{"id":379292,"date":"2025-12-30T00:27:10","date_gmt":"2025-12-30T00:27:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/379292\/"},"modified":"2025-12-30T00:27:10","modified_gmt":"2025-12-30T00:27:10","slug":"mrdk-designs-toronto-pizzeria-with-an-upstairs-downstairs-atmosphere","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/379292\/","title":{"rendered":"MRDK designs Toronto pizzeria with an upstairs-downstairs atmosphere"},"content":{"rendered":"

Canadian studio M\u00e9nard Dworkind<\/a> has designed a restaurant<\/a> interior with a casual take-out counter and an upscale bar lounge in Toronto<\/a>, Ontario.<\/p>\n

The eighth location of pizzeria North of Brooklyn<\/a> is located in Toronto’s Etobicoke neighbourhood, comprising two levels with differing atmospheres. The ground floor is a tile-laden takeaway and the upper level a refined, intimate bar.<\/p>\n

\"NorthMRDK has completed a pizzeria in Toronto<\/p>\n

M\u00e9nard Dworkind (MRDK<\/a>), which is run by Guillaume Menard and David Dworkind in Montreal, completed the 2,550-square-foot (237-square-metre) restaurant in April 2025.<\/p>\n

Accessed beneath a large lightbox awning, the compact ground level, which also contains the kitchen, was an opportunity for a strong one-line design, the studio said.<\/p>\n

\"NorthA tiled takeaway is located on the ground floor<\/p>\n

“[We needed] something bold, graphic, and bulletproof to resist the high traffic of takeout and delivery drivers,” the studio explained.<\/p>\n

The ceiling of the takeout area features a gridded, diffused light system.<\/p>\n

\"NorthA bar and seating area sits on the second storey<\/p>\n

Moulded tiles from Dutch company DTILE<\/a> \u2013 in soft cream and deep chocolate tones \u2013 wrap the walls, counter and details.<\/p>\n

“These custom tiles extend from wall to ceiling in a continuous wrap, even folding outward to create functional hooks for merch display, blurring the line between surface and fixture,” the studio said.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Renzo<\/p>\n

“Understated nostalgia” defines Montreal sandwich shop by MRDK\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

Upstairs, MRDK converted an apartment with low ceilings into the Low Rise bar<\/a>, where the studio cut new windows into the west facade, bringing in more natural light to bounce off the mirrors on the east side of the room.<\/p>\n

“We wanted a more intimate, warm and tactile experience upstairs,” the studio said.<\/p>\n

\"NorthThe mechanical systems are hidden within a bulkhead that runs around the room<\/p>\n

“Our goal was to give clients a place that’s effortlessly comfortable, where good food, atmosphere and design come together with a sense of ease and character.”<\/p>\n

The mechanical systems run along the perimeter of the space, hidden by a glossy bulkhead that contrasts with the raised ceiling in the centre of the room, where a cove light highlights the texture of the dark-coloured popcorn ceiling.<\/p>\n

\"NorthWalnut tables are contrasted with dark green leather banquettes<\/p>\n

Drawing on a “nostalgic Italian design, reimagined with a contemporary edge,” the 40-seat dining space features walnut tables that fit into the window niches and cantilever from the wall over green leather banquettes with folded steel feet.<\/p>\n

The monumental bar is clad in a tumbled marble mosaic with a zinc countertop that will patina over time.<\/p>\n

\"NorthIt is the eighth location of the pizzeria North of Brooklyn<\/p>\n

An In Common With<\/a> fluted pendant light casts a warm glow over the space.<\/p>\n

Founded in 2017, MDRK is known for infusing colour, texture and small details into its hospitality work. Recently in Montreal, the studio completed a throwback sandwich shop<\/a> with “understated nostalgia,” an angular Vietnamese restaurant<\/a> with a yellow bar and a cozy French bistro<\/a> with custom wine storage.<\/p>\n

The photography is by David Dworkind<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Project credits:<\/p>\n

Architect: MRDK
Architect of record: Barry Goldman Architect
Construction: Atlas Worx
Materials: DTILE, Wausau tile, Arta Ceramics, CTL leather, 3M film, Lighting: In Common With, Marset Arancia, Custom stools – Jussaume, Chairs \u2013 Suite 22: Thon, Sink: Agape, Faucet: Dyson, Blinds: Hunter Douglas<\/p>\n