Poised at a natural tension of eras. Designed by Studio Paolo Ferrari, Toronto’s newly-opened Daphne is a contemporary and eclectic reimagining of the quintessential American bistro. Sprawling and set across a series of distinctive rooms, Daphne embodies both the unexpected while bringing in the warmth and nostalgia of New England prep. At once intimate and grand, eccentric, and sculptural, convivial and experimental, the deeply imaginative space from Ferrari is reminiscent of a great residence that’s evolved over time, designed to create an experience of wonder and subtle awe.

Guests are greeted by an intimate arrival space, where a transparent full-height wine cabinet allows a glimpse at the dining rooms that beckon beyond, instilling intrigue at what’s to come. Through a draped passage, guests step into the voluminous and vaulted Great Room — an immediate exemplification of the ever-present sophisticated grandeur that permeates Daphne. With an energetic and vibrant open kitchen, an atmosphere of excitement and energy is immediately set. Innovative and surprising, the entirety of the kitchen is on display — from the finishing touches on plates to the prep kitchen — evoking the abundant spirit of hospitality and the feel of being hosted in an elevated and welcoming home.

Moving into the Drawing Room, the enveloping, colour-blocked space is softened and lightened by playful design touches and greenery. Details await discovery here, from commissioned pencil drawings on the red ochre-hued walls that appear as photographs from a distance, to a botanical-inspired hanging pendant, reminiscent of forms in early Karl Blossfeldt photography.

A mirrored corridor with a wrap-around hand-painted landscape mural leads to the artistic bar and onto its gently curving walls, bringing in the quality of a lush conservatory. Here, the atmospheric back-lit, glass-topped bar is an artful focal point inspired by filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, while at the same time, the fluting on the bar’s exterior is a nod to Beaux-Arts American architect Henry Bacon. A renewing departure from the expected restaurant layout, a separated bar space creates two distinct yet unified spaces for guests to explore and experience.

Daphne is a world unto itself, awaiting discovery. The entirety of the furniture and lighting is custom designed by Studio Paolo Ferrari, further establishing it as a space truly without parallel. Ferrari’s interiors often reference deeper inspiration from art, architecture, and cinema, and Daphne proves no exception. At the heart of the project is a cinematic duality of an immersive, Kubrick-inspired experimentation, contrasted with the softness and conviviality of the beloved aesthetic of a Nancy Meyers film. Unexpectedly playful and thoroughly redefining, Ferrari’s take on the timeless sophistication of the American bistro inspires guests to experience at once the joy of discovery and the effortless comfort of home.