When it Opened
December 2022
Who’s Behind it
Concorde Entertainment Group.
Why We Love it Already
It’s hard to top this downtown “see-and-be-seen” spot for people-watching. Spread out over two storeys — a spacious upstairs and a main level, where a packed bar, dining room and open kitchen coexist — plus, a patio brimming with the A-list crowd during the warm-weather months, Barbarella is a hit no matter where you sit. A playlist of upbeat tunes adds to the energetic buzz. The food is crowd-pleasing Coastal Italian: think pastas like linguini with clams, and spaghetti limone, or the always-in-demand fried artichokes, comfortingly familiar and consistently prepared. Super-sommelier Brad Royale’s Italian- and Californian-focused wine list offers much in the way of affordable, expertly chosen options. The happy hour, with its strong cocktail program and house-made limoncello, is a tempting way to spend an afternoon.
240 8 Ave. S.W., 403-888-1658 (text only), barbarellabar.ca, @thebarbarellabar