Kasa Moto

Kasa Moto is a contemporary Japanese restaurant that pays homage to the ancient ideals of wabi (transient and stark beauty), sabi (the beauty of natural patina and aging) and yūgen (profound grace and subtlety).

Located in the heart of Yorkville, Toronto’s luxury retail district, the two storey, 12,000 square foot space is spread out over multiple rooms including a split level main floor, dining/wine room, sizable roof top patio, street side terrace and lounge (Bar Moto) on the upper level.

Striking a fine balance between simple and complex, the interiors feature a soft neutral color palette of smoky greys, watery blues and natural wood tones accented with hints of gold and aged bronze. The serene and sophisticated ambiance further complimented by dramatic lighting and hand-painted ethereal murals of koi, cherry blossoms and Japanese landscapes created by local artist Tisha Myles.

At the heart of the first floor two backlit white onyx bars, one for drinks and one for sushi, literally shine; running the entire length of the room, interrupted only by the open kitchen where food preparation is celebrated as a form of art. Above, recessed natural walnut ceiling lintels, reminiscent of traditional Asian architecture, are edge lit lending a warm and sophisticated effect.

Sculptural furniture forms are a calming counterpoint in the more ornately finished upstairs space which during the evening transforms into a cocktail lounge. Metallic bronze peacocks strut across a midnight black wallpaper and play backdrop to two striking water-color paintings while floor-to-ceiling shoji styled screens form intimate seating areas (a repeating theme throughout the project).

Though designed as a series of vignettes, each with its own personality and ambiance, there is a fluidity to the overall design of Kasa Moto; one that flows effortlessly, unified through refined finishes and a rich layering of detail.