Bar Isabel

"One of two restaurants on College St. owned by chef Grant van Gameren, Bar Isabel has excited anyone with good taste since it opened 3 years ago. Although it’s not as difficult to get a table as it was then, definitely book through the site or over phone to secure a reservation. It's a great place for a first date, date night, dinner with the girls, or beer with the boys. Craft beer fanatics will geek out over their collection, cocktail drinkers will get their fill, and lovers of good food will salivate over pretty much everything. Must eats: Fried Rabbit, Whole Grilled Octopus & Potatoes, Roast Bone Marrow, Pan Con Jamón Ibérico de Bellota. (Photos of eats to come!)" - Sid Lee

"Right on bustling College Street, Bar Isabel charms diners with its old-world tavern vibe and broad appeal. Perfect for groups, it's also just right for solo diners, as some some dishes may be prepared in half portions, inviting exploration. Chef Grant van Gameren's cooking is heartfelt and there is never anything frilly or overwrought on his Spanish tapas menu. Dishes are rustic and straightforward and there is a clear focus on quality flavors married with strong product. Case in point? The pork secreto, which takes a flavorful grilled pork cheek and ratchets it up a notch with a honey and apple cider reduction. The craft beer list is interesting, and there are plenty of ciders, Spanish wine and cocktails, particularly those employing Sherry, on offer." - Michelin Inspector

"Finely Crafted Cocktails After charcuterie master Grant van Gameren moved on from popular eatery the Black Hoof, he skipped around town doing various gigs before opening up his own ode to Barcelonan tapas bars. Mismatched tiles and jujube-like lamps brighten the welcoming space, which sees a steady stream of patrons keeping seats warm at all hours. My menu rec is the scallop, porcini and blood sausage dish, which was beautifully balanced with sausage that melted in the mouth (van Gameren's known for his way with meats). Be sure to sip one of the finely crafted libations—noteworthy picks include the award-winning ...A Woman Scorned and Isabel Fashioned. They won't disappoint."

"Bar Isabel, Little Italy by Sid Lee. One of two restaurants on College St. owned by chef Grant van Gameren, Bar Isabel has excited anyone with good taste since it opened 3 years ago. Although it’s not as difficult to get a table as it was then, definitely book through the site or over phone to secure a reservation. It's a great place for a first date, date night, dinner with the girls, or beer with the boys. Craft beer fanatics will geek out over their collection, cocktail drinkers will get their fill, and lovers of good food will salivate over pretty much everything. Must eats: Fried Rabbit, Whole Grilled Octopus & Potatoes, Roast Bone Marrow, Pan Con Jamón Ibérico de Bellota. (Photos of eats to come!)"