Cucina 865 – York Mills
Italian Restaurant Transformation
Sameni Interiors transformed a 5,000 sq. ft. former Mexican restaurant into Cucina 865, a refined Italian dining destination in the York Mills area. The owner, who also operates the well-known Carmelina Restaurant, wanted to maintain a sense of continuity with Carmelina while elevating the design to create a unique and authentic Italian atmosphere.
The exterior was redesigned with Roman columns and beige stone-inspired finishes, setting the tone for a timeless and elegant dining experience. Inside, the restaurant was reimagined with cracked wall textures, stone-block style details, and wire-mesh wine cellars, paired with custom features such as a dramatic metal-and-bottle chandelier and forged-iron dividers. A private dining room was introduced, complete with custom millwork and solid wooden doors, offering an intimate space for special occasions.
To further enhance the guest experience, a rotating stage with a piano was designed and built at the heart of the restaurant, providing a focal point for live music performances. Every detail—from the finishes to the furnishings—was selected to ensure Cucina 865 feels like an authentic Italian restaurant, rich with character and atmosphere, rather than a modern reinterpretation.
