Restaurant fitouts in Australia typically cost $2,500–$4,500 per square metre, depending on kitchen equipment, ventilation, compliance, and design complexity. This guide breaks down total fitout costs, timelines, permits, checklists and build process for restaurants, cafés, bars and QSRs across Australia, including Sydney.
Restaurant Fitouts in Australia: Cost Breakdown + Timeline
Setting up a new restaurant or renovating an existing one is exciting — but let’s be honest, it can feel overwhelming. Between commercial kitchen equipment, ventilation, plumbing, seating layout, and compliance… there’s a lot to figure out.
This guide simplifies everything.
Whether you’re opening a café in Sydney, a takeaway shop in Brisbane, or a bar in Melbourne — these numbers and steps apply to your project.
What Is a Restaurant Fitout?
A restaurant fitout includes all construction, finishes, equipment and services required to turn an empty space into a functioning food business.
Includes:
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Kitchen install
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Exhaust & ventilation
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Coolrooms & freezers
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Plumbing, grease trap, gas
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Flooring & tiling
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Seating layout & joinery
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Bar stations
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POS area
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Fire safety systems
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Signage & branding
Cost to Fit Out a Restaurant in Australia
Here are the latest 2025-26 numbers:
Restaurant Fitout Cost Per Square Metre
| Restaurant Type | Cost Range (AUD/m²) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Takeaway/Small Café | $2,200–$3,000/m² | Minimal seating |
| Full-service restaurant | $2,800–$4,500/m² | Commercial kitchen + seating |
| Bar / Cocktail venue | $3,000–$5,500/m² | High-end finishes |
| QSR chains (franchise) | $3,000–$4,200/m² | Strict branding |
| Cloud kitchen | $1,800–$2,600/m² | Kitchen-focused |
Typical Total Costs
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Small café (40–80m²): $80,000–$180,000
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Mid-size restaurant (80–150m²): $180,000–$350,000
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Large restaurant (150–300m²): $350,000–$800,000+
Sydney costs can be up to 15–25% higher because of:
✔ labour
✔ compliance
✔ ventilation demands
✔ CBD loading dock restrictions
Major Cost Drivers
✔ 1. Kitchen Equipment (40–50% of cost)
Ovens, cooktops, fridges, freezers, stainless benches, dishwashers.
✔ 2. Ventilation & Exhaust
This is often the most expensive and most difficult part.
✔ 3. Plumbing & Gas
Grease traps, waste lines, and hot water systems.
✔ 4. Electrical Load & Switchboard Upgrade
Commercial kitchens consume LOTS of power.
✔ 5. Seating Fitout
Joinery, furniture, lighting and finishes.
✔ 6. Fire Compliance
Kitchen suppression systems, fire rating, and emergency lighting.
Restaurant Fitout Timeline
Here’s what a typical schedule looks like:
1. Concept & Space Planning (1–3 weeks)
Branding, layout, and customer experience design.
2. Council & Health Approvals (2–8 weeks)
Varies by state and complexity.
3. Construction (6–12 weeks)
Kitchen install, flooring, electrical, joinery, signage.
4. Final Certification & Testing (1–2 weeks)
Fire safety, ventilation testing, and hygiene inspection.
Total Timeline: 10–20 weeks
Restaurant Fitout Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Site Audit
Evaluating services (gas, water, power), exhaust route and compliance.
Step 2: Design & Branding
Moodboards, 3D renders, materials, and seating plan.
Step 3: Costing
You receive a detailed estimate and scope.
Step 4: Approvals
Council approvals, building certifier, hydraulic plans, and fire engineering.
Step 5: Build Phase
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Demolition
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Plumbing
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Gas installation
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Electrical
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Commercial kitchen install
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Ventilation & hoods
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Seating area
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Joinery
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Signage
Step 6: Commissioning & Handover
Testing equipment, compliance certification, and cleaning.
Restaurant Fitout Checklist
✔ Kitchen equipment list
✔ Exhaust and ventilation plan
✔ Grease trap compliance
✔ Seating capacity and layout
✔ Workflow design (front + back of house)
✔ Council and food safety approvals
✔ Fire safety requirements
✔ Signage and branding
✔ Accessibility compliance
✔ POS & technology setup
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Underestimating kitchen and ventilation costs
❌ Not checking electrical load capacity
❌ Poor seating layout (low turnover)
❌ Delays caused by late council approvals
❌ Not using hospitality-experienced contractors
❌ Choosing residential-grade materials
FAQs
How long does it take to fit out a restaurant?
Typically, 10–20 weeks, depending on approvals and complexity.
Do all restaurants need a grease trap?
Yes — unless it’s a very small café with minimal food preparation.
Do I need approval for signage?
Most states require approvals for illuminated or external signage.
CONCLUSION
A restaurant fitout is a major investment — but with proper planning, the right team, and a clear understanding of costs and timelines, you can launch your venue smoothly and confidently.
