The Spanish restaurant on King West has reopened with a fresh new look courtesy of Block Plan Studios

Enter Patria’s iron gates at King and Spadina to discover “the heartbeat of España in the heart of Toronto.” Following a brief closure in 2022, the Spanish restaurant is reaffirming its status in the city’s food scene with a fresh face to match its vibrant culinary vision. Revealing a new and improved interior design by Block Plan Studios – the atelier behind neighbourhood gems like Chica, Lapinou and Miss Likklemore’s – the once moody space now exudes a luminous and airy charm, while staying wholly true to its soulful origins.

A distinct element of the restaurant’s design scheme is its central bar, equipped with a luminous backdrop which brings a collection of sips to life.

“The design concept is old-world meets modern times,” says Danielle Adams, principal designer and CEO of Block Plan Studios. Classic elements, such as the U-shaped bar, are paired with plush seating and white-oak wall panels for a union of timeless glamour and contemporary appeal. Above the main dining area, a custom 15-x-15-foot mesh light feature made in collaboration with Viso Lighting ties it together by casting a gentle glow throughout.

“The statement-making light fixture is made with a metal mesh that we sprayed with paint to fill in some holes and give a softer feel,” says Adams. “We then formed it into many individual lights grouped together, since we wanted it to feel very organic in its shape and the way they touched each other.”

Only a woven-yarn feature wall remains from the restaurant’s original design. “We chose to incorporate new tones and textures throughout the space that make it feel brighter than the once-dark interior, while pulling darker pieces that complemented this new concept,” says Adams. In line with Block Plan Studio’s innovative portfolio of work, Patria’s evolved state is a celebration of the restaurant’s historic influences and cosmopolitan sensibility — mirrored in menu staples like its Paella de Costillas and Spanish Manhattan. BLOCKPLANSTUDIOS.COM