Bent Gable Design has turned a mouldering Toronto industrial building into an oasis of greenery for vegan restaurant Rosalinda.
The studio – comprising design duo Brenda Bent and Karen Gable – took inspiration from ruin porn, particularly buildings that have been gradually taken over by nature, to craft the eatery’s interiors.
They added cement blocks, historic stained glass windows and vintage wood doors to divide the restaurant into three dining spaces. At the centre of the building is a suspended greenhouse roof, filled with hanging plants.
Guests sit at blue and green velvet banquettes or on wicker chairs, surrounded by potted plants and terraria. The floral theme continues elsewhere on rose-patterned wallpaper and in display cases filled with vintage finds.
The Toronto restaurant serves a flavour-packed menu of vegan Mexican dishes, such as young coconut ceviche with apple, celery, pickled shallot and herb leche de tigre; roasted cauliflower tostada with sikil pak, almonds, herb salsa verde and pickled chillies; and potato and mushroom flautas.
133 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2L3
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