Seductive Seasoning
A restaurant and dance club that has been one of Yorkville’s hottest spots since 1993, Babalu’u combines exotic dinner and drinks with a decadent Latin dance club atmosphere. Babalu’u is named after the mythological epitome of female beauty, dedicated to excess, debauchery and hedonism, principles that guide the nightlife rituals. For atmosphere, the room features a handcrafted black granite bar, ocean lighting and hardwood floors. Martinis, mango juice, margaritas and sangria dominate the seductive drink list and the Mediterranean food fusion draws its influence from Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, France and Spain.

Dance Revolution
Salsa and merengue music and dancing becomes more prominent at Babalu’u as the night goes on. Beginners are accommodated, however, thanks lessons provided by members of the national ballets of both Canada and Cuba. The instruction helps newcomers and intermediate-level dancers feel comfortable strutting their stuff alongside the most experienced of rhythmic Latin movers.

Latin Delights
A full tapas menu is available at Babalu’u, featuring crispy spicy shrimp, fried calamari, Colombian empanada, grilled chorizo, pan fried Gruyere and sautéed asparagus are among the featured delicacies. Grilled lavish bread, guacamole, chickpeas, eggplant dip and salads accentuate the tapas selection. The broader menu highlights appetizers like tenderloin strips, house octopus and lemon or jerk chicken. Grilled salmon, seared sea bass, beef tenderloin and penne are among the featured entrées. And the Babalu’u paella features chicken, chorizo, shrimp and calamari in a saffron wine, or a seafood version with clams and mussels. Desserts range from crème brûlée to chocolate mousse, banana and carrot cake to ice cream and sorbet.