Called Sara, the eatery occupies two floors of a Victorian residence in the Canadian city that dates back to the early 1900s. Odami was challenged to preserve the architectural history of the structure, while creating an inviting setting for over 50 diners.
The layout of the two-level, 223-square-metre space was completely rearranged during the renovation to accommodate the restaurant.The firm describes the new aesthetic as “earthly minimalism”.
On the first floor, the designers aimed to create a cave-like interior to form an intimate setting for guests. To do so, they covered the ceiling and arched walls with a mixture of plaster and recycled materials created through a series of experiments.The second level, by contrast, features pitched double-height white ceilings. It is intended to create an open and airy atmosphere, “providing a feeling of breezy lightness”.
Sara was named after the rearrangement of Rasa, the name of a notable restaurant in the area owned by the same client. The design of the new eatery is intended to contrast Rasa’s rustic and dark palette, which comprises metals, leather, and other rough materials.Other details in Sara include a turquoise velvet banquette seating that aims to offer the “sensation of being at the edge of a body of water”.Another notable element are the dining tables that feature secret compartments for diners to stowaway their mobile phones. Odami hope it will encourage customers to disconnect from technology and create a calm environment.
Project Name:Sara restaurant
Project location: Toronto, Canada
Project Type: Dining Space/Restaurant
Finished Year:2018
Design Company:Odami
Photographer:Kurtis Chen