Bar Volo
587 Yonge Street
Phone: 416-928-0008
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My friends and I made the rounds of a bunch of Yorkville hotels and hotspots this weekend looking for an issue of Daily Variety featuring blogTO; when our tired legs couldn't carry us any more we spotted Bar Volo. Looking out over the seedy dollar stores of Yonge Street near Bloor, its charming ivy covered patio seemed the perfect respite and the smells coming from inside were inviting. Outside we found a cozy booth and bundled up for fall weather.
I have a couple rules about eating out that help me decide whether the restaurants' service warrants a return visit, the first of which is to be offered a drink within the initial minute or so. While there were plenty of microbrewery beers on the board at Bar Volo, I really wanted a toasty glass of red. I was game to try something new but didn't know where to start with a bold wine list where all you'll find is Ontario VQA. A spicy Shiraz maybe to warm my belly? Our server came quickly and caught onto my doubt, offering some well-needed advice - Shiraz is a difficult grape to make, especially in our climate. He told me what to expect from each of the wines and we settled on a subtle Cab-merlot mix ($8.50/glass) from Marynissen Estates. It was served in a small carafe in case I may have wanted to change my mind. After a taste of the lovely wine I found no need. I was impressed with our server's knowledge but also - is this naïve of me? - that Ontario wines could hit the spot.
Food came next, warm and prompt, a couple paninis for the girls and a delish little plate of pan-fried tortellini pasta ($11). Typical, but well-done, Italian. Sundried tomatoes heaped into tuna on pesto-covered panini with a salad full of fresh cucumbers ($10) was exactly the light fare my body need to keep my energy going for the next few film festival hours. I wasn't the only one who was pleased with the food; my friends had even finished a little left on my plate. As soon as they were done our plates were whisked away, passing my rule number two for restaurant service - as soon as I'm done please take my plate. On all scales - food, service and atmosphere - Bar Volo ranks high, and such a treat to find.
BAR VOLO 587 Yonge Street at Dundonald 416-928-0008
Comments (7)
Being beer fans, we've been visiting Volo a lot lately as well. It's one of the very few places in the city where I can get a bottle of Delirium Tremens and my wife can get a Church Key cranbery-maple lager. The verdura pasta is damn good too.
Those are your rules for return visits? Do you need a shoe shine, too? I take it mom and pop places or small establishments don't make the cut if they can't take your dish away the moment your knife and fork hit the plate.
sounds delightful, and i agree with you about your "rules", although I am sure you were not being literal. Seems you have pissed off Andrew however, and he somehow figures that Mom and Pop places are only comprised of people who have no sense of food, style, or good service. Shame on you Andrew, Shame.
LOL
This place is awesome!!!!!!!!!!! We need more restaurants like this along Yonge. Those gross dollar stores have to go!!
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