Just A Taste

With International Flavors, Wine and Tapas, Spanish Style Dining, Over 40 Wines by The Glass, Bar & Restaurant

Just a Taste is a great tapas bar tucked into an old building on the Ithaca Commons. It has tasty tapas and a good wine selection for an affordable price. Dessert is good, too. I think that it's the only place to get tapas near Cornell or Ithaca College, so it's kind of a rarity in the area.

Parking is easy, but check for a reservation on busy nights.

On the Commons, this tapas place is a bistro-style storefront that manages to be romantic despite the fact that you're sitting elbow to elbow with other diners. Menus of small plates might include rare grilled flank steak with homemade kimchi, marinated scallops with walnut-garlic aioli, or spinach salad with pears, goat cheese, and bacon. Small portions mean room for dessert; don't overlook...

The tantalizingly long list of authentic Spanish tapas at night and the casual lunch menu of salads and creative sandwiches at this popular spot take a back seat to its locally nonpareil wine lists. Choose from among 40 wines by the glass (or taste or half-liter) and many more by the bottle, or check out the interesting international wine flights of five to six wines (on my last visit, there...

Bar & restaurantcall for hourswith international flavorsrestaurant

Just a Taste has a charming patio, reminiscent of European cafes. Gastronomes can pair Spanish tapas with wine and coffee. Try dishes like Spicy Green Gumbo with Basmati Rice and Smoked Bluefish Mousse with Crostini, along with sides like olives or nuts.