Raval - Toronto

There is nothing I dislike about this bar, but I just wasn 't blown away. 3.5 might be more accurate.After hearing the hype for years and years, it 's always be... read more There is nothing I dislike about this bar, but I just wasn 't blown away. 3.5 might be more accurate.After hearing the hype for years and years, it 's always been on my list to try. This has topped many best bar lists over the years, and frankly, I 'm not sure why. Maybe it used to be a lot better? I 'm fairly disillusioned with those lists by now, considering nearly every time the bars fail to live up to expectations and I can normally name at least 5 bars doing much better.)I remember always hearing about the interior design here. And yes, it 's very lovely, but that doesn 't automatically translate to good food and excellent cocktails. In fact, often, it seems the opposite.I 'm fairness, I didn 't eat anything. As I spend a great deal of time in southern Europe, I had no desire to eat a bunch of extremely overpriced tapas I could get for €2 at any Spanish tapas bar there. It didn 't really scream out to me. But I suppose people who don 't have it so accessible may feel differently.The bar was mostly empty in mid-afternoon. Not many seats overall, but not many patrons either so plenty of space to choose from. The lack of furniture inside during the day made it feel a bit... sparse? Generally, I find it hilarious that people complain about not having enough stools here. Clearly, these complainers have never been to a tapas bar in the evening in Spain in their lives. That 's just how it is. Crammed and lots of people standing drinking and eating small bites. But in the daylight, it appears empty and sad.No problem with staff at all. They were a little distant but friendly enough.As for the cocktail, it wasn 't bad. It was refreshing and light. But for the $20 price tag and the reputation of this bar, I expected a lot more. I thought I would be blown away, but there was zero wow factor. It was a fairly basic-tasting long drink. It just seemed like a glass of smooth limeade with a hint of tequila. No herbal notes whatsoever which seems crazy considering allegedly there is yellow chartreuse, absinthe, and sage in it. All of which can be quite remarkable and noticeable when used effectively. Sweetness was a very pleasant level. The use of vermouth instead of curaçao was smart. But anyway, there was nothing herbacious about it. Zero absinthe zing. I adore absinthe, so that was a huge letdown.)The salted grape garnish was delish. I don 't think the lacto-fermented gimmick is at all needed. They literally just taste like regular grapes.Originally, I was going to have two cocktails here, but after paying $19+tax+tip for that lacklustre offering, I decided not to spend any more money. If they were more reasonably priced $13-15 range), I would have. I just couldn 't risk it. Even the cheapest one is just a midrange amaro and sherry, so I definitely couldn 't justify spending $16 base on that, even for a place on College St.I was meaning to try the basque cheesecake, though, but I forgot. It looked great.This is fairly decent cocktail bar. It just feels overpriced and overhyped. Unfortunately. I truly thought I would adore it.

Great tapas the eggplant is one of the best I’ve ever had! read more Great tapas the eggplant is one of the best I’ve ever had!

Stopped by this busy tapas bar with my husband and it was amazing!!! Mira was an amazing bartender and made us feel very welcome. Must try the grilled octopus p... read more Stopped by this busy tapas bar with my husband and it was amazing!!! Mira was an amazing bartender and made us feel very welcome. Must try the grilled octopus plate and eggplant plate. The kitchen bread and lamb ribs also delicious. Everything is tapas portion so we tried a lot and everything was sooo good!Interior of bar is beautiful— carved wood everywhere. This is a small space with a small patio area as well… but very welcoming. Love This Place!!

This restaurant deserves 5 stars in every category! The wait is definitely worth it. The food and drink menus are incredibly creative, and the atmosphere is rel... read more This restaurant deserves 5 stars in every category! The wait is definitely worth it. The food and drink menus are incredibly creative, and the atmosphere is relaxed and perfect.

If you're in Toronto, I highly recommend Bar Raval. We had lunch on Saturday and it was a parade of exquisite sharing dishes, from sardines with olives to a mus... read more If you're in Toronto, I highly recommend Bar Raval. We had lunch on Saturday and it was a parade of exquisite sharing dishes, from sardines with olives to a mushroom tower to tomato-smeared bread and so on. Easily our favourite new place to eat in Toronto, and best tapas I've had in North America.