Bar Raval
8.0Friend Score / 10#5 of 11 Bars & Nightlife in Toronto
Known forgildasboqueronesstracciatella & boqueronesjamon croquetas
Grant van Gameren's stunning Gaudí-inspired tapas bar on College — all carved wood and standing-room glamour. Worth it for pintxos, gildas and vermouth in one of the prettiest rooms in the city. Caveat: no reservations, mostly standing, and it gets packed and pricey fast.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 13:00–01:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | 506 Carlton streetcar to College & Palmerston; or Bathurst subway then 511 streetcar |
| Time needed | 1-2 hours |
| Best time to go | Weekday afternoon (opens 1pm) or right at open to snag a spot at the bar |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.0/10- Value7.5
- iconic7.5
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level5.0
- Authenticity8.8
- Accessibility8.5
Frequently asked questions
- What should I order?
- The gilda (that skewered olive, anchovy and pepper bite) is the classic move, plus the pintxos on the counter and a house vermouth on tap. The tinned seafood and pan con tomate are also easy wins.
- Is it good for a date?
- Yes, genuinely — the room is one of the most beautiful in Toronto and the standing format makes for an intimate, buzzy vibe. Just know it's loud and you won't get a quiet corner.
- How expensive is it?
- Small plates and pintxos add up quickly, and cocktails are properly made and priced accordingly. You can keep it modest with a few gildas and a vermouth, or blow past $60 a head without trying hard.
- Can I get coffee there during the day?
- Yes, it doubles as a café-style spot in the afternoon with coffee and pastries alongside the vermouth. It's a lovely, lower-key way to experience the space without the evening crowds.
- How do I get there without a car?
- Take the 506 Carlton streetcar right to College and Palmerston, or ride to Bathurst station and hop the 511 streetcar down. Parking on College is a headache, so transit is the move.
- Does Bar Raval take reservations?
- No — it's walk-in only, and that's by design. Show up right at 1pm open or in the mid-afternoon lull if you want a comfortable spot at the bar, because evenings turn into a shoulder-to-shoulder scrum.
- When does it get busy?
- Thursday through Saturday nights are a crush, and after-work Fridays fill up early. Weekday afternoons are your best bet for breathing room.
- Is there anywhere to sit?
- Barely. It's mostly a stand-at-the-bar situation with a handful of seats, so come expecting to lean and graze rather than settle in for a long sit-down dinner.
Nearby in Ask Toronto
- QuetzalRestaurant0.25 km · 3 min walk
- Café PamenarCafé0.59 km · 7 min walk
- Sam James Coffee BarCafé0.67 km · 8 min walk
- Kensington MarketMarket0.77 km · 10 min walk
- Fika CaféCafé0.8 km · 10 min walk
Where to stay near Bar Raval
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