SCOPE OF WORK: Renovation of the coffe shop, Lobby, Breakfast Area, Retail, Ballroom, Meeting rooms

From the moment you arrive at our Toronto hotel, you will begin to explore the city’s cosmopolitan culture through taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound. The hotel is close to the Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays, Scotiabank Arena, and the center of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

“LANO”- GRAB & GO CAFFEE

LANO, a contraction of Milano, celebrates Northern Italy's cultural heritage in a café and wine bar. Whether it's a quick espresso to-go, a leisurely lunch, or wine, this cafe in downtown Toronto offers a delightful, authentic escape at any time of day.

CHAPI Design Reimagines the Urban Coffee Experience

When CHAPI Design was tasked with re‑envisioning a modest neighborhood coffee shop at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Toronto, the firm seized the opportunity to craft a seamless blend of Italian “grab‑and‑go” culture and upscale hospitality.

The result is LANO, a sleek, sun‑lit café that welcomes early‑morning patrons with a curated Italian‑style breakfast—creamy cappuccinos, buttery cornetti, and artisanal pastries—while gradually evolving into an elegant afternoon lounge where a hand‑picked selection of luxury wines takes centre stage. Every detail, from the ergonomic bar counter to the fresh green stone, whispers the ethos of contemporary Italy: efficiency without sacrificing style, and indulgence without pretence.

The entryway to LANO is a statement piece in its own right. Framed by floor‑to‑ceiling glass doors, a striking wine display greets visitors, inviting them to linger even before the first sip. By day, a sophisticated one‑way mirror cloaks the glass, subtly reflecting the lobby’s sculptural fixture—a fluid, abstract form that animates the space with light and shadow. As dusk falls, the mirror undergoes a quiet alchemy: its surface deepens to a rich bronze hue, unveiling the gleaming bottles behind it. The transformation not only accentuates the bar’s curated wine collection but also creates an intimate, almost theatrical backdrop for evening conversations.

Through this dual‑natured façade and a meticulously staged interior program, CHAPI Design has turned a simple coffee stop into a destination that flexibly serves both the hurried commuter and the discerning wine enthusiast. LANO stands as a testament to how thoughtful design can elevate everyday rituals into memorable experiences, marrying the immediacy of a grab‑and‑go café with the timeless allure of Italian hospitality.