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.
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.
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
Dec 21, 2024
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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.
Attended this place for an event & I'm sad to say I was not impressed with the food at all. I was only able to sample the tuna balls & a few morsels of the fried calamari. Both fish options were tasteless & greasy. The wine however was excellent. It was a sparkling white wine that I will buy for my own use at home.
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!!!
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!
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!
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.
Wonderful spot! We just happened upon it while wandering around looking for somewhere to eat. Great food & warm, wonderful staff. One of the owners, Patrick, is fun & clearly loves what he does.
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...
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.
