings becoming more comfortable and inviting. In the past, plush armchairs were reserved for hotel tea rooms or at home, but now seating in restaurants is designed to create a cozy, home-like environment. A great example is La Pergola in Rome, which blends comfort and luxury while also improving the ambiance by absorbing sound. This trend encourages patrons to slow down and relax, making restaurants feel like a home away from home.

Trend 2: Local Love

Restaurants worldwide are embracing local materials and décor to shape their ambiance. American restaurants, for example, might feature bespoke antler lighting fixtures or support local artists by selling their work from the walls. Metropole Art’n Grill in Botafogo is a standout, with wall-to-wall urban art creating a vibrant atmosphere. This trend emphasizes supporting the local community and investing in the place you’re rooted in, sending the message that a community that eats together thrives together.

Trend 3: Hailing the Hashtag

In the age of constant connectivity, restaurants are capitalizing on “Instagrammable” spaces within their establishments. Some create unique spots, while others take advantage of existing features, like R Lounge at Two Times Square, which offers a selfie-worthy view of the iconic landmark. Eye-catching areas, whether they are neon signs or murals, encourage customers to share their experience online, providing free and powerful word-of-mouth advertising. This trend taps into the social media frenzy and the brag-worthy moments that draw customers in.

Trend 4: Retro Revamp

Retro design is making a comeback in restaurants. For example, MaMa Kelly in Amsterdam features a full millennial pink interior with gold accents, evoking a sense of nostalgia. This trend, replacing the industrial vibe, focuses on giving patrons a taste of ‘simpler times’—a break from the fast-paced, unpredictable world. Nostalgic designs help customers relax and momentarily escape from the present.

Trend 5: Recapturing the Romance

While many restaurants focus on catering to large groups, there is a growing demand for more intimate dining experiences. Think two-seater tables and romantic décor, as seen at Dalloway Terrace in London. In a world where people often live on social platforms, this trend speaks to the need for face-to-face connections, offering a space for more personal and romantic interactions.

Trend 6: Out and About

Street-side eateries are increasingly popular in South Africa, taking inspiration from European concepts where restaurants spill out onto pavements. Establishments like the Bridge Bar in Valletta, Malta, push this idea even further, with patrons sitting on cushions on bridge stairs. This trend caters to the desire for open spaces and fresh air, offering a welcome escape from the confined spaces South Africans often dine in.

Embrace Trends in Your Restaurant

As a restaurateur, smart design choices can offer your patrons more than just a meal—they create a full, embodied experience. Consider what your brand represents and how it meets the community’s needs. By aligning your decor and food experience with these trends, you can foster emotional connections and create a place people will return to time and again.

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