Bossi Restaurant by CTRL Space has been shortlisted in the Best Restaurant Design category of the 2023 Eat Drink Design Awards. The restaurant was also a finalist in the 2023 Interior Awards held in June, in the hospitality category. Winners of the Eat Drink Design Awards will be announced on Wednesday 29 November following an awards ceremony.

The Eat Drink Design Awards exemplify contemporary hospitality design, showcasing dining and cultural trends in the Australian and New Zealand hospitality sectors. There were no New Zealand winners in 2022, although CTRL Space, Material Creative and Izzard design each had shortlisted projects. 

Eat Drink Design Awards jury chair, Amy Woodroffe, explained “the 2023 shortlist demonstrated the willingness of venue owners to trust their design firms and execute ambitious visions. Given current economic and construction challenges, these projects represent acts of defiance and optimism that will positively impact the industry, the guests and ultimately the economy as people are inspired to invest in great experiences.”

“The Eat Drink Design Awards jury observed a diverse offering of aesthetics this year. The most successful hospitality venues managed to balance personality with approachability while pleasing all the senses. The jury were impressed by interiors that responded to their contexts through vernacular design elements and local collaborations. Equal praise was given to conceptual spaces with strong narratives that will transport guests to another realm, even for ten minutes while their ice cream gets scooped,” says Woodroffe.

“The jury noted several maximal spaces that were layered with rich materials and bold features, leaning confidently into hedonism. Conversely, there were a number of quieter spaces whose restraint belied rigorous technical skill and championed timelessness in an industry notorious for frequent change. It is encouraging to see businesses and designers approaching hospitality design with a more sustainable mindset.”

Woodroffe explains: “The jury also praised a high level of attention to detail, craft and functionality this year, where equal value was placed on aesthetics and ease of service. You can feel when the team behind a venue built it joyfully and carefully. You note the design details that’ll evoke a smile, a sense of comfort or of wonder. It’s those spaces that will delight customers for years to come.”

The Award categories for 2023 include:

● Best Restaurant Design

● Best Café Design

● Best Bar Design

● Best Hotel Design

● Best Retail Design

● Best Identity Design

The 2023 jury consists of Emma Breheny (food journalist, Good Food), Kevin Ho (director, Akin Atelier), Di Ritter (associate, Hassell), Brent Savage (chef and owner, The Bentley Restaurant Group) and Amy Woodroffe (acting editor, Artichoke). The awards encompass all new projects completed between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2023.

To view a complete list of shortlisted projects visit eat-drink-design.com.