Bar Prima

 Writing about great restaurants and food should be illegal when you're hungry. I've created my own personal hell. I suppose I could snack to satisfy that void but: I have dinner plans in a few hours!!!! I don't want to spoil my appetite!! I am saving myself for this evening. Endure I must. It's like grocery shopping when you're hungry--torture!

It's funny, if you ask me some of my favourite cuisine/restaurants to eat at, I usually begin with "I don't love Italian" but, it would appear that I eat my fair share of Italian food and at restaurants alike. I guess I like it more than I think? My problem is when I imagine "Italian", the first thing that comes to mind is like, East Side Marios--shitty, over-priced, pre-made pizza and pasta. Now, I know, I KNOW that is not your standard "Italian dining experience" when it comes to Italian places downtown but, that's just always immediately where my mind goes. Bar Prima could not be further from what I just described. Located on the trendy and busy West Queen West, you can find Bar Prima West of Trinity Bellwoods Park. Unassuming on the outside but don't be fooled; I was absolutely blown away from the moment I stepped foot inside this establishment. Firstly, the decor and atmosphere of this place is ABSOLUTELY perfect! It is STUNNING inside, every last detail was considered; right down to the ice cubes, adorned with their trademark "P" in beautiful calligraphy. Everything about this place was perfect. Even the service was absolutely top notch. Staff was SO friendly, super attentive and very knowledgeable. Seated at the bar allowed me to watch all the intricate and classic cocktails being made: a very extensive list of fun drinks to be had. As I've mentioned in my last blog post, I am actually off the sauce and am abstaining from alcohol currently. Bar Prima had a list of non-alcoholic drinks on their menu so I was excited when I noticed they had something similar to an espresso martini! The drink was called "Autmn Sky." If you know anything about me it's that I love 1) anything coffee and 2) espresso martini's (of course). I asked the waiter for some staff favourites and he gave me a few options to choose from. I ordered all of his recommendations (I even ordered TWO desserts!) 

Non-alcoholic Drink "Autmn Sky" pictured with their menu

View of the bar from where I was seated, at the bar.

Some more of the decor/vibes inside

Unfortunately, I can't remember if I made a reso here or if I just tried my luck with a walk-in. Either way, this spot was BUSY the entire time I was there! Every person who walked in, I overheard say they had a reservation so, by the sounds of it: I'd recommend you secure a reso for yourself if you're planning on coming here! 

The food items I ordered were the: artichoke fritti, bluefin tuna crudo, paccheri al ragu, gianduja tartufo and the tiramisu di altamura! The waiter recommended all of these items, so I took his word for it and said "have at 'er!" 

Close-up: Artichoke Fritti

This isn't traditionally something I'd order if I went out for dinner. I typically try to stay away from any fried appetizers and I find artichoke is super hit or miss but, my waiter recommended it and I went with it! I AM SO GLAD I DID. This was absolutely incredible! Firstly, it kind of mimics the texture of chicken? It was so meaty and satisfying. The outer, fried layer was fried perfectly. Not greasy, not over-powering, not salty, just crispy and flavourful. This only comes with half a lemon, no dips or sauces and quite frankly, the dish needs nothing but a squeeze of fresh lemon. *Chefs kiss* The bar was set pretty high with this first dish. 

Close-up: Bluefun Tuna Crudo

I love any type of crudo so when this was recommended I was super excited to try! So zesty and bright, a lovely contrast to the fried fritti I had prior. Everything was so flavourful and the fish was super fresh! 

Paccheri Al Ragu

All their sauce and pasta is made fresh, in-house (of course) and my god what a difference it makes! This pasta dish was so rich and comforting. Every single bite of this pasta gave my stomach a hug and my forehead a kiss. Perfect portion, delicious flavours, melt-in-your-mouth ragu; if this was the last pasta I were to ever eat in my life: I'd die satisfied. Happy. Content. This was absolutely incredible. 

Tiramisu Di Altamura (left) and Gianduja Tartufo (right)

You can't go to an Italian restaurant and not order the tiramisu. That's blasphemy. So, naturally, I ordered the tiramisu AND the little chocolate tart-thing (I'm a sucker for chocolate, what can I say?) The waiter was surprised to hear I was ordering more than one dessert (probably because he knew how big the tiramisu was). Every bite of each of these was bliss. Neither were too sweet. The perfect desserts to end to a perfect meal. 

Every dish I saw come out looked absolutely incredible. I will for sure be back to try more items on the menu! I feel as though I say this about every restaurant I go to... There is just so much to eat and my stomach is only so large! 

This would be a wonderful spot for a date night or a birthday! This spot would also definitely blow the socks off of anyone you are trying to impress! I just couldn't believe the level of detail that went into this space, menu and experience. Divine. Newer spot but absolutely and quickly building an impeccable reputation in the Toronto restaurant world. Can't wait to come back!