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    Bar Isabel

    4.2 (522 reviews)
    Closed 3:00 pm - 11:00 PM

    Bar Isabel Photos

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    BAR ISABEL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Trendy
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Bar Isabel

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    Karla T.

    The space is intimate and cozy, and perfect for lingering over shared plates and drinks. The staff are genuinely friendly and caring, and they're great at guiding you through the menu, especially when it comes to cocktail recommendations. The tapas are really good, though dishes did come out a bit on the slower side. But honestly, it fits the whole experience here: order a few cocktails, enjoy the atmosphere, and let the night unfold at its own pace (within the seating time limit of course). One of those spots that makes you want to order just one more plate. We got: * Half Octopus * Mussels Escabeche * Jamón Croqueta * Shishito Peppers * Sea Bream Ceviche & Chips * Grilled Beef Tongue & Mojo Rojo * Sobrasada & Foie Gras

    Hayward L.

    Excellent quality tapas and a great, relatively casual vibe. Staff were lovely and very helpful in explaining the menu. The octopus, croquettes, and steak were all amazing. A little on the pricey side but worth it for a special occasion.

    quarter octopus
    Selena C.

    I didn't realize Bar Isabel has been in the business for so long, and survived covid! Great service and food. Small space inside so it is intimate but the food was delicious. Ordered mussels, octopus, beef tongue and the grilled mushrooms. Added on some sourdough after seeing the sauces from the dishes as they were brought over. Mussels were refreshing and just enough citrus. Octopus was so soft, not tough at all. And the sauce was delicious to soak up with the sourdough (wihich was also really good with a chew on its own). Beef tongue was grilled nicely, went well with the sun dried roasted tomato's and their sauce. I was surprised with the grilled mushrooms because i hadn't had a medley of them like that before but they went well together and actually my favourite dish (besides the octopus). A really nice spot for special occasions

    Alexa J.

    Rating this a 4/5 overall because I did enjoy my experience here, but I will say the food itself was more like a 3/5. Came here on a Thursday night and was surprised at how busy it was for a weekday. Despite that, the service was excellent! Staff were friendly off the bat and very attentive after each dish was finished, making sure to wipe off the table or exchanging the plates which I was really impressed with despite how busy they were. We decided to go with their tasting menu where you gave them a price range you wanted to stick to - I believe it was $85-$200, and you can mention some dishes you definitely want to try and they curate the rest for you which I thought was so unique! I loved the idea of that. The dishes we really wanted were the octopus, bone marrow and scallops. The only standout dishes to me were the scallops, and a salad I cannot remember the name of but was so shocked at how good just a simple salad could be. Other than that, the other dishes were still good, but nothing extraordinary to be honest. The octopus was a bit too charred which was disappointing as it was what I was looking forward to the most. The tasting menu we got also had mainly vegetable dishes (other than the ones I just mentioned), so was hoping to get a few more meat dishes. This is definitely a great spot for vegetarians as it had a lot of veggie dishes. I would still come back to maybe try some of their other more meat focused dishes. Overall, I still had a great time and can't stress enough how lovely our waitress and the rest of the staff were!

    Ceviche
    Dilys C.

    Had an amazing time here for a girls night! We ordered lots of items on the menu. The most memorable to me were the razor clams, bone marrow, octopus!!, and the cake. Our least favourite item was probably the beef? Tongue Our servers were great. Must reserve in advance, this place was packed throughout the night.

    Bone Marrow
    Michelle S.

    We went for Saturday at brunch and ordered the prix fixe ($69 for 2) and a few additional tapas. We really enjoyed the experience. The service was great. The restaurant is dimly lit which gives it some ambiance. Portions are small so be prepared to order a lot if you're really hungry or don't go too hungry. Keep in mind the restaurant automatically adds a gratuity of 18% to all bills. I kind of liked that they mentioned this up front because I knew to mentally calculate it into everything and felt reassured that I would be getting the same quality of service as other patrons. Pan Con Tomate (4/5) - Really fresh and light. Good raw garlic and fresh tomato flavour. And not salty. Mussels Escabeche Isabel (4.5/5) - Comes cold, in a citrusy, wine vinaigrette sauce that is very tasty and refreshing. It's a smaller app and the mussels come de-shelled, so it feels like a smaller dish, but there must have been ~15 mussels. Shishito Peppers (4/5) - Nice side to munch on. Very light. Slightly salty. Large portion. Good charred flavour, but not overpowering. Jamon Croqueta (4.5/5) - It's a small deep fried pillow of cheesy potato. Tasted really light and not greasy. Well fried. Super soft on the side and great crunch on the outside. And has a nice cheese flavour. Grilled Octopus (3.5/5) - Overall cooked very well but the tips were burnt and tasted too charred. Sauce was cheesy, creamy, and a bit on the heavier side. We happened to have ordered the bone marrow and kept the leftover green sauce at our table - this sauce paired very well with the octopus dish, as it cut through the heaviness of the cream. Sea Bream Ceviche (4/5) - Very refreshing, but the lime and avocado flavours were so overpowering that it tasted more like guacamole with some raw fish rather than ceviche (mind you, we love guac). I couldn't taste the seafood much. But I enjoyed it due to the fresh flavours and it ended up being a good palate cleanser between our other dishes. Roast Veal Bone Marrow (4.5/5) - Was really nice. Didn't need to add any additional salt because the marrow and the bread already came seasoned. Really nice green sauce pairing cuts through the fattiness. Good portion and worth the splurge if you like the essence of a pure beefy flavour. Chorizo (3.5/5) - It was good. Nothing crazy special (maybe I just don't know my cured meats enough), but appreciated it was soft and had the right amount of fat and salt. Not dry at all. Also a smaller app. Patatas Bravas (3.5/5) - It was good. Sauce is pretty heavy and has a strong cumin flavour. Liked the scallions on top. Scallops Mojo Verde (3/5) - We both found it to be a bit fishy, so it might have not been as fresh. Cook was spectacular though - well seared and not overcooked. Sauce was strong / overpowering with cumin flavour, so would only recommend having a little bit with it. Basque Cake (4/5) - I can understand the hype around this cake, especially the sherry cream that's poured on top. I'm not one for alcoholic flavours, but this one is so good! The cake is a tad too sweet for my liking, but the warm butteriness of it is pretty addictive. Unique dessert that's worth a try.

    Asparagus
    Lloyd M.

    I was going to the Monocle Shop and used AI to find the best lunch option nearby, it did not let me down. My friend and I shared multipek dishes, everything was wonderful but a few highlights. In terms of presentation, marrow was impressive. While it was good, the real star was the tongue, make sure to use the sauce it is served with. Asparagus were the daily vegetable and they were also a star. Nice sauce, cooked perfectly and nice large spears. I love Bleu cheese and the pintxowith it (I don't remember the specific name) may have been my favorite bite. Already planning my next visit.

    Matthew H.

    Had a lovely anniversary dinner at Bar Isabel over the weekend. Given the occasion, I made sure to make a reservation early and everything was no problem. There was street parking available in the area on a Sunday night. We were eyeing the tasting menu and made sure to make some requests - bone marrow, grilled octopus, Jamon Iberico, and Foie Gras. Our server understood we were hungry and they took it from there. The tasting menu was nicely paced with variety given it is a tapas style. We had our mix of veggies, meats and seafood, with some highlights being the shishito peppers, croqueta, jamon iberico, and the foie gras. Service was prompt and friendly, with each dish being explained. I also liked that most times there were multiple dishes served together and that allowed the variety of the menu to shine. The spot is filled with energy and definitely is a spot to sit back and have some drinks!

    Pickled Mussels
    Aaron A.

    This place is busy, loud and cramped. But service was on point, especially considering tip is automatically included in the bill. We got the tasting menu which is a bunch of small dishes on the extensive menu. here are some of my faves: White asparagus with saffron aioli - Asparagus was shaved and then cooked to perfect, basically until it was just about to fall apart. Saffron aioli was godly, lightly flavoured to not overpower the asparagus, but also super tasty. Coming back for this again. Sourdough with tomatoes - A simple dish. I don't usually like sourdough, but the bread was fresh, crust was thin and the inside was the right chewy. Fresh tomatoes + olive oil was refreshing on the bread. Grilled octopus - Texture was a bit overcooked, but it was close. The suction cup were perfect texture. The tentacle soaked up the sauce nicely making it super tasty! Basque cake - WOW this was good! I would probably come back just for this. It is kinda like a rum cake, but with vanilla. So good!

    Ceviche
    Jamie K.

    Fantastic shareable bites perfect for a small or large group. The iberico jamon are so delicious and incorporated in so many dishes. Don't skip the veg and seafood though! Service was well paced based on your picks.

    Pork Secreto w Chorizo Spice
    A ..

    Food was spectacular! Sobrasada & Foie Gras was delicious! The Pork Secreto w Chorizo Spice was *Chefs Kiss* The Jamón Croquetas delightful! The grilled octopus was really good! Service was wonderful! Sweet servers with great energy! The ambiance was very warm an welcoming!

    Chi C.

    Heard this restaurant so many times and finally got a chance to check it out with BF. The food 9/10 in general (Love their steak and tuna mojama!!! 1000/10) Like the vibrant vibes, it's a perfect date bar restaurant in the city.

    Iberico Tasting
    Amanda F.

    Bar Isabel has an extremely cute, charming vibe and is perfect for a date night. Our waitress was great - friendly and attentive. The highlights for us include the Iberico tasting with tomato bread and scallops. The basque cake is one of the best desserts I have had in a long time! We also had a delicious bottle of Albariño. Would definitely recommend Bar Isabel for a cozy date night or a night out with friends as there are lots of great tapas to share.

    Bone marrow

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    Food was the worst I've had. Even the table next to ours wanted to complain about their dishes.

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    Page 2 of 14

    Bar Isabel Reviews in Other Languages

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    Rasa

    Rasa

    4.5
    (380 reviews)
    1.6 km
    $$

    This is a great spot if you're looking for a fun night out with shareable small plates. The space…read morehas a really nice vibe, with a beautiful interior and plenty of tables, making it feel lively without being overcrowded. We ordered the ceviche, tartare, branzino, truffle gnocchi, and chopped salad. Everything was delicious, but the standouts for me were definitely the branzino, the ceviche, and the chopped salad. Those three dishes complemented each other really well and were the highlights of the meal. The truffle gnocchi was okay, but much richer and heavier than I expected, so it's probably best to share. The tartare itself was excellent, though I wasn't a fan of the chips it came with. The food came out quickly, and the service was friendly and attentive throughout the meal. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this place if you're looking for quality tapas style small plates, good drinks, and a great atmosphere.

    Dropped in for dessert after having dinner nearby…read more Place is very dingy feeling. I've been here before and know the food is great, but the dingy feeling is so prevalent it feels a touch unclean. Staff was fantastic. We were given a glass of prosecco for our wait and a dessert was comped because it was a birthday. Aside from getting free stuff, the attitudes of the staff were great. We sat at the chefs counter and had a chance to chat several times with the cooks. Sticky bun: delicious and creamy. Candied bacon was a nice touch. Ice cream sandwich: ok. Cardamom was a touch overpowering. Texture was nice. Down by the way drink: Apparently award winning. It was nice but not my style. More my fault than theirs. Several main dishes looked very nice like the burger and the fish. Will be back to try other things too.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Country Style Ribs
    Country Style Ribs
    RASA Burger

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    RASA Burger
    Mercado Negro

    Mercado Negro

    4.2
    (56 reviews)
    5.8 km

    Paella anyone? I bet you haven't heard that in a while. And…read morehonestly, who knew it was such a Portuguese thing too? We all know Spain made it famous, but Portugal? INSANE. Back to why I do this. I'm endlessly curious about food, people, and the magic that happens when great meals meet good music. Friendships just seem to evolve naturally around a table. And thank you, E, for another incredible photo -- your choices are always perfect. Mercado on St. Clair is a hidden gem. What was once beside my mom's flower shop downtown has now found a home in a slightly more industrial setting on Caledonia -- and somehow, it works perfectly. Cozy seating inside, a great covered patio outside, and that village-style European restaurant vibe you hope to stumble across. First off, the waiter was phenomenal. He walked us through the menu, explained everything perfectly, and genuinely elevated the whole experience. The menu is massive -- meat, seafood, everything you could want -- but we came for the paella. We were told it takes time because they make it the proper way. Not overly crispy, just authentic, rich, and layered with flavour. Worth every minute of the wait. To start, we had the gambas / shrimp in a rich red garlic and herb sauce plus extra toasted bread for dipping, per our waiter's recommendation. Absolute rockstar move. The other appetizer was a delicious beef stew served over crunchy rustic bread. Simple, hearty, and top notch. Now... drum roll please. This may have been the best paella I've ever had. Okay okay, maybe somewhere along the coast in Spain I've had one fresher... but this was absolutely off the charts. Zero fishy smell. Just beautiful saffron-infused rice with that perfect slight crisp, loaded with mussels, clams, octopus, calamari, shrimp, and more. Built for two people to share and completely unforgettable. A few glasses of house white later and bam - there was absolutely no chance I was going back to work. And dessert? I kept telling myself: "No dessert, Frank. No dessert." But there's a rule in life ; if you see crème brûlée on a menu, you order it. This wasn't exactly crème brûlée, but a cheesecake-inspired version of it. Two spoons, four bites, and thank you very much. Favourite meal of the year so far. Completely blown away by this place. Mercatto -- go now. Go fast.

    I was there for my birthday and this place didn't disappoint, even on a Monday…read more The atmosphere was calming and refreshing with an upbeat fun whimsical garden. Service was friendly and prompt. The food was delicious. We were a party of thee and ordered a plater that served us well. All ate from the Beira Mar platter and all meats and seafood were cooked well to order. Fantastic place for a night out or a get together with other friends family or special occasion.

    Photos
    Dining room
    Dining room
    Mercado Negro
    Covered patio

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    Covered patio
    Beso by Patria

    Beso by Patria

    3.9
    (571 reviews)
    2.2 km
    $$$$

    My birthday dinner at Beso by Patria was nothing short of exceptional- it turned out to be the most…read morememorable dining experiences we've had in Toronto. Every dish was beautifully prepared: bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. What truly set Beso apart, however, was the hospitality. Despite the restaurant being incredibly busy, Bryan, our mixologist and bartender, and Krisztina, the general manager and sommelier, took the time to chat with us throughout the evening. They shared their knowledge of the menu and wines helping us with our choices. They both transformed a fantastic meal into a truly memorable experience. The evening ended with a personalized birthday dessert! It's rare to find a restaurant that combines outstanding food with such authentic, heartfelt hospitality. Even on a packed night, the team made us feel like we were their only guests. We can't wait to return!

    I had such a great experience at Beso by Patria. The space has a really warm, slightly upscale vibe…read morewithout feeling too formal, which I loved right away. We ordered a mix of dishes to share, and everything came out beautifully presented. The flavors felt very balanced--nothing overly heavy, just really well thought out. The seafood was especially fresh, and the tapas-style plates made it fun to try a bit of everything. Service was attentive without being intrusive, and the pacing of the meal felt just right. It's the kind of place you can come for a relaxed evening but still feel like you're treating yourself a little. Definitely a spot I'd come back to, especially with friends so we can order more and share.

    Photos
    Beso by Patria
    Wrapped Dates
    Wrapped Dates
    Interior design is very interesting

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    Interior design is very interesting
    416 Snack Bar

    416 Snack Bar

    3.9
    (366 reviews)
    1.6 km
    $$

    I've been to 416 Snack Bar many times, and it's one of my favorite places when I'm in the mood to…read moreeat a little bit of different things. Their menu is built around small plates, which makes it easy to order a few dishes to share or sample different flavors in one visit. My favorite item is the lamb sandwich. I order it almost every time because it's just that good. Another reason I love this place is that it's open late into the night. After an event or a night out, it's one of my favorite spots to stop for something delicious when most kitchens are already closed. I also like that the menu changes from time to time. There are always some familiar favorites, but it's fun to come back and discover new dishes as well. The atmosphere is another highlight. The space is small and intimate, with dim lighting, candles on the tables, and sometimes a DJ playing music in the background. It has a cozy, relaxed vibe that makes it a great place to spend an evening. It's one of those restaurants I find myself coming back to again and again.

    After years of wanting to try this place and not getting in, I finally made it for a cute little…read moredate night. The vibes were cozy and romantic, the wine was flowing (they have an excellent selection) and the tapas were great. We tried at least half the menu, and the standout for me was the korean fried chicken. Everything else was good, only real miss for me was the flauta. Definitely would come back here!

    Photos
    416 Snack Bar
    Eggplant Sangwich Doubledown
    Eggplant Sangwich Doubledown
    Reuben Sandwich

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    Reuben Sandwich
    Edna + Vita

    Edna + Vita

    4.1
    (50 reviews)
    3.1 km

    I had been wanting to try Edna + Vita for a long time, and finally made it here for Summerlicious…read more The restaurant is located beneath an office building in Toronto's Financial District, so lunchtime was lively and filled with conversations from nearby office workers. My first impression honestly made me wonder if it was really worth all the praise. By the end of the meal, I had my answer. Arugula Caprese Insalata A creative take on a classic Caprese salad. Arugula replaces basil, while a rich Parmesan cream stands in for fresh mozzarella, giving the dish a deeper, more savory profile without losing the freshness of the tomatoes. The balsamic balances the arugula's slight bitterness beautifully, and the juicy tomatoes cut through the richness of the cream. Fried capers add a pleasant burst of Mediterranean saltiness at the end. Simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined. Chicken Scarpariello This was easily the highlight of the meal. The chicken skin was beautifully seasoned and roasted until fragrant. Instead of being overly juicy, the meat was incredibly tender, with a faint blush of pink at the center. The Italian sausage had a firm, satisfying bite and a rich meaty flavor. I rarely describe roasted potatoes as "melt-in-your-mouth," but these truly were. The sauce, made with white wine, onions, peppers, and tomatoes, was so flavorful that I ended up using bread to wipe the plate clean--and still wished there had been more bread. Italian Love Cake A layered dessert of chocolate cake, ricotta cheesecake, and chocolate mousse. Each layer offered a different texture: the mousse was smooth without feeling heavy, the cake slightly dry, and the ricotta layer pleasantly crumbly. The texture was more memorable than the flavor, but it was surprisingly light to finish despite being a chocolate dessert. Tiramisu Although it's priced at $19.50, the portion is generous--about one and a half times the size of a typical tiramisu. The mascarpone was silky, rich, and pleasantly creamy with a touch of sweetness. The ladyfingers were well soaked with espresso and carried a subtle hint of liqueur. It tasted like a textbook tiramisu: everything was executed correctly, even if it wasn't particularly surprising. Many years from now, I may no longer remember the wildfire that day--but I'll probably still remember this chicken.

    Super solid place downtown. It's beautifully decorated on the inside and has a nice spacious patio…read moreon the street, with glass fencing around it. We had a pepperoni pizza, mushroom salad with arugula and frisée, and the pawn tagliatelle. We also had the prickly pear spritz and the lemonade. (The lemonade was better! Very refreshing with the addition of grapefruit.) The mushroom salad was fabulous. Nice and crispy, a healthy portion, and a light drizzle of balsamic.

    Photos
    Outdoor Sign
    Outdoor Sign
    Edna + Vita
    Edna + Vita

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    Bar Isabel - spanish - Updated August 2026

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