For more than 200 years in Japan, those hungry for a nice meal in a friendly environment have hoped to see a red lantern. Traditionally, a red lantern hanging outside a dining establishment signifies the location of an izakaya, an informal bar that serves tapas-style meals. This 4800 square foot restaurant presents a contemporary twist on the izakaya heritage starting from the street level entrance. Located in a 19th century warehouse in Toronto’s historic market district, the designers were tasked with crafting an interior that would make the space feel welcoming whether there were two dinners or twenty.

Architect
KAVE Architects

Partner in Charge
Andy Verhiel

Interior Designer
II x IV Design Associates Inc.

Completion
2006

Type
Interior Renovation, Restaurant

Area
475m² (5,100 sq ft.)

Recognition
2006 NASFM Award Retail Design Award, Grand Prize in Restaurant Category

2006 Hospitality Design Awards Finalist, Casual Restaurant

Images Credits/Featured in
x