Revel Lounge and Espresso Bar – A New Italian Gem with a Hip Downtown Feel

As I walked into this new eatery, I was taken a back with its vintage yet cool and modern look; it’s something you would expect to see on trendy Queen West, not in Woodbridge. The unassuming look from the outside did not prepare me for what I was about to see… I was hooked; between the large sleek bar, black and white colour scheme to the statement wall of artists both past and past, it was all riveting to look at. I was greeted immediately by a beautiful young woman who introduced herself as Natasha, one of the owners; now I was even more intrigued.

​This family run business opened in January and took nearly a year to build. The whole space is custom, taking inspiration from the owners and their various ages that range from 30 – 60 years. What makes this space unique is the car material upholstered booths and of course the incredible feature wall of inspirational celebrities. This custom wall was created using thin strips of wallpaper placed back together to recreate these beautiful images ranging from Sophia Loren to Elvis to Jim Morrison. 

​I had the pleasure to sit down with owners Natasha and Filomena to discuss the inspiration for this eatery and these two lovely ladies welcomed me in like family, sharing with me their vision for the future. Right now this trendy and casual joint is the perfect mix of old school Italian café with a modern twist. The inviting atmosphere is great to enjoy with friends or with the whole family. Relax at the bar with an espresso or sit in one of their comfy booths for a freshly cooked, homestyle meal. This sounds great; right? Well, according to Natasha, Revel has much more to offer in the near future. They plan to offer a late-night Italian-style tapas menu with live music or a DJ, bringing the place to life. They want to create a fun and unique vibe, different than anything else in Vaughan. As of now, they are open Monday to Friday from 7am – 6pm but stay patient because these exciting additions are happening soon and I can’t wait to check out this local laidback lounge when this launches.

Not to worry, I am getting to the food; and how could I not talk about these delicious offerings. Everything is prepared fresh daily and everything is made from scratch including their desserts and biscotti. In an area where competition can be stiff, these owners know what is needed to stand apart. After hearing all their delectable meals and daily specials, I knew that I needed to try their veal cutlet with vegetables, rapini and potatoes. This dish did not disappoint. Tender and moist veal that was perfectly seasoned in a fresh tomato sauce; you can’t ask for more than that. I finished the meal with an espresso that they served with an almond biscotto; a great way to end lunch is with a smooth espresso with a nice foam and a crunchy cookie to appease my sweet tooth.  
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Between the trendy laidback atmosphere and the friendliness of the staff, I will definitely be returning soon to revel in everything they have to offer.
 
Revel Lounge and Espresso Bar
7694 Islington Ave
Monday to Saturday 7am – 6pm