APPAREIL architecture faced the challenge of designing a restaurant in the vein of Italian bistros that would reflect the culinary creations of its young chef Guillaume St-Pierre. The team worked hard to create a coherent and authentic decor inspired by the Italian Memphis movement.
Located in the St-Roch district of Quebec City, this 25-seat restaurant takes the place of a former snack bar. The place captured the attention of Guillaume St-Pierre and his associates, Pascal Bussières (sommelier) and Paul Croteau (pastry chef), who were looking for a small space that would inspire conviviality and proximity.
When the chef and his team contacted the young Montreal firm, their idea was crystal clear; create a gathering place in a setting that would echo famous Italian bistros. They wanted a unique signature, where their culinary creations would go hand in hand with a refined architecture.
The owner also wanted the layout of the restaurant to allow guests to enjoy a direct experience with the cook. With this in mind, the kitchen was placed directly in the dining room, allowing friendly and unique contact between the customers and the cooks. For the curious, the large bar which surrounds the kitchen offers a direct view on the dishes creation.
At the periphery, tables for two are in direct contact with the street, typical of small Italian cafes. The large windows surrounding the restaurant provide a very bright environment. In the evening, it is rather the light fixtures, all tailor-made by Quebec craftsmen, that create this warm atmosphere. A decor made simple and sophisticated by the many small details that enhance our experience. The set was tailor-made, from hooks and lighting fixtures to wall hangings, to create a strong and unique signature.
The team was inspired by the Italian Memphis movement, using simple geometry and integrating colorful elements that contrast with the immaculate decor. This inspiration is reflected in the design of the light fixtures, the choice of colors and the graphics. The use of traditional materials such as brass, marble, white oak and the tiny ceramic found on the floor reminds us of European bistros’ typical language. As usual, the APPAREIL architecture team used Quebec materials and worked with local artisans to create this Italian-Québecois project.
