Based in Melbourne where she holds the position of senior associate at Hassell, Di Ritter is an interior designer with 25 years of professional experience. Throughout her career Ritter has led the design of large-scale hospitality venues and bespoke high-end residential dwellings. While she specializes in a cross-section of typologies, Ritter focusses on experimental design and infuses her work with a love for food.
Ritter has well-informed opinions on hospitality interior design: she was the interior design lead on restaurants including Melbourne’s Di Stasio Carlton and Di Stasio Città, and a judge of the 2023 Eat Drink Design Awards. Here are her five favourite places to eat and drink – each selected for their summery atmosphere:
Marion, Fitzroy, VIC
Marion, Melbourne by IF Architecture.
Image: Dan Hocking
“With views to the Exhibition Gardens, trams clanking around the corner and a street lined with magnolia trees, this is the quintessential Melbourne summer spot. The location is complete with the laneway sign and bluestone cobblestones.
The building retains and honours its heritage. Inside, whitewashed walls are flanked with dark green upholstered banquettes. Simple, comfortable and brought-to-life with a large, open kitchen, the restaurant interior occupies two shop fronts. While the interior is very elegant, locals know the best dining spot is the kerbside: sipping vermouth on the shady side of Gertrude Street, which also provides some of the best people watching around.”
Marion was designed by IF Architecture and built by CBD Contracting Group.
Icebergs, Bondi, NSW
Icebergs, Sydney by Lazzarini Pickering Architetti.
Image: Peter Bennetts
“For summer al fresco dining experiences, this one can’t be overlooked. After more than 20 years in operation, Icebergs is still one of the best spots in the country to combine a great dining adventure with the summery outdoors.
The view is the hero, and the restaurant design works with it. Opened in 2002, Icebergs is like a modern beach house, embracing the views. No palm tree fronds or overly decorated frou frou, the dining room bleeds out to meet its environment as its surroundings pour inside. With its blue-green panorama views over the famed swimming pool and the rolling waves of Bondi Beach, this is one incredible spot for any occasion.”
Icebergs was designed by Lazzarini Pickering Architetti and TDK Architects. The project was inducted into the 2015 Eat Drink Design Awards Hall of Fame.
Di Stasio Carlton, VIC
Di Stasio Carlton, Melbourne, by Hassell.
Image: Peter Bennetts
“There is a sense of adventure while passing down a plant-filled laneway and finally reaching a hidden outdoor oasis. Inspired by the restaurant owner’s childhood memories of Italian gardens in Melbourne in the 1960s, the courtyard is a treasure trove of concrete urns and swan planters.
The courtyard embraces a semi-nostalgic escape with a sense of surprise and delight. Crushed gravel crunches underfoot leading to a 17th century fountain – the perfect spot for a long lunch, afternoon aperitivo or dinner under the stars.
Stone tables and upholstered chairs, comfortable enough for a six-hour lunch, nestle into the high walled space which is flanked with vines and topped with urns. It smells, sounds, and feels like Italy and in the summer heat there is no better spot for an afternoon spritz. I always throw some coins in the fountain for good luck!”
Di Stasio Carlton was designed by Hassell and built by Indetail. The project won the Best Restaurant Design category in the 2022 Eat Drink Design Awards.
Il Lido, Cottesloe, WA
Il Lido, Perth, by Technē with renovations by Ohlo Studio.
Image: Ross Wallace
“Set on the pristine coastline of Perth, this is my personal favourite spot to watch the sun set.
Once a seaside 1930s cabaret hall on Cottesloe Beach, Il Lido has a relaxed feel, long communal tables, walls lined with floor-to-ceiling wine racks and it’s always buzzing.
Outside, kerbside seating looks over the Cottesloe waves and one of the most photographed paddling pools in the country. Inside, the space is unembellished with an uncontrived, moody comfort. The massive bar on arrival has not one but two coffee machines – and they are puffing steam out all day long. The space celebrates all the good things: food, wine, coffee, people, and an incredible view.”
Il Lido was designed by Technē, renovated by Ohlo Studio, and built by DeCo.
Kōri Ice Cream, Hawthorn, VIC
Kōri Ice Cream, Melbourne, by Architect’s EAT.
Image: Shannon McGrath
“One of the greatest summer outdoor dining experiences in Australia takes place in our own back yard; the joy of long days with take-away. Kōri is a Japanese inspired, Melbourne bred ice cream brand that puts a particularly fun spin on the desert, the space it’s sold in, and the packaging.
The heritage façade on Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn may look conservative, however this interior is anything but. Step inside and encounter the two-tone space: half white and half coral.
The branding is something you want to take to a party! The identity and interior design are in synergy and this is followed through from the wayfinding, interior and the punchy graphic devices. For me, I love the Tokyo-esque vending machine approach where you can select tubs, tap your card, and take home to enjoy…”
Kōri Ice Cream was designed by Architects EAT and built by Masterfit Construction. The project received acclaim at the 2023 Eat Drink Design Awards for its brand identity by Principal Design as well as its interiors by Architects EAT.
