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    Bar Prima

    4.1 (21 reviews)

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    BAR PRIMA ATMOSPHERE

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    Scallops rockefeller
    Tania L.

    Came here for a case team dinner and it was quite good! Very buttery and rich Italian, but nevertheless delicious. The decor (we were seated downstairs) was also very swanky and unique... dark room with lots of framed mirrors. We ordered a few things, based on our server's recommendation. Frankly, the spiel was a bit too long (we all zoned out) and rehearsed... our server gave the same speech to the tables next door. Started off with some amuse bouche, including a grapefruit caprese, some scallops rockefeller (pretty delicious and buttery), and a tartare. Then we went straight to the mains - obviously got the lobster pasta, which was rich and yummy... with a few decent chunks of pasta. We also ordered a few other pasta, the potato pave (a very layered and buttery brick), the striploin, swordfish (was SO firm, texture was more like meat but not a strong flavour), and carrots (very caramelized). Finally, we wrapped up with some desserts, including the tiramisu and gianduja (like a big Ferrero Rocher). Overall a good experience... though nothing was particularly memorable for me (save maybe the lobster pasta and the uniquely caramelized carrots).

    Rapini Genovese.
    David N.

    I'd been curious about Bar Prima for quite some time, what with its mysterious (and irresistible) exterior of glass brick. So when the opportunity arose to finally check the place out, I couldn't have been more excited. And thankfully, the place exceeded my very high expectations. We snagged two spots at the end of the bar, which afforded us a perfect view of the super cool ambiance and the mixologists doing their thing. Our server was really friendly and helpful, and was more than willing to answer our questions. He also knew exactly when to give us space. This dude was amazing. For my first drink, I had to try their spin on a Manhattan ("Whisky, Antica Formula, Angostura Bitters"). It's absolutely amazing. I've been a little obsessed with Manhattans as of late, and this one is easily right up there with the best I've had. It's phenomenal. For food, we shared a few items: chicken liver & caviar maritozzi (which is an absolutely stellar spin on one of my favorite dishes), rapini genovese (I'm not usually a fan of rapini but this knocked my socks off), and gianduja tartufo (a decadent, delicious dessert that ended the meal perfectly). I also got a martini that was so darn good. And we wanted to end the night with a shot of Famous Grouse, and the bartender who was serving us mentioned he had a special bottle of a Grouse variant and would we like to try it? We did and it was indeed amazing. And we were charged for the regular Famous Grouse. What an awesome way to conclude our Bar Prima experience. Bar Prima is instantly one of my favorite bars in the city. I can't wait to go back.

    Mushroom mezzaluna
    Reh L.

    We came here for my wife's birthday dinner - the vibes were great, service was good, venue was beautiful. Unfortunately the food might've been a bit of a letdown. Now to be fair, we just got back from Japan so may palate may be ruined! But we tried a handful of dishes and the only thing I actually thought stood out was the wagyu. The crudo was mediocre, tomato sando was decent, mushroom pasta too limp, potato pave just decent. Maybe I ordered wrong, but I was expecting more. Maybe I'll be back for another try!

    Strip loin
    Katherine A.

    New bar in downtown Toronto!!! Such a hidden gem. Literally passed it twice and couldn't find the entrance because it was so discreet, but that's how I know it was good. Loved everything about this place. It's definitely a $$$ restaurant but worth it for date night or small gathering with friends or family. The interior has dimmed lighting and a cozy feel! I loved their passionfruit drink it was refreshing. For food they recommended sharing items at the table, so we ordered a lot but it was the perfect amount for 4 people! What I recommend: - Scallops - Beef tartare - Stuffed gnocchi - Tirmasu - (whatever the first dessert was on the menu, that's the layered one) - Lobster pasta Would definitely recommend this place!

    Ravioli
    Adrienne F.

    Bar Prima was the nice spot for our date night dinner. The ambiance and decor of the dining area is cozy yet upscale. The food especially the ravioli and rock scallops were delicious. I will say we arrived here at 6 pm on a Saturday night and we were the first and ONLY ones in the restaurant the entire time - it was a little weird. The waitress was nice, but felt she was condescending

    Sabrina P.

    Interior, interior, interior! This review isn't so much about the food as it is about the aesthetics and charm of this little gem in the Queen Street West neighbourhood. From the outside, you'd never guess the level of luxury, glamour, and glitz waiting inside. The space is a feast for the eyes, with a rich colour palette of gold, brown, red, and blue. But the real showstopper? The hand-applied gold-leaf ceiling--an absolute eye-catcher. This opulence is beautifully contrasted by the 1960s Rome-inspired flooring, adding depth and character to the ambiance. Now, a quick note on the food. The menu isn't extensive, but it offers something for everyone. And if it doesn't? No problem--the chef is more than happy to whip up something special, which was the case for our group. I went with an off-menu surprise: a simple gnocchi in pomodoro sauce with shrimp. While tasty, it wasn't the best gnocchi I've ever had. Still, bonus points for the incredible hospitality and willingness to accommodate. Final thoughts: This is the spot to get dressed up for. If you're looking for a place where the ambiance steals the show, Bar Prima is it.

    octopus alla griglia $49
    Bryan L.

    Bar Prima is a chic little oasis in bustling Queen St. West. We were a table of 4. Cocktails to start were all expertly made. Appetizer of chicken liver & caviar maritozzi was delicious, like a creamy liver donut. Somehow I don't think Tim Hortons will add that one anytime soon. Other couple enjoyed their amberjack crudo. Attempted to order the swordfish but it comes with a sauce on the side that contains dairy, which I prefer to avoid. For some reason there was no potential alternative. Luckily someone at our table ordered it and I could at least get a small bite. It was tender and served in a manner that made it easy to share. I ended up with the beef tartar which was a reasonable portion. An app that I had as my main. While fresh, it was perhaps a bit boring in presentation and flavors. My wife had the octopus, while I liked my bite that was crisp on the outside my wife was hoping for it to be more tender. Other couple had the veal chop marsala that they seemed to enjoy but did not finish. cicoria as a contori/side was nice to see on the menu and worth getting. Mains do not come with sides. We ordered a bottle of wine that was corked. They were mostly good about it. They had their sommelier take it to their "tasting area" to check it. Usually it's just agreed that the customer is right, felt a bit odd to have my assessment of the wine reviewed while we all waited. She did come back in a pleasant manner and agree that it was definitely off and brought us a replacement bottle that they checked first. Night & day difference. I have no issue with a bottle being corked, it happens from time to time just thought the process of replacing the wine could use some refinement. Winelist was predominantly Italian, some French and world options. Reds starting from $80 and up, by the glass also available. The Opera pistachio cream sponge cake was delicious and recommended. Service was friendly and knowledgeable. I think it was our server's first night and he did an excellent job. The quality of the service, cocktails and charm of the restaurant brought this up to 4 stars despite a few offsetting issues.

    Interior of basement
    Carmen G.

    Cute, intimate spot that has delicious food. Upon arriving at the restaurant with a reservation we were led to our table quickly which surprisingly was in the basement of the restaurant. It was low ceilings but also had a very intimate and fancy setting. Service was great and food was even better. They're super small plates/ tapas style so would need to order more food if you're in a hungry mood. Tomato tramezzini 5/5 - A tomato toast that comes with 2 pieces. It's crispy on the outside and tarte on the inside from the tomatoes. Chicken liver & caviar maritozzi 5/5 - Came in a beautiful brioche looking bun and had a bright pink colour for the pate. Topped with black caviar. YUM! Lobster fra diavola 5/5 - A must order. A creamy lobster pasta dish that was really delicious and would get again. Celery root ravioli 5/5 - Perhaps the most beautiful dish of the night. It came with 8 raviolis topped with white stars on each of them. Sauce that it came with was also immaculate. Tiramisu di altamura 5/5 - You have to end off the night with dessert and the tiramisu did not disappoint. Sweet and delicious. Also had their logo on top of the tiramisu. Was a great experience and delicious food. On the fancier side but so good.

    Marie N.

    Part of a longer review... While the menu's ambition occasionally overshadows the simplicity at the heart of Italian cuisine, it's a small trade-off for an otherwise extraordinary dining experience. Each dish is a thoughtful exploration of flavours and textures, inviting diners to savour the nuances and appreciate the artistry behind the cuisine. What truly sets Bar Prima apart is the exquisite service. Far from the dry and impersonal experience one might expect from high-end establishments, the staff here, particularly our server Jared, added a personal touch that enhanced our overall experience. Jared's willingness to let his personality shine through brought a warmth and charm to the evening, making us feel not just welcomed, but truly special. Bar Prima is more than just a restaurant--it's a journey through the past, present, and future of Italian cuisine. It's a place where food is not just consumed but experienced, where every dish tells a story, and every bite is a memory in the making. And indeed, Bar Prima is a place to which one cannot help but yearn to return, time and time again. Bravo!

    The tartufo
    Patti B.

    While we walked right past it, once we walked into Bar Prima, we could feel that it would be a special night. The atmosphere is warm, cozy and beautiful. The service is impeccable. Our server, Rubin, helped us understand the menu and guided us to a perfect meal. Well paced, served with delicious bread , we had the beet and burata salad that was a delight and enough to share, next we shared the angoletti dopo which was so delicious. Both were creative, ample, made with fresh ingredients. Too delicious to stop and photo. I had the sword fish which was seasoned and sauced lightly and cooked just right and my partners amazing veal chop was sauced so deliciously I had to taste it. We had excellent wine and topped it off with the tartufo. This is a special l,ace. It is not inexpensive , but we felt the meal justified the cost.

    Chicken (salty) but delicious

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    Great atmosphere and tasty food! Ideal for a date. It felt like being in the 1920's restaurant but with a modern touch. Very good service.

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    Bar Prima - italian - Updated May 2026

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