The rd+d Awards

Best Full-Service Restaurant Design – Check Average Over $50

Winner: Oceans, New York City

• Owner/Operator: Toptable Group, Vancouver, British Columbia
• Architecture: C3D, New York City
• Interior Design: Rockwell Group, New York City
• Lighting: Evoke, New York City
• Structural Engineer: Dimitri Papagiannakis, New York City
• MEP: Mottola Rini, New York City
• General Contractor: Shawmut Design and Construction, New York City

Oceans offers an elevated take on the classic New York City bistro. Its key design feature — an undulated wood-rib ceiling inspired by the city’s historic archways — frames discreet but open dining areas. A luxurious materials palette provides a sophisticated backdrop. The judges felt it was “a beautiful space” and that “the private dining rooms were very well done.” They “loved the sweeping arches and the modern, clean line.” One judge declared the “soffits are amazing!”

Images courtesy of Emily Andrews, Rockwell Group

Best Full-Service Restaurant Design – Check Average Over $50

Runner up: Amal Toronto

• Ownership: INK Entertainment, Toronto
• Design: Studio Munge, Toronto
• General Contractor: Anjinnov, Toronto
• Millwork: Dema Woodwork, Brampton, Ontario

Amal Toronto was re-concepted from a classic French Bistro to a contemporary Lebanese restaurant. The design team wanted to be as sustainable as possible, which meant figuring out which elements, if any, could be saved and repurposed. A short timeline during a global pandemic did not simplify the task. The judges were impressed with the “very rich design” and the “powerful transformation of the space. They noted it was “beautiful” and the design team “really hit the mark of modern Lebanese meets luxury.”

Images courtesy of Maxime Bocken, Toronto, ON