As a series of East Asian-inspired courtyards, Planta's new location in Queens is as popular as its original location. Steven Salm, president of Chase Hospitality Group, had a piece of advice for interior design firm Nivek Remas: Build an Asian version of his popular vegetarian restaurant chain. The result: This is the most noticeable large restaurant space in Toronto since The Oretta by Pan Design.

At Nota Bene on Queen's Road near the University, street-market-style seating faces a shell-like tunnel that leads to a series of seating areas that break away from the open concept and form separate Spaces inspired by east Asian residential courtyards, separated by low walls and painted steel latrine. The Oretta is a single, cavernous room, while the Planta Queen creates privacy in a usually crowded space, drawing attention to itself through lighting and a bold and complementary palette, in addition to the physical partition. At the rear of the dining room, opaque amber glass separates the dining area from the kitchen, serving as a large light diffuser. 

Planta Queen's strongest aesthetic statement comes from custom-made wall decorations by Toronto-based Candice Kaye. Its giant floral image is set against a dark humus background, dotted with koi carp and the occasional dragon. Dishes like chef David Lee's Ahi watermelon sushi, and cocktails like a bright pink full moon with fire-dragon juice, as well as lanternlike lights in muted tones, all reflect these patterns, creating a rare and rewarding interaction between food and design.