Minnibar in Montreal embraces Japanese minimalism
Designed by Ivy Studio, the restaurant celebrates its raw architectural shell.
1Aesthetics of raw structure
Designed by Ivy Studio, Minnibar occupies the ground floor of a downtown Montreal high-rise. The 20-foot ceiling height and corner location have been leveraged as design advantages. The team left the building's structural elements (concrete columns, walls, and ceiling slab) exposed, embracing Japanese minimalism principles. This approach gives the space an industrial character while maintaining refined aesthetics.
2Material palette
The restaurant features a predominantly monochromatic color scheme: off-white grays punctuated by sharp black integrations. Tactile materials like hand-plastered walls, textured stones, and opaque wood grains create depth. The entrance cafe counter is clad in monolithic cream-colored stone with a leather-like finish. These material choices contribute to the space's sophisticated atmosphere.
3Functional interventions
Additions were made only where functionally necessary. The kitchen, bar and pizza counter are housed within an enclosed central core. A slender black ledge along the windows provides additional bar seating. The omakase-style counter is crafted from white oak and gradually decreases in height. Rice-paper screens serve dual purposes: sunlight filtering and acoustic buffering.
4Custom-designed furnishings
The restaurant showcases Ivy Studio's first in-house designed chair: made of ash wood with softly curved legs and a delicate backrest. A collaborative project with local shop Procedures Industries produced a sculptural stainless steel DJ booth with built-in vinyl players, positioned at the intersection of two sight lines.
5Geometric detailing
Triangular shapes appear as recurring motifs throughout the design. The stainless steel bar counter footrest, wine cellar windows, and wall-mounted light fixtures all echo this geometric language. An adjustable glowing artwork on the back wall serves as a focal point for the symmetrically arranged main dining area, adding visual rhythm.
6Day-to-night transformation
The spatial design supports Minnibar's transition from daytime cafe to evening restaurant. Morning patrons can easily access the entrance cafe counter. By night, dynamic lighting and custom furnishings transform the space into a full-service dining establishment. Ivy Studio describes this as 'transcending the traditional restaurant model to offer a fully immersive experience.'
7Dialogue with urban architecture
The design harmonizes Montreal's gritty urban architecture with refined Japanese minimalism. Heavy exposed concrete surfaces contrast with custom monolithic furniture. The space also demonstrates uncompromising dedication to sound and culinary craft. This approach creates a strong architectural dialogue with its urban context.
8Studio's signature approach
Minnibar joins Ivy Studio's portfolio of Montreal restaurants including 'bold and glamorous' Limousine, marble-filled Hayat, and fire-resurrected Piatti. The studio has also designed an ad agency in a converted bank and a creative hub with 'work in progress' aesthetics. Minnibar reflects their expertise in material simplicity, functional detailing, and spatial transformation.
Original article: Interior design | Dezeen — Montreal'da Japon minimalizmiyle tasarlanan Minnibar