Sid Lee Architecture brings a refined Mediterranean sensibility to Montreal’s Old Port with Mare, a new gastronomic destination by Novantuno Hospitality Group. The interior transforms the rituals of Italian dining into a layered spatial experience—warm, immersive, and rooted in a shared culture of food, craftsmanship, and conviviality.

Conceived as a balance of elegance and comfort, Mare unfolds within a subdued, intimate atmosphere. Marble, fine woodwork, brick, and raw stone are paired with soft textiles and muted lighting, creating a space that feels both sophisticated and enveloping. Warm, mineral tones reference the patina of boat hulls, while vaulted ceilings recall the rhythm of sails and the lineage of traditional Italian architecture. Subtle textures and restrained finishes nod to Northern Italy’s heritage with quiet confidence.

From the street, a generous glazed façade offers fleeting views into the restaurant’s interior, while the entrance acts as a deliberate threshold—transitioning guests from the energy of the Old Port into a more hushed, contemplative world. Rust-toned metal panels and porthole details frame this passage, hinting at the maritime narrative woven throughout the space.

Inside, the restaurant is organized into two distinct yet connected zones. Beneath a dramatic drop ceiling, the cocktail bar sets a welcoming tone, anchored by views into an extensive wine cellar. A secluded round black marble table offers an intimate setting for groups, while the crudo bar emerges as a key experiential anchor.

The main dining room is defined by higher vaulted ceilings that amplify daylight and give the space a sense of openness and rhythm. A marble checkerboard floor provides a strong graphic foundation, referencing Italian tradition, while brick and porcelain surfaces echo the raw materiality of coastal environments. Curved forms throughout—seen in ceilings and walls—subtly reference fishing boats and portside life, both in geometry and tone. Layered onto this backdrop, curated photography blends Italian cultural icons with contemporary figures, creating a narrative that is both rooted and distinctly modern.

At the heart of Mare, the crudo bar stands as the project’s architectural centerpiece. Designed as a central black marble island, it structures circulation and sightlines while transforming seafood preparation into a visual performance. The bar sets the spatial rhythm of the restaurant, reinforcing the connection between craft, cuisine, and design.

Throughout the space, architecture quietly choreographs the art of hospitality. Light shifts across textured surfaces as the day unfolds, allowing the atmosphere to evolve naturally. The result is a dining environment where materiality, movement, and service align—offering guests a sensory journey in which Mediterranean traditions find a contemporary Montreal expression.

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