I am in awe of all the various and beautiful cultures that exist all over the world, and am always ready to bring this learned design inspiration and diverse threads into all of my projects. Recently, the Contour Interior Design team and I started working on a very special project near and dear to my heart- The Lyric Market Food Hall located in Houston, TX opening later this year. Since we are working towards creating a unique environment that is both modern, glamorous yet authentic for this culinary marketplace, I can’t help but reminisce back to all the incredible dining experiences I’ve had from my travels around the world. For me, a great dining experience doesn’t necessarily mean an expensive check, but rather, an experience that thats create a harmonious balance between delicious food, delightful aromas, interesting sights and beautiful surroundings. As hard as it is to narrow down and create a list from all the amazing restaurants I have been fortunate enough to visit, here are 10 of my top favorites from around the world that artistically combine amazing food and wondrous interiors:

1. Adrift by David Myers | Marina Bay Sands Singapore

Serving Asian inspired small plates, salads, seafood and meats grilled over bincho charcoal on a traditional robata grill, are only some of the things I love about this place. I adore the Ginza inspired cocktail bar and the delicate interior detailing of the large windows that reveal a stunning garden view.

2. The Optimist | Atlanta, Georgia

Serving some of the best seafood in the Southern United States, this unique place features a mini-golf, the occasional live band and an oyster bar shaped like a surfboard.

3. Auriga Restaurant | Mumbai, India

The Auriga offers a Pan-Asian menu with a funky vibe. The stunning architecture of this restaurant makes it possible for natural light to completely infuse the space during the day, but at night, a neon turquoise light takes over creating a dramatic and futuristic atmosphere.

4. amaZ Restaurante | Lima, Peru

Offering authentic Peruvian food with ingredients found in the Amazon, Ámaz boasts a wooden ceiling inspired by Shipibo style patterns and flaunts jungle inspired decor that pairs exceptionally well with its menu.

5. AMMO | Hong Kong

AMMO short for Asia, Modern Museum and Original, is an upscale tapas bar featuring creative usage of copper with an industrial yet luxurious interior, paying homage to the site’s past as a 19th-century explosives compound.

6. NOBU | Dubai, U.A.E

Nobu is famous for its curved wicker panels creating a very attractive dining experience that pairs well with its authentic Japanese menu. [I am obsessed with their Cod fish!]

7. 51fifteen | Houston, Texas

Of course, we can’t have a top 10 restaurants list without mentioning 51fifteen. Located within Saks Fifth Avenue in the Galleria, 51fifteen offers upscale American cuisine in ultra chic and sleek decor. This place will always be near and dear to my heart, and my team and I will always stand proud of this project.