In the charming Montreal suburb of Saint-Lambert, a new restaurant design is making waves, signalling a sophisticated shift for the local dining scene. Named Limousine, the project is the work of Ivy Studio, an architecture and design practice known for its thoughtful and material-driven approach. Occupying a distinctive diamond-shaped corner building on the town’s main artery, Victoria Avenue, the 1,700-square-foot space has been transformed into a bold and intimate French bistro that draws direct inspiration from the plush, refined interiors of vintage luxury limousines.
The restaurant’s interior architecture is organized around a striking central bar that echoes the angular geometry of the building itself. This bar acts as the visual and social heart of the space, crowned by a sculptural lightbox saturated in a deep amber hue. This glowing, diamond-shaped fixture bathes the room in a cinematic warmth, serving as a beacon visible from the street and establishing an immediate retro glamour ambiance. The bar front features wood with golden mirror inserts and is topped with a contrasting green marble counter, around which fixed stools in red velvet offer a plush perch for guests.
A continuous flow of tubular tan leather banquettes guides patrons through the space, nestled between the perimeter glazing and the central bar volume. This creates a soft, immersive pathway, enhancing the intimate dining experience. The material palette is rich and tactile, featuring warm cream walls, a golden-bronze ceiling, and high-gloss black finishes. The floor is clad in small black mosaic tiles, contributing texture and a uniform base that contrasts with the luxurious materials above. Custom tables with glossy black surfaces and chrome detailing focus attention on the culinary presentation, while upcycled vintage chairs, refinished in a dark chocolate stain and reupholstered in mint green velvet, add a unique, personal touch.
Beyond the main circulation path, a dramatic millwork installation in dark-stained wood houses the service station, a coffee counter, and a dramatically lit glass wine cellar. With cream outlines, chrome detailing, and a matching marble backsplash, this custom unit seamlessly blends function with high design. The lighting strategy is comprehensive, incorporating wall sconces, table lamps, and a vintage chrome pendant over a luxurious stone-topped group table, further enriching the layered, homely atmosphere.
Ivy Studio has masterfully crafted more than just a place to eat; Limousine is a mood and a memory. It represents a marked evolution for Saint-Lambert, offering locals and Montrealers alike a destination that blends contemporary design with nostalgic elegance. With its hospitality style as warm as its lighting and a cuisine reminiscent of a high-end Parisian bistro, Limousine establishes itself as a stylish and soulful new staple in Québec’s culinary and design landscape.