Dining with Art: Restaurant Inspiration

What would life be without art?

I love having artwork—paintings, sculptures, creative photographs—all around me. Every week I might get dressed and go to a museum or an art gallery, but nothing beats actually living (or eating!) with art.

Below are some lovely restaurants with beautiful artwork.

Aureole New York

The interior design of this chic New York favorite is by Adam Tihany. The black-and-white photographic art is by Bram Tihany.

L’Escargot in London

The personal art collection of restaurateur Jimmy Lahoud decorate the walls. These include original works by Chagall, Miro, Matisse, American Pop artist David Hockney, Picasso ceramics and Erte bronzes.

Auberge de I’Ill in Alsace

Interior design by Patrick Jouin. The oil portrait by Roger Muhl is of Paul Haeberlin, father of the current chef.

Chelsea Restaurant in the Art’otel Budapest

Artwork by Donald Sultan.

The Leopard at des Artistes in New York

The nine-piece “Fantasy Scenes with Naked Beauties” was painted in the 1920s by American artist Howard Chandler Christy.

Fairmont Towers Heliopolis in Cairo

There is something about restaurants that have carefully selected art. Art there is not simply a decorative afterthought but actually an integral part of the interior design. These days hotels, hospitals and public areas look to art as a necessity. Whether it is for its aesthetic or therapeutic qualities, or simply to make a unique statement, art is no longer there just to fill up empty space.

Books to Consider

Related Links

Elegant Dining: Aureole New York – my review of the Aureole New York.
Restaurant Art – my Pinterest collection of restaurants decorated with artwork.

External Links to Sources

Best Restaurants in Your City – source of Aureole NY photo.
Best Restaurant Art Collections – source of L’Escargot & The Leopard photos.
A Feast for the Eyes – source of Auberge de I’Ill photo.
Art’otel Budapest – source of Chelsea Restaurant photo.
Fairmont Towers Heliopolis – source of the restaurant photo.

We Would Love to Hear from You!

So, what do you think? Do you like this style? Do you have similar ideas or products to recommend? Please share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.