Daphne Toronto brings cinema and sculpture to American bistro

Daphne, a new restaurant in Toronto, is a finalist in the 8th annual GRAY Awards in the Hospitality Design breakout category. Designed by Studio Paolo Ferrari, the space reimagines the American bistro through a cinematic and sculptural lens. Spread across several distinct rooms, it blends nostalgia with the unexpected, aiming to create an experience of wonder.

A Design Inspired by Film and Architecture

Guests enter through an intimate arrival space with a transparent full-height wine cabinet that offers a glimpse of the dining rooms beyond.

A draped passage leads into the vaulted Great Room, where an open kitchen is fully visible. The design puts the entire kitchen on display — from plating to prep — evoking what the designer calls “the abundant spirit of hospitality.”

The Drawing Room features color-blocked walls with commissioned pencil drawings that appear as photographs from a distance. A botanical-inspired hanging pendant recalls early Karl Blossfeldt photography.

A mirrored corridor with a hand-painted mural of a natural scene leads to the bar, where a back-lit glass countertop is inspired by filmmaker Stanley Kubrick. The fluting on the bar’s exterior nods to Beaux-Arts architect Henry Bacon.

For diners, the effect is layered.

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One room feels like a cozy study, another like a grand salon. The deliberate contrast between Kubrick’s precision and the softness of a Nancy Meyers film sets a tone that is both formal and familiar — a place that rewards a second look.

A Restaurant Built for Discovery

Its layout departs from the expected: a separated bar space creates two distinct areas for guests to explore. Every piece of furniture and lighting is custom-designed. The designer noted that the project’s “cinematic duality” is central — an immersive, experimental atmosphere balanced by the warmth of a beloved home.

Studio Paolo Ferrari, founded in 2016, works on hospitality, retail, and residential projects worldwide. The studio has collaborated with brands like Accor, Raffles, St. Regis, 1 Hotels, Four Seasons, and LVMH. Current projects span North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

It is one of several finalists vying for the GRAY Award in its category. The 8th Annual GRAY Awards are sponsored by a range of industry partners, though the specific sponsors were not detailed in the submission.

The design team included Paolo Ferrari, Shelley Tang, Stuart Mcquarrie, Joanna Wenderska, Janine Yeung, Lukas Chan, Patrick Augustynowicz, Wandia Muchiri, John Gaitan, and Rajeshta Julatum. Photographs of the space were taken by Joel Esposito.