Amber’s new bar is made from Calcutta marble (Image: Gizelle Lau)
For almost 12 years, Yorkville’s Amber has been the place to see and be seen. Having just finished turning his Cinq 01 into the new Briscola Trattoria at the end of February, it seems owner Toufik Sarwa has reno fever—he’s just completed another major renovation at Amber. We checked in with Sarwa to get the dish on the new digs.
Behind the remodelling is designer Montana Burnett, a former editor at Canadian House and Home and a long-time patron of Amber. Throughout the years, she’s seen Amber progress from minimalist to Moroccan inspired to Miami South Beach. “This fourth and final incarnation is the most mature Amber has ever been,” Sarwa says. By bringing an outdoorsy, beachy theme inside, the bar and lounge has been transformed from a dark, subterranean hideout into a space reminiscent of old Hollywood or 1950s Havana.
Caramel-toned banquettes, white lattice accents, turquoise art deco trims, banana leaf prints, large bamboo lounging chairs, retro lighting sconces and a bright new bar made of Calcutta marble create a warmer space than the previously all white, almost sterile lounge. Toronto artist Matt McNaught was hired to create the new, edgy, green graffiti mural at the entrance.
The new menu will no longer offer sit-down dining options or entrées. Instead, it will feature smaller tapas-style plates (from $18), like tuna or beef carpaccio and vegetable crudités, designed for sharing over cocktails and drinks. New, Havana-inspired cocktails (from $14) will include creative twists on the classic mojito, margarita and sangria.
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- The resto-lounge as seen from Yorkville Avenue
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- Amber’s new bar is made from Calcutta marble
Just in time for patio season, the deck behind Amber will also be getting the full makeover treatment. Slated to open by the end of April, it will feature a fresher Mediterranean beach-side feel replacing the old black and white scheme.
Amber, 119 Yorkville Ave., 416-926-9037, amberinyorkville.com .
Wow, that’s ugly. I’ve seen better renos on Restaurant Makeover.
March 30, 2011 at 2:29 pm | by mattagascarRestaurant Makeover? I’ve seen better renos on Trading Spaces.
March 30, 2011 at 7:44 pm | by BlahThis is so awful …rofl
March 30, 2011 at 10:34 pm | by NicYikes! That’s hideous.
March 31, 2011 at 3:17 am | by nobodyReminds me of the 1970s wet-bar my parents used to have in their basement… which they got rid of about 15 years ago.
March 31, 2011 at 9:17 am | by GeoffThis looks horrible! I would take the old Amber back any day.
March 31, 2011 at 10:10 am | by JamesOh no Toufik! What have you done?!?!
March 31, 2011 at 10:42 am | by Ella DwyerThis looks great. This is much more interesting than the old Amber.
March 31, 2011 at 11:08 am | by KarenThat has to be the worst bar/resto reno I have seen yet.
What was the designer thinking? Or what was Toufik thinking hiring a former House and Home assistant market editor? I hope he is not serious on this being the ‘final incarnation’.
March 31, 2011 at 11:24 am | by ewwwAmazing…still has the same feel, with a nice refreshing vibe…can’t wait to go back!!
March 31, 2011 at 11:25 am | by SashaThis space is gorgeous and done in such high style! Hello Amber!
March 31, 2011 at 11:30 am | by high styleOMG! Stunning stunning stunning! I haven’t been there forever but now I’m going back!
March 31, 2011 at 11:33 am | by perezBRAVO Toufic!!! Very cool and a wonderful change from the regular ‘cave’
March 31, 2011 at 11:45 am | by Benlook!!!
The design is certainly eye-catching and a drastic departure from the old aesthetic. A bold change to a once upon a time white room. Regardless, the patrons of this establishment are usually pretty blotto anyways and won’t notice the new decor. The place is usually so packed it’s standing room only (Thursday-Saturday)and this opens the space up dramatically from its previous design which was pretty restaurant makeover as well.
March 31, 2011 at 11:47 am | by SuzanneThis is really cool! So much better then before! really cool. Love the hints of green and marble bar. I think that is unique and refreshing for Toronto. It really stands out because every bar looks the same in Toronto and this actually pushes the envelope. Well done! :)
March 31, 2011 at 11:48 am | by Nicole