Méjico

Name: Méjico Restaurant & Bar
Location: Sydney, Australia
Design: Juicy Design

While Beasleys may have forgotten the design, Méjico is a great example of a space with a fully thought through design.  Using the menu as their starting point, Méjico emphasizes tradition, ingredients, and differentiates itself from the influx of Mexican restaurants popping up throughout Australia. 

The use of bold color and pattern grabs your attention the moment you walk in and sets the tone for an urban, and slightly unexpected experience.

What I enjoy the most about the design is that all of the details were thought of and addressed. The empty space under the banquette seating is filled with alcohol boxes. It's a subtle detail that most might not notice but addressing it elevates the space and adds an additional moment to drive their message home. 

The hand crafted and raw aspect of the space is also a great contrast to the pattern and color and ties back into the raw and hand crafted nature of the cocktails and food being served. All aspects play together to create a cohesive feel and experience for their space. 

All images © Contemporist

Gowings Bar & Grill

Name: Gowings Bar & Grill
Location: Sydney, Australia

Located in the QT Sydney hotel, Gowings is an Australian meets European brassier. With a luxe mixture of materials, the interior creates an upscale and comfortably chic environment.

The space is divided up into multiple areas, each with their own signature style that all work together with the use of mixed metals and gilded finishes.

I love the storefront like displays created for the wine room and seafood, treating the ingredients inside like works of art.

Photos 1-3 © Artinfo

Image 4 © Gowings Facebook

Grounds of Alexandria

Name: Grounds of Alexandria
Location: Sydney, Australia
Design: Caroline Choker and Natalie Longhean


The Grounds was born out of a love for coffee and coffee education. The entire space is filled with details, all of which make the space warm and inviting to any guest. Set amongst an industrial backdrop of crumbling bricks, exposed beams, and metal fittings, the furniture perfectly contrasts the space and adds a bit of softness. With lush plants (both indoors & outdoors on their equally wonderful patio!) hanging from shelving and spilling over vases on solid wood tables, the organic elements also add a touch of softness and life into the space. 

Image 1-4 © Coffee Geek

Image 5-7 © What Katie Ate

Barrio Chino

Name: Barrio Chino
Location: Sydney, Australia
Design: Mandy Edge Design

I love the gritty, rustic nature of Barrio Chino. Located in Sydney and designed to represent the Mexican cuisine and aesthetic, without going to stereotypical 'Mexican Restaurant'. the aged wall treatment, exposed brick, warm wood, and industrial accent all add to the level of refine-grittiness.

All images © Yellow Trace

Mad Cow

Name: Mad Cow at the Ivy
Location: Australia


Located in Sydney, Mad Cow is a bright and cheerful addition to The Ivy. With a color palate of white, yellow and green the interior feel fresh and energetic. The wicker furniture, over scaled drum fixtures and slivers of faux grass give the space a Palm Springs vibe without feeling too kitschy.

Image 3 © Eat Show and Tell