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  5. Little Italy / College St.
Bar Isabel, Toronto, ON
Award-winning

Bar Isabel

4.7
4.7
1533 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

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 57 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

What 1,533 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
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

1,533 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Montreal

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Vibrant ambiance in a warm and cosy decor. Extensive wine (by the bottle) and beer list. Authentic Spanish food. Amazing and professional service

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love everything about Bar Isabel. A place i always want to return to.

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lots of great dishes!!! love to come again soon.

    Is this helpful?

  4. SueJ

    Houston

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. Wonderful ambience. Fun and personable server. Would go back again if we lived here

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  5. GenevieveT

    Montreal

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    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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  6. vinsanity

    Toronto

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    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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  7. KrisM

    Montreal

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food in a wonderful environment. We will be back!

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  8. Martin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic tapas bar, friendly staff, and good food.

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  9. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  10. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  11. 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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  12. 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!!

    Is this helpful?

  13. 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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  14. 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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  15. 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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  16. 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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  17. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great service. Amazing octopus and get the basque cake!

    Is this helpful?

  18. 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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  19. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  20. 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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  21. 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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  22. 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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  23. 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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  24. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  25. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  26. Stephen

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding restaurant, favourite place in the city! Highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  27. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  28. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  29. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  30. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  31. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  32. 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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  33. 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

    Is this helpful?

  34. JoeyG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A great restaurant. Authentic atmosphere. Fantastic food and drinks.

    Is this helpful?

  35. ShazyG

    Montreal

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great staff and service! My friend and I were leaving the restaurant when it started pouring rain, and the host gave us an umbrella to use- loved the experience overall!

    Is this helpful?

  36. ShaniH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is my fave spot in the City. The food and service is consistently wonderful and the aesthetic/environment is beautiful and comfortable. It does get loud though so not for everyone if that is an issue :)

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Amazing service. Honestly the entire experience was great.

    Is this helpful?

  38. FoodiePanda

    Toronto

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Had an enjoyable dinner at Bar Isabel. The food was great, portions were good considering it was tapas and the prices weren't outrageous for the quality of food. The ambiance was nice though a little too loud for my preference. Finally, the service was very polite and attentive. But it felt pushy, they took things off our table without asking and we were not done eating, which is very annoying. As soon as we were done our last dish, they dropped the bill on our table like they were practically pushing us out the door. It was difficult to relax and enjoy a meal "Spanish style" when you are feeling unwelcome.

    Is this helpful?

  39. lovelylady

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food! Never disappointed... highly recommend

    Is this helpful?

  40. NattyC

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love it here. The food is always so good and the staff is super attentive.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Bar Isabel is rated 4.7 stars by 1533 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 57 times today
Google Map for Bar Isabel

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.

Featured in

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