Bar Isabel

Toronto, Canada

Marked by a scrawled neon sign, this Catalan-leaning eatery made its debut in 2013, shaking up the city's food scene with its bold small plates, served until the early hours. It soon became a hangout for off-duty chefs, who feasted on late-night ceviche and fried chicken, or downed bone-marrow luges at the bar. (Check out the raucous episode of Munchies, filmed shortly after it opened). If the vibe’s a little more restrained these days, and the kitchen closes at 11, Isabel still knows how to show its guests a good time. This is food made for messy, sociable sharing, from the whole grilled octopus – also served by the half and quarter – to the roasted veal bone marrow, scooped up with sourdough toast. Start with the shishito peppers, blistered to perfection, and finish with the feted signature dessert, on the menu since day one: vanilla-scented Basque cake, in a pool of sherry cream sauce.

Key Information

• Average price per person $50
• Lunch: Sat Dinner: Mon – Sun
• 1 416 532 2222
• Visit Bar Isabel's Website

Location

797 College Street, Little Italy, Toronto, Ontario, M6G 1C7