Canadian studio Ménard Dworkind has designed a restaurant interior with a casual take-out counter and an upscale bar lounge in Toronto, Ontario.
The eighth location of pizzeria North of Brooklyn is located in Toronto’s Etobicoke neighbourhood, comprising two levels with differing atmospheres. The ground floor is a tile-laden takeaway and the upper level a refined, intimate bar.
Ménard Dworkind (MRDK), which is run by Guillaume Menard and David Dworkind in Montreal, completed the 2,550-square-foot (237-square-metre) restaurant in April 2025.
Accessed beneath a large lightbox awning, the compact ground level, which also contains the kitchen, was an opportunity for a strong one-line design, the studio said.
“[We needed] something bold, graphic, and bulletproof to resist the high traffic of takeout and delivery drivers,” the studio explained.
The ceiling of the takeout area features a gridded, diffused light system.
Moulded tiles from Dutch company DTILE – in soft cream and deep chocolate tones – wrap the walls, counter and details.
“These custom tiles extend from wall to ceiling in a continuous wrap, even folding outward to create functional hooks for merch display, blurring the line between surface and fixture,” the studio said.
Upstairs, MRDK converted an apartment with low ceilings into the Low Rise bar, where the studio cut new windows into the west facade, bringing in more natural light to bounce off the mirrors on the east side of the room.
“We wanted a more intimate, warm and tactile experience upstairs,” the studio said.
“Our goal was to give clients a place that’s effortlessly comfortable, where good food, atmosphere and design come together with a sense of ease and character.”
The mechanical systems run along the perimeter of the space, hidden by a glossy bulkhead that contrasts with the raised ceiling in the centre of the room, where a cove light highlights the texture of the dark-coloured popcorn ceiling.
Drawing on a “nostalgic Italian design, reimagined with a contemporary edge,” the 40-seat dining space features walnut tables that fit into the window niches and cantilever from the wall over green leather banquettes with folded steel feet.
The monumental bar is clad in a tumbled marble mosaic with a zinc countertop that will patina over time.
An In Common With fluted pendant light casts a warm glow over the space.
Founded in 2017, MDRK is known for infusing colour, texture and small details into its hospitality work. Recently in Montreal, the studio completed a throwback sandwich shop with “understated nostalgia,” an angular Vietnamese restaurant with a yellow bar and a cozy French bistro with custom wine storage.
The photography is by David Dworkind.
Project credits:
Architect: MRDK
Architect of record: Barry Goldman Architect
Construction: Atlas Worx
Materials: DTILE, Wausau tile, Arta Ceramics, CTL leather, 3M film, Lighting: In Common With, Marset Arancia, Custom stools – Jussaume, Chairs – Suite 22: Thon, Sink: Agape, Faucet: Dyson, Blinds: Hunter Douglas
