I mostly have been ordering tapas at Bar Raval, since it opened. I am usually only with one other person, and we share the croquetas, boquerones, tortilla, sometimes a Pan, Padron peppers. I go during the day since I don’t like crowds. Bar Raval also does take-out.
Here was my last tapas meal at Bar Raval.
Bar Raval patatas bravas
I have enjoyed the tapas at Salt Wine Bar. It’s been 16 months since my last visit.
15 years ago, I went to the tapas restaurant on Danforth fairly often. Tapas at Embrujo.
Last night, I tried Santa Marta on Dundas W. The place was full. I ordered take-out for myself. The mixed croquetas (4 for $18), the patatas bravas ($14), and a salad that said it would contain smoked salmon, avocado and crab ($26). Ths salad I received was undressed iceberg, winter tomato, 1/3 avocado including some mature spots and some peel, 3 small pieces of smoked salmon.
The sauces on the patatas were fine, the potatoes themselves were ordinary. They would have suffered a little from the 8 minute walk home.
The blue cheese croqueta was fine. The ham one had very sinewy pieces of Serrano inside. I don’t think the croquetas were tried at the ideal temperature.
The people running Santa Marta are really, really nice and welcoming, but some people in the kitchen doesn’t know what they’re doing. I don’t usually write negative reviews but I don’t want anyone to spend good money on a place that is not providing value, especially with restaurant meals becoming as expensive as they have become. My potatoes ($14), 4 croquetas ($18) and salad ($26) came to $73, including a tip.
