Located at the heart of "Le Central" food hall in downtown Montreal, the Yia Tia Eleni kiosk occupies a compact space of just 150 square feet.
Faced with such limited space and an ambitious program, the challenge was significant: to design a fully functional, high-performing kitchen with a strong aesthetic identity, while ensuring flawless ergonomics for staff and a smooth, enjoyable experience for customers.
The task, in essence, was to condense all the functions of a traditional restaurant into a micro-format, without compromising operational efficiency or spatial quality. Just as crucially, it was essential to develop a bold visual identity that could stand out within a highly competitive environment—Le Central hosts over 25 distinct culinary brands. The kiosk needed to become a clear and compelling landmark within the food hall.
The design draws inspiration from the generous, familiar world of a home kitchen, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. Despite its compact size, the space immediately evokes a sense of warmth and hospitality. From the material palette—light wood and handcrafted ceramics—to the carefully composed volumes and lines, every element works together to create an atmosphere that feels both sincere and refined.
The color palette, dominated by a blue-green hue inspired by natural tones, deliberately moves away from traditional visual representations of Greece. This choice reflects a desire to establish a distinctive identity without relying on clichés, signaling that the culinary offering goes beyond the conventional codes of a Greek restaurant. The chosen hue, rooted in the Mediterranean landscape—between sea, olive trees, and aromatic vegetation—reinforces a unique and authentic character.
The creation of monochrome zones, particularly in the self-service area (for condiments, utensils, and beverages), intuitively guides users while naturally enhancing spatial clarity and hierarchy.
The service counter, finished with limewash paint, offers a subtly textured, mineral, and vibrant surface, reminiscent of the traditional plasters found in Cycladic architecture. This treatment, both understated and sophisticated, plays a key role in shaping the material identity of the space.
Finally, a rigorous graphic design approach completes the spatial experience.
The signage, conceived as a natural extension of the design—through typography, pictograms, and menu boards—supports user navigation with clarity while reinforcing the kiosk’s personality. Functional yet expressive, it contributes to a cohesive, engaging, and unmistakably distinctive experience.
Through precise design and meticulous attention to detail, Yia Tia Eleni successfully transforms its compact footprint into a richly characterful space. The result is an inviting, intuitive, and deeply singular experience that transcends its physical constraints.
