#FOOD: BAR BATTLE RETURNS MAY 25, 2026 AT NAARI

Naari and Valley of Mother of God Gin are bringing together two of Toronto’s rising stars in the bar industry for an evening of cocktails, competition, and community with an intimate Bar Battle from 5:30PM–7:00PM on Monday, May 25 at Naari. For one evening only, Walter Reis of Lyla, known for vibrant tropical cocktails inspired by his Brazilian roots, and Julian Manley of Radici Project, whose bold, high-energy cocktail style draws from his background in punk and metal music, will go head-to-head in a live cocktail competition where guests and an industry judging panel will crown the evening’s winning cocktail.

Purchase tickets via Naari’s OpenTable under Experiences HERE.

The lineup for the battle includes Walter Reis representing Lyla and Julian Manley representing Radici Project. For $30 per person, guests will sip on one original cocktail from each competing bartender featuring Valley of Mother of God Gin, paired alongside curated light bites from Naari’s culinary team. Guests will also have the opportunity to cast their vote for their favourite cocktail in the evening’s People’s Choice category.

Representing Lyla, the Queen West Mediterranean-inspired restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere, design-forward interiors, and hospitality-driven approach to dining and cocktails, is Walter Reis. A Brazil-born hospitality professional recognized for his energetic, guest-focused presence, Walter brings a cocktail style rooted in tropical flavours, fresh ingredients, and balanced modern technique. Reflective of Lyla’s refined yet lively approach to contemporary hospitality, his cocktails blend creativity, approachability, and vibrant flavour profiles inspired by his roots.

Representing Radici Project, a contemporary Italian/Japanese Toronto dining destination rooted in ingredient-driven hospitality, seasonality, and modern culinary craftsmanship, is Julian Manley. Known for his bold, high-energy approach to cocktails, Julian brings an expressive and boundary-pushing perspective behind the bar, creating unexpected flavour combinations inspired by his longtime background in punk and metal music. Reflective of Radici Project’s thoughtful and refined approach to hospitality, his cocktails balance creativity, technique, and guest experience in ways designed to surprise and engage.

Throughout the evening, guests will have the opportunity to interact directly with the bartenders, sample each cocktail, and experience the creativity and hospitality shaping Toronto’s cocktail scene today.
To conclude the evening, an industry judging panel will select the Judge’s Choice winner while guests in attendance will vote live for the People’s Choice cocktail. Both winners will be announced at the end of the event.

Guests will also enjoy light bites from recently launched Naari – a unique Thai restaurant that blends Thai barbeque with Chinese, Indian and Burmese influences.