Just A Taste
| Address: | 116 N Aurora St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA |
| Phone: | +1 607-277-9463 |
| Site: | just-a-taste.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 5:30–10PM 5:30–10PM 5:30–10PM 5:30–10PM 5:30–11PM 5:30–11PM 5:30–10PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 11
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Kenneth Feher
This place is very popular and I can see why. My understanding is that the tapas menu changes daily so dishes that I review might not be available on your visit. First things first, the place feels good and the staff are friendly, helpful and efficient. There were five of us and we ordered a total of 11 dishes from the tapas menu. I was unfamiliar with this type of restaurant so forgive me if I say something that elicits a "duh" on your part. The dishes come out in spurts maybe as many as three at a time. This gives you time to pass the dishes around so that everyone can get a portion and begin tasting. I tried every dish and they were all very good with some that I thought deserve special mention. I loved the spicy coconut chicken wings and the brie. The madiera chicken, spicy shrimp and a second shrimp dish, which I cannot remember the name, were also exceptional. There should be at least a couple of dishes for anyones taste and everything is tasty and fresh. My only regret is that my son is a senior at Cornell and I will not have many opportunities to go back.
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G&K C
This place is overpriced. The portions are small. Staff was rude. Some of the 7 dishes we tried were delicious while others were poorly prepared. A potato dish was under cooked and the swedish meatballs were dry even though they were served in a gravy/sauce. The mixed nuts were described as spiced yet failed to note they were an allspice type of flavor not a spicy hot flavor. The staff was rude. When we asked the gentleman questions he walked away without answering. The lady who took the order was nice enough but rushed us to order. At 9:45pm on a Friday we were asked to order any additional dishes. At 10:00 we definitely felt rushed even though there was a group at the bar the man and woman (owners maybe??) were socializing with. Overall not a pleasant experience neither with service nor food quality.
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Greg Mills
Try to get a patio seat if the weather is good. Friendly attentive and prompt service. Excellent wine list and very well priced. Of the 5 plates we ordered, 4 were super and only one was "meh". Started with charcuterie- the terrine was stunning. Braised duck leg: heck yes. Potato wedges and aioli were a nice mid- dinner palate cleanser, then on to smoked trout in hollowed potato halves - inventive and delicious. The braised greens however fell below expectations - too bitter and salty even with help of walnuts and sweet tomato, accentuated by Stilton crumble. However, but for that dish, this is a great little venue and you can do far worse in Ithaca. Go early to secure a table ( like, 530 pm early)
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Anna Gardner
Just a Taste is a real gem. The seating is small and a little cramped, but its cozy if you dont absolutely hate being close to people. Definitely a great place to go with friends as it is tapas! Ive been told the crab cakes are killer, but there is also a great selection for the vegetarians like myself (their Brussels sprouts? Yes!!). The staff is usually friendly, I had one waitstaff who was a little rude for no reason. Came here for my birthday last year and the bread pudding was perfect, they even gave me a candle! Ive always had my moneys worth in quality. For some it may not match quantity, but I find 2-3 dishes per person makes a filling me. Definitely a spot I recommend.
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Karen Ortega
A wonderful experience! The menu contains some "old favorites" while other selections change on a daily basis. The "tapas" size of most dishes means two people can order about 4-5 plates, depending on what is ordered. (Personally, I usually go with something like a bread, a salad, a side vegetable, and a fish/meat entree, sometimes adding dessert.) In addition to the inventive tapas, there is an extensive wine list complete with suggested flights and an option to create your own. They do not accept call-ahead reservations, so if you plan to go between about 6 and 8, arrive early. Ask to sit in the outdoor patio in the back, if you can.
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Jackie S.
Everything was amazing. We sat outside on their back patio on a Sunday night, which was off the street and adorable. I had a flight of Italian wines (all were delicious, and all five of the tastings were generously poured), and then we shared a bunch of tapas for dinner. Everything was absolutely delicious, service was on point (it was obvious that they all worked as a team, which makes for excellent service). Of all the tapas we shared, the buffalo mushroom meatballs were probably my favorite. Dessert was to die for. I had the chocolate souffle, and it was one of the best ones Ive ever had. I highly recommend this place.
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Kevin Michalski
Everyone in the restaurant was having a nice time but I felt miserable eating here. To fit in with the other customers be sure to wear your bright red lipstick and hipster glasses, wear a loose-cut shirt to show off your edgy chest tattoos, and remember to sniff your wine before sipping it and commenting to your friends about how lovely it tastes. This is a place for nibbling on food, so youll probably leave just as hungry as when you arrived. Dont forget to order the $7 "russet potato" which is literally just a baked potato with sour cream. All the tables are uneven and wiggle back and forth like really?
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Adam Kneis
This is my first online review of a restaurant. I felt compelled to write this after eating at this establishment tonight. Having dined in tapas bars in other cities with dissatisfaction, I must say this little gem has transformed my opinion on tapas. I met up with 6 friends for a birthday gathering and we ordered quite an array of dishes, everyone one of them impressive. Even the brussel sprouts were amazing. Yes, brussel sprouts. I am a fan and have had them many places, none cooked and seasoned as perfectly as I had tonight. Just a Taste, well done. I will be back for more.
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nor ison
cant say enough wonderful stuff about this place; great food (do the tapas; eat the salmon...the brussels sprouts...the beer sausage...the braised greens...the goat...the garlic shrimp...the chocolate souffle) and try one of the wine tasting combos - why not the wines from the local wineries. we ate at the bar, as there were no available tables, and were very glad we did as it turned out; had good conversation with the person tending the bar, including recommendations and directions to the wineries we wanted to visit the next day. a thoroughly satisfying evening.
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A Private User
My boyfriend and I recently went to Just a Taste for my birthday. We started with the flights of Italian Reds and foccaccia. The bread was delicious and they gave us three huge pieces! The potato wedges were next (the aioli was to die for) followed by the sausage (a MUST). We concluded with a spicy shrimp dish and we were stuffed! Very reasonably priced for a ton of food. The ambiance was perfect for an intimate dining experience. Friendly, efficient, and knowledgible waitstaff. All around a lovely night out!
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A Private User
What more could you want? Absolutely delicious tapas, as good as anyones, in any city. Potatoes in aioli -- ever so slightly fattening, but so good! -- the aioli isnt a nuclear concoction of radioactive garlic, like it is when its made by unskilled chefs, but a delicious slightly saffrony mayonnaise. Mushrooms in herbs: perfectly cooked, resonant with herbs but not overwhelming. Mahi mahi (not exactly as Spanish dish, but never mind): beautifully presented. Great wines. Lovely place.
