Cava

When chefs Chris McDonald and Doug Penfold opened Cava in 2006, it created an immediate buzz by offering a food experience not commonly seen in Toronto – tapas. Many items on the restaurant's frequently changing menu reflect what you might find at a tapas bar in Barcelona or Madrid, like grilled squid with potatoes and romesco. Other dishes draw from the kitchen's experience with Asian, French and Italian cooking. As one might expect from a restaurant named after a popular type of Spanish bubbly, Cava's wine list offers an impressive variety. There are 40 cavas, sherries, reds and whites available by the glass, and more than 200 by the bottle from Spain and other wine regions of the world. A great place to enjoy a glass after work with a bowl of Cava's famous chipotle-caramel popcorn, or for a leisurely dinner of small plates and great wines.