Toronto's College Street - An International Food Fest

 Last Saturday in Toronto was a gorgeous warm

late summer's day.  The perfect day to get out for a walk

and rediscover a changing area of our great city.

College Street has an area known as Little Italy but in recent

years, this section of Toronto is leading the way new

and innovative restaurants not necessarily Italian.

But, we did start off our day with a latte

and the most delicious almond croissant filled with

decadent almond paste at an Italian bistro called 
Il Gatto Nero on College Street.

The only thing they serve in the morning are pastries and

the best Italian coffee just like you are in Rome.
If it's warm enough, their terrace 
is a lovely way to watch the area wake up.

Lots of locals start their day here which I think

is always an excellent sign.

 After we walked for a couple of hours, we decided

to stop at the rather infamous Bar Raval. It is a newer addition 
to this ever changing area and is probably one of

the most beautiful new restaurant/bars in Toronto.  It was

fashioned after the tapas bars in Barcelona.  It's the third

restaurant opened by Chef Grant van Gameren and he is
known to sweat the small details in both food and decor.
He didn't disappoint.

It's the decor that takes your breath away as you enter Bar Raval.
You feel like you are in Barcelona and Gaudi has had a hand
in the design of this baroque styled bar.  The mahogany pleated wood
that swirls throughout the bar warms you up to this new
dining experience.  Like in Barcelona, there are few stools as customers
are expected to stand and lean against the bar to enjoy the interesting
drinks and the most delicious tapas.  I had to beg ageism to get a
young man to give me his stool.  
I do better sitting while I am having a drink.

 

The Spanish tapas are very, very good and

so creative constructed.  Every small plate offers

a different palate experience.

 (photo-bar Raval)

Bar Raval opens early so that you can grab an espresso

on your way to work, meet friends at 5:00 for cocktails and

tapas and late at night for a lovely way to end your day....

just like they do in Barcelona.

On the other side of Little Italy on College Street,

is the other restaurant opened by Grant van Gameren.

Bar Isabel has been open for a couple of years now

and has received the number one best new restaurants

in Toronto.  It still heads the list among the tough competition

in foodie city.

My son took me here for my birthday.  He is like a

younger version of Anthony Bourdain and loves trying

interesting eating spots as soon as they open their doors.

Grant's interpretation of Bar Isabel is also Spanish

with heavy menu influence on fish and meat.

My son chose Horse Tartare to start

off our meal.  I was a little reluctant at first

but by trying new things made the whole

dining experience so much more fun.

It was very good too.. sorry Trigger.

I didn't realize this mural was on the side of the building

of Bar Isabel but it's an easy way to spot the restaurant.

Reservations are a must.  I have had difficulty

getting back in when I act spontaneous about

trying something different at the last minute.

(photo ..Bar Isabel)

The interior is dark and cozy and makes

you feel as if you have walked into a hidden Barcelona

gem.  The staff is great at both restaurants and

very knowledgeable.  Both Bars Raval and Isabel

might be considered a bit pricey but the food quality is

excellent and a lot of thought has gone into making your

dining experience a memorable event. 

It is so important to get out and explore your city.

There are so many great restaurants in this area

that are trying new approaches food and dining.

Not only are young people everywhere enjoying themselves

as patrons of these new bistros but also as entrepreneurs

setting the pace of this exciting food industry.

Il Gatto Nero
656 College Street
Toronto


Bar Raval
505 College Street
Toronto

Bar Isabel
797 College Street
Toronto