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.
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.
Jan 22, 2026
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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.
Spectacular tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelette), delicious matrimonio (quality boquerones!) & a solid plate of'Spanish Breakfast'. I'm delighted to have a bar like Bar Vivar in my neighborhood, & can't wait to go back for more.
Finally visited the new Spanish resto in the Neighbourhood, the tortilla is perfectly cooked, not too runny or too dry, the spanish breakfast very enjoyable (huevos fritos con puntilla perfecta), & the matrimonio of anchovy+boquerón was to die for.
The service was wonderful, we will be coming back!
*El ambiente de bar espanol donde puedes tomar un café, una cerveza o un vermut esta bastante bien conseguido.
During the economic downturn,'eating' has become the easiest option to satisfy, & it has also become the lowest-cost & most cost-effective form of entertainment.
High-end ingredients often only require simple cooking. Traditional Spanish breakfast, classic & delicious!
This restaurant has the best tortilla de patatas & the best croquetas of Montreal (& very possibly one of the best Spanish food i've had) - by a Spaniard
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!
Oct 1, 2024
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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!
I went there few week ago with my wife. To be honest, the food is good but not excellent, nothing outstanding, I give the food a 4*. The prices are ridiculously high for the amount you get. Nothing justify their prices. I don't recommand it. Also when there is no menu & only a black board, please take at least the time to write everything nicely enough to be understandable, it looks like it's a doctor from the ER who wrote... The service was ok but as mentionned in other reviews the owner looks somehow pretentious in his attitude, not a friendly or humble vibe. It is not bad, it just not worth the trip or the money. I have been in spain many time, love this country & love spanish food but I was disappointed, something is missing & the bill end up to be really high & we felt a bit ripped off like if the quantity were enough only for the cheapest ingredients of the plate, but for the tastiest ingredient the quantity were tiny like not even enough to feed a baby.
We stumbled into this restaurant, tired & hungry from a day of traveling. The maitre d' saw us coming & proceeded to take care of us the way a maitre d' should. He ascertained how hungry we were (very) & curated a most delicious meal. There was a deliciously crunchy fried thing, a Spanish tortilla with lobster, sweetbreads that were light & delicious despite being fried, a morel & fried egg dish that was out of this world, & steak frites that were a religious experience. To describe dessert as French toast with vanilla ice cream doesn't do this dish justice. All the wait staff were top notch. Seriously. Go here & eat. You will not regret it.
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!
Apr 28, 2024
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Authentic & delicious food that you can't get elsewhere. High quality ingredients & gourmet preparation. Certainly the best spanish tapas restaraunt in Montreal.The owner Georges is awesome & very friendly service from the front of house. Warm & intimate atmosphere transports you to the type of tapas bar you would find in Spain. Highly reccomended!
Cute little place with a spanish vibe. Got to taste some good vermuts & good food. We got croquetas, jamón & the house fish. All were really good. The jamón was so fresh & tasty, it's rare to find this quality in montreal. Perfect for an apéro! Can't wait for summer to go enjoy their terrasse!
