The latest venture from North of Brooklyn Pizzeria, its eighth location, plants its flag in Toronto‘s burgeoning Etobicoke neighborhood, establishing a compelling two-story space that masterfully balances the vibrant pace of a takeout counter with the intimacy of a dedicated hospitality setting. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the Montréal-based firm MRDK – Ménard Dworkind, seamlessly splits its identity: the ground floor is dedicated to the North of Brooklyn kitchen, while the upper level transforms into the sophisticated Low Rise bar and dining room.
The initial approach is cinematic; visitors step beneath a large lightbox awning, reminiscent of a grand title crawl, setting an immediate, immersive tone. This signature lightbox continues inside to form the ceiling of the takeout counter area, which is entirely enveloped in custom-designed DTILE molded tiles. These distinctive ceramic units wrap continuously from wall to ceiling in a seamless embrace, even folding outward to cleverly create hooks for merchandise display, demonstrating a playful design that blurs the boundary between surface and fixture.
Ascending to the second floor, the Low Rise bar sheds the street-level energy for a more refined ambiance. This 40-seat space draws inspiration from nostalgic Italian design, reinterpreted with a decisive contemporary edge.
The room is anchored by a monumental bar, a true centerpiece clad in a textured marble mosaic of tumbled stone. The top surface is a substantial zinc countertop, a material chosen for its ability to develop a rich and unique patina over time, ensuring the architecture matures gracefully. Above the bar, a fluted pendant light, a piece by In Common With, casts a welcoming, warm glow, essential in setting the tone for this intimate restaurant interior experience.
In a move to maximize daylight, the MRDK – Ménard Dworkind team introduced new window openings into the side façade. These openings dictate the placement of the dining area, aligning perfectly with walnut dining tables that cantilever directly from the walls, effectively creating cozy niches within the window frames. Seating is provided by custom green leather banquettes, a deliberate nod to the iconic Joe Colombo Tube Chair design aesthetic. These banquettes are supported by elegantly folded steel feet, which introduce a subtle interplay of color, material, and form into the overall design.
The firm ingeniously addressed the constraint of low ceiling heights by concentrating the building’s mechanical systems around the perimeter. This allowed for the central area of the ceiling to be raised, creating a rounded rectangle volume. This feature is accented by a discreet cove light that skillfully highlights the texture of the existing popcorn ceiling, generating a striking visual contrast against the high-gloss painted lower bulkhead. This thoughtful manipulation of light and surface not only solves a functional issue but dramatically enhances the room’s unique spatial dynamics, solidifying this Toronto outpost as a modern landmark in progressive hospitality architecture and interior design.