BarBara operates as a specialized neighborhood hub focusing on authentic Italian preparations that emphasize high-quality seasonal produce and artisanal craftsmanship. The kitchen features an evolving selection of handmade pasta and wood-fired preparations that reflect traditional techniques while utilizing local ingredients. Natural wines accompany the menu to provide a cohesive flavor profile across every course. The space functions as both a casual eatery and a boutique marketplace, offering curated pantry staples and house-made sauces for home use. Simple, minimalist interiors create a functional environment where the focus remains entirely on the integrity of the raw ingredients and the precision of the cooking process. Patrons encounter a direct, unpretentious approach to Mediterranean-inspired culinary traditions that avoids unnecessary embellishment in favor of genuine, bold tastes and textures.
BarBara is widely celebrated for its inviting atmosphere, stylish decor, and exceptional focaccia, which is frequently cited as the highlight of the menu. Visitors often praise the fresh pasta, extensive wine selection, and the charming terrace, making it a popular neighborhood spot for drinks and social gatherings. While many guests enjoy the warm, hip vibe and attentive service, others note that the restaurant can become quite loud and crowded. The policy of not accepting reservations often results in long wait times, and while the quality of the food is consistently lauded, some diners have expressed concerns regarding portion sizes and occasional service inconsistencies during peak hours.
Très belle ambiance au Barbara!!
Les cacio e pepe sont définitivement les meilleurs en ville
Mention spécial à notre serveur yan sont service est impeccable
Bar Bara is a total disgrace. I honestly couldn't be more disappointed in a restaurant. This place used to have some of the most incredible Viennoiserie pastries in all of Montreal. They were so good that I didn't even dare leave a review because they were made in such small batches by the most talented pastry chef & I didn't want to risk it becoming too popular. Unfortunately, today I was served one of the worst pain au chocolat I've ever seen. It was the kind I would expect to get at a gas station. The top was soft & full of moisture. I didn't even need to take a bite. I immediately returned it to the waiter & said, this is not your normal pain au chocolat. What happened? The waiter knew that he had to come clean & told me they lost their amazing pastry chef & are now bringing these disgusting pastries in from outside, clearly some cheap supplier. What an absolute disgrace to swap the most premium product with such a low quality substitute. If you lost your pastry chef, then stop serving pastries or pay to bring them in from a premium bakery. But to try & trick your loyal patronage with this garbage is a sin & the death of any good restaurant. Where is your integrity, Bar Bara?
UPDATE: I read the owner's response & knew immediately they were lying about getting their Vienoisserie from Boulangerie Automne - one of the BEST croissants in the city, which I've had many times. A call to Boulangerie Automne confirmed what I already knew - these were NOT from Automne - they stopped buying from them a month ago. So this owner is not only cheap but is clearly a liar & wildly unethical. You truly have no integrity or ethics to drag an incredible Montreal bakery's name & reputation in a sad, pathetic attempt to try & save your own. ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING BEHAVIOUR, BAR BARA.
Came recently for dinner with a friend, we split it their Caesar salad which was excellent & also each had a plate of pasta, both were delicious. My friend really enjoyed their Italian soda, & I had an iced coffee. Only giving a low rating for atmosphere because it was unbelievably loud on this occasion - I think it is usually quieter in the morning. Have been here many times over the years (also for breakfast) & find their price-quality is very good. Strongly recommend the pastries in the morning. Their coffee is also very good.
There's usually always a wait time but it's worth it. It is one of my favorite restaurants in Montreal. They have a great selection of wine & food is so simple but spectacular. Would recommend the honey ricotta toast, anchovies, cacio e pepe, ceaser salad.
Great terrace & nice outdoor space to have cocktails while waiting for a table. Very friendly service, but not overwhelming. Nice cocktails & wine selection. We had a crisp vinho verde. My cousin & I shared four plates: homemade foccacia with whipped ricotta, honey & exquisite olive oil (the star of our dinner!), crispy calamari with bomba mayo, rappini with hot pepper, garlic & parmigiano, & pasta with tomato cream sauce, fresh basil & stracciatella. Everything was simply perfect & we were very satisfied.
J'ai été très, très déçu de ma première & dernière visite à 300$ .Le début était parfait. On nous a demandé d'attendre & cela ne posait aucun problème. Cependant, au moment de nous installer, on nous a donné une table pour 2 alors que nous étions 3, en nous disant qu'une chaise allait être ajoutée. J'ai expliqué que nous comptions commander beaucoup de nourriture & qu'une petite table pour 2 ne serait pas suffisante. Selon moi, une table pour 4 aurait été la base. On nous a répondu qu'il y avait une longue file d'attente & qu'ils voulaient maximiser le nombre de clients par table.La table pour quatre à notre droite s'est ensuite libérée. J'ai demandé si nous pouvions l'avoir puisque nous venions pour manger & non seulement pour prendre un verre. La personne nous a répondu qu'elle allait vérifier, mais elle n'est jamais revenue nous donner de réponse. Peu après, un groupe de trois personnes a été installé à cette même table. Je comprends le principe de maximiser l'occupation des tables, mais je ne comprends pas pourquoi notre demande a été refusée alors qu'un autre groupe de trois a finalement obtenu cette table.
Au moment de choisir une bouteille de vin, la serveuse nous en a proposé deux & nous a dit qu'elle allait nous apportez les deux pour que nous puissions faire un choix. Elle est revenue environ 30 minutes plus tard avec les bouteilles, seulement pour nous dire qu'il n'était pas possible de les goûter. Quel était alors l'intérêt de nous apportez les deux bouteilles? Elle aurait simplement pu nous les décrire au moment de la commande.Par la suite, la table de deux à notre gauche s'est libérée. Nous avons demandé, pour une troisième fois, s'il était possible de la coller à la nôtre puisque nous manquions clairement d'espace. La réponse a été : « Si ça vous rend plus heureux, parfait, mais je vais faire attendre des gens encore 30 minutes alors qu'on a une file d'attente de deux heures. »Nous avons expliqué que cela faisait déjà 30 minutes que nous attendions notre bouteille de vin. Sur un ton très désagréable, la serveuse a alors dit à une collègue : « Donnez-leur trois shooters. » Nous avons cru qu'il s'agissait d'un geste pour compenser l'attente, mais nous n'avons jamais reçu ces dits shooters.Heureusement, nous avons finalement réussi à faire coller les deux tables ensemble, car même l'assiette d'huîtres occupait déjà les 3/4 de la table pour 2 alors, que nous avions des pâtes , plusieurs viandes,des olives, un focaccia .Bref, une expérience très décevante. Le manque d'espace, les délais, le manque de suivi & surtout l'attitude de la majorité des membres du personnel ont malheureusement gâché la soirée.
Came for dinner here & enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant, really nice atmosphere. Service was also great & very helpful. I enjoyed the focaccia with ricotta & honey, very fresh. I think that was the highlight of the meal for me- didn't quite enjoy the other dishes as much, but still pretty good & overall I enjoyed my visit
Is there any café that captures Montreal's seasons better than this place?
The food, the atmosphere, the kind servers, & even the beautiful flowers.
My favorite café in Montreal - & somehow also my favorite restaurant, wine bar, & everything in between.
