Every once in awhile I experience a meal so memorable that I think about it for years to come. Somehow every taste, every detail, stays vivid in my mind. I was recently gifted with such a meal at Bar Raval in Toronto.

It’s one of those magical moments that can’t be replicated no matter how hard you try. It’s a combination of perfect timing, perfect food, and perfect company. I’ve been lucky enough to have a handful of those meals throughout my lifetime and now I can spot them as they are unfolding.

And if I’m lucky, my pictures actually do the food justice, like this dinner at Bar Raval in Toronto.

A Dinner to Remember :: Bar Raval in Toronto

Spanish tapas and wine at Bar Raval in Toronto. — An incredible dinner of tapas and wine at Bar Raval.

A Bar Inspired by Gaudi

Bar Raval is a small restaurant in Toronto’s Little Italy neighborhood. The cramped bar is standing room only, unless you happen to snag one of the few bar stools near the windows. The interior is covered with breathtaking wooden arches flowing throughout the space, carved to mimic the famous Spanish architect, Gaudi. Having seen Gaudi’s work in Barcelona, they hit the nail on the head.

The menu is meant to mimic authentic Catalonian tapas and is as equally fine-tuned as the decor. Heavy on the seafood, with small portions like true tapas. True to form, the wine list is extensive and each bottle is picked to pair with the cuisine, so there’s no going wrong. We went with an Alberiño that we loved so much we downed two bottles.

The interior of Bar Raval in Toronto. — The interior of Bar Raval looks like a Gaudi masterpiece.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. In the summer, Bar Raval’s windows stay open to their outdoor patio, giving the entire place an open air feel. It was a hot and humid night when we were there, but our server replenished our water enough to keep us from getting distracted by the heat. To further complete the fantastic atmosphere, a steady beat of music — not too electronic but just enough — played in the background. Apparently we weren’t the only ones to love their music; they have a sample playlist on their website.

Tomato bread and wine at Bar Raval in Toronto. — Tomato bread, or Pa amb tomàquet, is a staple of Catalan cuisine.

Spanish Tapas, Catalonian Style

I could have ordered the entire menu. And in all honesty, we intended to! Even though the plates are indeed small, we never made it past our first round of ordering because we were so full. That spoke to the amount of flavor in each dish.

But the dishes we did order, oh, they were delightful. The Tomato Bread ($5) transported me gleefully back to Spain, where I first had the traditional starter. The Jamon Croquetas ($8) with jamon and bechamel, on the other hand, managed to exceed my memories of Spain.

The Mushroom Tower at Bar Raval in Toronto. — The Mushroom Tower at Bar Raval.

And so the delights continued with each pair of plates delivered to our little ledge in the sun. A plate of Jamón (unfortunately not as melt-in-your-mouth as in Spain), mind-blowing Octopus a la Planxa ($14) flavored with paprika cooked til tender and juicy with peppers and onions. Anchovy atop Castelfranco lettuce and a light layer of lamb ham ($17). A Mushroom Tower ($9.50) with the tiniest shrimp on a crusty bread. Squid and marinated artichokes ($16) contrasted with a dash of romesco kept our taste buds buzzing.

Octopus a la planxa at Bar Raval in Toronto. — Tender octopus served with potatoes.

Lamb, Castelfranco lettuce, and anchovies at Bar Raval in Toronto. — Lamb, Castelfranco lettuce, and anchovies.

Dessert + Wine

All the while glasses of Albarino clinked and splashed down. We hoped to order razor clams and morcilla; we eyed fresh oysters being shucked at the bar. But our eyes were too big.

Instead, we finished with the only dessert available: Basque Cheesecake ($7.50). Basque-style cheesecakes are baked in an oven so hot that the edges caramalize into a natural crust. It was a light, fluffy, delicate hybrid of cheese and cake in the best way. No toppings, no distractions. Just simple goodness.

Basque Cheesecake at Bar Raval in Toronto. — Basque style cheesecake is crustless but the edges form a crust-like crisp.

Bonding Over Wine

Around the time we were still gushing about our cheesecake after the last bites were enjoyed, a group of people arrived opposite of our little windowsill. The lively group asked about our wine and, after days of being around friendly Canadians, I offered him a taste for himself. Before we knew it, we were sharing glasses of wine with each other, passing glasses and bottles like long lost friends.

It later occurred to me that the layout of Bar Raval begs for that interaction with other guests. Close tables, cramped in the most affectionate way, require conversations between nearby strangers. And indeed their website expresses that exact sentiment. “It’s a cozy room here, encouraging the potential to meet new friends, sharing moments and the physical space with sound minds and open arms.” Mission accomplished.

Pouring wine at Bar Raval in Toronto. — The wine kept flowing the whole night.

Thoughts & Info

Our dinner at Bar Raval in Toronto was one of those I wished could keep going even beyond the hours we were there. I was even tempted to go back again, but knew it’d ruin the perfect meal we had. But next time I’m in Toronto? You bet Bar Raval will be the first place I go.

Notes :: Bar Raval is open 11am – 2am Monday through Friday, 10am – 2am Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are not accepted. Bar Raval was recently named the best bar in Canada on the inaugural Best Bar list. It also made the 49th spot on the 100 best restaurants in Canada.