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Tasting Room
Categories: Restaurants Tapas Bars Restaurants Spanish Tapas Bars, Spanish [Edit]
25 Cuna StSaint Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 810-2400
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 5 pm - 12:30 am
Wed-Sat 11:30 am - 3 pm
Sun 11:30 am - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
71 reviews for Tasting Room
Review Highlights
"Great food, amazing live music."
(in 11 reviews)
"The ricotta and goat cheese terrine was the most memorable..."
(in 3 reviews)
"...Ceviche and Seared Moroccan Spiced Tuna (Not very citrusy..."
(in 2 reviews)
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71 reviews in English
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Review from Sean-Paul F.
Boca Raton, FL
1/30/2012
Wonderful atmosphere, great wait staff ask for Sean (possibly Shawn), he waited on us and was very cool about us relaxing and sipping wine on the patio for 2hrs, just like when I lived in Spain. The live music was also a very nice touch.
The food was very good; we had a flight of charcuterie which was excellent, with a good selection of cheeses picked by our waiter. I had a dish similar to Paella, all the shellfish was fresh and well prepared with nothing being overcooked (overcooked muscles, clams and shrimp are a sign of a poor chef). My girlfriend had a similar dish but with mushrooms, chicken, pork and asparagus which was also very good.
I would recommend this spot to anyone looking for a nice meal with a good wine selection. -
Review from Jason L.
Mims, FL
1/30/2012
Very tasty tapas. I would have enjoyed a tasting menu here, but we showed up a little late in the afternoon. They close for a break prior to dinner, and we didn't know.
They explain at the beginning that the entrees equal 2 tapas, and the tapas equal 2 tapitos (going from memory here). I've had Tapas around before, so this made me think the entrees must be relatively small to only be equal to two Tapas... wrong... While I didn't see an entree, I can tell you the smallest Tapitos are likely what I've had as Tapas elsewhere. The Tapas are quite large, and 4 of them made for too much for lunch.
The sangria was very good, and they have a decent selection of craft brews as well. The Foie Gras turine was nice, though my girl didn't like it as much as pan seared Foie Gras. The cheese and peppers turine was one of here favorites. The Truffle potato fritters were very tasty, but the choice of caviar for that one, salmon I believe, was overpowering for such a light taste as truffle.
I would like to return here and try the Tasting menu with wine pairings. This was a pretty cool place in the middle of a touristy area. -
Review from Jeffrey A.
Bethesda, MD
12/29/2011
Guess I'll be the one to buck the trend. I went here recently, and have to be honest the food, service and wine were not worthy of all the clamoring. Maybe my expectations were set too high. The venue itself is cute, with little booths and a cozy atmosphere in an old house (like everything in St Augustine). Live music is played on certain nights, and helps give it a very mellow vibe. I like the whole tapas style dining, but some of the plates came out truly unappetizing. I went with the pinchos, the gambas, and the shrimp/chorizo empenadas. The shrimp empenadas were tasty, the prawns were ok, but the pinchos were overcooked and just tasted like lemon. My wife ordered the salmon, and to be honest it was just flavorless. Our server was a complete flake and getting her to to bring us the correct wine was quite the ordeal...maybe it is my accent...or lack thereof. Wine list is ok, with options of 6 or 10 oz pours. Some half bottles are available too, but I was expecting more.
Also, if you make a reservation, be sure to get there early. Someone ganked our reservation, but the wait staff didn't seem to care, and ended up making us wait an additional 20 minutes, despite being right on time for our reservation. "We already sat your party"..."weird, because I am standing right here"....sigh. -
Review from Matteo R.
Sarasota, FL
2/5/2012
I liked many things about this restaurant, but there are some things that I think that they could improve on. The tapas were very good; I got Serrano ham with fig preserve, which blended very well together, and gave it a salty sweet flavor. Another good tapas dish that I ate was the potato truffle fritter with caviar, which was crunchy on the outside, and was soft and creamy on the inside. One thing that wasn't as good as I anticipated were the little neck clams in the garlic sauce, which were a little too chewy and didn't have a whole lot of taste. The last dish that I ate was the prawns, and the sauce that they were in was absolutely scrumptious.
the atmosphere was nice, except that the live music was a little loud, and I sat outside during some great weather, with a bit of a calmer atmosphere. Overall, I enjoyed almost all of the food, and I'd go back if I had the chance. -
Review from Sherman W.
San Gabriel, CA
1/9/2012
Went for dinner with coworkers, and the food and atmosphere were perfect for unwinding after a long slog at the office. Tasty (and strong) sangria certainly helped as well. Foodie notes as follows (or what I can remember after the sangria, anyway..):
Dátiles Rellenos - bacon-wrapped dates with blue cheese. Sweet and savory, with just a kick of the blue cheese at the end. A must have!
Mejillones con Frittas - steamed mussels in wine with truffle fries. It's a strange combo at first glance, seeing the fries sitting on top of mussels in a bowl. But both were great; mussels were cooked very well with only maybe one escapee from the shell, and the fries were crisp and tasty with the cheese and aoili on top.
Almejas en Salsa Verde - clams steamed with white wine, cilantro and garlic. As with the mussels, cooked perfectly. Couldn't taste the cilantro either, which is a major plus with me.
Gambas al Pil Pil - prawns in garlic paprika olive oil. Can't say I really tasted much of the paprika, but the garlic certainly showed through and these were still very good.
Shrimp and Chorizo Empanadas - The disappointment of the night. Kind of on the bland side, with only hint of the shrimp.
Croquetas de Papa - potato and truffle fritters with crème fraiche and caviar. The fritters were crispy on the outside, and slightly runny on the inside. I'd have preferred a slightly more firm potato on the texture on the inside, but still good with or without the caviar.
Croquetas de Cordero - lamb croquettes with honey pesto. I was expecting something with a layer of breading on the outside, but instead what came out were some lamb meatballs. Fairly gamey, and the Moroccan spice wasn't bad.
Champiñones al Jerez - mushrooms in sherry and garlic. There were a few pieces of toasted bread on the plate as well to load said shrooms onto, and the combination was excellent. Also very worthwhile to use bread to soak up the rest of the sauce when the shrooms are all gone. -
Review from Laura T.
This place was amazing. I had the hummus, the salad mixta and the crab stuffed shrimp. The tasting is a small boutique restaurant that has big flavor. My boyfriend and I went there at the last minute for new years eve. We were sat outside and the patio was very romantic. Our waitress was so sweet and very attentive. We will definitely be going back there the next time we are in saint augustine Florida.
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Review from Sebastian C.
Houston, TX
This is great restaurant with a great attitude and atmosphere. The food was fresh and tasted amazing. Having lived in abroad for 6 months in Spain it reminded me of the Spanish cuisine northern Spain. The wine list provides a wide variety of wine that pairs excellently with a meal.
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Review from Scott L.
St Augustine, FL
1/5/2012
Great food and better atmosphere if ur looking for something intimate. Grilled scallops some of best, pork bellies good but very small portions.
If u want to avoid the loud music others didn't like, avoid the weekends. Even the wait staff said the are way too loud. -
Review from Sarah L.
Boca Raton, FL
8/28/2011
Bravo!
My family is from northern Spain and after visiting there and having a grandmother that makes THE best food EVER! :) my taste palate is pretty meticulous. My husband and I went for individual tapas instead of the packages they had on the menu. Saved us a bit of money. The food was very good. We didn't talk much because we were enjoying every bite. I have not found a better place. Until then, I'm rating the Tasting Room, as good as it gets. Except for the croquettes (Grandma makes them better ;)
We can't wait to make a trip back to taste the rest of the menu! -
Review from Jon C.
Arlington, VA
1/26/2012
This place is a gem and hidden treasure. The food is second to none and the sangria is one of the best I have ever tasted. Will not disappoint, ever! Very relaxing and the service is outstanding.
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Review from Jessica I.
Rocky River, OH
1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Thanks to Yelp, fate and exasperation, we ended up stumbling into one of our better meals in ages here. My husband and I aren't really big on tapas (insert groan for bad pun). The versions we've come across have often seemed a bit cutesie and overwrought. When seeking a nice dinner in St. Augustine, Tasting Room wasn't really on our radar, but we grew frustrated roaming around town and started peeking at the menu out front. Literally two departing couples in a row leaving beseeched us to go in. Given our hunger and some promising Yelp reviews, that was enough for us. We entered to really lovely live music, excellent service and a charming courtyard. We went for the tasting menu with wine pairings. It was absolutely fantastic and a genuine bargain at under $75 apiece. The four-course meal was creative, perfectly prepared, and matched with seven different wines so wonderful that we got a list of them to go. Between the food, atmosphere and wine, it's hard to imagine a better place in this town.
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Review from Dustyn S.
Boca Raton, FL
11/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great food, amazing live music! One of a kind place in St.Augustine! The magician blew my mind- definitely have to go!
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Review from Christina S.
Delray Beach, FL
This place was great! We had a champagne and red wine flight tasting followed by tapitas... Mussels, chorizo and peppers with feta. For dinner, we had the snapper and the arroz jugoso... A paella type dish. Really cute lounge area also with spanish guitarists that can be heard and seen from your table. And there is even a magician entertaining larger tables if interested. Well worth the money!
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Review from Jason J.
Willowbrook, IL
11/2/2011
Incredible!
I have visited this sensational place two times, coming all the way from Chicago, and it is safe to say, I have always been completely satisfied!
First off, I recommend getting seating by the live music, it brings a romantic and cozy environment.
The multiple tapas that I recommend would include the Calamares, The Steamed Mussels with the Truffle Fries, Garlic and Smoked Paprika Chicken.
As for the desserts, i recommend the Flan, the Tres Leches, Guava Cheesecake, The Salt and Sweet Brownie, and the Creme Brulee.
I am currently stranded in Chicago, and writing this review is making me crave for some more of the Tasting Room, I can't wait to be back there again! -
Review from Jamie C.
4/19/2011
This place is such a hidden gem, and a foodies delight. We went here with a group of 6 and just ordered almost everything on the menu. I can't say there was anything I didn't like. My favorite was the patatas bravas and the paella, it was superb.
Im not even going to get into the amazing wine list, and the flights that they offered where you can choose 3, 6, or 9 oz glasses to be able to taste a variety of great wines.
If you're ever in St. Augustine you have to plan a dinner here, very romantic, cozy, but still fun for groups. The food and service is top notch, I enjoyed everything about it. -
Review from Lindsay L.
Jacksonville, FL
2/22/2011
I wanted to take my handsome man out for a good meal for Valentine's make-up. He is a chef, so spends this very romantic night in the kitchen making other people's nights special. So, we celebrated a week later.
I made a reservation for a Sunday night at 8pm on Open Table. In the notes, I asked for the most romantic table and explained it was our "make-up" date.
We got a phone call around 4 pm telling us there would be live music from 6-8pm. In all honesty, I couldn't tell if she was trying to get us to come in earlier or just letting us know about the music. When we arrived, we were actually a little earlier than planned. I mentioned the phone call and she said, "Oh, yes, it's been hard to hold your table." I didn't really understand why, because I'd made the reservation over a week in advance. Oh well.
We were seated and someone came to see us right away with two glasses of complimentary champagne. I was so happy I'd made that notation on Open Table - it was so thoughtful of the staff to provide us with this treat.
For an appetizer, we had goat cheese terrine with pesto and a sweet glaze. It was delicious. However, in the spirit of full disclosure, you should know I have an affinity for goat cheese. An EXTREME affinity. For dinner, I had the olive oil poached salmon with a romesco. It came with creamy polenta. Um num num. The boy had lamb with truffle fries. He wasn't very impressed with it, sadly.
Dessert was a warm bread pudding with raisins and chocolate chips. The boy did comment about how half of it was warm and half of it was cold, so I kept asking him questions about how to make bread pudding. That way, he could talk and I could eat. Heh.
So - 4-stars for thoughtful service (minus the confusing hostess - I'll just assume she meant well), yummy food (I didn't eat his lamb, but I'll take his word for it), and relaxed atmosphere. -
Review from Daisy R.
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Updated - 3/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Can't believe it took us so long to make it back here. It took us over 2 years to make it back & over a month for me to write my update. I'm totally slacking on my yelp-ibilities right now. I apologize Yelp Gods.
Even though I may be lacking, Tasting Room definitely is not. We were quickly sat & were happy to have the same server from our first visit. She remembered us too.
We snacked on delicious bread (made in house) and fantastic oil. You can tell TR really cares about the products they use. To get the best experience of TR, we decided to Taste a few different tapas: albondigas, patatas bravas, and gambas al aljillo.
They were all quite tasty & we can't wait to go back. Hopefully a little sooner this time.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/24/2009
I actually had called to make reservations at Opus 39 (sister restaurant) and was referred here due… Read more »
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Review from Natalie A.
Huntington Beach, CA
9/8/2011
I can not begin to explain how awesome this place is. Actually awesome is not the right word. Tasting Room is sophisticated, classy, romantic, delicious and overall a perfect way to spend your evening. It is located on a very quite sidestreet with tons of charm. The dining room has the perfect amount of lighting and the live music was enchanting. The food and wine was delicious. We ordered items off of the menu that we have never eaten before and it was delicious. For starters we ordered the Croquetes de Jamon. it was sooo good. I was almost licking the place dry!. For main, I ordered the Arroz Juguoso and my boyfriend ordered the Guava Glazed Pork Tenderloin . For drinks i had the peach sangria and a glass of wine wine. Both we delicious. The Tasting Room is a most stop for anyone in the St. Augustine area.
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Review from Brian M.
St Augustine, FL
12/13/2010
Went here with my wife last night and had an amazing time. The live music was fantastic. The food was amazing. The wine list was outstanding. The ambiance was perfect.
What more can I say? We loved this place. -
Review from stacey m.
St. Augustine, FL
9/17/2010
After years of walking by we finally made it our destination. I was blown away as soon as we walked in, very chic for St. Augustine. I recently moved here from South Beach FL, and one of my main complaints are the restaurants here don't make it "an experience". The tasting room delivers that experience with gorgeous decor, the wait staff was very informed and professional, beautiful mood lighting and lovely tables. Jazz trio was set up and rounded out the experience.
I was overwhelmed by the wine menu, it is extensive and there is something for everyone. I got sidetracked when I saw the Peach Sangria and ordered that. The size was generous and I Loved that it wasn't overly sweet or "themey". Just a simple white wine with a hint of liquor and peaches.
We didn't order very well though, for our tapas. We ordered the marinated mushrooms, which were just ok. the croquettes which were alright, although I found them to be missing something. I did love the Drunken Goat, which was the most delightful goat cheese with marinated onions and peppers. That was Amazing.
Over all I am looking forward to going back and trying more of hte dishes and perhaps a wine flights. I highly recommend the Tasting Room, but go dressed up, there were entirely too many people in there in just shorts and a t. Its Friday night - put some pants on :) -
Review from Jon M.
Washington, DC
12/30/2010
Based on high reviews from Yelp, we were disappointed. This place had good wine and we enjoyed their selection. This was the only aspect that we liked about this place.
We originally asked what was included in the tasting menu. The waiter had no idea and said the chefs make up their mind for each course. We were reluctant ordering this without knowing what was included in each course. We opted to order specific items from the menu.
We ordered gazpacho soup with shrimp - the shrimp was absent in the soup. The waiter apologized and brought the shrimp about 10 minutes later.
The onion soup was brought while we were reading the dessert menu. It was watery.
The chocolate cake was undercooked - and tasted like we were eating a brownie.
The food overall seemed a bit bland. This may be partly attributed because we love eating at Jose Andreas restaurants in Washington DC. Jose is well known for his delicious tapas. -
Review from Jeremy H.
Studio City, CA
10/1/2010
While working a job that required full-time travel around the state of Florida, I found myself in St. Augustine with a long afternoon / evening break prior to our next event.
While on a guided tour through the historic area of the "Old City," the November breezes mixed with an ethereal sort of music wafting from The Tasting Room.
It was a non-imposing establishment with a simple shingle out front that I might not have given a second thought if it hadn't been for the music leaking out into the street and commandeering the steering of my feet. Like a pied piper, it drew my coworker and I back there upon completion of our walking tour.
What seemed to be a group of musicians making brilliant music prior to entering was actually a single performer (as he was absent his percussionist this night), Goliath Flores, playing guitar, singing (vocalizing brass instruments so real you would think he -- or someone -- was playing a trumpet, trombone, et al.) all the while tapping a tambourine at appropriate intervals with his foot. His creative brilliance was enough to do justice to simply placing foot past the threshold even IF the food hadn't been top notch. I was thrilled that he invited me to sit in with him on a couple of pieces when he observed that I am a percussionist as well.
The music was too loud? Nay. And they have convenient outdoor seating for those who wish for a toned down music experience.
And about the food: I'm not a professional chef or food critic / taster, but as a professional amateur that does indeed enjoy good food, and unique spicings and pairings, the food was scrumptious and the sangria was perfection. Is it pricey? Perhaps a bit? But what do you expect when you go out to eat at a place that isn't fast food that provides a full dining experience? Speaking as a business-owner, if you aren't interested in paying for service and quality, both of which were superb both times I visited here, then I dare-say you should be at home Julia Childs-ing your own tapas and mixing your own sangria. Everyone knows -- or should know -- that you're paying for the experience as well.
And yes, it is a historic area with sometimes challenging parking, but the best things in life are often challenging. Be honest with yourself -- it's a historic district with narrow streets and virtually non-existent parking within this area. Aside from being able to pull relatively close and drop someone off who might be disabled or not as able to walk long distances, it will require that you park a few blocks away and walk. Why not consider that part of the entire experience -- the anticipation prior to the reveal of a great dining experience followed by leaving on a cloud of having had all your senses deliciously stimulated and activated. Perhaps, though, we live in a society that is so steeped in instant gratification to the point where walking a few blocks is simply out of the question to them.
And to them I say, that's why I'm thankful for barriers to entry. It keeps the much less dedicated and serious -- even passionate -- people from getting to the diamonds in the rough. The cream in the middle. The fruit in the sangria.
This establishment easily falls into my Top 5 places to return to when in Florida -- especially if Mr. Flores is performing on any given evening. I am counting the days until my return.
Oh and a note to music producers / booking agents: See Goliath Flores asap. You will be moved to action as he will bring a return on investment.
Tasting Room Proprietor: Keep doing what you're doing. The cream will rise to the top and you won't be at a lack for customers who appreciate your efforts. -
Review from Mare M.
Mt Laurel, NJ
11/3/2010
A great find in St. Augustine !
Fantastic wine bar... great patio ( we dined outside) .. fabulous staff.
We come to St. Aug several times a year and this past Sept.2010 we happened upon the Tasting Room.
We did alot of plates... for just the 2 of us... Rack of Lamb with Manchego Onion Tart, Grilled Frisse and Port Reduction, spinach empanadas, ricotta & goat cheese terrine, roasted potatoes and then the cheese & guava pastry.. One was more fantastic then the next.
And then fresh coffee... brewed into your cup at the table. Outstanding !!!Listed in: Must Go's in St. Augustine
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Review from Mark F.
San Francisco, CA
9/10/2010
What, I cant hear what your saying.?
What were the specials again ?
Excuse me - waiter, I did not order this dish. I ordered that dish.
Perhaps you had problems hearing me !
Get the idea?
The food is consistently good. This is not my first time here. The music however, could not be any louder. The band must have been thinking that they were playing in a concert hall.
Management was asked to address the situation, but never did. I suggest you bring ear plugs if you go to eat here. It totally ruined our dinner plans, and have to think hard before going again. What a shame. -
Review from Bryan C.
Washington, DC
7/14/2011
Good tapas in a quaint dining room. We wandered into the place after discovering that Tuesday night is a tough night for dining out in St. Augustine; our first three choices were closed. That's not to say The Tasting Room wasn't a first choice kind of place, but we just hadn't planned on Tapas. Turned out to be quite a fortunate twist of fate. Between the live Spanish guitar, appropriately appointed dining room, excellent selection of Spanish wines (the 'Kings of Spain' flight was a wonderful cross section on their ample wine list), and the sense of Spanish heritage already running through the streets of the old town, it took us no time at all to settle into a mood for Tapas.
The dishes were very good, but perhaps not quite excellent. The cheese selection all imported, the gazpacho obviously freshly prepared. The chicken was cooked well, but could have used more flavor. Service was responsive and friendly, but as the first diners of the evening, it was clear they weren't quite ready to open. All in all, a good spot for some tapas, and we will go back when next in town... But there are just a few areas for improvement. -
Review from Kerry O.
Clifton, VA
7/31/2011
Tasting Room has always been one of my favorite restaurants in St. Augustine but they just recently changed their menu. Some of the things they added are great but they took off some of the best things on the menu including the goat cheese terrine (tried to replace it with something similar, not even close), the short rib andand goat cheese flat bread and the chicken skewers in datil sauce! Still love it here, just miss the old menu.
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Review from Melissa K.
Baton Rouge, LA
11/6/2011
We had lunch here with about 15 of our closest friends the day of our wedding rehearsal. I chose the restaurant based on the type of food and the reviews that I read and was not disappointed! All of the food was amazing and everyone enjoyed all of the dishes, which is something considering we practically ordered one of everything on the menu and had such a large group with us! The staff was great with such a large group providing excellent recommendations on wine and how much food to order. This was really a wonderful restaurant and we'll definitely be eating here again on our next visit!
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Review from S M.
Jacksonville, FL
4/28/2010
Parking? Good luck! After three trips around historic old St. Augustine looking for a parking spot we finally stumbled into someone backing out. Recommendation, be prepared to pay with cash for parking.
Location? On a side road off of a side road. This place is just the thing GPSes were made for. Its quaint, not to foo foo, but dim and noisy when the band is playing and the patrons are at full volume.
Taste? Tapas is what people call eclectic foods in small portions for silly prices. With that being said, the skirt steak is a must, the paella was very disappointing considering it is the staple dish and the wine list is extensive and broad.
Overall recommendation, if your in St. Augustine and you already have a parking spot and you want tapas, by all means. Otherwise, forego the trip and try all appetizers for dinner. -
Review from April N.
Harbor City, CA
5/23/2010
How do you say yummy in Spanish? My cousin and I chose this tapas spot because we thought it would be apropos to have Spanish cuisine in this once Spanish city. We walked in and were instantly impressed. What a beautiful restaurant. The ambiance was warm and cozy, and made you feel right at home. I started with the deep fried artichoke stuffed with goat cheese while my cousin had the salt cod fritters. Both were good, but the fritters were best.
To drink we each had sangria. She had the white and I had pomegranate. I loved my sangria, hers wasn't quite sweet enough, it is fruit after all.
All the food was good. My cuz had the mini chicken and chorizo paella, and the I enjoyed my pan seared scallops. Matthew, the chef came over more than once to ensure we were enjoying our meal. It kinda sucked that we never learned the name of our waiter, but not enough to deduct a star. We would definitely go back. -
Review from Chris P.
5/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great find with great food. Its in an area that is filled with run down dives for tourists so I was pleasently surprised to run into this place. The food was awesome. Don't go here if your in a rush though. Service is slow. Not bad, just slow
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Review from Hunter B.
Philadelphia, PA
2/2/2009
We thoroughly enjoyed our recent dinner at The Tasting Room. In fact, there really wasn't a thing to criticize, so we're going with five stars here. Thanks to Daisy D for her recent review, which helped this place pop up on our radar.
Our reservation was ready upon arrival. We had a small table for two next to the large booth in the front room. The art and interior design give this place a very comfortable feel and our servers were friendly and attentive.
The food and wine selections we had were all delicious and arrived promptly. Meal highlights included: (tapas) the mahi bites, Spanish olives plate, and mixed greens salad with roasted beets; (entrees) the seared ahi tuna and vegetarian paella. LDC loved the paella.
Even the bread and oil were a step above the normal complementary fare. LDC believes it was a hint of salt baked into the crust, plus Spanish olive oil, which apparently has a bit more flavor than many Italian versions (like the olives?). She's the chef; I'm just an eater but I'm willing to take her word for it.
We also had two flights of white wines from Spain, with excellent SB, Pinot Grigio, Albarino, and Riesling. Great mix and pairings with the food, and a nice way to sample the larger wine list, which others have raved about already.
Only downside? We didn't save room for dessert.
Random notes: There are some parking spots available around the restaurant, which is rare for places in the historic district. And they do take reservations via OpenTable. You can certainly dress casual, but be aware that the servers will be more stylish than you. ;)
We will surely return and would highly recommend The Tasting Room, especially for an evening with friends, as the tapas are perfect for sharing. Highly recommended.Listed in: Jacksonville Area Favorites
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Review from Marlene N.
Long Beach, CA
5/9/2010
I was a little skeptical of this place since it's located in tourist central, but it ended up being an awesome meal.
We came here on a Saturday night at 5 and there was only 1 other group eating, but within an hour the room started to fill up quickly.
Tapas - amazing! We ordered the shrimp/scallop ceviche, duck flautas, artichokes stuffed w goat cheese, lamb lollipops, and they were all very tasty. The lamb was my favorite, even my friend who doesn't like lamb thought it was delicious. We also ordered the chicken and chorizo paella-which was good, but the tapas is what you should come for.
This restaurant is located in Old St Augustine, so don't bother trying to find street parking. Google St Augustine visitor center to find the parking structure which is a few blocks away from the restaurant. -
Review from Stacey S.
Richmond, VA
4/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
We loved everything about our meal at Tasting Room - the atmosphere, music, service, wine, and especially the food. The boquerrones were served with a perfect mixture of olives, pine nuts, and roasted peppers. The croquettes had a creamy, mashed potato texture punctuated with hints of smokiness from the ham. The fried pork was a little heavy and sweet but helped to fill us up after three tapas. This was the highlight of our meals in St. Augustine.
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Review from Juli M.
Philadelphia, PA
4/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
It really is as good as everyone says it is. It is also expensive, but you should know that going in. We had the 4-course chef's tasting with wine parings and we were not disappointed - highlight was the flank steak with Chim Churri. The music playing on the night we went was a quiet and low-key reggae band. Really made for a nice atmosphere - I could see how a louder musical guest would be a bit much in the small space, though. All in all - a 5-star experience.
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Review from Dick W.
Mobile, AL
9/2/2009 5 photos
I had one of the best dining experiences here I've had in a long time.
I was seated quickly, though I came early. If you are coming with friends and want couches to listen to music you need to make a reservation, they go quickly. It can be loud inside. I sat on the patio and still could hear, the music was really nice.
My server Brittany greeted me quickly. She was amazing, she knew the menu well, paired my wines perfectly, and had very good selections for me. When I am feeling adventurous when traveling and I feel I can trust my server or chef I do not order from the menu. I simply ask them to surprise me. There is nothing I will not taste and I enjoy most foods. When Brittany asked what I liked, I just said "Everything"
The only thing I wish was different, was that I had been traveling with others. The menu is extensive and varied, there is something for everyone here; I wish I could have shared and tasted more things.
I was first asked what I would like to drink so a chose, "Bubbles Around the World", three sparkling wines. Dry Champagnes for me are so versatile and I thought this would be a nice setup to begin the evening.
I asked Brittany to surprise me for my first Tapa. She seemed unsure at first, but quickly warmed to the idea when I assured her I like most foods and to just pair something for the flight of Bruts I ordered. She did perfectly.
The first things I had were a Moroccan spiced tuna and a ceviche of shrimp & bay scallops over escarole garnished w/ crispy fried plantain strips. The tuna loin was perfect, the crust was spicy, but not overpowering. The ceviche had plenty of veg without too much onion or lime; the shrimp were cured to perfection and not at all rubbery, the scallops tasted very fresh and felt elegant and smooth on my palate. The plantains made the dish fun and playful, they were delicious with a hint of sea salt. The J Cuvee 20 brut was crisp and the citrus was perfect overall for this dish. The Blue Top Brut's subtle caramel and light fruit were ideal with the ceviche. The currants in the Brut Rose were best with the tuna, though this was a new wine for me and I found it refreshing and silky without being too sweet.
The next Tapa Brittany brought out for me was a roulade of braised duckling and Manchego, lightly fried and served with fluffy basmati rice, black bean puree & Sriracha. I enjoy my duck breast mid-rare at most and the temperature of this was perfect, and it wasn't overly fatty; the salty Manchego was the ideal accompaniment in this crispy roulade.The Brut Rose was superb with this dish.
Next I had a solomillo de pulmon lightly coated in a chimichuri and resting on a chucky persillade. This cut of meat is so rare to find in a restaurant, what a treat. Slow cooked without any connective tissue and so full of flavor, one of the nicest tasting pieces of meat I have had in some time. Simple and still so sublime, I recommend it. Again Brittany hit a home run with the pairings, bringing The Three Kings of Spain to accompany this sweet meat; they ran the gamut from dark rich fruit w/ a dry finish, to subtle oak flavors long on my palate, & finally vanilla, cherry, and herbs. They were Emilio Moro, Finca Resalso, Ribera del Duero; Marques de Arvisa, Rioja; and Cellars Scala Dei, Priorat.
All of the cheese plates look amazing and I'm glad I didn't have to choose. The Rioja was perfect for the Cabrales, Manchego and Cana de Cabra plate I received. Light rounds of Galacian toast were delicious and the perfect vehicles for this plate (though I had to order extra!) that was accompanied by Americana almonds, roasted fennel, roasted sweet peppers, and a sherry sweetened onion marmalade.
Dessert was a chocolate truffle cake with warm vanilla cream and caramel Moroccan spiced ice cream. This was mana and would have been excellent with one of the many ports or sherries available. I just did not have room!
This was a lot for a single person to taste, but I took my time and was never rushed by any of the staff. Other servers and managers came by to check my progress and to inquire as to how everything tasted. I recommend this restaurant, even if you are not in St. Augustine, definitely worth a drive.
-- Dick Whiting
A Mobile, Alabama native, Chef Dick honed his culinary skills in California and traveling throughout Southeast Asia and Latin America. His cooking style focuses on simple dishes with a fusion of flavors one would find in a guest house in Thailand, a small cafe in Bali, or a family pensión in Costa Rica. Chef Dick is known for preparing delicious local and worldly fare using the best ingredients; including locally grown and organic produce, fresh seafood, game and beef. He directs regular cooking classes and demonstrations, including spots on local TV affiliates for ABC, NBC, FOX, and CBS. An experienced culinary professional he has directed and supervised food preparation throughout restaurants, resorts and hotels with multiple outlets. culinary@hotmail.com -
Review from Mark K.
Erie, PA
7/1/2011
We chose The Tasting Room specifically to enjoy the tapas menu, although the traditional fare on the menu looks great too. We enjoyed Caesar salads, a couple of bruschetta-like items with beef or artichokes, scallops, prawns and mussels. Our server delivered one or two at a time so that we paced ourselves. For dessert, we shared the sea salt brownie a la mode. Everything was delicious and perfectly prepared. You'll be happy with the wine list too, with lots of options for tasting. The white I chose was a little too close to room temperature, but that's the only flaw in our evening.
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Review from Joseph K.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
8/20/2010
Food was excellent as was the service, the wine flights are great (just ask to get them one at a time with each course, 3oz glasses i had a nice buzz) my girl had the pinot flight and I had the conquistador red flight, both were great. We had 4 courses including dessert and 3 glasses of wine each and an espresso for me at dessert and our tab was just under $100. The live music was great too I highly recommend the tasting room.
(I wanted to give 4 1/2, but yelp doesn't allow it, the half off would have been for the bathrooms being not so wonderful and the owner walked to every table to say hi in the place except ours and I assume it has to do with us being the only one's under 35 at the place, but he does run an amazing restaurant) -
Review from Nathan B.
Venice, CA
5/7/2009
What a sweet little restaurant. A few days prior, we'd been told that we didn't meet the dress code to eat inside (faux-upscale restaurant in Buckhead, ATL). So I called to ask about their dress code and the woman that answers the phone say "Yes, we have a dress code.....please wear clothes!"
The restaurant itself is just as laid back. We arrived to hear Ajamu Mutima singing and playing the African instrument, the Kora, similar sounding to an acoustic guitar/banjo and equipped with a small flute as well. As a musician, its always nice to hear some authentic sounds being delivered well by another musician. We chose to eat outside, and on a beautiful night in St. Augustine, this must be the place.
The menu features wines from around the world and tapas. Bottles and flight options are available, and the wine list is certainly one of the most extensive I've seen in a restaurant. I was a bit indecisive on the wine, so I went with the 3 Kings of Spain flight. The tempranillo seemed to blossom the best as the night went on. I found both the 3 oz flight size and a 6 oz glass size to be rather generously poured. Appreciate that.
While I've heard good things about the paellas on the menu, we went with the tapas. Every dish was outstanding. From the mixed green salad (mandarin oranges and beets work well together!) to the amazing bread pudding dessert. Wow. I'd recommend all of the following choices equally: mahi bites, potato and egg frittata, ricotta and goat cheese terrine and the sauteed calamari (grilled, not fried). The only good-but-not-great tapas choice I had was the jerk chicken skewers.
The service was above average and the ambience, as mentioned, was absolutely perfect. Definitely plan on spending some money here, but if you're like me, you'll feel like it was money well spent. -
Review from M B.
Palm Coast, FL
3/1/2007
The tasting Room is a casual and intimate dining spot that features a diverse Spanish-influenced tapas menu . This restaurant is located in the downtown area of the historic district in St. Augustine. With over 100 different wines to choose from and being one of the only dining spots open until 11pm, patrons have the ability to eat, drink, and enjoy the nightlife for all it's worth. Young and old alike would enjoy the ambiance of live music and pleasurable atmosphere the Tasting Room has to offer.
I rather enjoyed their Hanger Steak. It was moist, juicy, and cooked to perfection. I paired it with one, of their many, fine merlots. And the glasses are big and they are quite generous. Over all i liked this place and plan on going there again. -
Review from Cassie V.
Jacksonville Beach, FL
5/23/2011
The Tasting Room is a sensual delight! My boyfriend and I went there during a romantic weekend in St. Augustine. The best part was the music -- a solo flamenco guitar player/singer with a lot of soul. The ricotta and goat cheese terrine was the most memorable thing I ate - soooo good, it almost melts in your mouth. This was perfectly paired with the Pinot Noir wine flight. I also found my new favorite wine there -- Acrobat, a pinot from Oregon. My boyfriend loved everything he ordered too. The atmosphere was perfect. We just didn't want to leave! Between the delicious food and wine, the great service, and awesome music, we left the Tasting Room with big smiles, and have recommended it to everyone we know. Can't wait to go back again!
