Award-winning

Bar Isabel

Name: Bar Isabel
Address: 797 College St, Toronto, ON, Canada, M6G 1C7
Telephone: (416) 532-2222
Price range: CAN$51 and over
Rating: 4.7

4.7

1540 Reviews

CAN$51 and over

Spanish

Top tags:

Bar Isabel is open and accepts reservations for indoor dining only for parties of up to 8 guests. Takeout is available through their website.

Enjoy an intimate dining experience at Bar Isabel -- a cozy restaurant where creative Spanish-inspired small plate dishes are combined with craft beers, cocktails and an extensive wine list. The restaurant's elegant interior boasts an intriguing blend of soft lighting, curved walls and a beautiful mosaic tile floor.

Managed under the guidance of Maitre d'Hotel Alessandro Pietropaolo, Bar Isabel's menu includes a diverse mix of tapas, cheese, seafood and meat dishes. Diners rave about the grilled octopus, the bone marrow and the ceviche. For dessert, the Basque cake and sherry cream is a must-try. Bar Isabel is open 5-11pm Monday through Friday, and 3-11pm Saturday and Sunday.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sept 29, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 63 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Cuisines
Spanish, Regional Spanish (Basque), Catalan
Hours of Operation
Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat, Sun 3:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(416) 532-2222
Website
http://barisabel.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Grant van Gameren
Catering
We do not offer catering.
Private party facilities
We do not have an event space.

Location
797 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1C7
Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Neighbourhood
Little Italy / College St.
Cross Street
Ossington or Shaw
Parking Details
Parking is extremely limited at the moment due to the CafeTO patios.
Public Transit
Ossington Bus, College Streetcar.
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

What 1,540 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

1,540 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Essex
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was amazing. Every dish was executed to perfection with great attention to detail. A extensive selection of Spanish wines on the wine list to chose from. We will definitely be back again soon
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G
Graham
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always the food was spectacular and the service was top notch. Busy night but never felt rushed.
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PZ
PatrickZ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was amazing and the service was great! I would highly recommend.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent food always! We are huge octopus fans and they always deliver. Love the peppers and the snow peas. Noise level is high so if your looking for a more quiet atmosphere I suggest a 5pm sitting. Little dark too so bring your flashlight. Lol! Still the food is excellent. Will be back! Thank you Janet
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing restaurant, they gave care and attention, great food, ambiance, would definitely come here again!
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h
hjwaa
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall1food1service5ambience4
super overpriced. moderate food tip was included on the bill which was 20%. didn't even give us choice of tip. not recommended
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely great experience, service was fantastic and food even better.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Montreal
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Vibrant ambiance in a warm and cosy decor. Extensive wine (by the bottle) and beer list. Authentic Spanish food. Amazing and professional service
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love everything about Bar Isabel. A place i always want to return to.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lots of great dishes!!! love to come again soon.
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SJ
SueJ
Houston
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food. Wonderful ambience. Fun and personable server. Would go back again if we lived here
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GT
GenevieveT
Montreal
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely amazing service and food. We had the tasting menu and it gave a very diverse tour of their menu with some pleasant unexpected surprises.
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v
vinsanity
Toronto
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
It was very stuffy in the dining room which made us have to take turns stepping out for fresh air. Otherwise the food is as good as usual
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KM
KrisM
Montreal
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food in a wonderful environment. We will be back!
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M
Martin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic tapas bar, friendly staff, and good food.
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L
Leanne
Toronto
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
This was my first time visiting Bar Isabel and I enjoyed it very much. I chose to sit outside and was surprised how quiet College Street was (save for some renovation going on across the road). The host and servers were all welcoming, and made excellent menu suggestions. The croquetas de jamon were heavenly, and I strongly recommend the simple, yet wildly elegant, Basque cake with sherry cream. I would love to see a plate that incorporates more of the small dishes, as the cost per tapas might be steep/prohibitive for some (2 croquetas x $6 = 12). Thanks for a great dining experience!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall3food2service5ambience5
Bar Isabel provided opportunities to taste foods that I’m not usually acquainted with such as foie Gras and veal bone marrow. The service was very attentive and helpful with explaining how to eat in pair the dishes. I enjoyed everything at eight except the bone marrow. I think it’s a dish that could be skipped.
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J
Jade
Toronto
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall2food3service4ambience5
The ambience is the best part of bar Isabel. The service was also good, no issues. The food was pretty good, but incredibly overpriced. I expected a lot more for the price. The drinks were also very weak and tasted more like juice. I wouldn’t recommend unfortunately as I left disappointed.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Grate place, not the best to go on a date due to the excessive noise but the food is fantastic. We will return!!
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MS
MattS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Out of 7 dishes one was cold (steak) the server took it back and instead of a new steak we were given back the original one that was now warm but was also very tough (having initially being perfectly tender) I suspect it was microwaved. The waiter offered to remove it from our bill which was perfectly acceptable to us. Everything else was terrific.
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SV
SigneV
Toronto
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience4
We have been to Bar Isabel before and had the best night with the best food, so we know how amazing the restaurant is. However, this time we had the tasting menu and we were by far not impressed. The tasting menu consisted of mainly the cheapest dishes from the menu and if we had known that we would have just chosen those dishes we preferred as none of us were quite impressed nor delighted with what we got served. I think it should be more obvious that the tasting menu is not outside of the menu as it will be easier for guest to narrow down what they would like for the menu. We would come back, but not for the tasting menu.
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R
Rodrigo
Toronto
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
This is a classic Spanish tapas restaurant with exceptional cuisine and very good service. It is a fun and energetic vibe, if perhaps a little loud when full; go early and enjoy an excellent experience.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Every dish we had was perfect. Especially the Pork Secreto.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great service. Amazing octopus and get the basque cake!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Vancouver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Bar isabel never disappoints! The food was tasty and amazing and overall offered a fabulous night!
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PF
PeterF
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The tasting menu was inventive, delicious and good value for the excellence of the preparation. Highly recommended. The serving staff was attentive but unobtrusive and very considerate of our dining needs.
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g
gretplacefordining
Toronto
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great vibe!!! Great cocktails! Tapas are perfect!..
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AP
AndrewP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Too notch service, servers really know the menu well and can navigate you in the right direction for your taste. Only knock is we sat at the bar and my partner was a little uncomfortable on the stools something to do with tight pants... so pay mind to that.
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M
Michael
Toronto
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Extremely good food, wine and service as always ways.
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M
Mark
Toronto
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 29, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
Food was excellent. Service was also excellent, however I felt we were being rushed. Too many much emphasis on turning tables and not enough effort on delivering the best customer experience.
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PF
PaulinaFerr
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredible service, the food was phenomenal especially the octopus! The vibes were romantic and moody. Can’t wait to come back!
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IA
IANM
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
2 seats at the bar waiting for us, as booked online Bar staff brilliant! Completely switched on to their jobs. In fact all staff were great. Food runners explained all the dishes. And as expected all of the food from the tasting menu was Delish!
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S
Stephen
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding restaurant, favourite place in the city! Highly recommend!
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A
Andrew
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Bar Isabel is always a hit. The staff are amazing and friendly. They are well versed in the menu and always have great recommendations. The menu is refined but every item on it is exquisite. The shareable platters make for great meals with friends and family. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a wonderful meal.
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EP
EsmeP
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We did the tasting menu and it was perfect. So much food and so delicious. Bar Isabel is a must-try. We will be going back!
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AA
AbdulA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This restaurant offers really amazing food! The service was definitely over the top.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Amazing food. Tasting menu and wine pairing was excellent.
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SR
SalinaR
Toronto
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
It was horrible. We showed up, and 2 hostesses were standing at the front. They didn't greet us. One was on the phone while the other just watched us in our faces. We didn't know if we should stand there or go in. Turns out, one of them was our waitress and didn't make us feel welcomed at all. The service was horrible, and the food was burnt and tasteless. We ordered 4 appetizers and came up to $285. Not to mention, a 20% service fee is added to all bills, so the servers dont have to put in the effort. The service we received didn't reflect the 20% at all. We recueved wrong orders, the lighting was really dark and we couldn't see our food that was right in front of us and didn't know what we were eating. It was the worst experience. This restaurant doesn't deserve to be on the Michelin guided list, and this is a prime example of why the the Toronto food industry is a laughing stock around the world because trash restaurants like this make it to the Michelin guide list.
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LV
LidaV
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall3food4service4ambience2
The facilities were not good. It was very expensive.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience4
Ambiance 7.5/10 Drinks (martinis) 7.5/10 Anchovy Gilda 6.7/10 Sobrasada & Foie Gras 8.3/10 White Asparagus & Alioli 4.4/10 Quarter Octopus 8.6/10 Roast Veal Bone Marrow 7/10 Service 8/10 Value 6/10 Overall 7.1/10
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FAQs

Bar Isabel is rated 4.7 stars by 1540 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sept 29, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 63 times today

797 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1C7

Additional information

Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Cross Street
Ossington or Shaw
Neighbourhood
Little Italy / College St.
Hours of Operation
Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat, Sun 3:00 pm–11:00 pm
Cuisines
Spanish, Regional Spanish (Basque), Catalan
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Parking Details
Parking is extremely limited at the moment due to the CafeTO patios.
Public Transit
Ossington Bus, College Streetcar.
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Grant van Gameren
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wine

Website
http://barisabel.com/
Phone number
(416) 532-2222
Catering
We do not offer catering.
Private party facilities
We do not have an event space.

Bar Isabel

Make a reservation

Additional information

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The Diner Reviews Are In: 100 Best Restaurants in Canada

Roast Veal Bone Marrow

Charred Octopus

Quarter Octopus

Essentials

House Made Bread & Olive Oil$5.00

Manzanilla Olives$7.00

Marcona Almonds$7.00

Pan con Tomate ~ 4pc$12.00

Cantabrian Anchovy Gilda$5.00

Jamón Croqueta$5.00

Conservas

Boquerones en Vinagre$19.00

Mojama & Frisée Salad$21.00

White Asparagus & Alioli$18.00

Mussels Escabeche$12.00

Iberian Cured Meat

Salchichón Ibérico

Chorizo Ibérico

Lomo Ibérico

Jamón Ibérico de Bellota

Ibérico Meat Tasting Plate

Mixed Plates

Cheese Plate$22.00

Mixed Meat & Cheese Plate$28.00

Vegetables

Shishito Peppers$10.00

Greens & Sherry Vinagreta$14.00

Patatas Bravas$12.00

Garlic Snow Pea Leaves$16.00

Grilled Mushrooms & Cured Egg Yolk$22.00

Daily Vegetable & Hazelnut Romesco$18.00

Fish & Seafood

Sea Bream Ceviche & Chips$22.00

Shrimp al Ajillo$32.00

Whole Grilled Octopus$99.00

Half Octopus$59.00

Quarter Octopus$32.00

Meat

Roast Veal Bone Marrow$18.00

Pork Secreto w/ Chorizo Spice$21.00

Grilled 10oz Picanha Steak$39.00

45 Day Dry Aged Bone-In Ribeye 700g (25oz)$90.00

Sweet

Basque Cake with Hot Sherry Cream$16.00

Dark Chocolate & Coconut Ice Bar$4.00

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is Bar Isabel restaurant rated?

Is Bar Isabel currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

50 Toronto Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

The Diner Reviews Are In: 100 Best Restaurants in Canada