The newly-opened Daphne restaurant in Toronto’s Financial District is a contemporary and eclectic reimagining of the quintessential American bistro. It is a fusion of intimate and grand, eccentric and sculptural, convivial and experimental designed by Studio Paolo Ferrari to create an experience of wonder.
The deeply imaginative decor is reminiscent of a great evolved, sprawling residence across a series of distinctive rooms. Daphne embodies the unexpected while bringing in the warmth and nostalgia of New England prep.
The interior design is bold, yet classy—with the predominantly red and persimmon hues around the restaurant. The entirety of the furniture and lighting is custom designed, further establishing it as an unparalleled space. The designer often referenced deeper inspiration from art, architecture, and cinema, and it is also easy to spot in Daphne’s design.
At the heart of the project is a cinematic duality of an immersive, Kubrick-inspired experimentation, contrasted with the softness and conviviality of the beloved aesthetic of a Nancy Meyers film. Unexpectedly playful and thoroughly redefined the interior design takes on the timeless sophistication of the American bistro and inspires guests to experience at once the joy of discovery and the effortless comfort of a home.
The restaurant’s Old Hollywood aesthetic, an homage to the cinematography of those days, brings a sense of nostalgia. While designers’ choice of implementing different geometric prints both in the interior and furniture design, combined with bold colours and forest prints on the wallpaper gives the space its distinguished look.
Daphne’s aim to fulfil their visitors’ desires—to drink well, dine well, and live well is noticeable in the design’s details. Their sitting room—one of two main spaces—decked out in plush velour banquettes and linen-draped armchairs creates comfort in the visitors’ dining experience. It explains Daphne’s well-deserved Interior Design of the Year award at the SIT Furniture Design Award.
Besides the aforementioned sitting room, there is the art deco–inspired dining room, the hallway lined with mirrors and forest wallpaper, and the lounge, which is connected to the terrace with bright-yellow striped banquettes and a bar.
