The Snapshot - Bar Altura
Looking for a new dining destination? The Snapshot delivers all the info you need in a fun, bite-sized snippet. Take a look:
What
Looking for a sexy spot for dinner or drinks downtown? Bar Altura’s modern dining room is a stunner. Add to that the simple, yet sophisticated Italian fare, stellar cocktails and wine list, and you’ve got yourself a new haunt.
In the mood for something more casual? You’re covered there too. While the space is outfitted in marble bar and tabletops, dark teal banquette, and brass fixtures, the vibe is anything but stuffy.
Why
From am array of spuntini and antipasti to pasta, pizza and secondi, you can choose to nibble or feast.
Selections include Kampachi Crudo ($16) with Aperol vinaigrette, and celery, fennel and raw artichoke; Roasted Muscovy Duck Breast ($38) accompanied by crispy confit leg, creamy polenta, and current jus; and the go-big-or-go-home Tomahawk Steak ($120) – six-week dry aged Canadian Prime ribeye with Chef’s accompaniments.
Must try:
One of the city’s best Arancini ($9) features mushroom risotto stuffed with fior di latte and fontina fonduta enveloped in a crisp, delicate breading.
With housemade pizzas and pastas ranging from $15-$28, dinner doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The classic Margherita ($15) with fior di latte, tomato sauce, and fresh basil leaves set atop light, puffy dough dotted with bubbled, blistered edges, won’t leave you feeling heavy or bloated.
Drinks
Will Publow, one of the city’s best mixologists, creates complex cocktails - often with unexpected ingredients and combinations - resulting in captivating concoctions unlike any other.
Take Mecca Mecca ($15), for instance. Tequila, Amaro Lucano, cold brew coffee, with pineapple, agave, and lime juice, sounds too bold to work, but it’s a revelation. And Pasquale’s Daughter ($16), whose vivid violet hue is thanks to butterfly pea-infused vodka, combines Cointreau, lemon juice, cucumber and ginger in a most enchanting way.
Setting
The space is exquisite - light and spacious with inviting colours and textures throughout.
A front bar and dining area leads to a back room offering more seating, long harvest table, and open kitchen, complete with pizza oven.
Since décor’s minimal and the space is expansive, the sleek, modern furniture and lighting stand out.
Who
If the alluring spot feels slightly familiar, it’s no wonder - co-owner Ricardo Chico happens to also own one of the city’s hottest restaurants, Kay Pacha. Rounding out the ownership team: Marcello Tomarelli, previously of Cibo Wine Bar, and Chef Marco Zandona, who was for at the stove at Via Allegro.
Where
Conveniently located right on Queen at Portland, in the heart of bustling Queen West neighbourhood, just blocks from the Fashion District, Chinatown, and Trinity Bellwoods.
When
Mon-Thurs 5pm-12am
Fri-Sat 5pm-1am
Bar Altura
571 Queen St. W.
(416) 361-3434
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