Tucked away in Villeray, the Spanish bistro Mesón is the brainchild of the folks behind Tapeo. The space itself feels like a Spanish social club—warm, a little worn-in, with just the right amount of elegance. The team at Mesón has nailed the balance between cosy and cool. Come for the food, stay for the company, and leave with plans to come back.

Come for dinner, and you’re in for a ride. The menu isn’t trying to reinvent anything—it’s pure, unfiltered Spanish comfort food. Dishes like patatas bravas with that perfect golden crisp, or pan con tomate that’s equal parts simple and sublime. Then there’s the heavy hitters: rich chorizo and blood sausage cassoulet, arroces… and for brunch? You’re looking at crepes with Manchego and blueberries, pan-fried patatas bravas topped with eggs, and the kind of churros with chocolate sauce.