Restaurant Design: Tips to Make Your Fitout Unforgettable

Great food makes the masses come. And a great experience makes them come back again and again. 

Successful restaurants thrive because they consistently create amazing food. But this is only part of the story. Word of mouth drives the hype. And that ongoing conversation will continue to draw customers to your venue for years to come. But what gets them talking? An unforgettable experience. 

Restaurant design tells the story of your brand to the masses. And great design taps deep into the psychology of eating and our desire to have novel experiences. If you’re opening a new venue or thinking your current one needs a refresh, the following ideas will help. Below we share practical, actionable ideas for designing a restaurant fitout that elevates the entire dining experience for your guests.

Ever feel like certain places you visit carry a certain energy? Libraries feel calm and familiar. Pubs feel open and communal. And most restaurants tend to fall somewhere in the middle. This isn’t a coincidence. It’s intentional design.

Libraries, with carpeted floors and acoustic panels, are designed to keep noise at a minimum. Communal pub seating encourages conversations to naturally flow between friends and strangers. Restaurant design is even more nuanced, with certain choices influencing how guests interact within the space. 

Designing a restaurant is more than just choosing stylish furniture or eye-catching colours. It’s about creating a space that engages your guests on a deeper level. From the moment they walk through the door, every design choice influences their perception of your restaurant and their overall dining experience.

Floor Plan 

The floor plan is the structure upon which all other elements fall into place. When designing your floor plan, two ideas should be at the front of your mind: Logical for staff. Comfortable for guests. 

A great floor plan optimises workflow and makes guests feel at home. The floor plan influences the vibe of your entire restaurant. Wider spaces between tables let guests know that it’s a more intimate venue. Closer, more cramped seating instantly gives off a casual, more raucous energy. Neither is better than the other; it all depends on the experience you want to create. 

Colour & Tone

Colours can evoke specific emotions and influence customer behaviour. For example, warm tones like red, orange, and yellow are known to stimulate appetite, while cooler tones like blue and green can create a more relaxed atmosphere. Think about the mood you want to set—whether it’s energetic and vibrant or calm and cosy—and use that to inform your colour palette.

Sounds & Acoustic Materials

No one wants to shout across the table just to be heard. Balancing noise levels is key. Use materials that absorb sound and limit echoing, such as soft furnishings, acoustic panels, or even plants. This will ensure a lively ambience without being overwhelming.

Light

Lighting sets the tone for your restaurant. Bright lighting suits fast-casual dining environments, while dim, soft lighting is perfect for intimate settings. Lighting should also highlight important areas, like the bar or specific design features, while still being functional for both staff and customers.

Scent

The smells in your restaurant don’t just come from the kitchen. The scent of the room itself can play a role in the overall experience. The right scent can trigger positive—even nostalgic—memories and enhance the dining atmosphere, so consider diffusing subtle fragrances or relying on the aroma of your signature dishes.

These elements only scratch the surface of restaurant fitout design. For more concepts that are applicable across all types of fitouts, check out the recommended reading below:

Recommended Reading: The 7 Principles of Interior Design

With the foundations of restaurant design psychology in mind, it’s time to explore some trending restaurant design ideas that will inspire your fitout and set your restaurant apart.

1. Let Lighting Dictate the Tone

As with many fitouts across various industries, lighting is one of the more impactful elements in design. For restaurants, you’ll want to lean into all types of lighting to create depth and dimension in your space. Layering your lighting gives you the flexibility to adjust the mood throughout the day, whether it’s for a bright, cheerful brunch or a moody dinner service.

During the day, natural lighting can make your space glow. As you move into the evening ambient lighting plays a bigger role. Play around with the intensity of your ambient lights to set a desired mood. Complement this with accent lighting to highlight important areas and task lighting so that guests can read their menus without having to squint.

2. All Eyes on the Bar

If your restaurant has a bar, consider making it the centrepiece of your design. A well-designed bar is not only functional but also acts as a social hub and visual highlight. Bold lighting, sleek finishes, and creative shelving can turn the bar into a statement feature that draws guests in from the outside. Your goal is to create moments of excitement and intrigue that guests will want to share on social media.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Floor Plan

As trends move towards minimalism, less is often more. Avoid overcrowding your space with too many tables or chairs. Being able to seat more guests during busy times may benefit your bottom line. But the drawback is that it could cheapen the look of your venue.

Focus on creating a spacious, open environment that allows guests to move comfortably and reduces the feeling of being crammed. Minimalism gives your space a modern, clean look and keeps the focus on the dining experience.

4. Embrace (But Don’t Overdo) Classic Themes

Classic and heritage themes never go out of style, but they should be approached with a contemporary twist. Incorporate subtle elements like vintage lighting fixtures, antique mirrors, or reclaimed materials. However, avoid overdoing it as it may appear to be thematic/cheap. Keep your design fresh with modern finishes to appeal to a wider range of guests.

5. Put the Kitchen in the Centre of the Action

An open kitchen creates transparency and also creates an entertainment experience for your guests. Diners can watch and film chefs at work, and even start conversations about the food. This setup can also create trust and highlight the quality of your ingredients and culinary techniques.

6. Create an Accent Wall

An accent wall can add a pop of colour or texture that breaks up the monotony of your space. Use this opportunity to add personality to your restaurant, whether it’s through a bold paint colour, eye-catching wallpaper, local artwork, or a mural that tells the story of your brand.

7. Have a Memorable, ‘Grammable Moment

In today’s social media-driven world, creating ‘grammable moments is a must. Your restaurant’s design should include one or more standout elements that encourage guests to snap photos and share them online. Whether it’s a neon sign, a unique light fixture, or a vibrant mural, these design elements can help generate buzz and promote your brand.

Outside of taking photos of food and friends, guests want to take home a memory that embodies their dining experience. Having a moment—whether it’s a feature wall, hidden entrance or something else—is what generates buzz online. But don’t forget about making amazing food too!

8. Opt For Modular Furniture 

Modular furniture is a smart choice for modern restaurants that want flexibility in their fitout. It allows you to easily reconfigure seating for different group sizes or events. Additionally, communal dining tables can foster a sense of community and make your space feel more inclusive.

Like with café layouts, you should have a mix of seating options to accommodate different types of guests. Loungy, banquette-style seating is great for intimate parties. Standard tables and chairs are great for parties of 2 or 4. And bar seating can optimise space during busy nights.

At Canopy Fitouts, we’ve had the privilege of working with some of Melbourne’s most exciting restaurants, helping them create standout fitouts that blend functionality and creativity.

Restaurant design goes far beyond aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that enhances the dining experience from the moment guests walk through the door. By combining key design psychology principles with the latest trends, you can create a restaurant that not only looks amazing but also encourages customers to return.

At Canopy Fitouts, we specialise in helping business owners create unique, functional, and beautiful spaces. Whether you’re starting a new restaurant or refreshing an existing one, our expert team is here to guide you through every step of the design and fitout process.

Speak to our team today and we’d be more than happy to give you advice on cost, budgets, requirements, and timeframes for your commercial fitout. Give us a call at 1800 434 868 or email info@canopyfitouts.com.au.