Located on De La Commune Street in Montreal, Hayat offers a lavish and truly genuine dining experience directly across from the city’s renowned Old Port. This Middle Eastern restaurant’s architecture, crafted by IVY Studio, perfectly complements its exquisite menu. Drawing inspiration from the natural hues of the Syrian deserts and the surrounding greenery, Hayat exudes an ambiance that is both inviting and serene.
The curvaceous ceiling lines imitate the serene landscapes of the region, gracefully guiding patrons through the dining area. The entire ceiling and most walls were adorned with a warm and welcoming cream shade, while the existing structure and window frames were coated in a rich charcoal paint. Conversely, the ancient stone walls at the front and rear facades were left untouched, serving as a testament to the building’s historical significance.
The space, measuring 1500 square feet, consists of a main dining room, a bar, a kitchen, and private washrooms. The dining area is an open space with wooden floors and scattered tables. Above, a collection of curved fabric bannisters converge to form a central light fixture, surrounded by multiple sleek beige pendant fixtures.
Enclosing the area, a lengthy banquette lines the peripheral walls, while two private booths are available for larger groups. Each seat is adorned with forest green leather upholstery and silky pink velvet backrests. Just behind the dining room, the kitchen is separated by a walnut and hammered glass partition, offering glimpses of the culinary action during service.
The bar provides an intimate atmosphere, featuring a limited number of bar stools and a chef’s table. To enhance this cozy ambiance, unique light fixtures are placed on the bar between diners. The bar structure itself is adorned with a captivating teal, cream, and pistachio marble, reminiscent of the stone walls behind it. The overall design aims to harmonize the beauty of Middle Eastern nature with the charm of Old Montreal architecture.
All the millwork in the space is crafted from natural dark walnut. In addition to the bar, two other types of marble are used to cover the tables and service stations, adding their own vibrant colors to the area. Apart from the central fixture and scattered pendant globes, the room is illuminated by various indirect lighting sources. Whether it’s on the ceiling, behind the walls, or beneath the millwork, multiple dimmed linear lights combine to create a warmly inviting glow throughout the restaurant.