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Deseo Bistro
Categories: Restaurants Tapas/Small Plates Restaurants Latin American Tapas/Small Plates, Latin American [Edit]
696 Osborne StreetWinnipeg, MB R3L 2B9
(204) 452-2561
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
4 reviews for Deseo Bistro
4 reviews in English
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Review from DineoutGal A.
Winnipeg, MB
Updated - 10/3/2011 7 photos
Gone from the Royal Albert location (due to the ongoing water main break issue that occurred in early summer '11) Deseo finally relocated in a new spot since early September. They've taken over the space that was home to the short lived Champa Bistro and before that, Vesuvios. The two-story bistro is now in south Osborne near a little hub of restaurants like Bistro 7 & 1/4 and Monticchio.
The downstairs space is a cool dimly lit space with a beautifully restored tin ceiling with tons of dangling clear light bulbs, dark wooden tables and chairs. The top floor is light and airy and decorated with restraint where the bar/lounge and alternate dining space resides. The lounge portion opens till 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays after the lower restaurant portion closes around 10 pm or so. The lower level dining room is intimate but gets quite noisy as well on the weekend - very lively feel. It gave off a great night life vibe that lacks in many of the city's restaurants.
Service is knowledgeable and attentive. The menu has mostly stayed the same but the bistro has expanded though many old faves have stayed. They have a larger alcohol menu and they even accept credit now! This is a huge improvement from the cash only system at the previous location.
Now this place has always built itself on a Latin inspired small plates concept. They changed a section in the menu to "mains" which has items that average $20 so in my mind they moved towards an entree style menu in the traditional sense. But really, it's just like the former "big bites" or whatever they called it so it's just a pricier protein in a slightly larger small plate portion size. Definitely NOT a "main" that will satiate you unless you order a bunch of other plates too. Case in point, we ordered a lamb loin ($22) great spices used and paired with a small portion of yogurt and pureed lentils. Now if this dish had been served in other restaurants, you'd likely get a similar sized lamb portion but you'd also get lots of veg and a starch and it'd cost you about $32. Well here, they charge you for the protein essentially so I can see why some people feel they are getting "ripped off". But it's really more "a la carte" like 529 Wellington where you have to order a bunch of things to add onto your protein dish.
Anyways, I digress, dishes were very tasty, well executed and had great flavours such as the spicy prawns dish ($10) and the super yummy sweet breads ($12) that were a play on chicken wings and blue cheese dip. The seafood stew ($22) had perfectly cooked scallops, mussels and prawns in a flavourful tomato sauce. The lamb loin as mentioned before has exceptional flavour. The shortribs ($20) was a little disappointing as the beef was a bit dry - even the wonderful sauce didn't help moisten it.
To me this is more like Segovia - you linger over drinks with a smattering of dishes and great conversation. It's not the traditional starter, entree, dessert place so I can see the disappointment from people expecting that. But remember, small plates doesn't mean small prices - I'd say that's it's pretty easy to spend about $40 to $50 for a drink and 2-3 plates. It's not that pricey when you think that a chain restaurant like Earls will end up the same if I order a starter, entree and drink. So to me, I'd rather support a local business that expands Winnipeg's dining scene as opposed to pandering to mediocrity.Listed in: Favourite Dinner Spots
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/3/2010 First to Review
I've been here several times and have enjoyed my meals. The space hasn't changed much since the… Read more »
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Review from John R.
Winnipeg, MB
Updated - 10/24/2011
Finally made it to the new location on Osborne for a late lunch found it to be decorated up very well. the service was top notch, we shared the sweet bread appetizer and the crunch salad and then on the the main course of cazuella. Overall it was all really good, the only issue I had was the large tasteless cubes in the crunch salad although they added to the crunch part I would have preferred flavor over filler. We topped it off with a chocolate cake that went very well with the wine we where drinking. Yes it was all was all very good, the bill end up at just over $90. I can see us coming back here again but for diner next time.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/26/2011
Went here looking for the Albert Diner found it has changed names and menu. What the heck we tried… Read more »
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Review from zulu d.
Winnipeg, MB
3/12/2011
The Bistro is in a nicely decorated, cosy space in one of Winnipeg's classic Exchange District streets. The food is imaginatively created, interesting, and delicious. The service is efficient, friendly, and appropriately informal.
One big downer: The bathrooms are borrowed from the nearby Albert Hotel- they are filthy, smelly, and neglected by all except illicit smokers. A glimpse of hell. Make sure you've emptied your bladder before you get there, and don't drink too much beer. -
Review from Kerry B.
Winnipeg, MB
8/16/2011
went looking for this place today. It is no longer open at least not at this location
