Lebanese eatery Shay has debuted in the heart of Griffintown, one of Montreal’s key culinary corridors. Designed by Ivy Studio, the restaurant contrasts its gray stone and red brick façade with an atmosphere reminiscent of a Middle Eastern tea salon.
Inspired by a sunset over the Syrian Desert, the soothing aesthetic manifests in soft pink concrete floors that complement textured white plaster walls. Sinuous banquettes in navy blue hues snake through the restaurant to recall the forms of windswept canyons as well. “These colors and these textures were essential in celebrating the heritage of the Lebanese and Syrian culture,” says Ivy partner Kyle A. Goforth. “All the furniture and banquettes fabrics were custom made, we worked with our suppliers to source materials that give off the appearance of delicate garment fabric, but with the strength and durability of hospitality-grade commercial fabrics.”
A handpainted mural of a mountain and a blue marble bar serve as key focal points across the interior, while a sprawling, custom metallic light fixture that evokes a deep raspberry tone overhead. In the dining room, a mahogany platform instills a sense of intimacy separate from the convivial bar and tea areas. Dusty rose-toned banquettes are accented by custom built-in table lamps and oversized globe pendants that illuminate larger group tables.
