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.
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 😋
Jan 25, 2026
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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.
Quel bonheur que d'être guidée par un des propriétaires en salle ! Nous lui avons donné carte blanche. Les tapas amenés à notre table, garnis de crabe -saison oblige- étaient tellement savoureux... difficile de s'arrêter.
Apr 26, 2025
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We had an exceptional experience at this warm & inviting tapas bar. The quality of the food is outstanding & prepared with great care, attention to details, just like the service we received. A Michelin star should be awarded to this Authentic Tapas establisment.
While the food was fine, the prices were beyond what I'm comfortable paying. I was hoping to make this my regular spot for a quick vermouth & a few tapas, but spending over $50 for two 2 oz servings of vermouth & two bites of food is highway robbery.
Petit bar bien agréable pour prendre un verre de vin & des tapas. Cependant, on est forcé de laisser au moins 18% de pourboire après les taxes si on paie avec une carte...
Aug 16, 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!
New favorite tapas spot! The food & service was amazing & the prices very reasonable for the quality. The variety of drinks & bites was perfect. The ambiance is lovely, highly recommend!
I hate to leave a so-so review, but while the food was delicious the portions were offensively small for the price - even for tapas. I liked having to take a photo of the menu of the blackboard & not having a paper menu. The salads are decent in size, so is the Steak frites. But the tostas are just a quarter of a slice of bread :( The folks servicing us were very kind & pleasant, but overly busy, so we struggled to get their attention. I was hoping this would be my neighborhood haunt but the prices are prohibitive.
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.
My Husband & I had a delightful experience at Vivar with Patrick one of the owners. The food is fresh, delicious with beautiful presentation. Patrick's knowledge of wine was amazing, he had us enjoying a great variety of wines from around the world. The place is cozy & welcoming. If I didn't live 6 hours away I would make this my go to place tapas & wine. You must put this on your list of places to try!
This is my new favorite tapas bar place in Montreal. The food is simply delicious from start to finish. The restaurant/bar has that relaxed, fun feel, where you can catch a sports game while eating. We had various plates from the daily menu & everything was super delicious. The service is simply impeccable (thank you Patrick!). Will certainly go back again & again to Bar Vivar.
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!
