Solid cocktails overall. The space is pretty small, but we were able to get a table easily right…read moreafter work. I had a Shelly in Athens and tried a friend's Lady Jang. Both cocktails were well made. I tend to prefer drinks with sharper contrasts, and these leaned more toward flavors that blended together. Based on the ingredient lists, I was anticipating more distinct notes, but instead, everything kind of melded together (not in a bad way). I'd be curious to try other drinks if I were to go back to see if I feel the same.

We made a reservation on a weekday and when we arrived, our table was ready. The bar has both…read morecounter tables inside and heated patio. We were seated inside and enjoying the beautiful wood carved decorations. The drinks menu offers great variety of cocktails, wine, beer and liquor. The food menu includes great tapas options for sharing. The staff are friendly and the service is fast.

I came here a while ago, so the menu items may not be current, but I believe some may still be…read morethere. I came here solo, and the staff was absolutely lovely. My waitress was so kind and helpful, and she was the perfect amount of attentive. The birria was good, but not the best I've had. It just lacked a little depth of flavor. The chicken skewers were well-seasoned but somewhat dry, but still enjoyable. For me the real star of the show was the popsicle dessert. It was floral, but in a pleasant way. This day was nice and warm, so the refreshing dessert was a perfect ending. A cute stop for a girls night out or a date night.

Spain might be out of reach to the most of us, but not when you're going to Bar Chica. Situated…read morealong the hip stretch of Portland street. Chica is nothing but concentrated flavor. The server, Kerima, was absolutely amazing. My wine glass seemed to fill itself. The food was equal parts star with the croquettes and crispy eggplant leading the way. The imberico ham was melt in your mouth and the Beef Picanha was a nice way to round out the meal. The vibe is great with on point decor and a DJ spinning great tunes. In the game of life there are throwaway meals and memorable ones. Let Chica be the canvas for one of the good ones.

Because we enjoyed Sara, we decided to try Rasa next. The vibes are definitely similar with the…read moretasting menu of small bites. The food had some tasty components and interesting combinations, but when comparing directly to Sara, I think Sara still wins for me. A couple plates here landed slightly salty for my taste. The cocktail menu is also very creative. The service was amazing. Everything came out quick, the team was friendly, and the pacing was great. Overall still a lovely evening. However, Sara is still my favourite of the two.

We went for the Tasting Menu - Classic, which features seven dishes, each with its own unique…read moreflavor. The dishes aren't overly light, but they pair beautifully with wine, making it perfect for a little after-work treat. Here's what we enjoyed: Chopped Salad (p2) - Fresh, crisp, and packed with vibrant flavors. Spicy Ceviche (p3) - A zesty kick that wakes up your taste buds. Truffle Gnudi (p4) - Silky soft pasta pillows with an indulgent truffle aroma. Rasa Burger (p4) - Juicy and flavorful, a gourmet twist on a classic favorite. Brussel Sprouts (p5) - Roasted to perfection with a touch of crispiness. Black Cod (p6) - Melt-in-your-mouth tender with a perfectly balanced seasoning. Sticky Bun - Sweet, gooey, and the ideal finish to a fantastic meal. This tasting menu is a journey through flavors, perfect for relaxing with a glass of wine after a busy day.

Thank you so much Mercado Portuguese Restaurant...amazing Food Presentation and Ambience. The Food…read moredishes are out of this world fabulous. Stunning Restaurant. Incredible service- special thank you to Carlos and Jason for making our Holiday Dinner Party so special.

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.

Beso by Patria offers a really enjoyable Spanish dining experience…read more The Paella Patria was fragrant and flavorful, with fresh Argentinian shrimp and purple mussels. The saffron-infused rice soaked up the rich seafood broth perfectly. You can ask the staff to remove the shells if you want to eat more elegantly. The Spanish Octopus was tender and meaty--so fresh, I could have eaten more! I also tried the 36-month aged Joselito Iberico ham. Even though it's not my usual favorite, it was rich, flavorful, and paired nicely with the optional little crisp toasts. The baked white asparagus was a highlight, fresh and flavorful with a touch of minced meat that elevated the dish. The 16oz beef rib steak was cooked well done but still tender and juicy, and the accompanying little peppers added a subtle kick without being overwhelming. The restaurant's atmosphere is dim and cozy, perfect for dates or small gatherings. The staff were enthusiastic, checking in frequently, and even the management stopped by to make sure everything was going smoothly. Overall, a very satisfying meal with a good mix of flavors and textures.

This place had been on my list for a while, and it definitely lived up to the hype…read more The interior is stunning--very upscale, with gold accents and a bit of that "John Wick" vibe. The atmosphere feels elegant yet lively, perfect for a night out or a special occasion. We came mainly for the paella, and it did not disappoint. There are a few topping options, and it takes about 45 minutes to prepare, so I'd recommend ordering it early. The seafood was the highlight--shrimp were tender and bouncy, with mussels, clams, and even green beans. The flavors together with the rice were perfectly balanced. The Iberico pork shoulder was tender and flavorful, with a sauce that had a subtle savory depth--absolutely delicious. The fried eggplant was a bit on the salty side, and surprisingly didn't taste much like eggplant (more like fried potato slices), but still enjoyable. Overall, every dish had its highlights, and the dining experience was very satisfying. With the combination of great food, attentive service, and stunning ambiance, I'll definitely be coming back to try more dishes.

The space is intimate and cozy, and perfect for lingering over shared plates and drinks. The staff…read moreare 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

Rating this a 4/5 overall because I did enjoy my experience here, but I will say the food itself…read morewas 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!

416 Snack Bar is a hidden gem at Queen and Bathurst with a cool, laid back atmosphere and lots of…read morecharacter. The communal seating gives it a lively, social feeling, and the menu is full of creative Asian inspired bar snacks at very reasonable prices. My favorite dishes were the steak tartare on crisp sourdough and especially the Octos Bravas, which had crispy potatoes, tender octopus, grilled shishitos, and an amazing sauce that tied everything together. The Banquet Duck Wrap was tasty but too small, and the Korean fried chicken was just okay. Overall, this is such a fun place for drinks and sharing interesting snacks with friends, and I can absolutely see why locals love it.

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!

Wonderful experience. Tapas was exceptional- and service top notch. Love the interior. Highly…read morerecommend.

Upscale Tapas that feels like you're in Spain (where I was 3 days before my visit). Lively place…read more Table for 4. Their tapas menu is extensive but we were lazy and had the chefs tasting menu. Great choice, a work of art. Loved every bite. Favorites watermelon gazpacho, steak tartar cone & eggplant and Zucchini chips. squid ink paella good. I should note that this is not traditional tapas. The chefs creative interpretation is however outstanding. We shared a pitcher of red Sangria. Perhaps too fruity but enjoyable. Could have done without the chip on the pitcher - it's been a while since our visit and it doesn't seem like anyone ingested glass. Was our servers first night so I'll give him credit for the effort. Madrina is expensive but not overpriced.

Byblos always surprises, offering a different culinary experience each time. This time, I tried…read moreseveral classic Middle Eastern dishes, each one layered and flavorful: a balanced blend of spices, fresh ingredients, and rich taste. I especially recommend their Mezze platter--vibrant in color and diverse in texture, perfect for sharing with friends. The main courses were equally outstanding, beautifully presented and complemented by the warm ambiance, making the entire dining experience very comfortable. The restaurant's decor is an elegant blend of modern and Mediterranean styles, with soft lighting that creates a inviting atmosphere. The service was attentive and meticulous; the staff patiently explained the characteristics of each dish, making me feel right at home. The attached photos show some of the dishes I ordered, each one worth savoring. Byblos is a place I love to revisit in Toronto; every visit reveals new and delicious flavors.

Really enjoyed my night at Byblos. The vibe is super chic but not too formal. I love that the menu…read moreis designed for sharing, so you get to try a little bit of everything. Everything we ordered was flavorful and well-balanced. Also loved the cocktails. Great spot if you're looking for something a bit different from the usual dinner places.

Great service, dark and cozy vibe but with enough lighting to read your menu. Super tasty food and…read morehad lots of gluten free options. The tuna crudo had pistachios, which added some nice texture. I really enjoyed my gluten free pasta. Great flavor profile. My husband said his pizza was great. Cocktails were expertly prepared.

Edna + Vita was within walking distance of my hotel -- and they had reservations available…read more Being pretty hungry, we ordered an appetizer and some mains. All of the food was tasty and temperature hot. Everyone at the table enjoyed their meals The staff were very friendly, but appeared to be understaffed. The bartender was the one that took our order - we were sitting in the main dining room - then various different folks checked up on us - but it took some time between check-ins. Would go back to the place if I'm in the area again.