Inside Madrina: The new Catalan tapas bar in Toronto's Distillery District
Madrina, Spanish for godmother, is Toronto’s newest restaurant in the Distillery District.
From the same folks behind El Catrin and Cluny, the Catalan tapas bar is helmed by Executive Chef Ramon Simarro, and features a mix of traditional Iberian fare along with modern dishes inspired by Ferran Adrià.
Photo courtesy of Madrina
Designed by Studio Munge and built-out by BUILD IT, the space breaths new life into the former Tappo Wine Bar and features rustic design features including geometric-patterned floors, arched oak doorways, and artworks from Mattea Perrotta.
Daily Hive Staff
The menu deals in tapas, including el Bulli-inspired offerings like spherical olives that pop with briny green olive juice, and a savoury manchego cheese cappuccino flavoured with coffee and cocoa nibs.
Daily Hive Staff
More traditional offerings include mussels escabeche, pintxos Gilda, bite-sized skewers threaded with anchovies, olives, and peppers, and a patatas bravas layered up like a millefeuille.
Daily Hive Staff
Drinks-wise, there’s Cava, vermouth, and a quartet of gin and tonics on the menu. More importantly, just in time to satisfy summertime cravings, there’s sangria available by the pitcher or in giant globe wine glasses.
Daily Hive Staff
Despite showcasing the menu at a media preview earlier this week, the restaurant is awaiting the completion of its patio before opening to the public. Torontonians can look forward to dining on tapas as of July 11.
Madrina
Address: 2 Trinity Street, Toronto
Phone: 416-548-8055