Tzin Wine & Tapas

4.5 star rating
20 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Wine Bars, Tapas Bars  [Edit]

10115 104 St NW
Edmonton, AB T5J 0Z9
(780) 428-8946
Make a Reservation
choose a date
Hours:

Tue-Thu 4 pm - 11 pm

Fri-Sat 4 pm - 12 am

Takes Reservations:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Dressy
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
No
Price Range:
$$$
Delivery:
No
Take Away:
No
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Late Night
Music:
DJ
Best Nights:
Wed, Thu, Sat
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
Yes
Noise Level:
Average
Good For Dancing:
No
Has TV:
No
Caters:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
No
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20 reviews in English

  • Review from Edward P.

    • 3 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    5.0 star rating
    3/28/2012

    We recently visited Tzin for a quick bite before a show at the Citadel.

    We instantly regretted having places to go and not being able to linger over everything....and clearly so was everyone else. Despite having a reservation we had to sit at the bar because the place was tiny and 2 or 3 groups were lingering over their bill. Glen immediately made amends with a glass of wine on the house, and seemed excessively generous regarding tastes and samples throughout the evening.

    We surrendered to his advice surrounding food and wine to go with the paella I was stuck on trying, and everything worked out amazingly well. The food was all well above expectations, and not in that way you kind of have to squint with Edmonton restaurants were you can see they are trying oh so hard but its just a bit off .... it was just simply fantastic!

    Certainly going back soon.

  • Review from Antonella C.

    Edmonton, AB

    3.0 star rating
    2/27/2012

    Sorry for the tardiness in the next series of my reviews.  With the New Year having come and gone, work has put a dent in my writing time, however, not in my dining time :-9

    On January 6th of this new year, I ventured out to Tzin with my companion.  I haven't been back there in MANY months and had also heard that they had changed up the menu and staff a bit.

    As per its usual, most know that it is a VERY small, narrow place.  In fact, it was very much confirmed by how the waitress had place herself in between the tables (my companion had a nice view of ....) to take care of people.  She was not deterred as she was very personable, however, don't go here for a "romantic" evening, nor if you value "personal" space in ALL directions.

    Having not been there in a while and noting that the menu had changed, the manager of the place came to our table and asked if we would like to have him decide what to serve us to be able to sample a fair amount to share.  We said yes and  we had quite a selection of  small dishes.....  We shared the Mushroom and Spinach tart which was quite good and not soggy (sometimes they can get that way if the spinach isn't dried out enough).  Next was the Baked Brie which was also quite nice.  Next to come up was the Stuffed Olives.  They are stuffed and deep fried and served with an aioli sauce (and the beginning of aioli for the rest of our meal).  The olives are the salty Manzanita olives (which are already pretty salty) so our question to each other was, "why add more salt?"  Unless someone back there didn't realize it.  The Crab Stuffed Prawns were good, however, could have done without the aioli sauce since the flavour was more than GOOD without it....alas, there it was.  We were also served the Potato Bravas which were quite good and very tasty :-]  and to finish off, we had the Charcuterie and Cheese plate (why is it that NO ONE ever serves enough bread to go with it?).  All quite good, however, not "amazing"....we ordered a bottle of the Cristalino Cava for the meal and had enough of it left for our dessert (a chocolate ganache cake which was highly recommended).  What happened next is what was a bit perplexing....as we waited for the dessert the manager came back by to ask if we would like some very nice port that they have....not telling us the label or showing us the wine menu for it, I (VERY stupidly) assumed it was going to be a simple taste on the house, considering we let him pick the items on the menu, our wine selection was what it was and he casually suggested such a thing....nope, didn't happen--it was on the bill and if I had known how much it was, I would have simply said "no thank you" as my sparkling wine was quite nice and I enjoyed it a lot.
    So, note to self when/if I return to Tzin:  If someone offers a drink make sure you know WHO is paying for it....
    All in all, I would recommend the place as it does have quite a nice meal selection (I would like to go back and try the paella and the manager actually did tell us that if we do want it, to let them know when we call for the reservation so that it can be prepared timely) and a nice "vibe"....but like I said, make sure you don't have "space issues" and are okay with being "cozy" in all directions (unless of course you sit at the raised tables [there are two, I think] along the wall).

  • Review from Johnson T.

    • 2 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    4.0 star rating
    12/8/2011

    I have no idea how to pronounce Tzin but I can tell you that it's great.

    Tasteful decor and a great patio in the summer months.

    The wine list is lengthy and complete. There's a malbec on there that will knock your socks off. Sweet, fruity, and robust.

    The tapas are excellent and the entrees are definitely on my list. The baked brie is brought to life by balsamic vinegar, grapes, and some lovely bread. The charcuterie was plated and of good quality. The olive tapinade led me love olives again.

    To top it all off, the service is excellent. The owners' made sure we enjoyed everything and paid us a few visits throughout the evening (and afternoon, the next day.)

  • Review from S L.

    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Division No. 11, AB

    5.0 star rating
    5/14/2012

    A new personal favorite in Edmonton. Took my wife here for her birthday and before ever seeing the place I made a note on my reservation for a table with a view. When we arrived we kind of laughed at that request since this place was tiny and the only window was to the side of the bar and in the open kitchen.

    The owner/server/bartender/hostess had a laugh at that as well, but she did manage to put us in a tall table over looking the kitchen which was absolutely perfect since we are both very interested in watching our food get made. On most nights we usually just crack a bottle of wine and spend our night in the kitchen cooking, so this was perfect.

    The food was unbelievable, the wine selection was also unbelievable. The owner lady was extremely busy being the only staff member outside of the kitchen but she was so friendly and apologetic when she wasn't to you immediately as your wine needed to be topped up - not like we needed her to pour our wine (we are experts in the field of wine pouring and drinking).

    That same night there was a movie being filmed in the alley that we were able to watch happen through the large bar window (something only the two higher tables can actually do). We finished our meal and were deciding whether we should have another glass of wine before heading to the show or just go early and have a drink there. In the middle of thinking the owner brought us an amazing chocolate desert and told us it was so good she had to give us a piece to try (on the house). It was as good as she said, so we had another glass of wine with it.

    I will be back, but definitely make reservations if you plan on going.

  • Review from Lindsay B.

    • 5 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    4.0 star rating
    11/14/2011

    We were at Tzin for my birthday last friday and it was to die for!

    I really had no idea how small the place was.  I read it was small, but had no idea it was THAT small.  It's super cute, cozy, and comfortable, considering it's size.  I loved every inch of the place, though, and hope to go back again.

    We got there a touch early, and our table for six hadn't come up yet, so we were seated at the bar, poured complimentary champagne and wine until some seats opened up for us and Kelsey (the owner or manager?) treated us like we were close friends of her's.  

    One resounding comment amongst our group was that the music was a bit too loud.  Subsequently, everyone in the room has to be loud, so the server couldn't hear our order, and we had to ask him to repeat himself when listing off the desserts.

    That said - food - AMAZING (crab stuffed prawns, baked brie with pear/cran compote, and flourless choc. cake - YUM - YUM - YUM); the wine selection was impeccable, and the atmosphere is exactly what we expected.  A cool, chic, friendly little place I hope to visit again, and again, and again.

    Tip to Yelpers - RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST.  We originally planned a party of ten, and I'm glad a couple people cancelled - we would have overwhelmed the place!  Go with an open mind (for those of you who think/call yourselves claustraphobic) and an empty stomach, and you won't be sorry.  Cheers!

  • Review from Tara M.

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    11/6/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Tzin is a cute, tiny, Spanish-meets-Alberta, Tapas bar with an equally adorable owner; who will attentively serve you great wine and great food with a great smile.

    (As a special glimpse into the owners' sense of humor, Tzin is open until 11:03 PM on weeknights and 12:06 AM on weekends, on the dot).

    My colleague and I hit Tzin last week while on business in Edmonton at her insistence that I try it. I complied and was not disappointed.

    Everything we ate was wonderful. Especially delicious were the tenderloin and the chocolate creme brulée. I am only sorry I didn't have room in my belly for more.

    There is also a nice wine selection offered in 2oz, 6oz, 1/2 L and bottles.

    A gem in downtown Edmonton, I was pleased to find a Tapas bar with some obviously Spanish-influenced dishes made with fresh, home-grown ingredients, a good wine list and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

    Tzin is quite small, but mighty, and I will definitively be making it my go-to place while in Alberta's capital.

    T.

  • Review from Margaret d.

    • 3 friends
    • 1 review

    Edmonton, AB

    4.0 star rating
    5/22/2011 ROTD 6/1/2011

    Is it just me or does being on 104st make you feel like Edmonton is getting a little bit cooler?
    I was on the patio at Tzin this last Friday after work. I was impressed by the chic yet casual vibe of the restaurant. The service was excellent; I hadn't had such great servers in a while. It actually felt like they were interested in you as a person, more than a customer to feed and kick out to make room for the next one.
    I thought that the tapa selection was really interesting. As a low carb eater I was able to enjoy one of them guilt free. I did however find that the servings could have been bigger for the price.
    The bathroom amenities were impressive. Having access to different toiletries should you need them is greatly appreciated by a lot of women.
    All in all, a great little restaurant. I'd go back anytime.

  • Review from Liv V.

    • 56 friends
    • 137 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    5.0 star rating
    9/19/2011

    I had a tzinfully amazing time here. The room itself is long, narrow, and evokes a beautifully sombre yet enigmatic annex in an old mansion. The kitchen is right at the front, which allows a sneak peek into Tzin's culinary recesses. The wine list, as one would imagine, is fabulous. The Layer Cake zinfandel (from Puglia) is among the best wines I've ever tasted. It's as luscious and multifaceted as its name implies. The food is pretty bang-on as well. The baked brie with pears and cranberries is rich, gooey and fruity, and the crab-stuffed shrimp are little morsels of oceanic heaven. The flourless chocolate cake is deep and dark, and is best shared. I was thoroughly impressed with our waiter as well. A word of caution: it gets very crowded as the night wears on. Not for the claustrophobic.

  • Review from Aditya R.

    Edmonton, AB

    4.0 star rating
    10/29/2010

    Went here last night, wtih fellow yelpers.  Although this wine bar is sort of small it has a warm, homely, yet chic atmosphere about it.  Not too loud, decent music plays in the background and the occasional sound of grilling meat with eruptions of fat burning.  The wine selection is really good and they have a unique color coding of wines with corresponding food pairings, making it easy to get the most of your wine and tapas evening.

    Now, the menu is exquisite with every tapas being intriguing, yet mouthwatering.  I do feel, however, that the list of tapas is quite small (perhaps 10 items) and is generally a big serving to be shared.  A good comparison can be made with Lalola Bar,  a generic tapas bar in San Francisco:
    http://www.yelp.com/bi...

    However, it is worth mentioning that for a small room that fits perhaps 7 tables, the menu is fine.  The steak crostinis (and mushroom crositins) were excellent and so was the antipasto platter.  The serving sizes were good too, for the price.  

    Coming back to the wine, the server who also seemed to be the owner, knew a lot about his wines and served us some interesting wines (petite sirah, syrah, tasty blends, riojas etc.).  I think between us, we probably had 9-10 different wines, a few of which were the server's selections.  I didn't get a chance to try the hard liquors, but they seemed to have a small but good list of whiskies, vodkas, gins etc.  

    Finally, it is worth saying a word or two about the washroom.  It's a single, common washroom which is loaded with personal accessories like, hairspray, tampons, hand lotions, mouthwash etc.; apart from the regular soap and toilet paper.  It sure feels like you're visiting someone's home!

  • Review from Jennifer P.

    • 78 friends
    • 718 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    5.0 star rating
    11/9/2010 ROTD 11/18/2011

    If I could live in Tzin everyday, without becoming a total wine-and-tapas hedonist, I would. Just knowing a place like Tzin exists in our city, makes me love it a little bit more.

    Whenever I'm craving great wine and delectable food, served in an intimate and decadently draped hollow, located on 104 St (next to deVine Wines) I now know where to go to satiate the lover and tzinner in me.

    The owner, Glen, knows not only his wines, but your wines. He listens to what you like, then if you're open to his picks, he will take you on a tour de grapes you won't soon forget!

    For me, he chose the 2004 Gloriosa Rioja, forever altering my view of the Spanish red. Next, the Glen Carlou Grand Classique from South Africa, followed by Dierberg Three Saints Syrah (U.S.A.) Both: exquisite.

    Then he poured a glass of the Petit Syrah Rosenblum 2006 and I fell a little deeper in love. All of this, with tasty tapas, including sirloin and mushroom crostinis and a delicious antipasto platter. If you're looking for a special place to hold a small, intimate gathering, this is perfect. Also great for a third date or anniversary. Reserve to avoid disappointment. It doesn't take much to fill this place - seems lots of other Edmontonians also love living in tzin.

  • Review from Joanna F.

    Edmonton, AB

    5.0 star rating
    11/5/2010

    I LOVE Tzin!! My favourite wine bar in the world thus far (ok, so I haven't gone to all that many), Tzin is a tiny and intimate spot that's just bursting with good food, good wine, good staff, good decor and good atmosphere.

    Tzin is going for excellent quality in small doses, from their 10 item (but delicious) tapas menu to their 1 bathroom that looks like something out of a home decor magazine for the rich. Expect to be crammed in and not have much elbow room, but expect it not to really matter as you enjoy the company of good friends and the knowledgeable and friendly advice of the servers and owners.

    The wine menu changes frequently, so be ready to try something new - the servers have a wealth of information and are great at helping wine newcomers like myself find something new they'll enjoy every time. If you're hungry, go for the steak or mushroom crostini - both are heavenly.

    The one concern is that Tzin isn't cheap - while it's easily affordable if you want just one (half) glass of wine, if you're planning to make a night of it there or to eat enough tapas to constitute dinner, things may get expensive fast.

    That said, it's definitely worth the expenditure, as the quality found at Tzin is difficult to find even at places that cost far more.  Just one word of advice: show up early if you actually want to get seats - Tzin is relatively full of the after-work crowd until about 7pm, but then fills up for  the evening by 9:30 (but they do take reservations).

  • Review from Kerri W.

    • 18 friends
    • 210 reviews

    Banff, AB

    5.0 star rating
    10/9/2008 1 photo

    This place caught my eye as I was walking down 104th Street. It looked very unique and it drew me in.

    It's a cozy spot with black furnishings and beautiful burgundy walls with black trim. There are huge windows on one wall covered with gold curtains with burgundy details. Along the wall with the windows is a long bench seat with lots of decorative throw pillows along the back.

    Just inside the door is the tapas kitchen area. At the back of the establishment is an impressive wine bar.

    I was fortunate to get a table in the nearly full hot spot. The sommelier, whom I expect was also the owner, recommended the Casa Girelli Syran which is a Sicilian red wine. I was very pleased with the selection.

    I felt very inspired by this place. I could see myself writing here.

    This would be a great place to take a date you're trying to impress.

  • Review from Brad B.

    • 2 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    5.0 star rating
    8/8/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Tzin is our diamond in the rough. You can chat with the owners and the chef who keeps the menu fresh. The grilled lamb kicks a**, but actually I have never had a bad entree yet. Only seats maybe 30 tops so reservations are mandatory although we just usually role in around 10pm or so and they always accommodate us.

  • Review from Toquester C.

    • 0 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    4.0 star rating
    8/2/2010

    I wish I could live here.  The only thing missing would be a few lighter menu options.  If you can't eat meat, or dairy, you're kind of screwed.  Just order some more wine and you'll be ok.

    On market day, however, we checked it out for brunch--surprisingly yummy!

  • Review from Jack G.

    • 21 friends
    • 836 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    3.0 star rating
    12/30/2009

    I stopped in here to meet some friend's. I had never heard of it before and had no idea what to expect. It was a very nice looking place, very fancy on the inside and they had a very cool wine bar at the back.

    I actually never tried anything here because I only came to meet friend's and we were leaving right away. I would love to go back and give it a try though.

  • Review from Ricky Z.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Fairfax, VA

    USA
    5.0 star rating
    8/25/2011

    Passed by Tzin many times without realizing it's there, finally went to try this tiny but awesome wine and tapas bar. Tasted 4 tapas dish and each single one is delicious and portioned just right. Highly recommend letting the owner picking the wine pairing, I don't know how he does it, but he seems to know what wine I would like better than myself. Definitely made into my top 5 restaurants in E-town, make sure you make a reservation, they only have less than 1o tables,

  • Review from Quoc H.

    • 9 friends
    • 36 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    4.0 star rating
    3/20/2010

    Always friendly service, good drink recommendations (especially if you're not sure what you want) and overall good tapas. They always do their best to accommodate your group despite their small space. As such, I enjoy the weeknights for a quieter drink that some of the other bars downtown. Note that they are closes on Mondays. Great spot!

  • Review from Little Miss Reviewer X.

    • 1 friend
    • 16 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    2.0 star rating
    6/11/2009

    I went here on Saturday and had a glass of wine. My boyfriend ordered a Stella but the owner brought him out the same glass of wine as me, (we think it was due to the music being too loud) it was really hard to have a conversation due to the overpowering music and the fact that your 3 feet away from everyone else, and have to compete over their voices as well.

    It was very tiny, basically the size of a 4 stall washroom...
    There is no room to move around, but the interior is nicely painted in a deep red and there's modern black furniture..
    I don't think I would go here ever again due to the fact that 2 glasses of wine (one my bf didn't even order) came to $40.00 and it was just to tiny for my taste! -

  • Review from C B.

    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    1/16/2011

    I wandered into Tzin on Friday night and was instantly made to feel welcome by the wonderful crew there. Even though the place was packed, the beautiful and charming Kelsey convinced me to stay, found me a place at the bar, introduced me to fantastic locals and made me feel totally comfortable. The selection of food and wine was great, service impeccable and warm, I could have stayed all night.  I have travelled all over the world, Tzin has got a place in my Canadian top 10!

  • Review from Chris W.

    • 1 friend
    • 5 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    5.0 star rating
    4/15/2009

    This place is great. The food is good, the wine list is great, the atmosphere is cool. It's so small it is like having your own secret hideout. Every time I go here I feel like Edmonton is getting to be a decent place to live.

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