We turn to the elegant interiors of three leading restaurants in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, and show you how you could (sort of) recreate their distinctive interiors in your own home. 

Di Stasio Città, Melbourne

Image via Hassell Studios

Recipient of the New Restaurant of the Year award, as well as Best Design award at this year's Australian Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards, Di Stasio Città in Melbourne is something straight out of Milan, both in terms of its food and its cutting-edge interiors. You wouldn't expect anything less from owner Rinaldo Di Stasio, who is also an enthusiastic patron of the arts and architecture. Working with acclaimed international design agency Hassell Studios, Di Stasio Città is a sleek, minimalist and theatrical space. Think exposed concrete and hand-plastered stucco walls, black and white terrazzo floors and marble counters, interspersed with baby blue Murano glass chandeliers, projections of video art, crisp white linen tablecloths and striking high-backed red dining chairs. Sure, you might not be able to achieve that exact look for your own home, but here are some ideas for weaving in elements of Di Stasio Città's modern and glamorous setting.  


Image via Hassell Studios


"Create an edgy and exciting look at home by mixing darker shades with lighter timber tones, and limiting decor to textural ceramics."


Shop our Di Stasio mood board now. 

Mr. Wong, Sydney

Image via Dreamtime Australia Design

For the past eight years, Sydney's Mr. Wong has been thrilling locals and international visitors with its exciting modern Cantonese fare served in a former bond warehouse in the CBD. Its fresh-out-of-the-tank seafood and dumplings are as sumptuous as the interiors. Inspired by 1930s Shanghai, this palatial two-storey restaurant from the Merivale stable retains its industrial charm with rustic floorboards, heritage brick and blackened steel, but exudes intimacy and personality with warm eclectic lighting, bamboo framed bistro chairs and colonial Asian-style cabinetry and decor. There are no red lanterns here. Instead, Mr. Wong takes its colour palette from the jade green shades inspired by Indochina's French colonial era. Stylist Sibella Court added the finishing touches to the collaboration by Justin and Bettina Hemmes and Michael McCann, including a beaded curtain made from Ecuadorian seedpods and displays of apothecary jars and celadon ceramics. 


Image via Dreamtime Australia Design


"Delight your senses by adding freshly cut flowers or brightly coloured fruit to decorate your dining space. Don't forget to also curate a playlist to complement your cuisine."


Shop our Mr. Wong mood board now. 

Arc Dining and Wine Bar, Brisbane

Image via Anna Spiro Design

Sadly, Brisbane's Arc Dining and Wine Bar had to close its doors permanently in March just after a year of being open as a result of the devastating economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We couldn't resist remembering this beautiful restaurant's fun and colourful interiors by acclaimed interior designer and textile specialist Anna Spiro. Overlooking Brisbane River as part of the Howard Smith Wharves precinct, this light-filled dining room which specialised in sustainable modern Australian food was a wonderful mix of old and new. Featuring eclectic dining tables and chairs in different materials, colours and patterns; black and pink marble, as well as artwork and sculptural pieces curated by Anna Spiro, Arc Dining was a joyful experience which is sure to be missed. Here's how to channel Anna Spiro's signature look at home. 


Image via Anna Spiro Design


"Cheer up your dining space with colourful artwork featuring faraway destinations or frame personal photographs to reminisce about favourite holidays, plus add fun with tinted glassware, brightly coloured napery and colourful cocktails."
 

​Shop our Arc Dining mood board now.

Banner image via delicious.com.au