The World’s 16 Most Beautiful Restaurants, According To Prix Versailles

Lucia in Los Angeles, CaliforniaPreen, Inc.The experience of a beautiful restaurant starts before any food arrives. Whether it’s the lighting, the room, the view, or the walk to the bar, those first impressions often become part of the meal.This year’s Prix Versailles, the annual architecture and design awards announced at UNESCO, looks at more than just appearance. Judges consider how each space works, how it fits its surroundings, whether it feels welcoming, and what it offers beyond the food.The 16 restaurants selected for 2026 range from beach clubs and fashion-house dining rooms to mountain chalets, high-rise cocktail bars, and historic landmarks. Some are inside well-known buildings, while others stand out in natural or city settings. All of them show that a restaurant’s influence is about more than just its menu.Mottai in Coral Gables, FloridaSaladino Design StudiosWinners are selected through a nomination and selection process overseen by the organization’s Selection Committee. The awards consider not only aesthetics, but also innovation, creativity, local heritage, ecological efficiency, social value and what the organization calls “intelligent sustainability.”Jérôme Gouadain, secretary general of Prix Versailles, tells me, “Whether part of a protected building or an emporium, towering over an urban landscape or melding with the surrounding scenery, the décor at these sixteen establishments is imbued with an array of styles and colors that put each one in perfect harmony with its environment and its menu. Here, the art of hospitality goes hand in hand with the art of cultivating unforgettable experiences.”Three of these restaurants will later receive a World Title, either Prix Versailles Interior or Exterior, to be announced later this year.Here are the 16 restaurants recognized by Prix Versailles for 2026Nobu One Za'abeel in DubaiNobuNobu One Za'abeel in DubaiNobuNobu One Za'abeel — DubaiNobu One Za’abeel sits high above Dubai inside the sky concourse connecting the two towers of One Za’abeel. With such an impressive view, the real test is making sure the restaurant stands out, not just the scenery.Chef Nobu Matsuhisa offers his well-known Japanese-Peruvian menu. The Rockwell Group’s design highlights the building’s dramatic style. The space features bold lines, unique lighting, and a stunning entrance that creates a theatrical feel. During the day, the skyline is the main attraction. At night, with DJs playing and city lights below, the restaurant becomes a lively, cinematic destination. Even in Dubai, where big displays are the norm, Nobu One Za’abeel keeps your attention.Le Fou in AustriaVigo JansonsLe Fou in AustriaVigo JansonsLe Fou — Vienna, AustriaLe Fou means “the fool,” and the name sets the mood. Founder Alexander Schrack and interior designer Theresa Obermoser created the Vienna cocktail bar and restaurant as a layered, slightly theatrical escape with the spirit 0f Parisian nightlife.This trendy spot sits inside a historic baroque house in the heart of Vienna, tucked within the boutique hotel The Leo Grand. The rooms feature colors from rust and terracotta to a golden lounge with a private leopard-print corner. Silk walls, mohair velvet, natural stone, and patinated metal add depth to the interiors without making them flashy. The bar feels glamorous, and at night, with soft lighting, it turns into the kind of cocktail lounge you hope to find; intimate, stylish, and a little unpredictable.Monti in Gstaad, SwitzerlandMontiMonti at the Alpine Gstaad in SwitzerlandPhotography by Giulio Ghirardi)Monti — Gstaad, SwitzerlandMonti could have slipped into traditional Alpine style: warm wood, mountain references, a cozy chalet mood. Instead, architect Jakob Sprenger and creative director Antonia Crespí use those familiar materials with restraint in the space within the popular Alpina Gstaad Hotel.The room stays connected to Swiss mountain life with wood accents, natural textures, and local craftsmanship, but the style feels modern. The walls and ceiling feature 200-year-old wood reclaimed from farmhouses, and the furniture is made from local elm. Woven bronze dividers, inspired by traditional basket weaving, gently separate the space, which is furnished with mohair-covered banquettes. Just outside the dining room, a large terrace looks out over snow-capped glaciers. Executive chef Martin Göschel prepares meat and fish dishes right at the table, creating a more communal dining experience.Akira Back in Hong KongAkira BackAkira Back in Hong KongAkira BackAkira Back — Hong KongAkira Back is located inside The Henderson, the curving tower in Central Hong Kong designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The restaurant’s interiors, created by AB Concept, match the building’s energy but don’t try to overshadow it.Chef Akira Back’s unique background shapes the restaurant’s style. He used to be a professional snowboarder and is known for blending Korean and Japanese cooking with Western touches. The dining room mirrors this sense of movement and layers. Slim metal posts reach up to a sculptural ceiling inspired by the Pearl River Delta, and the walls display art inspired by the chef’s mother. The space looks polished and lively, combining strong performance with a refined atmosphere.Hana no Kumo in Hong KongHana no KumoHana no Kumo in Hong KongHana no KumoHana no Kumo — Hong KongHana no Kumo translates to “flower of the cloud,” and the restaurant captures this idea in a way that feels natural rather than too decorative. The 24-seat space, found inside The Henderson, was designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates for Chef Ogawa Masaru.The design takes its inspiration from Kyoto’s cherry blossom season and reflects the elegance of the food. In the main dining area, a Sakura-blossom motif stands out, highlighted by lighting that changes from white to pink to suggest the look of cherry blossoms. Details like traditional Japanese washi paper, natural wood, and glass rock elements help create a calm and natural atmosphere.Monsieur Dior by Anne-Sophie PicDiorMonsieur Dior by Anne-Sophie PicDiorMonsieur Dior by Anne-Sophie Pic — BeijingAnne-Sophie Pic’s restaurant at the House of Dior in Beijing’s Sanlitun district brings Paris and Beijing into conversation, rather than blending them into one identity.The restaurant sits inside the Dior building, known for its sculptural facade designed by Christian de Portzamparc. The dining room features nods to the brand, including black-and-white photos of famous silhouettes, a reproduction of René Bouché’s portrait of Christian Dior, and artwork by Chinese artist Hong Hao that adds bright red accents. Dior once called red “the color of life.” Here, the red details bring energy to the space.Peridot in Hong KongPeridot Peridot in Hong KongVirgile BertrandPeridot — Hong KongPeridot sits on the 38th floor of The Henderson and stands out as a surreal green bar and restaurant designed by Studio Paolo Ferrari. Over 20,000 hand-crafted lights create a deconstructed disco ball effect. Frosted mirror-chrome cylinders, mirrored surfaces, plush mohair seats, glossy lacquered furniture, and alcoves give the space a retro-futuristic, cozy atmosphere.A remarkable green marble bar sits at the center, making cocktail preparation part of the experience. The plant-based kitchen, with dishes created by Culinary Artist Lisandro Illa, seasonal global cocktails, green grand piano, and a hidden private room with a sculptural bottle display all contribute to the feeling that Peridot is more than a typical restaurant, it's a perfectly designed performance space above the city.Escā Playa in EgyptEscā Playa Escā Playa in EgyptEscā Playa Escā Playa — Ras El Hekma, EgyptEscā Playa is likely the boldest restaurant on the list in terms of architecture. It sits on Egypt’s North Coast, where Cairo-based architect Mohamed Badie designed the beach club to appear as if the coastline shaped it.The building’s curved, cave-like shapes blend rock formations with sculpture. It appears to rise from the sand, so it is difficult to see where the inside stops and the outside starts, or where shade becomes sunlight. Mineral coatings and coral details tie the surfaces to the landscape. Guests do more than enter a restaurant; they move through a space that changes with the light, heat, and their own perspective. On a coastline filled with resorts, Escā Playa truly stands out.Finlandia Bistro in HelsinkiFinlandia BistroFinlandia Bistro in HelsinkiFinlandia BistroFinlandia Bistro — HelsinkiRedesigning Finlandia Hall is a big responsibility. Alvar Aalto’s landmark has been by Töölönlahti Bay since 1971 and is important to many people in Helsinki. The main auditorium was where the Helsinki Accords were signed in 1975.The design agency Fyra carefully updated the dining spaces at Finlandia Bistro. They kept Aalto’s original furniture and added custom pieces with gentle modern touches. The building is respected for its history, not just preserved like a museum. Each area has its own character, and the sense of warmth comes from a balanced approach instead of relying only on decoration. The bistro blends easily into the daily cultural life of Finlandia Hall.Carbone in London, EnglandKen Fulk Inc / Major Food GroupCarboneKen Fulk Inc / Major Food GroupCarbone — London, EnglandCarbone London, set in the old American Embassy building, is the first European location of this famous New York restaurant. Drawing inspiration from classic American supper clubs, it brings the romance and exclusivity of the 1950s to Mayfair, blending Italian-American heritage with distinctive architecture.Designer Ken Fulk has included signature decorative touches, such as velvet banquettes, mosaics, and lacquered woodwork, that set the stage for a collection of contemporary works by artists ranging from René Ricard to Lola Montes and Ai Weiwei.The grand staircase has a hand-painted mural that tells the story of a mythic “night at Carbone.” As guests walk down to the lower level, they discover a bar, a lounge, and the main dining room. There is also a private dining room, a lavish, vault-like space tucked away inside the restaurant. This room creates an exclusive atmosphere and is very much a theatrical experience.Rosso in IndiaIshi SitwalaRosso in IndiaIshi SitwalaRosso — Hinganigada, IndiaRosso sits inside Hotel Irada, a working winery in Pune Wine Country, India. The building was once a billionaire’s mansion, a neoclassical estate surrounded by vineyards and a reserve forest. Thanks to its natural setting, the restaurant already has a unique atmosphere.Humming Tree Architects (AD100) designed the space to mix Indian and Mediterranean styles. The menu highlights Southern Italian dishes, and the interiors match this theme in a subtle way. Green marble, polished wood, Solomonic columns, and warm-toned furniture hint at Italian Baroque style. Large windows look out over the vineyards, helping the room stay connected to its surroundings. Marlow, located in the Mareterra district of Monaco,Alexandre TabasteMarlow in MonacoAlexandre TabasteMarlow — MonacoMarlow is located on the main square of Mareterra, Monte Carlo’s new district, but it feels warm and welcoming rather than cold or impersonal. Artist and architect Hugo Toro created the interiors to fit a fictional British character. The wood-paneled, private club atmosphere is inspired by the long tradition of English visitors to the Riviera since the mid-18th century.The space feels cozy and a bit quirky, with custom furniture from different periods and a central bar that brings it all together. Each area has unique touches, almost like a collection of curiosities. Chef Sébastien Blin gives British classics a Riviera twist, which fits the room’s mix of influences. In Monaco, where luxury is usually over-the-top, Marlow stands out for its quieter and more gentle style.Monsieur Dior by Dominique Crenn in Beverly HillsMonsieur Dior by Dominique CrennMonsieur Dior by Dominique CrennDiorMonsieur Dior by Dominique Crenn — Beverly Hills, USADominique Crenn’s restaurant sits on the third floor of Dior’s Beverly Hills store, blending the brand’s garden themes with a sunny California vibe. The space draws inspiration from the glamour and elegance of classic Hollywood stars.Peter Marino designed the restaurant after seeing a photo of Château de La Colle Noire, Christian Dior’s home in Provence. The interiors reflect Dior’s love of gardens, with bright greens, a living plant wall, and a large painting by Nicole Wittenberg called Gardens of Courances that brings color and energy. The bar features ebony and onyx, and rose-petal shapes on the ceiling highlight the Dior style without taking over the room. Dominique Crenn’s food is both refined and generous, and the terrace overlooking Rodeo Drive gives the place a relaxed Beverly Hills feel.MottaiSaladino Design StudiosMottaiSaladino Design StudiosMottai — Coral Gables, USAMottai at The Plaza Coral Gables takes inspiration from Japanese precision, but the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Chef Brian Nasajon and Saladino Design Studios created an open sushi bar beneath a light canopy at the center of the room.With this setup, the kitchen team becomes part of the dining experience. Guests can watch the chefs in action, which brings energy to the space and fits the restaurant’s style. Curved furniture, textured surfaces, and a menu blending Japanese and French flavors make Mottai unique.Lucia in Los AngelesPreen, Inc.Lucia in Los AngelesPreen, Inc.Lucia — Los Angeles, USALucia is Los Angeles’ first Afro-Caribbean restaurant, and it stands out right away. Preen, Inc. designed the beautiful dining room to capture the vibe of an island night, but it avoids feeling clichéd. Tropical fabrics, patterned walls, deep greens, and coral colors make the space feel warm and lively. Sculptural touches hint at shells, palm leaves, and coastal shapes. The room feels rich, colorful, and inviting, blending the spirit of a Caribbean gathering with a modern Los Angeles style.Founder Sam Jordan and chef Cleophus Hethington offer a fresh take on Caribbean food, and the unique design matches this blend of tradition and new ideas. The space does more than just set the scene for the food; it brings energy and mood with its textures, colors, and sounds. Music is a big part of the experience, with a DJ behind the kitchen’s smoked glass window playing classic tracks by Black artists. This makes the dining room feel like more than just a restaurant; it’s also a listening room and a late-night island getaway.Amura by Ángel León in Cape TownAmura by Ángel LeónAmura by Ángel León in Cape TownClaire GunnAmura by Ángel León — Cape Town, South AfricaAmura by Ángel León, located at Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, brings the feel of Cape Town’s ocean life into its dining space. Interior architect Tristan du Plessis took ideas from the city’s coastline, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans come together.The space uses deep greens, wood, bronze touches, and hints of kelp forests to create a warm and distinctive atmosphere. Chef Ángel León, known as the “chef of the sea,” brings his Cádiz-inspired seafood dishes to Africa for the first time, mixing Cape Town’s tastes with Mediterranean flavors. The tasting menu highlights different ocean environments, and the open kitchen brings a lively feel to the restaurant. Amura means the bow of a boat in Spanish, which matches the restaurant’s sense of movement.World’s 16 Most Beautiful RestaurantsAkira Back — Hong Kong, ChinaAmura by Ángel León — Cape Town, South AfricaCarbone — London, United KingdomEscā Playa — Ras El Hekma, EgyptFinlandia Bistro — Helsinki, FinlandHana no Kumo — Hong Kong, ChinaLe Fou — Vienna, AustriaLucia — Los Angeles, United StatesMarlow — Monaco, MonacoMonsieur Dior by Anne-Sophie Pic — Beijing, ChinaMonsieur Dior by Dominique Crenn — Beverly Hills, United StatesMonti — Gstaad, SwitzerlandMottai — Coral Gables, United StatesNobu One Za'abeel — Dubai, United Arab EmiratesPeridot — Hong Kong, ChinaRosso — Hinganigada, IndiaPerched on an Alpine lake in Sichuan, China, The ArcadiaPlace, Lugu Lake features a stunning tree house villa.MarriottWorld’s 16 Most Beautiful Hotels AddedPrix Versailles has also previously announced its 2026 list of the World’s Most Beautiful Hotels, featuring 16 properties. The honorees include:Chiemgauhof Lakeside Retreat — Übersee, GermanyDesert Rock — Ḩanak, Saudi ArabiaKasbah d'If — Marrakesh, MoroccoLa Fondation — Paris, FranceLes Roches — Le Lavandou, FranceMaison Mystique — Khao Yai, ThailandNaboa — Tulum, MexicoOrient Express La Minerva — Rome, ItalySir Prague — Prague, Czech RepublicSoori Penang — George Town, MalaysiaSplendido, A Belmond Hotel — Portofino, ItalyThe ArcadiaPlace, Lugu Lake — Yanyuan, ChinaThe Oberoi Rajgarh Palace — Khajuraho, IndiaThe Silk Lakehouse, Shangri-La Hangzhou — Hangzhou, ChinaThe Telegraph Hotel — Tbilisi, GeorgiaVilla Dubrovnik — Dubrovnik, CroatiaMORE FROM FORBESForbesBeer Destinations Around The World Worth Traveling For In 2026By Jim DobsonForbesVenice, Italy: Where To Eat, Stay And Explore Beyond The CrowdsBy Jim Dobsonmost beautiful restaurants