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Resource Centre Commercial Kitchen Layouts How To Choose What Works For Your Restaurant

Commercial Kitchen Layouts: How to Choose What Works for Your Restaurant


Planning an effective commercial kitchen layout is essential for smooth, safe operations in any hospitality business. The right commercial kitchen set up depends on your menu, available space, staff workflow, and style of service. Below, we break down common restaurant kitchen layout options and their benefits to help you choose the one that best fits your establishment.

Common Commercial Kitchen Layouts

Each layout offers distinct advantages, tailored to different kitchen sizes, staff capacities, and cooking styles. These options also provide a practical starting point when considering a restaurant kitchen design layout for a new venue or renovation.

1. Assembly Line Kitchen Layout

A go-to setup for fast-paced commercial kitchens, this layout is all about speed and efficiency. It suits venues that rely on a consistent, high-output service model, where staff focus on specific, repeated tasks. This is a common commercial restaurant kitchen design for quick-service operations.

High-volume, repetitive menus (e.g. function venues, hospitals)

Assembly Line

2. Island Layout

Common in fast-paced commercial kitchens, this layout is all about speed and efficiency. It suits venues that rely on a consistent, high-output service model, where staff focus on specific, repeated tasks. This layout is a good fit for a kitchen layout of restaurant operations that need collaboration. It allows staff to move freely and communicate across stations.

Larger spaces in hotel kitchens, show kitchens, restaurants, and catering venues, with multiple staff and collaborative workflows

The Westin - Commercial Island Kitchen Layout

3. Zone-style Layout

Often used in larger or more complex kitchen environments, the zone layout allows chefs to specialise within a clearly defined area. This setup keeps tasks organised and is a strong match for varied or high-end menus. It’s also a smart approach to commercial kitchen layout design, especially when each section must function independently.

Medium to large restaurants, aged care kitchens, or multi-service venues with diverse menus or high service volumes

Zone Kitchen Layout - Baile Aged Care

4. Galley Layout

Ideal for narrow or limited spaces, this layout keeps workflow tight and tidy. It’s commonly found in smaller venues where maximising every square metre counts, without compromising speed or safety. This layout is also considered a practical restaurant kitchen design layout for compact operations.

Small kitchens (e.g. cafes, food trucks, ghost kitchens)

galley

5. Open Kitchen Layout

This layout blends back-of-house with front-of-house, offering diners a direct view of food preparation. It’s a strategic choice for venues wanting to build trust and add atmosphere through kitchen visibility. For many businesses, this is one of the more engaging commercial kitchen layout ideas that also contributes to the brand experience.

Modern restaurants, bistros, and pubs that value transparency and guest interaction

Open plan kitchen

6. Ergonomic Layout

Built with the well-being of kitchen staff in mind, the ergonomic layout focuses on reducing strain and supporting sustainable work practices. This form of commercial kitchen designing is becoming more common in venues where long hours and repetitive tasks are the norm.

Any kitchen focused on staff safety and long-term operational efficiency

the ergonomic layout


Considerations When Choosing a Restaurant Kitchen Layout

To get the most from your commercial kitchen fitout, factor in: 

1. Layout Type: Choose one that matches your cuisine, service style, and space.

2. Space Planning: Make use of every square metre for prep, movement, and storage.

3. Efficient Workflow: Reduce staff cross-traffic and optimise task sequence.

4. Food Safety Compliance: Follow guidelines for separation and hygiene.

5. Staff Safety: Prioritise ergonomic movement, non-slip floors, and ventilation.


Why Work with a Commercial Kitchen Planning Expert?

Setting up a commercial kitchen involves more than just selecting equipment. Working with an experienced kitchen planning team can help you to create a well-planned restaurant kitchen layout that will:

You might be launching a new venue or upgrading an existing space. At Caterlink, our knowledgeable team is ready to guide you through the process and recommend a layout and equipment that suits your needs. Get in touch to get practical advice on your kitchen setup and start cooking for success!

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