In the competitive London dining scene, standing out requires more than a brilliant menu; your restaurant’s interior design plays a crucial role in drawing customers in and encouraging them to return. The right ambience influences how long customers stay, how much they spend, and how often they recommend your venue.

In this blog, we explore 7 restaurant interior design ideas that are proven to enhance customer experience and drive revenue. Whether you’re revamping an old space or launching a new dining concept, these insights can help you achieve your goals.

1. Experiential Dining Zones

Modern diners crave more than food; they seek experiences. Zoning your restaurant to include interactive areas such as:

Chef’s tables
Open kitchens
Live counters
Tasting nooks

…gives customers something to remember and share. These design choices foster intimacy and interaction, which creates emotional engagement with your brand.

Explore how we crafted experiential layouts in our Restaurant Interior Design Portfolio.

2 . Minimalist & Functional Layouts

In busy cities like London, space is a premium. Today’s best restaurant interior designs lean toward minimalist aesthetics with clean lines and efficient layouts.

Benefits include:

Smoother foot traffic for staff and patrons
Visually calming spaces that encourage longer stays
Easy adaptability for different dining occasions (lunch vs. dinner)

This approach also highlights your brand through simplicity, allowing food and service to shine.

See our guide: How to Design a Restaurant That Attracts Customers and Boosts Sales

3 . Signature Lighting That Defines Mood

Lighting can make or break your restaurant’s vibe. From warm, low-lit corners for romantic dinners to bright café-style lighting that energises daytime guests, thoughtful lighting design enhances both form and function.

Trends include:

LED track lighting for drama and control
Statement chandeliers that reflect brand personality
Under-bar lighting to elevate evening ambience

Effective lighting also improves photography, making your space more shareable online, a subtle but powerful customer acquisition tool.

4 . Local Culture & Artistic Integration

Injecting local flavour into your restaurant interior design helps your venue stand out and feel authentic. Think:

Art by local artists
Décor inspired by the borough’s history
Murals, textures, or materials sourced from the area

Not only does this build trust and recognition, but it also appeals to both tourists and locals looking for an “authentic London dining experience.”

Gain inspiration from our blog: Cafe Design Trends with Modern Interior Inspirations

5 . Social Media-Ready Aesthetics

In a world driven by Instagram and TikTok, visual appeal isn’t optional — it’s marketing. Your restaurant’s interiors should include photo-worthy design elements such as:

Neon signs with your slogan
Statement seating or feature walls
Table setups designed for flat-lays

Customers become brand ambassadors when your design encourages them to post and tag your venue.

6 . Ambient Acoustics & Private Dining Corners

Noise can make or break customer satisfaction. In your restaurant interior design, consider:

Acoustic panels or soft furnishings to absorb sound
Booths or partitions for private gatherings
Ceiling treatments that reduce echoes

Spaces with intentional sound control feel more premium and allow guests to converse comfortably, a key factor in repeat visits and positive reviews.

7 . Cohesive Bar & Lounge Areas

If your restaurant includes a bar or lounge, ensure it’s not just functional but cohesively designed to match your brand. A well-thought-out bar area can:

Increase beverage sales
Improve guest circulation
Act as a waiting area without impacting table turnover

Incorporating ambient lighting, signature backdrops, and ergonomic seating makes your bar a destination in itself.

Check out how we optimise bar interiors here: Bar Interior Designer

Final Thoughts

Great restaurant interior design is a strategic asset — not just decoration. Each element of your space should work together to:

✅ Attract walk-ins
✅ Encourage sharing and buzz
✅ Increase dwell time
✅ Boost customer satisfaction and spend

At Oraanj Interiors, we’ve helped many restaurants across London transform their spaces into profitable destinations.

Browse our full Restaurant Interior Design Portfolio for inspiration. Or contact us for a custom concept tailored to your location and brand.