Bar Vivar offers an elevated take on classic tapas, blending Basque and Spanish influences with inventive dishes and a strong focus on fresh seafood. The chalkboard menu changes often, inviting repeated visits, and the atmosphere is cozy and intimate with warm, attentive service and a well curated wine and vermouth selection. Dishes are described as creative and deeply satisfying, with the tortilla de patatas singled out as a standout and many reviews noting a memorable bar side experience. The experience is refined yet approachable, suitable for dates, friends, families, and private events, with the staff going above and beyond. Prices are commonly noted as on the higher side, but the quality of ingredients, flavors, and service often justify the cost. Occasional critiques mention small portions relative to price, some saltiness, and timing issues with dishes arriving at different times, as well as legibility challenges of the chalkboard menu. Overall Bar Vivar emerges as a hidden gem in Montreal, offering a lively yet cozy Spanish vibe, creative tapas, and a space that encourages repeat visits and culinary inspiration.
Chef Georges propose des tapas & des pintxos sublimes salés & sucrés. Le choix du vin est aussi bien ! C'est là où tu peux passer une excellente soirée entre amis 😋
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.
Jan 22, 2026
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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.
Un vrai'hidden gem' de Montréal. Chef George exécute avec passion des tapas inspirées du nord de l'Espagne. Le charmant Patrick est en charge des accords. Un des rares endroit à Montéal avec plusieurs choix de Xéres & Vermouth. Merci pour la belle soirée
Walking in, the warm atmosphere makes you feel instantly at home. With only a few tables, set for the lucky locals, I feel privileged to have chef George in the neighbourhood. The Spanish vibe takes you right in the streets of St Sebastian's tapas spots. It is worth a visit if you want to be pampered by the chef who is sophisticated yet humble. I would say try everything on the menu because it changes regularly. Each visit, I want to say it's an absolute artistic experience etc but really, it is a party in my mouth. I walk out inspired to cook & excited to be back.
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!
Voilà une place où on peut faire plus que boire un verre, car la cuisine est de plus innovatrice. Non seulement on peut savourer la meilleur tortille à Montréal, en plus d'être une des rares places pour gouter le meilleur jambon (pata negra), mais c'est surtout une cuisine où on peut faire l'expérience des différents plats que le chef crée, tous étant créateurs & délicieusement bon.
Maria Luisa
Jul 25, 2025
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Un accueil chaleureux avec le sommelier & Maître de salle Patrick . Le chef George est un perfectionniste hors pair .Une cuisine raffinée & authentique. Une belle expérience…à répéter. Louise Bee
Cute little wine bar with really yummy food & snacks. Owner Chef George is super friendly & so is Patrick the host/server. Recommend for an afternoon snack & natural wine or get a whole meal. The freshly sliced jamon was amazing!!Everything that was coming out of the kitchen looked drool-worthy amazing. Definitely will stop by here again when I'm in Montreal!
Oct 11, 2024
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This place is an absolute gem, surprisingly tucked away in plain sight! They serve an amazing variety of Spanish inspired small plates. We opted to sit at the bar & had delightful conversations with chefs Georges & Andreas, who treated us to an impressive spread of dishes that were nothing short of exceptional. The front-of-house manager, Patrick, was equally engaging, & his wine pairings were perfect. From now on, this will be our go-to spot every time we visit Montreal!
Bar Vivar is my new coup de coeur! The atmosphere is charming & welcoming. I've been there three times now & I've always had such a good time. The food is delicious & makes you want to discover authentic Spanish tapas. If you have the chance to be seated at the bar, it will complete your experience by seeing the chef in action. & I can't forget about the wine list, the selection they have makes it hard for you to say no to another glass ;) 10/10 would recommend this little gem in the heart of Le Plateau Mont-Royal!
Bar Vivar is an absolute must visit in Montreal. Chef & the entire team are beyond dedicated to their craft & the warmth, hospitality, & flavors transport you to Spain in a quick moment. Staff & chef make you feel right at home & wow..the food! Every dish was delicious. I laughed looking at some reviews, people are miserable & would find a way to complain about a perfect blue sky day. Go visit before they get a star - vamos!
Très beau restaurant avec l'esprit espagnol, la joie de vivre, le soleil , plats généreux & très bien élaboré par le chef , je conseils vraiment !! 🥘🍷🌞
May 15, 2024
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Bar Vivar is undoubtedly the best tapas restaurant in Montreal & rivals the best spots in Spain. Chef Georges is a perfectionist when it comes to his craft with unique recipes, freshest ingredients & constantly changing menu. Excellent is an understatement.
Amazing place! The chef is an expert in Spanish cuisine. The place has a special charm & many details from Galicia (northern Spain). The Spanish tortilla with crab, & the octopus were delicious. It was a surprise to find this place in Montreal. The Santiago's cake teleported me to Spain ❤️. All the staff are very friendly. A place worth visiting!
