Design for Dinner: Toronto’s Most Thoughtfully Designed Restaurants
Some restaurants do more than serve food, they create an experience. And for me, a space is just as important as what’s on the plate. The best designed restaurants pull you in before you even look at the menu, setting the tone for the entire evening. And it’s not just about style; it’s about how a space makes you feel. Here are some of my favorite restaurants where the interiors tell just as much of a story as the food.
Giulietta – Minimalism with Soul
I spent my birthday at Giulietta in 2024, and let me tell you, the design was just as memorable as the meal. The chef’s table setup (more like a sleek bar) invites you right into the action. Watching the chefs prep, chatting with them, and being part of the process? It adds a whole new layer to the dining experience. The space itself is a lesson in minimalism done right—soft Carrara marble, deep burgundy tones, and nothing unnecessary. Clean, refined, and completely intentional.
Photo: Guilietta
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Daphne – Where Drama Meets Elegance
Walk into Daphne, and you feel it. The groin-vaulted ceilings stop you in your tracks, setting the stage for a space that’s bold yet undeniably elegant. The floors—marble in all the right places—make you feel like the night is about to be good. French black-and-white stripes, detailed wall moldings, and those terracotta banquettes? They give the space a richness, a sense of occasion without trying too hard. It’s the perfect mix of classic and contemporary.
Photo: Daphne, Design: Studio Paolo Ferrari
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Amal – A Mediterranean Escape in the City
Studio Munge nailed it with Amal. The moment you walk in, you’re transported. Layered hand-painted murals, ornate moldings, custom rugs that feel incredibly luxe—it all comes together in a way that feels effortless. The palette: soft blues, mint greens, and burnt oranges that immediately evoke the Mediterranean. One of my favorite details? The trellis partitions. They define the space without making it feel closed off, hitting the perfect balance of intimacy and openness. And those sofa-like banquettes? You could sit there for hours—and trust me, you’ll want to.
Photo: Amal, Design: Studio Munge
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Gloria In The Great Hall – Cool, Gritty, and Full of Life
Some places just have that energy—the kind that makes you want to linger a little longer, laugh a little louder. Gloria In The Great Hall has it all going on. Exposed brick, worn-in wood, aged tin ceilings—it’s got that underground, cozy-but-edgy feel. The kind of place where a spilled drink isn’t a disaster, it’s just part of the story. The natural stone tables and bar tops bring a raw elegance that balances out the rougher elements. It’s a space that feels lived-in, in the best way.
Photo: Gloria In The Great Hall
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Adrak – Bold, Warm, and Unexpected
Adrak is all about balance. Bold but welcoming, refined but full of character. The symmetrical, art deco-inspired walls glow in a way that makes the whole space feel warm and inviting. The custom banquettes are a mix of caning detail and crushed velvet in deep, spice-inspired tones—think turmeric, curry, and cinnamon. And then there are the patterns, tropical elements that add a little playfulness. What I love most? The fearless use of deep, moody colors—emerald, ochre, eggplant. It’s proof that rich tones can feel grounding and elegant when used right.
Photo: Adrak
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Hope you’re hungry for more than just good food—because these restaurants prove that design is just as much a part of the experience. Whether it’s the moody drama of Daphne, the effortless charm of Giulietta, or the bold energy of Adrak, every space tells a story. Next time you’re planning a night out, why not choose a restaurant as much for its design as its menu?
