Much like the right frame is to artwork and garnish is to a cocktail—masterfully-curated décor complete with an evocative ambience and characterful, cohesive interiors is not only essential, but serves to take an exceptional feast to the next level.
A look at the new ‘The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019’, unveiled last night at a star-studded awards ceremony in Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands where the globe’s crème de la crème in the F&B industry convened, reveals plenty of such gems to thrill design lovers and discerning gourmands alike.
From a decadently futuristic Parisian restaurant to metal-clad pavilions in the heart of an Austrian park, we round up a few of the most spectacular-looking on the list:
Noma, Copenhagen, Denmark (no. 2)
Thanks to its brand new home in a 1917-built ex-military waterfront warehouse that has been transformed by star architect Bjarke Ingels, the four-time World’s Best Restaurant has found itself not only serving up some of the world’s best Nordic dishes (such as its signature ‘the hen and the egg’), but inspiring interiors that encapsulate the restaurant’s gritty, rustic Danish DNA.
A charming cobblestone path and Scandinavian terrazzo floorings lead into the central open kitchen before guests are to enter a 40-person main dining hall conceptualised by interior design studio David Thulstrup. Thoughtfully furnished in grainy wooden planks, oak flooring made from trees of up to 200 years old, handcrafted furnishings and a rich tapestry of foliage, textured treatments for ceiling and cabinetry, all lend to an all-around tactile, community-driven environ.
Azurmendi, Larrabetzu, Spain (no. 14)
Hailed “one of the most beautiful restaurants in Spain” by the World's 50 Best panel, this 2019’s Highest Climber awardee (it moved up from last year’s 43 to 14) and 2018’s Sustainable Restaurant Award winner is a daring, forward-thinking marvel who has pushed the envelope in sustainable dining.
This core pillar at the heart of celebrated head chef Eneko Atxa’s philosophy imbues every corner of the striking bioclimatic architecture designed by Naia Eguino. Perched on a hilltop of northern Spain’s Basque Country, the two-storey, glass-encased establishment blends beautifully into its tranquil natural surroundings and is complete with its own renewable energy, vegetable gardens, greenhouses, rainwater reuse facilities and electric vehicles.
The menu similarly expresses the chef’s dedicated sensitivity to his environment. Signature dishes include the egg yolk with truffle broth (eggs are from the restaurant’s own hens), the spider crab served with flying fish roe, and the roasted Cantabric lobster seasoned in herbs from its own garden, all to be perfectly complemented with a local wine from its extensive list.
Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée, Paris, France (no. 16)
Oozing classic French opulence and splendour at every turn is French culinary master Alain Ducasse’s haute dining destination located in an eponymous Parisian luxury hotel.
Ducasse’s 2014 reinvention of this legendary spot saw a new ethos that celebrates “naturalness”—a new menu dominated by sustainable and organic fish, cereals and vegetables (from its exclusive Château de Versailles gardens) complement patisserie creations from this year’s Best Pastry Chef winner Jessica Préalpato.
The pared-back culinary direction, however, did nothing to tame the glamorous, suavely futuristic décor designed by Jouin Manku. Punctuated by towering columns, carved ceilings and several stunning glossy stainless steel domes, above which a sparkling chandelier decorated with 10,000 Swarovski crystal hangs, the space gives a striking juxtaposition between contemporary-cool and the city’s old-time European allure.
Steirereck, Austria (no.17)
This Heinz Reitbauer-helmed, family-owned restaurant impresses from miles away; housed within several striking, conjoined metal-clad pavilions realised by PPAG architects that feature large glass openings, they stand starkly within the verdant greenery of Vienna’s Stadtpark right on the banks of the river.
Its interiors, however, boast a much more traditional elegance that echoes the chef’s refined cooking style rooted in traditional Austrian flavours. A minimalist, streamlined aesthetic—think monochromatic tilework, light wood slate walls and plush, grey furnishings—allow artful and innovate plates such as the freshwater fish, char, that is cooked in beewax and served with sour cream, or the mushroom ‘Beuschel’ with forest perennial rye, to take centre stage.
Odette, Singapore (no. 18)
Among Asia’s most coveted tickets is Julien Royer’s stunning contemporary French restaurant housed within the historic walls of Singapore’s National Gallery.
Sophisticated, expressive and exquisitely constructed, the establishment—named after Royer’s grandmother—is designed by Sacha Leong of Universal Design Studio and stands out for its intimate, feminine sensibility.
Pale blush and creme-toned interiors are filled with delicate original artworks by Singaporean artist Dawn Ng—who is also behind the aerial art installation that anchors the dining hall—creating perfect harmony with the Asian-influenced modern French menu featuring star dishes like the Brittany pigeon, French guinea fowl served with celeriac risotto and the rosemary-smoked organic egg.
See also: Confucianism Imbues Every Corner of the New JW Marriott Hotel Qufu
