Lebanese Cafe Design: The Charm of Café Chez Teta by Ivy Studio

A Fusion of Tradition and Contemporary Aesthetics

Located at the bustling corner of a lively commercial street in Montreal, Café Chez Teta blends the rich traditions of Lebanese culture with the modernity of third-wave coffee culture. Designed by Ivy Studio, this cafe encapsulates the essence of Lebanese heritage while embracing a minimalist aesthetic, resulting in a warm, inviting space that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

The name "Chez Teta" pays homage to Lebanese grandmothers (Teta in Arabic), and the space reflects the comforting ambiance of a grandmother’s home, combined with the vibrancy of Montreal's café scene.

A Light-Filled Oasis

Café Chez Teta boasts expansive windows across its two main facades, flooding the interior with natural light throughout the day. These large openings also create a lively connection between the cafe and the surrounding streetscape. A sliding window at the service counter allows patrons to order from the street, fostering a sense of community and energy.

Interior Design Rooted in Warmth and Craftsmanship

The interior design of Café Chez Teta is a masterclass in combining traditional Lebanese elements with modern design principles. The walls feature a mix of walnut veneer and handmade plaster finishes, evoking a tactile warmth. Custom terracotta light fixtures, crafted locally, hang gracefully alongside horizontal mirror bands that subtly expand the sense of space.

Seating arrangements include classic Thonet walnut chairs and stools, paired with banquettes wrapped in natural leather and burgundy velvet backrests. The bistro tables are crafted from powder-coated burgundy steel and walnut, echoing the cafe's cohesive palette of deep reds, warm woods, and soft neutrals. At the heart of the room is a striking communal table with a carved walnut base and a marble top encased in walnut, serving as a focal point for diners.

Thoughtful Detailing and Functional Elegance

Every detail in Café Chez Teta has been meticulously curated. The service counter, divided into two sections, showcases a monolithic marble block in rich red, beige, black, and white tones, complemented by a curved walnut-veneered pick-up bar. Above, a burgundy steel storage structure with a laser-cut cane pattern provides both functionality and visual interest. This pattern is also used for the coffee displays and window counters, reinforcing the cafe's design consistency.

Decorative elements include three arched shelves crafted from wood, which showcase the cafe's signature ceramic dinnerware. Below, an antique brass faucet allows patrons to serve themselves water, merging utility with timeless charm.

Culinary Highlights and Lebanese Heritage

The kitchen at Café Chez Teta is as thoughtfully designed as the dining area, featuring high-quality equipment to deliver an exceptional culinary experience. A Marzocco espresso machine stands alongside a traditional Turkish sand coffee maker, while an imported Lebanese oven ensures the authenticity of signature dishes like Manoush'eh flatbread pies. This meticulous attention to detail highlights the cafe's commitment to honoring Lebanese culinary traditions while appealing to Montreal's coffee aficionados.

A Celebration of Lebanese Design

Café Chez Teta is more than a coffee shop; it is a cultural experience that celebrates Lebanese heritage through design, cuisine, and atmosphere. Ivy Studio's approach demonstrates how thoughtful architecture and design can create spaces that feel timeless yet contemporary, rooted in tradition while appealing to modern sensibilities.

All Photographs are work of Alex Lesage