Toronto’s Alobar Downtown serves world class food paired with excellent service in a casual yet upscale environment. Selecting aligned materials for various programming spaces was integral to meet the needs of staff through structure, storage and service, and for guests, as they visit a restaurant distinct to the city of Toronto, with an out-of-town feel. The focus is to experience something new upon every visit - Mason Studio understood Michelin Star-rated Alo Food Group's reputation for excellence and applied an unexpected, yet impactful transformation of a former restaurant space to the brand's new offering, embedded with the personality of Toronto and Alobar's chef & owner, Patrick Kriss.

Curves are a foundation within the space, fueling versatility. Working within the shell of a former bistro enlisted opportunity to minimize waste and carbon footprint, maintaining the original marble tile, various surfaces, and ceiling. Mason Studio brightened up the rooms by resurfacing existing finishes to incorporating light drapery to support noise and sound transmission between every section of the restaurant.

Mason Studio worked with various emotions of Alobar’s layered programming. From the bar - slightly darker and moodier in its lighting, finishes and fixtures to the dining room, which is a brighter, more open area. Set in one of Toronto’s busiest districts, the restaurant maintains a visual connection with its outside environment. In the bar/lounge, stunning black and white marble contrasts with the black millwork. High-impact flooring in a deco-inspired tile was preserved from the previous tenant.

Comfortable seating is lined against the east-facing wall to provide agency for guests and a path for staff. At night, intentional fixtures illuminate the space. Flowerpot light fixtures provide contrasting, soft lighting from day to night throughout the space. An art installation of suspended mobiles was designed by Mason Studio and fabricated by Crow Art Design Build to inspire a sense of awe from every perspective of the restaurant. The main gesture of reduction was using what was existing in the space; rather than removing, or refinishing it, ultimately avoided landfill.

The interior and exterior pergola was retrieved from original fabricator that originally installed it, to repurpose in other projects. The original floor, bar, ceiling, and bathroom surfaces were retained. Paint and gentle plaster textures revitalized these elements. The kitchen pass was maintained – small elements were added on top of the existing frame and texture to provide a different atmosphere and look. In addition, the restaurant is a barrier-free, accessible space with no level changes throughout. Through Mason Studio's unwavering design intent, Alobar Downtown is both casual for day-to-night experiences, and upscale for special events and celebrations, engaging with different personalities and user expectations.