Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Bar Isabel, Toronto, ON
Icon

Bar Isabel

Visa logo badge

Visa Dining Collection

CAN$51 and over
Spanish
797 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1C7

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 80 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Lively
  • Good for special occasions
Enjoy an intimate dining experience at Bar Isabel - a cozy restaurant nestled between Toronto's little Italy and little Portugal, where creative Spanish-inspired small plate dishes are served alongside cocktails and an extensive Iberian focused wine list. The restaurant's elegant interior boasts an intriguing blend of soft lighting, curved walls and a beautiful mosaic tile floor.
Managed under the guidance of Maitre d' and Partner Alessandro Pietropaolo, Bar Isabel's menu includes a diverse mix of pintxos, conservas, seafood and meat dishes. Diners rave about the grilled octopus, the bone marrow and the ceviche. For dessert, the Basque cake and sherry cream is a must-try. Bar Isabel is open 5-11pm Sunday through Friday, and 12-11pm Saturday. Accolades include listings in the Michelin Guide, Canada's top 100, and 2013 awarded the best new restaurant in Canada by Enroute Magazine. Bar Isabel accepts reservations for parties of up to 8 guests.

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Grant van Gameren

  • Award icon
    MICHELIN Plate2022

From the OpenTable editors: A decade into its run, Bar Isabel continues to be a sought-after table thanks to its intimate tavern ambiance and spot-on tapas. Easy-to-share snacks, an excellent drinks program emphasizing Spanish wine and sherry, and buzzy vibes encourage diners to linger and order round after round of Spanish hits.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    CAN$51 and over
  • Cuisines
    Spanish, Basque, Catalan
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri, Sun 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 12:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Catering
    We do not offer catering.
  • Private party facilities
    We do not have an event space.
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Neighborhood
    Little Italy / College St.
  • Cross street
    Ossington or Shaw
  • Parking details
    Parking is extremely limited at the moment due to the CafeTO patios.
  • Public transit
    Ossington Bus, College Streetcar.
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Wine

What 2,117 people are saying

Bar Isabel reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Bar Isabel offers an exceptional dining experience with "amazing food" like octopus and Basque cake, alongside "friendly and knowledgeable" service. The "cozy and inviting" ambiance is perfect for both casual and special occasions. A must-try is the tasting menu, highly praised for its "variety and excellence."

2,117 Reviews
  1. Luis VIP

    Montreal2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food, ambiance, and service were all top-notch. Now, let's talk about the food: The shishito peppers were perfectly portioned with spot-on seasoning and a delightful citrus note. The queso mostarda was an absolute standout, with a delicious balance that wasn't too heavy. The sea bream ceviche was incredibly fresh and flavorful, and the patatas bravas added a nice touch. A special thank you to the staff for making our anniversary celebration extra special with a beautifully arranged table and a thoughtful treat. Overall, great value for the quality and experience!

    Is this helpful?

  2. David VIP

    Toronto11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One our favourites, outstanding as always! Thank you team!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Jackie VIP

    Toronto2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    INCREDIBLE meal and wonderful atmosphere even on a Sunday night.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Isabelle

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Very good tapas! It worth covering the distance from downtown. Moderate prices from a Canadian point of view, more expensive by European standard. The sommelier knows very well his job and his wine menu (incl. the years of the bottles !!!). Good service.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Justas VIP

    Toronto95 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As always fantastic! Great service and wine selection is superb

    Is this helpful?

  6. Taylor VIP

    Toronto3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My favourite spot in the city! Must try the tomato toast & mushrooms - I always make sure to bring my friends here if they haven’t been yet :)

    Is this helpful?

  7. Romy

    Toronto1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Great service. Knowledgeable sommelier. Interesting dishes. Nice atmosphere. Noisy.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Chloe

    Toronto9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Staff were very attentive, and friendly! Foods were amazingly delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Alixandra

    Toronto3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious food!! Cute little place, it makes you feel like you’re in Spain.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Jessica

    Vancouver3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 30, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was excellent!! From the drinks, the food, the service, everything was top notch. Picanha was amazing

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Bar Isabel is rated 4.8 stars by 2117 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. Canada
  3. Toronto / Ontario
  4. Toronto
  5. Little Italy / College St.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 80 times today
Google Map for Bar Isabel

797 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1C7

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Cross street
    Ossington or Shaw
  • Neighborhood
    Little Italy / College St.
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri, Sun 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 12:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Price
    CAN$51 and over
  • Cuisines
    Spanish, Basque, Catalan
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Parking is extremely limited at the moment due to the CafeTO patios.
  • Public transit
    Ossington Bus, College Streetcar.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Wine
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo