2025 Gallery
Winner: Best Restaurant Design
J.AR OFFICE for NORTE
2217 Gold Coast Hwy
Mermaid Beach, QLD
Norté is a bold Latin American restaurant and bar on the Gold Coast, celebrating the vibrant flavours and design traditions of Mexico and Peru. Defying the typical coastal aesthetic, it delivers a richly layered and distinctive dining experience. The venue is spicy (three chillies), sassy yet low-key.
Jury Citation
The winner of Best Restaurant Design, Norte in Mermaid Beach, Queensland, delivers a bold and unexpected experience for its coastal setting. Eschewing the typical beach-facing, light-filled aesthetic, it embraces a moodier, textural palette with theatrical lighting and rich materiality. The space is both distinctly South American and unmistakably Australian – an impressive balance that avoids cliche while offering something truly sophisticated for the Gold Coast. From the dramatic red staircase to the thoughtfully layered seating arrangements and integrated art, every element reflects careful planning and a confident design voice. Despite the challenges of the site, the result is immersive and refined, with a mature, atmospheric presence that invites curiosity. This is a restaurant that doesn’t just serve food – it sets a scene.
