Sid Lee Architecture has crafted the interior design for Mare, a new gastronomic destination in the heart of Montreal’s Old Port. The project transforms Mediterranean culinary art into a fully immersive spatial experience, creating a warm, inviting venue that reflects the camaraderie and passion of Novantuno Hospitality Group.
Conceived as a place where elegance meets comfort, Mare unfolds in a hushed, sophisticated universe. Marble, fine woodwork, brick, and raw stone are interwoven with soft fabrics and subdued lighting, revealing a distinguished, enveloping atmosphere. The Mediterranean spirit shines through in the mineral quality of the materials and the warm tones recalling the patina of boat hulls. A series of vaulted ceilings evoke both the rhythm of sails and the lines of traditional Italian architecture. Northern Italy’s heritage is also expressed in a palette of understated, refined textures.
A signature entrance
From the street, the restaurant’s generous glass façade, accented by two-tone drapes, offers glimpses of its lively interior. The intimate entrance provides a clear transition from the bustle of the Old Port to the restaurant’s hushed ambiance. Portholes and deep rust-hued metal panels frame this passageway, hinting at the unique experience that lies ahead.
A geography of flavors
Mare is organized around two distinct zones, each inviting guests to experience the rituals of Italian gastronomy. Beneath the grand drop ceiling, the cocktail bar welcomes patrons into a cozy, warm environment, with views of an impressive wine cellar. A large round black marble table, tucked away for privacy, offers an exclusive moment for groups, while the crudo bar stands as a centerpiece of the experience.
The main dining room is distinguished by its higher, vaulted ceilings, which amplify natural light and give breath to the space — shaping its singular atmosphere. The marble checkerboard floor creates a strong graphic anchor and pays homage to Italian heritage. Textural plays of brick and porcelain recall the raw simplicity of coastal materials, while the rounded shapes of the drop ceiling and entrance wall nod to portside fishing – both in form and in color – subtly echoing boat hulls. On the walls, photographs blend Italian icons with contemporary American figures, creating a visual narrative that roots Mare in its cultural heritage, while celebrating the restaurant’s unique identity. The eclectic mix sparks conversation and adds depth to the ambiance.
The crudo bar: a centerpiece
At the heart of the space, the crudo bar commands attention as the restaurant’s architectural centerpiece. Designed as an open central island in black marble, it organizes the dining room’s flow and sightlines, while providing a dramatic backdrop to the fresh fish prepared there. This focal point guides the eye and sets the rhythm of the spatial experience, turning the preparation of seafood into a visual and culinary performance.
Where architecture choreographs the art of hospitality
Service flourishes in an architectural setting designed for fluid movements and graceful gestures. Light reveals the texture of materials as the day progresses, creating an atmosphere that evolves naturally over time. This harmony between design and hospitality makes Mare a sensory voyage – one in which the Mediterranean finds its Montreal expression through the art of welcoming guests. It offers diners an experience that transcends the meal itself, becoming a true cultural immersion.