2011 AIA Restaurant Design Award winners

The American Institute of Architects announced the winners of its 2011 Restaurant Design Awards at a ceremony at the L.A. Convention Center on Friday. L.A. favorites claimed two of the three People's Choice Awards: the categories of lounge/nightclub (The Spare Room at the Hollywood Roosevelt) and cafe/bar (Mendocino Farms in Marina del Rey). Grace in Portland, Maine, took the prize for restaurant.

Jury winners were: Incenhaurers in Austin, Texas (lounge/nightclub); City Center's Aria pool deck in Las Vegas (cafe/bar); Earl's Gourmet Grub in Los Angeles (cafe/bar); Lukshon in Culver City (restaurant); Pitfire Pizza in Culver City (restaurant); and the Wright at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City (restaurant).

Judging from the photos of the winning designs, favor lies with a sleek, modernist feel with slightly rustic touches. For more information on the awards and to check out the different designers, click here.

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Photo: Lukshon in Culver City. Credit: Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times