Victoria has long enjoyed a reputation for deliciousness, but a swag of accolades at this year’s Eat Drink Design Awards confirmed its restaurants, bars, cafés and retailers have the aesthetic appeal to match. Run by Australian publishing and events company Architecture Media, the awards recognise outstanding interior design in venues completed in the last two years across Australia and New Zealand. In 2024, the awards were adjudicated by a panel of industry experts including Hogg and Lamb co-founder Greg Lamb, restaurateur Rebecca Yazbek, Sans-Arc Studio principal Matiya Marovich, and MF&W’s own creative director Pat Nourse.
The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, designed by Melbourne and Madrid’s Bar Studio, took out Best Hotel Design for its meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail across 17 floors of an 80-storey skyscraper, while architecture firm DKO was commended for its redesign of The Lyall in South Yarra.
Clayton’s ultra-futuristic café Top Tea took top honours in the category of Best Café Design, the jury calling out its designer Wall Architects’ “adventurous spirit and experimental approach” in creating a striking and refreshingly unique café experience.
Two Melbourne restaurants received commendations for their interiors: Orlo, a three-storey bar and restaurant in a former cordial factory, a feat brought to life by McCluskey Studio; and the historic Saint Hotel in St Kilda, designed by Telha Clarke.
It was a Victorian quinella in the field of Best Identity Design, with Principle Design taking the chocolates for its work on singular French-Korean bakery Madeleine de Proust, and North Melbourne eatery Lumen People and its designer Susu Studio receiving a commendation.
Elsewhere, Yarra Valley winery Giant Steps – and its “slick surfaces and orthogonal geometries” – and its interior design firm Fiona Lynch were commended in the field of Best Retail Design.
Looking sharp, Victoria.