Bar Reyna: Toronto, Canada
Name: Bar Reyna
Address: 158 Cumberland St, Toronto, ON M5R 1A8, Canada
Website: Website
Phone: (647) 748-4464
Wifi: No
Tender: Debit, Credit, Cash
Neighbourhood: Yorkville
Type: Mediterranean/French
Bar Reyna is a Mediterranean/French fusion tapas restaurant located in Toronto’s Yorkville neighborhood. With two stories and patio seating the space is stylish with deep purple banquettes, gold accented walls, turquoise chairs, and pops of copper.
First we start with two cocktails – The King Arthur’s Concubine (Botanist Gin, Strawberry, Basil, Lime, Rhubarb Bitters), $14 CDN + tax and The Ricky (Gin, elderflower, lime), $14 CDN + tax. Both are expertly prepared and are a refreshing and relaxing start to the meal.
The menu consists mainly of tapa style dishes with a few full sized entrée dishes meant for sharing. Upon recommendation from the server we opt to try a few of their tapa style dishes. First the Eggplant Byaldi (Pomegranate, Pine Nuts), $8 CDN + tax and the Zucchini Fritters (served with Roasted Tomato Aioli), $9 CDN + tax. We are told that the Eggplant Byaldi is their most popular dish. It is served on sourdough bread with roasted eggplant, pomergranates, pine nuts, and then garnished with parsley. While good and very refreshing it doesn’t quite wow me. I’d skip ordering this one if I were to return here again.
The zucchini fritters are deep fried and then served on roasted tomato aioli and garnished with micro greens. Rarely does deep fried food ever disappoint me and this is no exception. The zucchini is fried perfectly without being overly oily and the tomato aioli and microgreens help to add freshness to the dish.
Next we try the Pulled Duck Wrap (Mango Omba, Slaw, Bibb Lettuce), $15 CDN + tax. The flavors of this dish was incredible, however execution needs a little more work. The wrap falls apart very easily and would probably be best served as a tapa sized salad as opposed to a wrap.
We then try the Sea Bass Ceviche (Sweet Potato, Red Onion, Leche de Tiger, Avocado Espuma, Radish, Mint, Jalapeno) $15 . It’s fresh tasting and the flavors blend well together. Again though, like the eggplant byaldi, it fails to wow me.
What stands out on their menu is that they have five types of fries to choose from – Greek (Wild Oregano, Shaved Feta, Olive Oil, Lemon + Feta Dip) + Arabic (Zaatar spiced, Homemade Ketchup) + French (Rosemary, Aioli) + Spanish (Spanish spiced, Shaved Manchego, Chorizo, Chipotle Mayo) + Italian (Shaved Grana Padano, Truffle Aioli), $10 CDN + tax each. We opt to try the Italian fries which are served piled high and topped with generous amounts of shaved grana padano. They are positively mouthwatering and the truffle aioli dip served on the side even more so. My only criticism is that they should be served with a larger portion of aioli given the amount of fries but the server happily provides more after we request an additional amount so it’s not an issue at all. I would have loved to see a fries platter option of some sort where you can get a smaller sampling of all of the fries offered on the menu.
Lastly, we request a dessert menu but are told they do not have one. They do however have one dessert available, which consists of deep fried pastry filled with caramel. It’s rich and sweet and nice tapa sized end to a tapas style meal.
Disclaimer: This post was not sponsored, nor was anything gifted to me. All opinions expressed are my own. All menu offerings and prices are accurate as of time of posting, please refer to restaurant/shop for most up to date information.
*All images are copyrighted Allons.Y Styling & Photography. Please do not use or re-post without written consent and provide credit where applicable.
