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.
In Spain, to test the quality of a bar/restaurant, one orders a gilda. It is all about simple & good ingredients. At Vivar, they are a disaster, way too many tiny things that anyway all taste of bad vinegar. That combines with the acrid manzanilla, that tastes of nail polish. If one factors in the price - not cheap - it is really a place to avoid.
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.
Feb 3, 2026
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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.
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 shout out to that incredible team - food was wonderful & creative . Kitchen's team is fantastique & very motivated to make your experience mémorable.
Patrick is the best host ever - you feel like home & he cares so much. Thank you again for everything .
Oct 26, 2025
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Excellent. Across the board. Clean kitchen & bathroom. Patrick the host/waiter/& all around everything is a star. Worldly knowledge & will not steer you wrong. Do not let the single star reviews deter you - this is the place to be.
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!
Menu was illegible, hand written on a blackboard. Portions were very small & pricey for what they were, food was way too salty & arrived in different times so my friend had to wait 5 minutes for her meal while mine had arrived.
Oct 5, 2025
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Hidden gem restaurant. Was in Spain a week ago & felt like I was still there. High quality ingredients, great service & cute spot. You must go there if you want good Galician food at a reasonable price!
Bar Vivar is one of those little gems you almost don't want to share because you'd like to keep it all to yourself. It's small, cozy, & full of charm. The chalkboard menu changes often, always fresh, creative, & never boring. Don't get too attached to any one dish, because it may not be there next time, but that's part of the magic. Each visit feels like a new discovery, like the restaurant has a personality of its own. If you're looking for a cozy night with good company, great food, & a little surprise, this is the spot.
