How much does it cost to fit-out a restaurant?

When a restaurateur opens a new venue or plans to refurbish an existing one, they usually have a vision in mind. But turning that vision into reality can be both daunting and costly. One of the first questions that arises is: “How much is this going to cost?”

Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Many factors and variables can influence the overall cost of a fit-out project. Here are some of the key considerations that will shape your project:

The Site

Whether you’re refurbishing your current space or starting from scratch, the condition of the premises will significantly affect the overall cost. Simply put, the more work required, the more expensive your fit-out will be. The most common types of fit-outs include…

Shell and Core

This typically requires the largest investment. You’ll be starting with an empty space with no internal finishes or services installed.

Cat A Fit-Out

This can vary depending on the landlord or developer, but it usually provides a blank canvas ready for interior design. A Cat A space is functional and typically includes essentials such as lighting, raised floors, suspended ceilings, toilets, and air conditioning. From here, you’ll need to complete space planning, install furniture, and apply finishing touches.

Cat B Fit-Out

A step up from Cat A, this includes everything in a Cat A fit-out plus the design features needed for both staff & customers. Furniture, finishes, and décor are included, making the space ready for immediate use. Adapting an existing Cat B space to suit your vision can reduce overall costs.

Turnkey Fit-Out

This means the entire process, design and build, is handled by one specialist contractor, offering a more streamlined and cohesive approach.

Location, Location, Location

As every restaurateur knows, the location of your restaurant is critical to its success. A well-placed venue in a busy area attracts more foot traffic and potential customers, but it also comes at a premium. If you’re planning to open in a prime location such as a city centre, shopping centre, or a new development complex, you can expect your fit-out costs to be higher compared to a venue in a less premium area.

Size Matters…

Initial budget costs can often be estimated on a per square metre (m²) basis. Naturally, the smaller your space, the less you’ll spend overall. However, some areas of the restaurant will always be more expensive, especially kitchens & essential services like electrics, plumbing, extraction, and air conditioning.

If you’re opting for a high-end or luxury design, these costs can escalate quickly, regardless of the venue’s size.

The Engine Room

The kitchen is the beating heart of any restaurant, so it’s no surprise that it accounts for a significant portion of your fit-out budget. Typically, the kitchen, back-of-house, and staff areas make up 30–40% of the physical space and often, a similar percentage of your costs.

Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment

On average, 30–40% of your fit-out budget will be allocated to furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E). The look and feel of your restaurant play a vital role in its appeal to customers, so interior design is a major consideration. From material choices to the level of customisation, the complexity of your design will heavily influence the cost. Bespoke joinery, luxury finishes, and made-to-order furniture can dramatically increase your budget, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

We always recommend allocating a generous budget for lighting. Lighting sets the mood, enhances the dining experience, and can make or break the ambience of your space.

Timeline; ‘Failing to prepare is preparing to fail’- Benjamin Franklin

Planning and preparation are critical. While there’s always pressure to open quickly, to minimise rent, staffing costs, and lost revenue, rushing the process can lead to costly mistakes.

The faster a fit-out needs to be completed, the more expensive it becomes. This could involve:

Hiring larger teams to work longer hours
Paying premiums for express manufacture of bespoke items
Covering higher delivery costs for materials

A well-planned timeline allows you to prepare thoroughly, reduce costs, & handle changes or challenges more effectively.

The ‘right’ Contractor

Choosing an experienced & reliable contractor is vital. Your restaurant must meet multiple regulatory standards, and a qualified contractor will ensure compliance with:

Health and safety requirements.
Building control.
Planning permissions.
Licensing and advertisement applications.
Other restaurant-specific regulations.

This is true across all industries, but especially critical in hospitality, where venues are subject to scrutiny from every direction. Without the right professional support, it’s easy to overlook important compliance details that could delay your opening or increase costs.

Want to know what your restaurant fit-out might cost?

Use our Cost Calculator to get an instant estimate, or get in touch with our team for a tailored quote and expert advice. We can bring your vision to life.