Fuego Tapas Bar is one of the latest new independent restaurants to open along Lakeshore Road East in historical downtown Oakville. The food is Spanish served tapas style (small shareable plates), the staff is attentive, and the atmosphere warm and inviting.
For many years this location was Cafe Galleria, and then for a brief period a Mexican restaurant which couldn't find it's legs. Now Chef Stephanie Brewster, Chopped Canada, and her husband have opened up Fuego.
[restaurants name="Fuego Tapas Bar" website="http://fuegotapasbar.com/" location="151 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville Ontario L6J 1H3" phone="289-837-3473" score="4.5" food="4.5" service="4.5" wc="4.0" reservations="yes" licensed="yes" hours="Closed;11:30 AM to 9:00 PM;11:30 AM to 19:00 PM;11:30 AM to 10:00 PM;11:30 AM to 11:00 PM;10:00 AM to 11:00 PM;10:00 AM to 9:00 PM" takeout="yes" delivery="no" pricedinner="3.0" childmenu="no" type="Spanish: Brunch, Lunch & Dinner"]
You enter the restaurant which is located down a corridor between Marble Slab Creamery, and The Works. The entrance is dated and leaky, but once you get through the front door you are greeted by warm orange walls, and Picasso black and white prints. The restaurant is broken into three distinct spaces with a bar located in the first niche. The chairs are comfortable, and the tables are for two, but can easily be moved to create room for larger groups. There isn't a great deal of seating, so if you are planning to go on a Friday or Saturday, I would recommend a reservation.
The food is really why I suggest dining at Fuego. From appetizers and main courses to desserts are all plates designed to be shared. Start with the warmed olives or calamari with fresh chimichurri. The lamb is melt in your mouth and sublime. The various cheese dishes are luscious. There is an extensive wine list, and what would a Spanish restaurant would be without a homemade Sangria. Desserts, a particular favourite of mine, are executed extremely well, creatively presented, and homemade. You can tell Stephanie knows what she is doing and cares deeply about the quality of every ingredient.
The service is solid, with staff that are as passionate about the food as Stephanie. They are attentive as well as responsive. One time our server was a past student of Mrs. Brewster, and so excited to be working with her. The cost for a meal for two without wine runs about $35.00 per person which includes appetizer, main course and dessert.
