Do you enjoy dining out? Are you passionate about graphic design?
If you answered yes, this article is for you. If not… Seriously? Come on, get out there! Treat yourself to a great meal at a restaurant and let yourself be wowed by an amazing menu design.
As you might have guessed, this article is all about restaurant menus. I’ve put together a personal selection I’m calling…
Own or manage a restaurant? We’ve created outstanding websites for this sector. Click here for expert advice on boosting your online presence. We’ll review your current website and provide a tailored action plan to help you improve.
[superfeatured]7558[/superfeatured]
The Best in Restaurant Menu Design
Chang Restaurant
Our first example bursts with energy and color. This menu is the work of design studio Yeye for Chang Restaurant, an Asian eatery.
The menu perfectly captures the spirit of a modern, youthful Asian restaurant.
Color, finishes, typography—every detail is crafted to enhance the dining experience at Chang Restaurant.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Next up, we have a study in contrasts: the Mandarin Oriental Hotel menu, which takes a completely different approach.
Here, minimalism reigns. Elegant typography and carefully selected paper set the tone—content is king, and the design reflects the refined philosophy of the Mandarin Oriental’s restaurant.
Common Lot
The branding and menu design for this restaurant were created by Perky Bros. The result is a natural, fresh, yet elegant and minimalist look.
As the owner himself says, he’s serious about food and takes a no-nonsense approach to life—a real tough guy. The menu at his New Jersey restaurant reflects that attitude.
Earthy tones and small illustrations hint at what’s to come: local ingredients, quality, and freshness, with a touch of rugged charm.
The Sicilian
This classic Sicilian restaurant is located in New South Wales, Australia. Its entire brand identity was designed as if it were the secret meeting place for a mafia boss and his crew.
Inspired by 1940s American film noir, the menu is a masterclass in vintage design using modern techniques.
With somber Sicilian hues and period-style typography, all that’s missing is food just like our Italian nonna used to make.
Publico
It’s rare these days to see a concept built around Art Deco, a style that once dominated design.
Publico has boldly embraced this aesthetic, with its entire brand inspired by Art Deco.
The restaurant and cocktail menus are standout examples of this approach.
The Penny Drop Cafe
While not strictly a restaurant menu, this example is a must-see. It’s rare to find such a creative concept so perfectly aligned with the spirit of a neighborhood coffee shop.
The key to this project is the clever use of contemporary graphic design techniques and resources.
With all the meaning behind its name, they’ve managed to create a brand identity—and especially a menu—that feels fresh and authentic, with the charm of a classic local spot brought into the present.
K’lacarmen
Finally, let’s take a look at the graphic design we had the pleasure of creating for K’lacarmen, a restaurant in the tourist town of Calella.
To showcase classic Mediterranean cuisine with a modern, bold twist, we designed a menu as strong and vibrant as Carmen herself.
If you’re curious, I invite you to visit K’lacarmen and try their daring “cod and garlic aioli sandwich.”
No photos here, but you can check out our project page for more details.
Own or manage a restaurant? We’ve created outstanding websites for this sector. Click here for expert advice on boosting your online presence. We’ll review your current website and provide a tailored action plan to help you improve.
[superfeatured]7558[/superfeatured]
Final Thoughts:
Graphic design and gastronomy have much in common—cooking is about creativity, and eating is about appreciation.
As we’ve seen, these restaurant menu designs are fantastic, but don’t stop here. There are countless places to eat where you can discover how branding and menu design come together to showcase their offerings.