A beloved Toronto Spanish tapas institution that has been delivering expertly made pintxos, jamón, and Spanish wine to a devoted following for years. Cava has one of the best Spanish wine programs in the city — deep in Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and natural wines from Galicia.
Neighbourhood: Church St (Bloor / Church) · Address: 1560 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4T 2S9 · Hours: Mon–Thu 5PM–10PM | Fri–Sat 5PM–11PM | Sun Closed · Price Range: $$ · Phone: (416) 979-9918 · Website: https://cavarestaurant.ca · Editorial status: Not yet verified
Cava is the downtown go-to for Spanish wine aficionados and anyone itching for authentic tapas shared with friends. The jamón boards are consistently great and the sommelier loves introducing people to hard-to-find Galician whites.
Cava stands out for a wine program that's more ambitious than most Spanish restaurants in town, with deep cuts from Spain's best regions. They deliver an encyclopedic charcuterie selection, knowledgeable staff who genuinely care about provenance, and seasonal tapas that go far beyond just patatas bravas. Regulars will recognize the attention to detail in both seafood and vegetarian bites.
Cava Restaurant has been serving proper Spanish small plates to Toronto for years, leaning into the regional flavours you'd find in a Madrid bodega or a Basque pintxos bar. Run by a passionate local team, Cava's menu focuses on classic Spanish charcuterie, seafood, and rotating seasonal tapas, always paired with a nuanced wine selection. The room is cozy but always busy, with an open kitchen and a low-key, sophisticated energy. It's beloved by those who care about jamón quality and aged sherry as much as lively, communal dining.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends—walk-ins are possible midweek but not guaranteed.
Get the jamón ibérico board and croquetas de jamón—these are consistently excellent and true to the Spanish style.
Great for groups of 4–6, but space is limited; larger parties should book well ahead.
Expect to spend $40–$70 per person, depending on wine and how many tapas you order.
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