Gastronomy and art converge at this Toronto restaurant, whose greenhouse-inspired interior immerses guests in a 200-foot atmospheric forest hand-painted by artists Tisha Myles and Jack Phelps.

and/ore is the long-awaited debut restaurant from award-winning chef Missy Hui – previously Executive Chef of the McEwan Group – and ex-mining engineer turned restauranteur Jaimie Donovan. Located on Queen Street West, it is designed as a sensory journey.

Above Ground – as its name suggests – is located at the top of the building and features a rococo forest mural of leaves, fauna and sky wrapping the walls, ceiling of the bar and dining room. The panoramic artwork took five months for artists Myles and Phelps of the New Love Collective to complete, using scaffolding and platforms to reach the furthest corners of the site.

Within the confines of the space, Solid Creative Design has constructed the elaborate framework of a Victorian greenhouse to enclose the dining room and frame some ‘moments’ of the expansive artwork. The furniture and lighting have a similar ‘Victoriana’ feel, with mirrored glass covering the bar from the first floor to the second. At the same time, the luxurious and heavy plush armchairs in the lounge provide an ideal spot for patrons to enjoy a cocktail.

As Chef Hui says: “Contemporary Canadian cooking reflects the lived experience of each member of my team. Each chef brings his own unique perspective, palate and history of food to the kitchen. We are a culturally diverse country and rich in food and my menu reflects that.”

Those seeking Hui’s tasting menu can board a discreet elevator that transports patrons to the underground restaurant and lounge, Below Ground.

As its name suggests, Below Ground is inspired by the earth and mimics an underground cave with handmade plaster walls, a bronze bar & bronze mirrors that trick the eye by expanding the length of the space.

Photos by Rick O’Brien