This year Melbourne had the strongest presence in the awards — perhaps a testament to its enduring status as an Australian hospitality nexus. There were no New Zealand winners this year, although New Zealand practices CTRL Space, Material Creative and Izzard design were among those shortlisted for an award.

The unusual blend of modern Australian art and Italian architectural features saw the lavish Di Stasio Carlton by Hassell take out the title of Best Restaurant Design.

Best Bar Design was won by the Music Room by Dion Hall in the Melbourne CBD; the interior of which immerses the public inside a luxe, music speaker.

Two stores south of the Yarra River were the co-winners of Best Retail design: Baker Bleu Hawksburn by IF Architecture, and Pronto by Via Porta by Studio Esteta — noted for their sleek utility and sense of heritage and engagement with the neighbourhood, respectively.

Rounding out the Victorian winners was the new Italian Gertude St eatery, Rocco’s Bologna Discoteca which took out Best Identity Design for its fun and nostalgic graphic design elements, designed by Congrats Agency.

Further north, the much celebrated and already iconic Sydney destination, Ace Hotel Sydney by Flack Studio took out the title of Best Hotel Design — noted for the seamless integration of its hospitality spaces into the lobby and, in turn, the venue into the neighbourhood.

“In uncertain, troubling times, the design community seems to be embracing a trend toward nostalgia and familiarity – one that is given form, thankfully, in original and innovative ways that avoid simple mimicry.”

^{-2022 Eat Drink Design Awards jurors.}

Perhaps unusually given its location, Best Café Design was won by Brisbane Airport’s airside-viewing dining space, The Common by Sullivan Skinner.

Rounding out the award winners was the elegant Adelaide Festival Pavilion The Summerhouse by CO-AP, in The City of Churches, which took home the title of Best Installation Design.

In addition, one landmark venue was honoured with induction into the Hall of Fame. The accolade recognises enduring excellence in the design of a hospitality venue of more than 10 years standing. In 2022 Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar (1954) by Smith, Tracey, Lyon and Brock was named the latest addition to this venerated list of iconic dining destinations.

The Eat Drink Design Awards jury explained the strength of the entries in this year’s Awards along with the major themes that emerged from the winners.

“Considering what the hospitality and design industries have gone through over the past two-plus years, it was surprising and incredible that in 2022, the Eat Drink Design Awards received their highest number of entries ever — a sure sign of the resilience and tenacity of these industries that we love,” said the Eat Drink Design Awards jurors.

Commenting on trends they picked up on amongst this year’s winners, they remarked: “In uncertain, troubling times, the design community seems to be embracing a trend toward nostalgia and familiarity – one that is given form, thankfully, in original and innovative ways that avoid simple mimicry.”

The 2022 Award Eat Drink Design Awards winners are:
● Best Restaurant Design - Di Stasio Carlton by Hassell (Carlton, VIC)
● Best Café Design - The Common by Sullivan Skinner (Brisbane Airport, QLD)
● Best Bar Design - Music Room by Dion Hall (Melbourne, VIC)
● Best Hotel Design - Ace Hotel Sydney by Flack Studio (Sydney, NSW)
● Best Installation Design - The Summerhouse by CO-AP (Adelaide, SA)
● Best Retail Design (co-winner) - Baker Bleu Hawksburn by IF Architecture (Prahran, VIC)
● Best Retail Design (co-winner) - Pronto by Via Porta by Studio Esteta (Kew, VIC)
● Best Identity Design - Rocco’s Bologna Discoteca by Congrats Agency (Fitzroy, VIC)

The 2022 jury consisted of Shannon Bennett (chef and restaurateur), Rodney Eggleston (director, March Studio), Melissa Leong (Masterchef Australia judge and food writer), Fiona Lynch (founder, Fiona Lynch Office), and Cassie Hansen (editor, Artichoke).

For more information on the Eat Drink Design Awards head to their website.