In celebration of the 50th anniversary, the Saikali family embarked upon a new, refreshing interior design that respected the long-storied tradition of Al’s as a social hotspot for local celebs and famous visitors to Ottawa. In addition, the decision was made to expand services to their existing client base with the addition of a sexy bar and lounge, adding to the popular nightlife and landscape of Elgin Street. These business minded objectives, that Al himself instilled and exemplified, along with the brand that Al’s has become known for during the past 50 years, all went into our planning and construction of the overall interior design of the restaurant and bar.

Upon entering Al’s Steakhouse, guests are welcomed with the warmth of dark polished wood amidst an elegant backdrop featuring book-matched marble, reminiscent of the Rat Pack era glamour and swag. Luxurious, plush and tufted velvet banquettes provide a sense of comfort you might find in your own home, accented by the sparkle of dramatic chandeliers. The entire effect, inspired by the avant-garde modernism movement of the 1960’s, is meant to enhance the dining experience with the timeless appeal for which Al’s Steakhouse is world-famous; creating the perfect setting to connect and share cocktails, or a fine meal with friends, family or associates in this landmark dining and social oasis, at 327 Elgin Street in Ottawa.

Bar Interior Design at Al’s Steakhouse in Ottawa

Each Restaurant Interior We Design Has Its Own Special Charm

We are very pleased and proud to have been invited to coordinate such a meaningful and inspiring restaurant interior design project, with such prominence, as Al’s Steakhouse in Ottawa. Each restaurant interior design we undertake has its own character, which we seek to explore and embrace from the initial plans and concepts, through to the major contracts down to the final artisan touches that unify the overall effect. We’re always open to working with new clients who seek to not only upgrade their restaurant’s interior, but to breathe new life and refinement into the experience their customers value and appreciate. Simply drop us a line as we’d love to hear the initial interior design ideas, goals or plans for your Ottawa area restaurant! 

Al’s Dining Area Renovation in Progress

From Humble Beginnings, Al’s Steakhouse Rose to Prominence in Ottawa

Al’s Steakhouse is an iconic landmark on Ottawa’s dining and social landscape which has been serving superb, classic steakhouse fair to the who’s who of our nation’s capital for more than 50 years. Al Saikali immigrated to Canada in 1950, at the age of 20. He started working in the restaurant industry as a dishwasher, sleeping on his uncle’s couch, all the while saving toward owning a small diner in what is now Overbrook and later a coffee shop on Elgin St. Finally, in 1967, Al realized his ultimate dream, to bring some of the glitz and glamour that was sweeping north of the border, into cities like Montreal, to our nation’s capital, by opening the doors to Al’s Steakhouse. From these humble beginning, Al never looked back.

Al’s Steakhouse Is The Place to Be!

Sadly, Al passed away on March 2nd, 2016, and will be sorely missed throughout the capital. His Son, daughters and grandson are carrying on the tradition of dining excellence and warm hospitality that Al’s has become famous for as a favourite social destination in Ottawa. To commemorate their 50th anniversary, Al’s contracted Susan Firestone Design Associates to give this historic restaurant and bar a makeover suited for the occasion, and reflected in an interior design worthy of the Legacy left by Al.

The Warmth of Al’s Has Been a Hit for 50 Years

Three Decades of Experience Designing Restaurant Interiors in Ottawa

SFDA has been designing restaurant interiors in the Ottawa area since 1988, refining the art of creating welcoming spaces for the enjoyment of fine company and fine food in an atmosphere that matches the establishment. Each of our restaurant interiors is designed to evoke a unique experience and leave a lasting impression with guests and patrons, while giving the owners a sense of pride in knowing that their standards, tastes, and business objectives are interwoven in the interior designs we create. It was a fabulous honour to contribute to the 50th anniversary makeover of Al’s Steakhouse, a year after the man himself had passed away.