The best culinary experiences go far beyond the food on your plate. From the height of the seat to the level of the lighting, every design decision is carefully considered. The best spaces in this regard are the ones that subtly enhance the experience but do not attempt to compete with it, says Gradient Architecture founder Ben Krone, the man behind The Fat Radish and Estela in New York. Luckily, you dont have shell out for a Michelin Starstudded meal at Eleven Madison Park or Le Bernadin to feast on some incredible interiors. You can find some of the best restaurant design in dive bars and hole-in-the-wall diners. Whether youre inspired by the fictional worlds of The Bear and The Menu, with their minimalistic silhouettes and swanky wood tones, or the vinyl booths and vintage decor of old-fashioned lunch counters, theres a modern eatery to suit your taste. Keep reading to see our favorite restaurant design moments, from a vinyl lounge in Nashville to a caf in South Korea.Related StoriesCapital City DinerMatt KisidayClassic American diners never go out of style, but theyre definitely having an aesthetic moment. Capital City Diner in Albany, New York, elevates simple food and easy company with mod-inspired design. Danu Kennedy of Parts and Labor Design, the firm responsible for the moody upgrade, explains that the intention was to honor the heritage of the space without covering it up completely. It felt important to celebrate the qualities of the existing building as much as possible, he says. One of our favorite aspects of the space is how the light hits. It streams in through the windows and drenches the space in dappled sunlight. The original glass blocks and chrome detailing of the facade were restored, while the vintage silhouettes and materials on the interior, like wood, vinyl, and checkered floor tile, were updated with trendier lighting and color palettes.888 Yoshihiro MakinoYoshihiro MakinoPart Japanese restaurant, part vinyl lounge and listening room, 888 is Nashvilles latest hospitality design moment. Decked out in wood paneling and featuring a cobalt blue, tiled DJ stand, the space has the signature warmth and eccentricity that Commune Design is known for. Inspired by kissa bars in Japan, the firm looked to reintroduce natural materials in new, detailed ways. Particularly inspiring was the imaginative use of humble materialsconstruction-grade plywood, washi papers, linoleum, acoustic batting, sonotubeto enhance the custom hi-fi soundscape designed in collaboration with Devon Turnbull and highlight a highly curated record collection.LolasLiz ClaymanLiz ClaymanThe design of Lolas began with an heirloom necklace passed down by chef Suzanne Cupps grandmother. Krone, who worked with Cupps on the build, recalls how all the pieces fell into place. The jade [stone] became green tiles and accents (used in the banquettes as well). We mixed this with a lot of ash wood, which has a wide, pronounced grain and a golden hue. The ceiling also has a defined structure, much like the gold from the piece Suzanne had provided us with an image of. One long hallway, the restaurants layout was designed to highlight the green-tiled back kitchen bar and workspace, an area often hidden from view. Va Bene CicchettiCourtesy of Va Bene CicchettiLocated in Warsaw, Poland, but inspired by Venice, Italy, Va Bene Cicchetti has a distinct burgundy and green color-blocked design. Additionally, the phenomenon of acqua alta the periodic flooding in Veniceis reflected in the colors of the floors and lower parts of the walls, the team behind NOKE Architects explains. In the summer, the bars windows are flung open and the design incorporates the sounds and visuals of the street to heighten the feeling of community and camaraderie. The owners wanted guests to treat the space casually: All orders are placed at the bar, and all furniture is movable to create space for larger groups or smaller, more intimate seating arrangements. Entre NousSean DavidsonSean DavidsonAn all-natural wine bar in Brooklyn, Entre Nous is bringing French flair to the neighborhood of Clinton Hill. Kiki Goti and Vincent Starapoli, the cofounders of The House Special Studio, wanted to recall the unpretentious elegance of Old World European bistros, where the design of the space took a backseat to the food and company youre with. Inside, warm orange tones are central to the design scheme, as is the wraparound copper bar, chosen for its ability to patina. Inspired by the historic building where the bar is located, the firm was adamant that it should feel like its always been a part of the block. Parconido Bakery CafeCourtesy of ParconidoThe concept for Parconido, a unique rooftop bakery and cafe in northern Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, began with the idea of European plazas or town squares. The owners worked with Hyunhee Park from Sukchulmok to incorporate elements of Italian design, like the arched architecture and 1950s minute square tile. The soft, rounded shapes and natural-toned color palette throughout the space are designed to evoke a similar sense of coziness, Hyunhee says.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.