Architecture firm MRDK has completed North of Brooklyn Pizzeria in the York neighbourhood of Toronto, Canada. The design looks back to the classic New York pizza parlor while keeping a clean, modern finish.
Two units made into one
The restaurant was once two separate commercial units. They were combined into a single space, which made room for a kitchen with two busy pizza lines. Outside, the facade was rebuilt with light brick, wooden windows and a curving strip of blue ceramic tile.
From the door to the counter
A custom patterned mosaic covers the floor at the entrance and recalls traditional craftwork. By the door there is a custom upholstered bench under a mirror.
Above, a light box ceiling marks out the circulation route and leads customers to the ordering counter. Along the way, a wall of shelves with hidden lighting displays gourmet goods, branded merchandise and pizza-related items. The menu board sits at the end of the shelves, and the tiles of the counter wrap from the wall up onto the ceiling. The washroom door is at the far end of the counter.
The dining room
The dining room mixes traditional and contemporary details. Modern pendant lights by Marset hang over fixed tables, and the walls and ceiling are lined with tongue and groove boards painted warm white. A large farmhouse table suits groups, while banquette seating runs along the window. On the walls, a series of photographs shows classic New York pizzerias, including Di Fara, Paulie Gee's and Best Pizza.
As a general point, a small restaurant can feel well organised when the ceiling and floor guide people to the counter, leaving the walls free for display and seating.
Project credits
- Project: North of Brooklyn Pizzeria, York, Toronto, Canada
- Architect: MRDK
- Architect of record: Architectural for All (Rikka Pappa)
- Construction: Carbon build
- Photography: David Dworkind
- Source: Contemporist