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.
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!
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.
Jun 8, 2025
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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.
Ham was so heavily marinated that you couldn't taste it. The tortilla de la manana's sharp cheese overpowered the whole thing. The arancini & chicken wings were alright. The French toast with vermouth ice cream was exactly as it should be. Decor was more catered to brunch than dinner considering it's a "bar". Efficient, polite, & proactive service from our waitress. Menu could have been written more clearly on the board, & the other server didn't even offer to explain the menu until asked.
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 is some of the best food that you can have in Montreal, seriously. The tortilla alone is better than all others I have had. & paired with an exquisite glass of wine? You can try the wine before choosing, the service is incredible. The only downside is that they close kind of early for weekends, but it's worth it!!!
The tortilla de patatas is absolutely amazing & so is the jamón plate. The drinks & seasonal dishes are hit or miss, I want to love & support this place so much but it's not totally on point unfortunately.
Aug 10, 2024
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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!
Menu was incredible, & really well priced. Staff is kind & on their toes to make sure clients have a memorable experience. The tortilla is an absolute must try
Really love this restaurant. The quality of the food & service is like fine dining yet the vibe is unpretentious & inviting. It feels like a place you could go for a casual brunch, a fancy dinner, or drinks before a night out. The croquetas, tortilla, the head cheese croissant & the calamari bagel were all fantastic. The Ensaladilla Rusa was the stand out dish for me as it's pretty impressive to make a potato salad taste that good! Definitely looking forward to going back to try out the rest of the menu. Highly recommend.
Jan 27, 2024
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This restaurant has the best vibes & menu! Patrick suggested the best dishes - Highly recommend the tortilla, calamari bagel 🤩, zorza & croquettes, just wow! We went home elated
