Australian bars, restaurants, cafes, lounges and eateries are rolling around in international applause this week, with 15 of our best venues making the first round selection at the seventh annual Restaurant and Bar Design Awards. Six spots in Sydney along with five in Melbourne and two each in Adelaide and the Gold Coast made the shortlist, amongst 241 finalists from 70 different countries.
Based in the UK, the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards advertise themselves as "the world's only event dedicated exclusively to the design of food and drink spaces." Prizes are handed out in over 30 different categories including Best Bar and Best Restaurant, while they also give out more narrow awards for things like lighting scheme and use of colour. This year’s jury is comprised of 23 industry leaders and includes designers, chefs and restaurant critics.
Naturally, the shortlist includes a pretty swish bunch of names. Competing in the Best Australia and Pacific Restaurant category are ACME, Bondi’s Best, Coogee Pavilion and Kazbah Souk in Sydney, Parwana Kutchi Deli and Sean’s Kitchen in Adelaide, and Kiyomi and Vivo Cucina on the Gold Coast. In the Best Australia and Pacific Bar category, Archie Rose Distilling Co. and Stillery in Sydney will compete with Greene Street Juice Co. and George Hotel Bar in Melbourne. Also in Melbourne, Bond Lounge has been included in the Best UK and International Nightclub section, along with Raw Trader and The Kettle Black, shortlisted for Best UK and International Cafe.
Last year saw the gong for Best Australia and Pacific Restaurant go to South Australia’s Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant, while Best Australia and Pacific Bar was given to Howler in Melbourne. This year’s winners will be announced in an awards ceremony in London on October 1.
- CP Picks: The Best Gifts for People Who Are Never Home — According to Travel Writers
- The Ten Best Hotels in Brisbane
- The Nine Best Coastal Spots for Whale Watching Across Australia
- The Best Pubs in Brisbane for 2026
- CP Picks: Aussie Summer Essentials — The Things We're Packing, Wearing and Using All Season Long
- CP Picks: The Editor's Gift Guide —What the CP Team Is Giving (and Hoping to Receive)