Polari is Villeray’s newest natural wine bar. With only a couple of tables and a handful of bar seats, the cozy room is perfect for sipping on a great selection of wines from small producers paired with a short menu filled with top-quality products from excellent Québec artisans, such as bread from Hof Kelsten and charcuterie from Aliments Viens.
Polari comes across as a charming neighborhood wine bar in a converted space, with an intimate, welcoming vibe and a staff that is friendly, knowledgeable and ready to guide guests through a well curated wine list and a simple menu of snacks and small plates. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, with low lighting and a terrace that adds to the experience, making it ideal for after work, a casual date, or catching up with friends. Portions tend to be small, encouraging sampling across dishes, while the wines are varied, affordable, and consistently delicious, with cocktails and a modest beer list as solid alternatives. The overall impression is one of authenticity and care, with no fuss and a sincere attention to quality. A rare caveat notes an occasional cold or impersonal moment from staff, but the space, concept, and wine program keep Polari a beloved local staple.
Went to Polari a couple of times in the past few weeks & had always had a great time.
The food portions aren't big, so it takes a few different plates if you're looking to make a meal, but they're all delicious (even the bread with whipped butter is a hit!) & perfect for snacking.
The wine selection is excellent, varied, & just extensive enough to keep things interesting without being overwhelming. For non-wine drinkers, the cocktails are also top notch & the beer selection is small but solid.
The service is absolutely wonderful! Everyone is very friendly & super knowledgeable about both the food & drinks, so if you're unsure of what to take, they'll be able to help guide you to something you'll enjoy.
The decor is simple, but strikes an awesome balance between chic & warm/cozy. Music adds to the atmosphere, but is still quiet enough that you can easily talk without needing to raise your voice.
I definitely recommend Polari for a drink & snacks!
This is honestly one of the most refreshing spots to go to in the city. I've been quite a bit of times over the past year & I can earnestly say that the wine list has been incredibly curated, affordable & everything glass I've had has been insanely delicious. The food also packs its punch. Small sharing plates with produce from JT market & fish/seafood conservas in cans that I'm a total sucker for. Can't recommend this place enough 🫰
What an incredible addition to the neighborhood, nay the city in general! The space is intimate & warm! Perfect for an after work glass of wine, evening with friends, cute date or just hanging out with a book at the bar. Everyone who works there is charming & knowledgeable & can take you on a glorious wine journey. The perfect vibe & quite frankly - the perfect wine bar. ❤?
Stopped by for a couple of drinks before dinner.
Friendly staff, but only counter service which is kinda silly for a wine bar.
Had a glass of wine & a cocktail, both were good.
They take the minimal industrial look a little too far I find. The low light makes it feel intimate, but otherwise it felt uninviting.
May 25, 2025
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Tiny place with great wine selection. Sadly not a lot of food options, & the plates they have are laughably small & overpriced (chips & ranch dip, beans, the butt of a baguette with one sliver of butter). I would come back for a glass of wine before dinner, but not more.
Jan 7, 2025
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