Bar Isabel

What Reddit says

Spanish-leaning College Street restaurant considered a Toronto classic. Redditors praise the romantic atmosphere, polished service and creative dishes, with the grilled octopus and Basque cake singled out. The tasting menu is a frequent recommendation.

Paraphrased from the comments below.

What to order

• 9.2
  Desserts#5 for desserts in Toronto
  Top pick
• 8.8
  Cake#18 for cake in Toronto
  Worth trying
• 8.7
  Oysters#1 for oysters in Toronto
  Top pick
• 8.3
  Wine#8 for wine in Toronto
  Worth trying
• 8.2
  Calamari & Octopus#3 for calamari & octopus in Toronto
  Top pick
• 8.2
  Cocktails#19 for cocktails in Toronto
  Worth trying
• 8.2
  Cantonese BBQ (char siu & roast meats)#7 for Cantonese BBQ (char siu & roast meats) in Toronto
  Worth trying
• 8.1
  Bone Marrow#1 for bone marrow in Toronto
  Top pick

In their words

Short excerpts, each linked to the full comment on Reddit.

• “may have had one of the best bites of my life: The Sobrasada & Foie Gras Pintxo”

• “Octopus, basque cake, sobrasda + foie gras”

• “The pork secreto at this joint was one of the best things I ate in all of last year.”

• “We go every year for my wife’s birthday and request to start and end the meal (after dessert) with this dish. It’s our favourite tradition.”

• “Grant van gameron (bar isabel, bar raval, el rey, marines, quetzal)”

• “Nothing beats the basque cake but these bites are among the best in the city”

• “Bar Isabel doesn’t have a star but I challenge you to have a bad meal there.”

• “Start at Bar Isabel (Spanish tapas, craft beers; make a reservation)”

• “Both are good but Bar Isabel for sure, get the Basque Cake!”

• “Years ago I used to go just to get a single basque and a cocktail then leave haha.”

• “Bar Isabel hands down, in my opinion. More unique atmosphere and creative dishes.”

• “Bar Isabel to me is the best restaurant in the city.”