More Than Good Coffee at Cafe Taste

1330 Queen West
Phone: 416-536-7748

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Posted by Tim
August 1, 2006

Currently 3.00/5
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Rating: 3.0/5 (3 votes cast)

Lured by the sign that claimed the party to be on, and in desparate need of a java fix I wandered into the sleek yet comfy environs of Cafe Taste in Parkdale.

The cafe has been open for a few months now and was previously panned by Now Magazine.

It was around 7:30pm on a Thurday which would normally be a busy time for a restaurant, but not Cafe Taste. Not this Thursday.

But why not? The ambience is great. There's an assortment of comfy seating and wooden tables for those looking to enjoy a latte or take advantage of the free Wi-Fi. There's also a row of tables (not too disimilar to the look of Sparrow on Ossington) that would seem to make for a nice spot to have dinner.

But perhaps the contradiction is creating the problem here? Is Cafe Taste a cozy cafe or a night on the town? The menu says lunch with selections like honey glazed ham with organic pear wasabi, brie and swiss on an organic bagel with a side of fresh fruit and organic greens. But why then have wine glasses on the tables that allude more to plates of pan-seared salmon?

I hope Cafe Taste figures it out because as a cafe this spot is a winner. The service was attentive and friendly. I particularly liked the touch of the complimentary carafe of water with lemon I was served while waiting for my order.

Here's a look at the inside of Cafe Taste:

The view from the street:

The menu:

Cafe Taste, 1330 Queen West (near Brock), 416-536-7748

Reader Reviews and Comments

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If the food was good and the service was good, should it really matter if the decor os less than completely consistent?

Posted by: LeperColony at August 1, 2006 7:04 PM

I think the decor is sending the wrong message which could explain why the place was so empty.

Posted by: Tim

at August 1, 2006 7:09 PM

While it may sound frivolous, the little almost biscotti that came with my coffee was a really nice touch. Mind you, the coffee cup was $2. But pair the biscotti up with free WIFI and I plan on becoming a regular.

Posted by: Tanja at August 1, 2006 8:17 PM

Decor sends a message about the type of place it is. If walking by, and you look in and see a bunch of tables set like it's ready for dinner, I am less inclined to stop in if I'm just looking for a cup of coffee.

By looking at the photos, this looks like the kind of place I'd go out for a dinner with a friend, and not a spot I'd pop into for a coffee over lunch.

Posted by: kaniz at August 2, 2006 11:16 AM

I stopped by yesterday, and the food was amazing. The chicken pesto wrap was great, and the three-cheese grilled sandwich blew my mind. And it's all organic. Nice. Thanks for the heads up about this place.

Posted by: Sameer Vasta

at August 17, 2006 11:28 AM

Brought my mum in there on a Sunday aft after doing some shopping at nearby Blue Igloo. We had some warm apps and something like mulled cider (made with brandy i think) in a snifter. It was perfect for a winter day. I'll go back, most definitely.

Posted by: sookie at February 20, 2007 5:40 PM