Located near the Bell Centre, the new Chez Lionel location—designed by Cléo Katcho Design Architectural—offers a contemporary take on the French brasserie, based on spatial fluidity, the user experience, and the strategic integration of existing constraints. The project is located in a building from the 1990s that was originally fragmented, with a dining room, bar, and mezzanines coexisting without any cohesive design. A structural granite core—which could not be moved—posed the site’s major constraint. Rather than simply accommodating it, the design makes it the focal point of the spatial layout.

One key decision shaped the project: repurposing the building’s lobby to create a lounge and bar area that flows seamlessly into the restaurant. This change, initially viewed as risky, redefines the boundaries between interior and exterior while establishing a strong presence from the street. The bar, repositioned on the ground floor, becomes the vibrant heart of the project and a focal point as soon as guests arrive. The flow between the lounge, bar, and dining room unfolds naturally, while the integration of the mezzanines enhances spatial clarity and maintains a constant visual connection between the levels.

Lighting plays a central role in shaping the space. The transition from the brightly lit lobby to the cozy atmosphere of the brasserie is achieved through a carefully controlled gradation of light, which preserves the space’s intimacy while maintaining its openness. Custom-designed fixtures and integrated lighting help define the space and highlight the materials.

From a physical standpoint, the project blends heritage with contemporary design. The existing granite elements are preserved and highlighted as symbols of identity, while brick, metal, and custom-designed lighting fixtures bring a modern twist to the traditional style of French brasseries. The structured greenery evokes the grand European glass-roofed spaces in a minimalist interpretation.

Chez Lionel is thus redefining the standards of contemporary brasserie design, demonstrating that effective design arises from the intelligent transformation of the existing context.