We know by now that #foodporn photos are not enough to keep clientele, which is why restaurants have upped their Insta-snap potential by offering impressive decor to go with their top-notch cuisine.
Throughout Europe, restaurants have added rainbow-hued lighting, monochromatic patterns, and colored walls to keep us snapping. Combine old-world charm with new design additions and you’ve got a hot spot with Instagram-worthy status. From wallpaper in Warsaw cafes to botanical bars in Amsterdam, here are 15 stunning restaurants that deserve to be posted on your feed.
Each one has unusual design elements that will have you hashtagging before your meal arrives.
Sketch, London
The powder-pink restaurant – which looks a lot like an 18th-century boudoir – was designed by French architect India Mahdavi, and it really comes to life when you’re dressed to match. Slip into one of the pink couches to get an up-close view of their collection of more than 200 artworks by British artist David Shrigley, which are hung like tiles on the walls.
Giardini cafeteria, Venice
Deep inside the Venice Biennale’s Giardini park, one well-kept secret is its cafeteria, the most futuristic spot in this ancient city. Designed by German artist Tobias Rehberger, it is a geometric masterpiece with modular furniture and painted stripes in fluorescent colors. A must-see for Instagrammers and Italian coffee lovers alike.
Happy Days Diner, Paris
While Paris is known for its café culture, there is an antidote to the city’s romantic ambience: a peak-Americana diner. The cherry-topped strawberry milkshakes fit perfectly with the seafoam-green furniture, neon signs, and checkered floor. Set in the Latin Quarter of Paris, it’s very 1950s (and the soundtrack even features Elvis).
Bananas, Barcelona
For anyone craving a tropical vibe and easygoing island flair. Set in the heart of the La Ribera district, the Caribbean bar and restaurant has palm tree–patterned walls light up at night. Their multicolored lights cover it in a virtual rainbow.
House of Small Wonder, Berlin
This all-day brunch place sits at the top of a winding staircase. Set in the heart of Berlin’s central Mitte district, the atrium-style cafe is filled with potted greenery, giving it a cozy vibe to go with its Japanese-inspired food. Grab a window seat for a stunning street view.
Caffe Florian, Venice
Set in the heart of the Piazza San Marco, this iconic slice of Venetian history has been a locus of fame and royalty since 1720. Though it has attracted celebrities from Charlie Chaplin to Andy Warhol, its décor hasn’t changed much since the golden era. The gilded walls, ceiling mural, and century-old velvet furniture will take you back in time as you sip an espresso.
Habanera, Madrid
If there was ever peak Spanish tropicana, this has to be the place. Designed by Proyecto Singular, this multilevel bar and restaurant has leafy palm-patterned wallpaper, dozens of plants, and flower-patterned chairs. The lamps hang at varied lengths from the second floor, giving the place a wild jungle vibe.
Sushisamba, London
Gaze through the glass walls to see the London skyline at this Asian restaurant designed by New York architecture firm CetraRuddy. The patterned floors, mismatched furniture, and individually hung lightbulbs give it an eclectic ambience, and the roof terrace’s tree sculpture is perfect for a photo op.
Flax Kale, Barcelona
This loft-style restaurant has exposed brick walls and natural wooden furniture to match the healthy vibe. Set in the Passeig de Gracia district, it’s a creation of Barcelona designer Francesc Pons. With floor-to-ceiling windows and cozy furniture, it offers a dreamy view of their garden terrace, covered in plants and trees.
Tegelbackel, Stockholm
Overlooking the Vasabron bridge, this Swedish restaurant exudes Scandinavian charm thanks to the sleek design by interior designers Ulrika Jidström and Viveka Gil. The duo have given it a 1970s retro feel with pink walls and aquamarine furniture that pops in photos.
Bar Botanique, Amsterdam
This botanical-themed hot spot is designed by Amsterdam’s own Studio Modijefsky, who have given it a tropical vibe. Set at the heart of the lively street Javastraat, the bar has green-painted walls, velvet couches, an oak floor, and mirrored ceiling sculptures.
Palm Vaults, London
This restaurant in East London’s Hackney has pastel-hued interiors that go with the avocado frappes and strawberry cakes on their menu. The shop signs here were designed by Alex May Hughes from Brilliant Signs and Daisy Emerson. Inside, you’ll find a Miami-inspired design with wicker seats, pink marble tables, and brass pendant light fixtures for a signature beachy feel.
Odette Tea Room, Warsaw
The Poznan-based firm UGO architecture has wrapped this trendy tea room in leaf-patterned wallpaper with stunning results. The brass-clad restaurant is tucked into the foot of a Warsaw skyscraper in the center of town.
Bronda, Helsinki
Designed by Finnish firm Futudesign, this sleek Mediterranean restaurant set by Esplanadi parkis an update of an old Scandinavian building. The restaurant’s cocktail bar is inspired by Helsinki’s nautical chart – the décor is filled with brass, wood, marble, and a walk-in glass wine cabinet.
Café de Flore, Paris
Known as one of the oldest cafés in Paris, the café is famous for its celebrity clientele, which includes the Hadid sisters, Kate Moss, and Karl Lagerfeld (and before them, Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald). This chic hotspot has a retro yet discreet design with wood-paneled walls and tan leather booths. It truly is something out of a Wes Anderson film.
