DaNico Toronto

  • Prize
    Honorable Mention in Interior Design / Hospitality: Bar and Restaurant
  • Company/Firm
    Liberty Entertainment Group
  • Lead Designer
    Nadia Di Donato
  • Interior Designer
    Nadia Di Donato
  • Location
    440 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1T3
  • Project Date
    September 2023
  • Project Link

DaNico, at College and Bathurst, is a captivating space of intricate design. The Designer believes fine art is like jewelry and incorporates curated pieces to reflect each space's personality, enhancing the dining experience.

The 60-seat restaurant features striking artworks, including a Damien Hirst painting at the entrance, complemented by works from Canadian artists Peter Triantos and Max Jamali, and a bronze Salvador Dali statue which gleams against a backdrop of vintage bottles. Exposed ceilings and an original Italian marble fireplace add to the authentic ambiance.

The historic building seamlessly blends contemporary elements with classic finishes, using luxurious materials like Italian mohair velvet, brocades, English leather, porcelain, warm woods, and Versace ceramics. The main dining room, with its vaulted 30-foot ceilings, has intimate banquettes and large tapestries.

Nadia emphasizes thoughtful design as much as fine food. By using specific colours, textures, materials, and lighting, she creates a striking atmosphere that enhances the dining experience, making the food taste even better.