Restaurant Bar Vivar operates as a vibrant hybrid space that functions as both a curated market and a Spanish-inspired eatery. Patrons find an assortment of high-quality imported goods, such as artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and specialized pantry staples that reflect authentic Iberian culinary traditions. The preparation of hot plates prioritizes bold, simple flavors characteristic of classic Mediterranean cooking techniques. Seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, and savory tapas dominate the menu, providing a focused selection of small plates designed for communal consumption. Wooden accents and minimalist shelving define the aesthetic, bridging the gap between a functional retail environment and a casual dining destination. This dual-concept establishment ensures that guests can shop for gourmet ingredients while simultaneously engaging with the rich, unpretentious flavors of regional Spanish recipes.
Bar Vivar is widely celebrated as a cozy, charming destination that transports diners to Spain through its creative, high-quality tapas and authentic pintxos. Frequent visitors consistently praise the fresh, seafood-forward dishes, noting the tortilla, calamares, and croquetas as standout menu items that reflect a passionate, innovative culinary approach. While most guests describe the service as friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable, opinions regarding pricing and portion sizes are mixed, with some finding the experience expensive for the quantity provided. Despite occasional feedback about the seating or service consistency, the overall consensus highlights a warm, artistic atmosphere where the rotating, chalkboard-style menu ensures that every visit feels like a unique and inspired discovery.
Pleasantly surprised by my Sunday afternoon visit-Bar Vivar has quickly become my number one restaurant. The tortilla was perfectly cooked, not dry at all, with a subtle touch of paprika.
The calamares were outstanding-lightly spiced & topped with both boquerones in olive oil & boquerones en vinagre, which added an incredible depth of flavor. Easily the best calamares I've ever had.
We also enjoyed boquerones served on bread with goat cheese-absolutely delicious. The croquetas de jamón ibérico (bellota) were small but packed with flavor & truly memorable. (not in pic) The Gilda was a watering mouthful of flavours.
It's the kind of place where you can sit for hours with friends, enjoying great conversation over a good glass of wine. I highly recommend Bar Vivar & will definitely be returning soon.
A special mention to Patrick, whose passion for Spanish food & culture truly elevates the entire experience & completes a lovely afternoon.
Very special place. Recommend sitting at the bar which opens to the kitchen. I got the sardine Caesar salad & one of the croquettes of the day, both were delicious. I also had a black vermouth which I loved as well. The service was very friendly & for the quality of food the prices were more than fair. Definitely would return here on my next visit.
Une très belle découverte ! Le Bar Vivar nous fait voyager directement en Espagne, le temps d'un repas. La cuisine est excellente, portée par des produits de grande qualité. Le mariage des saveurs est maîtrisé & chaque assiette est un vrai plaisir gustatif : c'est un sans-faute en cuisine.
C'est donc d'autant plus regrettable de souligner que le service n'est malheureusement pas à la hauteur de l'assiette. Nous avons déploré l'absence totale d'introduction ou de présentation de la carte/du concept, ce qui est pourtant essentiel pour un lieu de cette qualité. La fin du repas a également été frustrante, le service ne nous proposant même pas de dessert.
L'endroit a tout pour devenir une adresse incontournable, mais il manque cruellement cette touche d'hospitalité & d'attention aux détails qui transforme un simple repas en une expérience mémorable. Dommage, car le potentiel est immense.
Jun 21, 2026
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In Spain, to test the quality of a bar/restaurant, one orders a gilda. It is all about simple & good ingredients. At Vivar, they are a disaster, way too many tiny things that anyway all taste of bad vinegar. That combines with the acrid manzanilla, that tastes of nail polish. If one factors in the price - not cheap - it is really a place to avoid.
Elevated take on the classic tapas you would fine in a Spanish bar mix with original dishes. They have good vermouth & the staff is friendly. A bit on the pricer side but a fun vibe. I'm not crazy about some of their weird'wooden throne chairs', I guess that's the only negative I could come up with.
Exquisite interpretation of pays basque & Spanish cuisine. Went for this & wasn't disappointed. Seafood forward - ingredients are clearly very fresh. Creative, passionate interpretations of grand classiques. On a adoré chatting at bar with full sympa chef & sous chef.
I have been to Bar Vivar about a dozen times now, & it has become my favorite restaurant in Montreal. Every visit feels genuinely special. I am always eating things I have never had before, & I am consistently surprised by how thoughtful, & delicious each dish is.
Patrick provides a level of service that is truly exceptional. I never even look at the menu. I simply sit down & trust him to curate the experience, & it has never disappointed. Chef Georges brings that vision to life in the kitchen, & the result is food that feels both adventurous & deeply satisfying.
I have been here with my children, on dates with my wife, & most recently hosted my company's holiday party where they closed the restaurant for us & went above & beyond in every possible way. Each experience has been just as memorable as the last. Bar Vivar is a place I recommend without hesitation.
Big grin on my face as I walked out of Bar Vivar. The food was so delicious that it gave me chills. Great for a midday vermut. The tortilla is the highest form of the art. Chef George & team are also super cool & interesting people. Thanks y'all!
Bar Vivar is one of those little gems you almost don't want to share because you'd like to keep it all to yourself. It's small, cozy, & full of charm. The chalkboard menu changes often, always fresh, creative, & never boring. Don't get too attached to any one dish, because it may not be there next time, but that's part of the magic. Each visit feels like a new discovery, like the restaurant has a personality of its own. If you're looking for a cozy night with good company, great food, & a little surprise, this is the spot.
