Islas Filipino BBQ & Bar

Experience the vibrant flavors of Filipino cuisine at iSLAS, where culture meets cuisine in the heart of Parkdale, Toronto.

Welcome to iSLAS, where culture meets cuisine in the heart of Parkdale, Toronto. The name iSLAS represents the 7,641 islands that make up the beautiful Philippines, a country rich in diverse ethnicities and cultures that have influenced its cuisine.

Filipino cooking has evolved over centuries, blending Austronesian roots with Malay, Chinese, Spanish, American, and indigenous influences. The flavors of Filipino cuisine are a harmonious combination of sweet, sour, and salty, with spicy notes prevalent in certain regions.

Vinegar is a common ingredient, and dishes like Adobo, a vinegar-based meat dish, are beloved for their simplicity and ability to improve in taste over time. Rice is a staple, served alongside meat, fish, stews, soups, and vegetable dishes.

In the Philippines, cooking and eating have always been communal and informal, centered around the family kitchen. Traditional Filipino meals consist of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with an afternoon snack called meriénda.

While Filipinos do not typically use chopsticks, Western influence has introduced the use of flatware such as forks, knives, and spoons. However, the primary utensils at a Filipino dining table are the spoon and fork. Some say that Filipinos can skillfully cut anything with a spoon and fork alone, eliminating the need for knives.

Another traditional way of eating is with the hands, particularly for grilled or fried dishes. Known as “kamayan,” this practice involves taking a bite of the main dish and then combining it with rice using the fingers. While less common in urban areas, Filipinos embrace kamayan-style eating during nature outings, beach vacations, picnics, and town fiestas.

Whether you choose to eat with utensils or embrace the hands-on experience, we are delighted to have you here at iSLAS. We invite you to embark on a culinary adventure and savor every mouthful of our diverse and flavorful Filipino cuisine. The husband and wife Executive Chef Marc Buenaventura and Front of the House General Manager Mariel Buenaventura share a vision of introducing Filipino cuisine and hospitality to Toronto, and we are excited to share this journey with you.