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Taste Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Tapas/Small Plates Nightlife Bars Wine Bars Tapas/Small Plates, Wine Bars [Edit]
1210 1st St SWCalgary, AB T2R 0V4
(403) 233-7730
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11:30 am - 12 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Tue
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Trendy
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
29 reviews for Taste Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"Duck fat popcorn is all I have to say." In 5 reviews -
"The mac and cheese is excellent, as are the sandwiches." In 5 reviews -
"Small and intimate so fills up quickly." In 5 reviews
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29 reviews in English
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Review from Erin D.
2/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
My handsome dining companion and I ate $140.00 worth of small plates. I would say we ordered close to half the menu. I really, really, REALLY enjoyed myself at Taste. It is a beautiful, intimate space that has a bit of character to it as opposed to the rest of Calgary's text on wall, chalkboard menu, cement floor eating spaces. I particularly loved the photo of Suzanne Sommers hanging above the bar.
We were served by a delightfully irreverent, charming young man who flirted with both of us throughout the evening. He was attentive and helpful with recommendations. A couple of my favourite dishes were the Artichoke Dip, it was obscenely good and if I wasn't desperately trying to be polite I would have dipped my hands and ate out of the dish when we ran out of bread. The scallops we tried were beautifully cooked, perogies were insanely good and covered in a something that tasted like someone had ground up a delicious bag of potato chips and turned it into some kind of magical sauce. I also loved the Mac n' Cheese.
I haven't left a restaurant in Calgary obsessing over returning for a very long time. I can't wait to go back again and try out some more of the menu. Keep in mind this is a small plate, tapas style restaurant so no entrees which I actually prefer. I enjoyed sharing dishes with people so this was perfect for me. They don't take reservations so be prepared to wait during peak times but don't let that deter you, it's worth a visit. Enjoy!Listed in: Get What You Pay For!
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Review from Laura W.
Calgary, AB
3/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is a fabulous tapas bar close to my place. I would probably rate it higher, but unfortunately since I do not eat any meat except chicken and turkey, the availability of options on the menu is limited and so after going there a few times, I don't really have much of a variety to choose from.
Do not get me wrong - I think their food is great, but I like trying new things.
Three items that I really love are the artichoke dip, beet salad and the macaroni & cheese. I might just be obsessed with beets and truffle oil which is why I love the those three so much.
I like how small and quaint the restaurant is. I often sit at the sharing tables and hope that I would get someone interesting to sit next to, but its never happened. Instead I have just been enjoying the company of my friends.
I also really love their wine list. The servers always have a recommendation and the price isn't too steep (I am no connoisseur, just comparing to other restaurants I have been too)
I had dessert here only once, it was delicious. They had a trio of creme caramels and it was just yummy! I will have to do dessert again next time!
I would recommend Taste if you want some fresh food and a neat atmosphere. -
Review from Tara M.
2/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
Taste does a "whatever we can find left in the restaurant" $30 three-course blind menu on Tuesdays. This pandered well to my food-adventure side, so I went for it.
Throughout the courses I was simultaneously delighted and disappointed.
I was impressed at the complexity of the dishes considering the chef had thrown them together that day with what they had in the kitchen. I appreciate the economics of this idea. (It's fun for the people AND we can get rid of all the heirloom tomatoes that were over ordered!).
Throughout the courses it was a bit obvious that they had to get rid of both tomatoes and beef so the overall meal lacked contrast and was very heavy. I would have appreciated a vegetable or salad course to cut the heaviness of the meal.
The dishes were good, but they were not the same level of good between each other. Had I ordered the cabbage rolls without getting a Jamaican patty, I would have never thought the cabbage rolls were a bit on the plain/gristly side in comparison to the bold and playful flavors of the patty; I also wouldn't have noticed that the cabbage roll was a bit out of place overall next to the patty and the star of the show, the bacon-wrapped burger on the homemade pretzel bun.
The burger was as interesting as it was delicious and the buns were so good several of us asked if we could take a dozen home. It was unfortunate that the previous two courses were so heavy because, try as I might, I could not finished my burger.
Although the three course dinner needs a bit of a polish I did like Taste; the service was attentive, it's intimate and small (my favorite kind of restaurant), the food is good, and the Tuesday night blind menu does makes Taste an interesting spot for a weekday date-night or friends-night-out.
T. -
Review from Missy D.
Calgary, AB
5/17/2012
I had the opportunity to check this place out finally. I went with a couple girls from work for lunch. Server was a little slow, but they were able to make most things gluten free (I'm a celiac), the homemade soup, which was a tomato bisque, was delicious and the sandwich was decent for gluten free. I've definitely had better bread, but was pleased none the less that I was at least able to eat a sandwich for once. I will be returning for sure!
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Review from Jamison U.
4/4/2012
Really an excellent offering of culinary craft. I had a number of really great small plates, all of them were delightful. If you cannot find something you like here you don't eat real food (period).
The Pig ears and Quail egg was a great twist on the old staple, scallops were cooked to perfection, all 5 of my dishes were excellent for sure. -
Review from Jessica C.
Calgary, AB
1/24/2012
I love Taste for the simple reason that I get to try EVERYTHING. Which is obviously the point.
I'm 'that girl.' You know, that one that pours over every menu, changes her mind at least five times, then blurts something out randomly when the server comes to take the order. 'That girl' immediately experience diner's remorse and then proceeds to negotiate a bite of all of the dishes at the table. Not irritating at all.
So Taste is a good spot for me. Some of my favourites:
- Duck fat popcorn. Sounds disgusting, but OH. EM. GEE. It's like crack, without the obviously health and social implications.
- Gnocchi. I will devour anything associated with truffles. This is no different.
- Mac'n'cheese. I have spent the last two years perfecting a mac'n'cheese recipe, so I will say decisively (and without bias, obviously) that isn't as good as mine. But still worth the trip.
- Pork chop. If you've read my review for Boxwood, you will understand my devotion to pork as a meat medium.
- Beef vindaloo. Nom nom nom.
I also really like the beef tartare, which I'm kind of picky about. The only thing I've had there that didn't float my boat was the fish tasting board. Turns out that I don't like cold fish. It's a texture thing. I'm sure a seafood fan would love it.
Food aside, I love the atmosphere. Small and intimate, where the love of good food and good wine abounds. It's my kind of place. -
Review from Shannon H.
Calgary, AB
2/10/2012
Oddly, I'm always in the area but I've never eaten here before. Now that I have, I'm kicking myself that I hadn't done it sooner.
Before I came into Taste I had a certain impression: expensive but small portions, perhaps a good place to entertain a business client...
The reality was slightly different: while you'd never call it cheap, portions are plenty big for 'tapas', and the food is outstanding. My wife and I left with a $50 bill and I really felt we'd gotten a great deal - 3 tapas and a cocktail and each one was a work of art!
We tried some of the horse tartar - this isn't something I'd order on my own, ever, but someone else at our table had some and I tried it - it was delicious! I tell you, this is the place to be brave and try something new, because no matter what you have you'll love it! -
Review from Merry K.
12/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Last night was my birthday so I got to choose any restaurant I wanted. I've heard such good things about Taste that it was first on my list. We arrived early-ish (around 6) because they don't take reservations. Unfortunately there were no tables free when we arrived but a nice couple made room for us at one of the communal tables.
I love tapas because you can try lots of different things in one meal. We had Christmas in a Tube (sausage), scallops, pork chop, edamame, pork belly but the stellar standout of the evening was the gnocchi with truffles and wild mushrooms. Honestly gnocchi is not one of my favorite pastas because it can often be heavy and dense. This gnocchi were pillows of pasta goodness. YUM!
The service was stellar throughout the meal and it couldn't have been better. We finished off dinner with the creme brulee trio. My husband really loved that they had a specialty bourbon on their menu since very few restaurants in Calgary feature bourbon.
I can't wait to return to this lovely restaurant! -
Review from Linh N.
Calgary, AB
Don't overlook this small and chummy restaurant because it comes with amazing tapas and service.
It's a very small place so there's a good chance you have to sit at the bar, but don't let that discourage your opportunity to try this place.
The mac and cheese here was superb. Best I've tasted so far. Their tomato salad was very fresh. It came with a unique mascarpone spread and dressing that was delicious, and I'm not a fan of salad. I've never heard of duck fat popcorn so I gave that a try. It tasted like theatre popcorn with chunks of duck meat on top.
I loved the scallops. It bursted with flavor and the miniature pan they used was very cute. The seafood platter was delightful and their imported beer selections were quite pleasant.
The washroom was very intimate. Watch where you're going because it's quite dark.
I love the atmosphere and comfort this restaurant portrays. The vibe is very relaxed. Take that along with great food=excellente! -
Review from Chelsea K.
Calgary, AB
8/16/2011 ROTD 2/4/2012
Absolutely wonderful.
This restaurant is small and intimate, offering share plates including appetizers and meat and cheese boards.
I've been here on two occasions: once on a date, and recently with a group of friends. Both times have been delightful.
On my last visit we had an assortment of dishes including pretzel bites, mac'n' cheese, a couple salads, and dessert. We had a vegan with us, so the chef made a special chickpea dish for and was able to make modifications to the dishes.
The pretzel bites are worth the trip alone. Soft, salty, and paired with a badass spicy mustard: this is what I assume heaven's waiting room serves when they run out of crack.
On my last visit, a few of drinks and enough food to leave me stuffed and happy came to less than $60 with tip. Very much worth it.Listed in: Accommodating to Vegetarians
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Review from Karmen I.
Calgary, AB
10/12/2011
Hands down, one of my favourite restaurants in town . . . and I've only been there for lunch!
The food is consistently creative and delicious. I work nearby and am happy to have such convenient access to fabulous food at a very reasonable price. One of my comfort food-y favourites is a lunchtime mac&cheese, with either soup or salad. Perfect!
The service has always been quick, attentive and friendly. No complaints at all - and I'm a big stickler for customer service!
I've gone with co-workers and also have had friends meet me there for lunch, and everyone is always impressed. I look forward to further exploring the lunch menu, and I can't wait to make this an evening destination! I'm sure I'll only fall more in love with it . . . . -
Review from Trace F.
Calgary, AB
8/21/2011
You have to respect a restaurant that has this much dedication to its craft. This place just has passion! Staff is well educated on the menu and take ample time helping you select a wine pairing. The menu provides a plethora of food choices categorized by price point. The wine list changes monthly if I can remember correctly and is presented with clever descriptions of the flavor/origin. Contemporary decor, soft lighthing, and excellent food play into this whimsical hang out.
Love it. -
Review from Cynthia F.
Vancouver, BC
7/20/2011
Delicious, delicious, delicious. We thoroughly enjoyed eight different items (Quinoa Salad, Scallops, Gnocchi, Beef Tartare, Artichoke Dip, Lamp Chops, and Tacos) and each one was exquisite. A dozen roses to the Chefs.
Service was wonderful from all staff. Servers help each other out so smoothly and treat all customers so special.
Ambiance was perfect. Music was vibrant without being too loud. No need to shout to chat with your dinner partners.
Did I mention the modern minimalist decor? Clean, simple, upscale. Cool (as us older folks say.)
Enjoy the surprise at the end of your meal :)
There was not one aspect any of the four of us would change about Taste. Well done to the owner(s), manager(s) and staff. -
Review from Michele G.
Lloydminster, AB
11/28/2011
All I have to say is the best things come in small packages. I didn't realize that it would be "hole-in-the-wall" small atmosphere but it was so cozy we sat at the bar and the staff did great job of giving is the low down of how how to choose plates and wine. I give props to the cook because the Beef Vindaloo was my favorite and tasted just like my mom's. Holy cow amazing. Great experience.
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Review from John S.
Calgary, AB
9/21/2010
Wandered over to Taste after seeing some great reviews.
Was greeted at the door by Brendan, big, tall Brendan. LOL
Had the Duck Fat Popcorn, Wow.
A small bowl of French Onion Soup and the Spicy Italian Sandwich.
The Sandwich was absolutely outstanding.
Had a couple of beers, nice and cold and the service was excellent.
I left fully satisfied and completely delighted.
The great news is I live 2 blocks away.
Will return often. -
Review from Linda C.
10/10/2010
I was looking for a tapas restaurant in Calgary and came across Taste.
The Short: Great food, Great service, Great ambiance.
** Tues is a tasting menu for $30 - A good night to try this place out.
**Also, Thurs are 'sausage fest' night where they have sausages and beer on special.
The Long:
Was very excited and looking forward to my tapas meal and to catch up with an old friend. What a wonderful place for both!!! It's not too big, and has a nice cozy ambiance. When the sunsets, its nicely lit with dim (but not too dim) lighting. There are a few tall 'bar' type tables and regular tables mixed together. The music is not too loud so that you can have comfortable conversations.
For dinner, at first I thought the menu was limited. However, after finishing our meal i changed my mind - it is just right. They have a section that's $5, $10, $15, and then plates of 3 items of 'fish', 'meat', or 'cheese' that's $20 - and those plates are changed frequently. It's nice cuz every time you come in, you can mix and match different items and have a whole different (yet complete) meal. All the food we tried was great!!! (more details below)
They have a nice small but varietal selection of 6 reds and 6 whites (all Rieslings tonight), cocktails, and beers. All are changed quite frequently as we were told by our waitress. Our waitress was super nice as we couldn't decide which white wine we wanted (since we normally dont' drink wine) and she let us taste 2 diff bottles to help us decide! Was sooo helpful in our decision and made our dinner enjoyable as we weren't 'stuck' with a glass of wine that we didn't like.
What we ordered (wish i took pics but forgot):
We decided to choose one item from the $5, $10, and $15 meal, and then finish with 2 desserts, and we were full!
1) duck fat popcorn - which is popcorn that was popped/cooked in duck fat. You might think ewww, but it was REALLY tasty! the popcorn actually picked up the duck flavor! I guess it's good if you like duck, and not so good if you're not a fan of duck, luckily I am a fan of duck!
2) porcini mushroom gnocchi - they make their own gnocchi in house which is nice (the only way I eat it ;) hahah) and it was drizzled with truffle oil. The taste was yummy.
3) Pork belly - my favorite pork belly EVER!!!! There was nice flavour and the skin was mod crispy because it was caramelized!!! sooo yummy with the sweetness that comes through, and with the red pepper sauce it was soo nice. I would definitely come back here just for the pork belly. A must try!!
4) Shared 2 desserts:
a) tiramisu - it's not a traditional tiramisu, it was a tuile cup filled with lady finger on the bottom ( i believe) and the cream and mocha filled the rest of the cup, with a coconut sauce on the plate which kinda tasted like coconut evaporated milk! hahah. Was a good portion and nice and creamy - but not to overly heavy. I actually enjoyed this more than a traditional tiramisu, and the tuile gives a nice crispy part to it.
b) a trio of creme brulee: cinnamon, ginger, and clove - Very nice flavors, I liked the cinnamon and clove, but didn't care too much for the ginger but that's a personal taste as i don't like ginger that much (such a disgrace being that I'm Asian! hahah jk). -
Review from s c.
Calgary, AB
11/13/2011
This restaurant is my ideal weekday lunch destination. the decor is design-savvy, down to details like somewhere to put/hang your purse regardless of where you sit. the menu concept is simple and appealing. the dishes are enjoyable and well proportioned. whereas pub food will leave you sleepy and dreading returning to work in the afternoon, a soup and sandwich at taste are just right. the service is quick and i'm usually able to finish up lunch without worrying about being back to work late. i'm a big fan of the tomato soup and grilled cheese combo (with a touch of blue cheese). the 'cherry' - you bill is always accompanied by a homemade miniature cupcake - different each time. these can also be purchased by the dozen, and unlike most cupcakes i come across they aren't too sweet, and there's not an absurd excess of icing.
i'd really like to go back for after work drinks - it seems like a nice spot for that as well.
highly recommend! -
Review from Tara R.
Calgary, AB
11/27/2011
Loved it.
We walked in on Saturday night and noticed it was tiny and there was a line. While we waited for the host we quickly reviewed the other restaurants in the area, certain we would be turned away. Within moments, the host rearranged the entire restaurant and had us seated at the bar with a promise to be moved to a table as soon as possible. Not only were they true to their word and had us at a great table at the window within 20 minutes, they stopped by to let us know that they would be putting a group of young girls at the table behind us immediately and the nice table they had saved for us would be ready momentarily. Not really necessary but a great touch, it avoid those few moments of stewing about why someone else got seated first.
We were not as thrilled with the wine menu as we hoped. The bartender was very knowledgeable and helpful but the wines didn't really wow us. I am sure it does someone but since I am pretty sure there is lots of wine in the building I am not sure it would kill them to expand the wine menu.
The food was amazing we had 8 different tapas and they were all excellent. In fact, we had two servings of the Tar tare. The service continued to be terrific all night long. Most of the desserts were great but we did couldn't finish the bacon creme brulee. Even so, it is great to have the option to try new and interesting food.
Unlike some of the other reviews we didn't find it as thrifty a choice as others for our group of 4 we spent about $250.00 + tip. -
Review from Trevor M.
Calgary, AB
4/1/2011
Mmm Mmm Mmm!!
Great location, atmosphere, knowledgeable staff and in the end every little morsel of food was gobbled up and plates licked clean haha.
The 3 people who joined me had the same reaction and we all said we would go back any time!
Thank you for an intimate, delightful dining experience! -
Review from Sarah B.
6/6/2010 ROTD 5/10/2011
Taste might be my favorite restaurant in Calgary right now. Here's my top 5 reasons why:
5. It is good quality food.
4. The wine list is matched to the food and changes often. You get a short list to choose from and you know they'll be delicious. The cocktails are also well made (I'm picky, trust my opinion).
3. The kitchen is open until midnight every night (it's hard to find good food past 9pm in this city).
2. It isn't expensive. I've done a bottle of wine and enough food for 4 people for around $130 there.
1. It's the perfect home away from home. You can linger, ordering a plate or two at a time and enjoying drinks and good company. It's also a great place to go, sit at the counter/bar and have a great time by yourself.Listed in: Friday Calgary Cocktails
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Review from dinah g.
Calgary, AB
Updated - 11/24/2009 8 photos
I was so impressed with visiting Taste last week; I decided to come back again this week for more temptations. This time I had the pleasure of meeting the owner who was actually our waiter and I was so impressed by his commitment to his business by providing his most personal service. He was pleasant and funny and gave us the space to really Taste our luncheon.
My friend had the roast beef sandwich and potato salad and I dove into the large Dagwood sandwich with the squash and pumpkin soup. Both platters were fresh and delicious, and my sandwich was so large I had to bring the other half home. The take out box was a very handsome origami carton box which was akin to the simple well designed interior of the restaurant.
To top off our visit we had the chocolate truffles and raspberry mouse and a delicious coffee which was the nicest encore to our already fabulous meal.
Taste scored yet another 5 star meal experience for me and again I recommend it as Calgary's newest hotspot.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/21/2009 First to Review
Walking past the Starbucks of the Hotel Arts building, I discovered a new gem in the city, Taste… Read more »
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Review from Anthony M.
Calgary, AB
3/29/2011
Great nuevo tapas style bistro. Small and intimate so fills up quickly. The walls to could use some sound dampeners as it was a little loud for such a small space. The food was very good and the service super. Best Mac and Cheese I have had in a restaurant in a while. Given its location parking is a bit of a challenge so be sure to give yourself some extra time..
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Review from Rebecca M.
Calgary, AB
2/11/2011
All I can say is delicious.
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Review from Cathy D.
Calgary, AB
3/7/2011
I've been to Taste 3 times now (lunch only) and have enjoyed it every time. The menu is small but inventive, and the wine list is also well done. The wine list gives the opportunity to try wines that aren't usually found on most city wine lists. Very much enjoyed that. The mac and cheese is excellent, as are the sandwiches. Good location, simple but nice decor and good service. I'm fairly fussy and Taste didn't disappoint. Looking forward to trying them for dinner.
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Review from Kyla L.
Calgary, AB
10/30/2010
Taste of amazingness. Yes this place is worth the hype. Duck fat popcorn is all I have to say. Good food, good wine. You won't be disappointed.
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Review from Elizabeth v.
Edmonton, AB
6/4/2011
The menu is fantastic and the wine selelction was really good. Was a bit crowded and noisy, but that's what you get with a popular place. The highlight was the duck fat popcorn (was freaked out at the thought before tasting, but was it ever tasty) and the mac and cheese. Will definitely being going back again!
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Review from Brian S.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 3/19/2011
Back again this year and things haven't changed. I think they have just got better. We had some fantastic dishes, including popcorn with duck toppings, some great fish platters which included Ceviche, smoked salmon and more. The service was also great - funny, entertaining and most importantly informative. Hopefully I'll be back soon.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/27/2010
I went to taste after a long day at the Calgary Home Show and was very impressed. It was a nice,… Read more »
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Review from Jay M.
10/20/2010
Nice atmosphere and great service. I ordered two dishes and they were both excellent. The mac n cheese is the best! I will definitely be back.
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Review from chris b.
Calgary, AB
8/8/2010
delicious food, delicious wine, outstanding service! Laid back atmosphere inside. awesome menu that changes monthly...same with the wines. definitely a favorite of ours. great for a night out with afew friends. Get there early...it's cozy!
