Restaurant Design: The Complete Guide

Restaurant design: everything you need to know

When customers dine at your restaurant, they’re expecting delicious food and unbeatable service. But they’re also booking a table to enjoy a welcoming atmosphere in a thoughtfully and creatively designed space. 

In the restaurant industry, designing a space isn’t just about how you decorate it; it’s a strategic thinking process that has the potential to shape your business's success. Every inch of your restaurant’s space plays a part in crafting the optimal customer experience and influencing your business’s performance. 

In this blog article, we’ll show you how versatile layouts, efficient service areas, and unique dining rooms can elevate your customers’ experience from good to unforgettable.

Restaurant design basics: key elements for success 

Designing a restaurant is a delicate exercise, demanding a fusion of functionality and aesthetics. Every detail, from the artwork on your walls to your kitchen layout, has a significant impact on your service efficiency and customer experience.

What does restaurant design involve?

Restaurant design includes:

• Table arrangements and seating options
• Restaurant flooring and interior decorations
• Service areas like cash counters and bars
• Pieces of equipment like ovens, electrical outlets, and water heaters. 

The goal is to create an ambience that streamlines the flow of internal operations, such as staff movements, and contributes to the overall customer experience. A good design is non-negotiable for operational efficiency and giving your restaurant an aesthetic appeal, which in turn has a big influence on guest perception and business performance.

What impact does good design have on your restaurant?

Thoughtful interior design is crucial for both the customer experience and the operational efficiency of your restaurant. It enables your staff to move quickly and easily between rooms and service areas. As a result, customer service will be smoother and table management easier, giving staff more chances to dazzle your guests. By optimising your dining areas and workflow, your staff will be more efficient, and you will create an experience that delights customers. Good interior design can also have a direct effect on your restaurant’s profit margins.

Your customers should always be at the heart of your restaurant’s design. As soon as your guests enter, every purposely devised decoration should capture their attention. The perfect blend of lighting, background music, and table will create a warm and welcoming ambience, making a lasting impact on your customers’ experience.

The steps in restaurant design: transform your space

Every step, from initial planning to final implementation, is critical when creating a space that reflects your brand’s vision, while also optimising the experiences of your customers and employees.

From idea to reality: conceptualise your project

Planning is the fundamental first step in restaurant design. 

• What are your goals?
• How do you want to convey your brand's identity? 
• Who do you want to attract? 

Also consider practical factors, such as the available space, your budget, and local regulations.

This phase requires laser-focused attention to detail, from building codes to accessibility, operational efficiency, and aesthetics.

Developing a distinctive concept also helps to stand out in the crowded restaurant industry. This may include choosing colours, materials, and a theme that reflects your brand's identity and makes the space distinctively yours. 

You may want to enlist an interior decorator to make sure every element of your design, from architecture to the restaurant's interior design, comes together to create a consistent, unique, and aesthetically appealing experience for your customers. High-end joint Casa Cruz in Notting Hill is a flawless example of this. An old pub that has been refurbished into an elegantly intimate space, customers praise its “classy, dark, and luxury masculine decor” that exudes quiet glamour, and was designed to be diners’ “home away from home”.

Aesthetics and functionality: design your space

When designing your restaurant, aesthetics and functionality need to work in total harmony. This means creating an ambience that is not only visually appealing but also practical for both staff and customers. An open kitchen can be both an engaging design element and an efficient means of serving guests, allowing customers to get a glimpse of your chefs at work while streamlining movements to and from the kitchen.

Why not take inspiration from Nordic central London spot Ekstedt at The Yard? Customers have described this restaurant’s opportunity to sit near professional chefs as they prepare the seven-course Scandinavian menu with traditional wood-fired techniques as “a truly unique experience”.

Another important aspect is space optimisation. The layout of your dining area should be flexible to accommodate different group types, be accessible for people with reduced mobility, and maintain unobstructed circulation to avoid congestion.

Here are some top tips:

• Efficient space planning: Create a floor plan that maximises all available space while providing a smooth flow of traffic for customers and staff.
• Versatile furniture: Opt for modular or stackable furniture that you can easily rearrange to accommodate different events or setups.
• Multifunctional areas: Design spaces that can serve multiple functions, such as areas that can be used as a bookable reception space as well as a traditional dining area.
• Optimising seating options: Arrange seating to maximise the number of covers you can serve without sacrificing customer comfort. Consider using benches along the walls to save space.
• Vertical use of space: Shelves and height-adjustable storage solutions can free up floor space while adding a unique design element.

On the road to implementation: follow and adjust

Implementing your restaurant design project is where things get even more complex. 

Several key steps must be followed from initial design to final execution. These include selecting materials, construction methods, and equipment installation.

Throughout the process, it's important to keep in close contact with your architects, designers, and contractors to ensure the project remains true to your original design idea — while also adhering to your budget and regulatory constraints.
 

Budget for your restaurant design: invest wisely

The construction or redesign of a restaurant requires significant investment. Costs may vary depending on the materials used and construction needs. However, there are other factors, such as your venue's architecture and interior design elements, that could impact the overall budget allocated for these activities.

Here are a few tips for protecting your project’s budget:

• Create a realistic cost estimate: Assess the expense of your construction or renovation work, equipment purchases, and design elements, accounting for the level of quality you expect and any regulatory requirements.
• Anticipate unforeseen events: Allocate a portion of your budget for potential issues that may arise during the project.
• Look for cost-effective options: Consult professionals, such as interior designers and architects, to guide you in choosing less expensive solutions that allow you to save some precious budget without compromising quality.
• Consider your return on investment: Evaluate how each aspect will increase your revenue or improve staff efficiency.

Technology in restaurant design

Restaurant design has evolved over time. Technological elements designed to achieve a higher level of efficiency are no longer uncommon. 

• Smart lighting saves energy, and can easily adjust depending on levels of natural light at different times of day, or for specific events. Place lighting strategically to give the impression of a larger space. 
• Incorporate an advanced sound system and interactive displays into your restaurant design. Your customer experience will be more intense and immersive, complimenting your culinary journey. 
• Boost your productivity with smart kitchen appliances. These devices will accelerate your prep pace behind the scenes, guaranteeing a smoother service. 
• Use QR codes. Customers can choose their favourite dishes from the menu and send orders directly from their smartphones. The service cycle will be smoother and more efficient without compromising on operational accuracy.
• Include smart payment options. With an easy-to-use QR code system, your guests won’t ever need to leave their table. Instead, they can pay their bill via smartphone, avoiding long queues. This will reduce wait times and maximise your table occupancy rate. 

Trends and ideas in restaurant design 

Your restaurant’s space should reflect your identity and values, creating a comprehensive culinary experience that begins from the moment a customer steps foot inside and ends when they pay their bill and head home.

Restaurant design is constantly evolving, reflecting the latest trends and guest demands. Today, you should carefully consider the sustainable impact of your interior decor, and innovate to improve the overall customer experience. Opt for digital ordering systems to improve your staff’s efficiency. Could you make your space more versatile to cater to the growing demand for flexibility?

Café Studio in Paris is an excellent case study in versatile design. In addition to serving brunch and coffee, Café Studio invites customers to participate in creative workshops, including embroidery and figure drawing. Café also showcases unique pieces selected from its “upcycled” boutique area, fostering a cultural hub through more than just its vegetarian menu.

Restaurant design is a careful balancing act: functionality, customer experience, and brand expression all matter equally. Every decision, from seating options to dining room design, must be made carefully to optimise your space and craft the image you want to portray. 

By considering these elements and investing your budget wisely, you can transform your restaurant into a captivating destination that delights new customers and keeps them coming back.

Contemporary diners are no longer visiting restaurants solely for a good meal. An unforgettable experience in a unique ambient setting is now a priority. Guests want to relax in an environment that lets them enjoy a moment of pause — whether that’s with friends, family, or solo — and some sweet respite from daily life.