Designed by Core Architects Inc. and interior decorating firm Commute Homes, the 70 seat restaurant's interior glimmer is suggestive of 1920's romance with an exotic chocolate brown and not-so-subtle purple backlighting. Clever, stylish nuggets like rich leather chairs from Toronto's Found Objects fill all three levels, while a perfectly matched couch by Legendary Leather runs along one wall of the main lounge area.

The third floor is the Mafia Room, featuring a single table that seats 25, as well as two original fireplaces. This level – continuing the 1920's aesthetics, with original beams gloriously owning the space - will be used for private functions and overflow from the second floor dining room.

With partners Kent Farrell and Executive Chef Roger Mooking (Barrio), Mr. Harji has gathered a serious crew. Placing Mooking in the kitchen and throwing in sommelier Kim Cyr, freshly snatched from George, all bases are covered.

Upon arrival, a finely-tuned host introduces your waiter, who thusly introduces you to the trip that you're about to take; there is a bit of a learning curve here, or perhaps re-adjusting, of what we're to do with the menu and the wine list. Instead of following a set path, Kultura beckons you to soak up a social dining culinary and drinking expedition. Waiters - channeling the staff at Rain in its early years - take us through the menu, explaining the virtues of sharing plates, and how many to order.