BDA Spotlight: Daphne
Meet the winning project of this year’s Best in Design Award for Restaurant/Bar/Hotel
Toronto’s Daphne, designed by Studio Paolo Ferrari, tops our list of Toronto restaurant interiors for 2025, earning the Best in Design Award in the Restaurant/Bar/Hotel category. A reimagining of the classic American bistro, Daphne combines cinematic grandeur, eclectic artistry and the warmth of nostalgia. Its richly layered design transports guests into an imaginative world where each space tells its own story.
“For us, Daphne represents a world waiting to be discovered, and this spirit infuses our entire approach to design,” says Paolo Ferrari, founder of Studio Paolo Ferrari. “We strive to bring the unexpected into everything we do—there’s no predefined process, and every project is an exploration. We embrace the unique, the experimental, and the surprising. Each project is a distinctive journey, deeply rooted in our creative process and commitment to innovation.”
To receive recognition from Designlines makes us feel truly seen and appreciated by the community we care so much about. It’s a reminder of the importance of supporting local talent. Toronto is home to an incredible wealth of creativity, and we believe it’s vital not only to celebrate this talent but also to create opportunities that help it flourish. Paolo Ferrari Founder, Studio Paolo Ferrari
From the moment guests step into Daphne’s intimate arrival space, the sense of discovery begins. A transparent, full-height wine cabinet hints at what lies beyond, inviting exploration. The journey continues through a draped passage into the Great Room, a voluminous space filled with sophisticated energy and anchored by a vibrant open kitchen. The vaulted ceilings and dynamic layout set the stage for an experience that is both intimate and grand.
Studio Paolo Ferrari’s ability to marry the experimental with the familiar is evident throughout the space, and garnered a draw from our jury in an unanimous vote. Pulling from the sculptural grandeur of Stanley Kubrick’s films and the approachable elegance of Nancy Meyers’ cinematic worlds, Daphne balances unexpected moments with a sense of comfort and warmth.
Daphne unfolds across a series of unique rooms, each with its own personality. The Drawing Room is a study in contrasts, where earthy red ochre walls are adorned with commissioned pencil drawings that blur the line between art and photography. Playful touches, like botanical-inspired lighting, add whimsy to the room’s refined elegance.
Transitioning through a mirrored corridor, guests encounter the bar, a space of lush indulgence inspired by Stanley Kubrick and Beaux-Arts architecture. The back-lit, glass-topped bar is a sculptural centerpiece, its fluted exterior referencing classic American design. This separate bar area creates a distinct yet cohesive space, allowing guests to explore the restaurant’s many layers.
Studio Paolo Ferrari’s continued attention to detail and narrative-driven approach have made Daphne a triumph in both design and dining. By blending the eclectic with the timeless, they have created a space that invites wonder, discovery, and refined indulgence—earning Daphne its rightful place as the 2025 Restaurant winner at the Best in Design Awards.
