A dinner and show is a classic night out for a reason, and this immersive new gallery bar serves up cocktails, tapas and entertainment.
Canvas Art Bar opened its doors about a month ago and its colorful space is full of surprises ranging from interactive paintings to steaming cocktails and live comics, poets and magicians.
Nestled in the town of Port Credit, just 30 minutes from Toronto, the emerging art scene is in full swing at this hidden new joint covered in head-to-toe art where even tables are for sale.
Co-owners of the swanky new spot Giuliao Franco, 29, and Ben Osmow, 28, have been friends since high school, and Osmow says they were looking to bring some culture to the area.
Exterior of the Canvas Art Bar. Madeleine Forsyth | Narcity
“We wanted to open a place where people would like to go in Mississauga, something that was very vibrant and aesthetically appealing,” says Osmow. “Something a bit more artistic that can help us promote local artists and at the same time create a good atmosphere for people to enjoy.”
Space
From the outside, Canvas Art Bar looks like a small gallery due to the speakeasy-style entrance. However, once you go through the hidden door, you’ll find yourself in a colorful, art-filled space, and it’s hard to know where to look first.
Entryway with purple sofa and artwork. Madeleine Forsyth | Narcity
The walls are covered in paintings, graffiti, and other artwork, and even the tabletops are covered in patterns. The constantly rotating pieces of art mean there will always be something new to see.
The front area includes a dining area, where you can enjoy tapas and cocktails while viewing paintings or taking Instagram-worthy photos under the neon sign “Paint me like one of your girls French”.
Dining room with pink neon sign and candlelit tables. Madeleine Forsyth | Narcity
Some of the artwork comes to life, and you can use an app to see the paintings move and transform from your screen.
The art extends into the bathroom, where you’ll see unique murals and designs splashed onto the cabin doors.
Event space with artwork and red sofas. Madeleine Forsyth | Narcity
The back of the lounge has event space and you can watch shows such as magicians, poets, comedians and entertainers.
There’s even a rooftop terrace in the works, which should open in the next few weeks.
The food
This sprawling, rotating menu is packed with delicious tapas and spreads in an affordable $7-$18 price range, with options like Sammy Samosas and Truff’acado Toast to Spicy Feta with Fried Pita.
The Truff’acado Toast is an age-old dream with creamy guacamole on toast dressed in truffle oil and balsamic vinegar topped with prosciutto, parmesan and tomatoes for $11.
Truff’acado toast.Madeleine Forsyth | Narcity
Attendees can also snack on smaller plates like Garlic Shrimp Skewers for $11, Puff Pastry Sammy Samosas Stuffed with Beef or Vegetables for $9, or if you’re a cheese lover, Tequeños Filled with Queso white for $12.
Garlic shrimp skewers.Madeleine Forsyth | Narcity
If you’re looking for a more substantial dish, you might want to try the Maple Glazed Salmon which serves two servings of salmon on a bed of guacamole with a soft maple glaze for $13.
Maple glazed salmon.Madeleine Forsyth | Narcity
Another great protein option is Ćevapi and Ajvar, a Balkan meat dish consisting of a mix of juicy lamb and beef served with a vegetable spread for $13.
Charcuterie board.Madeleine Forsyth | Narcity
If you’re looking to treat yourself, the most expensive item on the menu is the charcuterie platter which can easily serve a party of three and will change occasionally, according to Osmow. This means that diners will have a culinary surprise from time to time.
The drinks
Don’t expect to find your typical drinks on the menu here. The venue prides itself on its specialty cocktail creations, with new drinks always being added to the list.
The Ruby Beach is a fruity cocktail perfect for sipping in the summer. At $16, the gin drink is mixed with simple syrup, grenadine, lemon juice and crushed raspberries.
Ruby Beach and Blue Suasion. Madeleine Forsyth | Narcity
If you’re looking for something unique, you can order the $15 Blue Suasion, which is an in-house creation. The vibrant cocktail is filled with white rum, lemon liqueur, lime juice, and more, and is garnished with dehydrated lime and rosemary.
Blue suasion.Madeleine Forsyth | Narcity
The $14 Espresso Martini will wake you up right away and features vodka, home-brewed espresso, and Kahlúa.
The bar is all about presentation, so you can expect fun toppings and twists like smoked drinks. Other drinks include unique beer and wine.
Canvas Art Bar
Drinks under a neon sign.
Madeleine Forsyth | Narcity
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: international
Address: 80 Lakeshore Road. E., Mississauga, Ont.
Why you have to go: Sip drinks and enjoy tapas while surrounded by colorful artwork in this immersive new bar.
Menu
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
