Images: Timothy Kaye
One of Adelaide’s most beautiful restaurants is sitting in the heart of the CBD, with Omada Bar and Grill taking out the Hospitality Design Award at the 2026 Australian Interior Design Award.
The contemporary Greek restaurant is a crowd favourite among locals and the award jury praised the space for being ‘nuanced, thoughtful, brave and not overly theatrical.’
The interior design was completed by studio gram, an Adelaide-based architecture and interior design practice, who has also done work with Arkhé, Osteria Oggi and Leigh Street Wine Room.
The competitions jury commended “the strong materiality, from the detailing of the bar and all other joinery and custom furniture pieces to the fabric and drapery, and noted that the design feels very balanced and layered, but also quite clean and minimal.”
The space was inspired to wrap “design, philosophy, and hospitality” together without getting messy about it.
Emma Kardachi from Omada said the architecture draws from the teachings of Epicurus, who believed in simplicity, balance and the pursuit of what truly nourishes the soul.
“The design doesn’t aim to replicate Greece, but to interpret its spirit through a modern Australian lens, a space that invites reflection and celebration,” she said.
To achieve the look which features stone, stainless steel and wood, a lot of research had to be undertaken on the Greece itself.
“The brief into Studio Gram reflected the inspiration we took from Greek culture which was then brought to life through design, as well as the food and beverage offering,” Emma said.
Think Marble, travertine, and textured surfaces to add that warmth which reflect through the open windows, with stainless steel detailing introducing a “modern precision.”
“Drapes, linen and natural light soften the edges, creating a room that feels both structured and human.”
“Every element serves a purpose: to create a place that feels grounded, enduring, and alive,” Emma said.
One of the jury members were said to be “particularly drawn to the way the curtains have been used to define the different spaces, while the subtle detailing that doesn’t scream makes everything feel very relaxed and simply quite beautiful.”
To dine in the space is something special, but for the workers who there day in and day out, it’s obvious how the mood changes as the hours shift.
“Omada moves through different moods: lunch in the sunlight, dinner in full stride, late-night drinks at the bar.
“Each part of the day feels distinct, but the food, service, and people connect everything.”
At night, Emma said Omada hums with life.
Conversations fill the room as chefs clatter around the kitchen and bar tenders rhymically shake cocktails, as they’ve done a hundred times before.
“The atmosphere is high-energy but with a sense of controlled movement where everyone has a role to play.
“It feels vibrant, dynamic, and alive, full of sound, soul and celebration.”
Perhaps one of the most unique features isn’t one within the restaurant or out of it, but both – the door.
“The heritage cobalt-blue entry door is the only hint of blue within the venue, which we deliberately kept authentically light and natural,” Emma said.
Next time you walk through the cobalt blue door, you may now take much more notice of the small features that create the bigger picture.
Where: 6 Currie Street, Adelaide
When: Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm until late
For more info, click here.
