Inspired by the vibrant retro diners of Quebec, the interiors of this Ottawa restaurant, designed by Ivy Studio, exude a colorful charm. Buvette Daphnée, a wine bar and fine dining establishment, occupies a 1,500-square-foot space in a historic industrial building in the ByWard Market district.
With a head chef deeply rooted in Quebec and experienced in Ottawa, the restaurant aims to blend both cultures through the lens of a nostalgic francophone. Ivy Studio took cues from Montreal’s retro diners, incorporating a palette of caramel, brown, and cream, complemented by pops of contrasting blue and burnt orange.
The front dining area, visible from the street, is divided into two sections. To the right of the entrance, a cozy space with lower ceilings offers intimacy, while to the left, a lofty area with a 36-foot-long U-shaped bar, open kitchen, and high-top counters provides a more spacious atmosphere.
In the taller section, black-painted ceilings create a sense of intimacy, while cream-colored v-board paneling adorns the walls, extending overhead into the lower area. Blue velvet wraps the bar stools and semi-circular seats nestled in tambour-lined booths, vintage dining chairs boast orange seats, and cognac and chocolate-toned banquettes complete the inviting seating arrangements.
The majority of the millwork was crafted from natural walnut, while some of the original brickwork of the building was left exposed. A lacquered server station with a pill-shaped design and tiered shelves stands in front of the entrance, drawing attention to the center of the restaurant.
A vibrant custom-designed mosaic, featuring the main colors, covers the entire restaurant floor to bring everything together, according to Ivy Studio. Various light fixtures in the space each have their own unique story, including a 30-foot-long bespoke tubular piece by Montreal-based Hamster above the bar.
Additionally, recycled frosted globe-shaped pendants from Montreal‘s 1960s street lamps hang from the black ceiling, courtesy of Studio Botté. Buvette Daphnée’s design, much like its celebrated menu of locally grown ingredients, provides Ottawa with an authentic taste of Montreal’s rich culinary culture, as stated by the studio.