There are reasons I know I'm getting old, aside from the fact that the birthdays just keep crashing in likes waves. One is my failing sight after years of relying on my eyes and my eyes alone to read. Another perhaps less common garden variety is the internal meltdown I face when confronted with a lot of menu choice in restaurants. If you identify with the latter, you may wish to save yourself a lot of hassle and simply choose the set menu here. If not, be warned, the a la carte alternative is complex, and for your own sake don't arrive tired or emotional. This is a prime mental condition eating experience. Famed Dublin restauranteur Dylan McGrath is an ideas man. His restaurants are as much about concept as they are about food, and though I'm sure there's a big heart in there, the head rules. If you want proof, study the menu. Across the top are taste categories (bitter, salty, sweet, etc.). Down the left are dish categories. So you scale down, then across, to see what combination of taste and texture your dish offers. And there are lots of choices. And a huge variety of prices. But what's less clear is quantity. And I was hungry and wanted to know I'd get an oul dinner into me before that difficult hungry phase that reduces my brain to mush and makes me want to howl like a baby. The very friendly waitress reassured us that though the menu seems complex first time round, after you've done it once, it's a breeze. (That's how I cottoned on to the fact that the wait staff here have post docs in maths.) Full marks for trying though. No less than two members of staff talked us through things, and they really did their best - did I sense concern that people are having difficulty getting it? Whichever - in the end, it was all too much for me - cue set menu. So, to my relief, for forty euros, you can certainly expect to leave full, with sushi starters - ok, it's not called sushi, it's the long one with the piece of fish on top of the rice (though more wasabi, please) -,delicious miso with clams and those delicate long-stemmed mushrooms that definitely have a name, beef skewers with rice (too much rice already) and potato main, and desert. The food presentation is beautiful, served on marble slabs and in delicate ceramics, with a Japanese-influenced simplicity. I thought the restaurant was Japanese from the menu but see from the website there are Spanish and South American influences too - not very obvious to me but then again I flunked the menu test. The sushi that isn't sushi was yummy, especially the turbot which was a smoky hit of flavour, and the sea bass, with a smooth texture that melts on the tongue. The beef is served on a mini-BBQ which, like the mushrooms, has a proper name. (The only problem with this method of on-table serving is being smoked out of it by the table next door who's got too much fuel on the fire.) If you want your steak more than medium rare, just cook on. My steak was a slightly mixed experience being a bit fatty, though my partner didn't have the same issue. Desert was ginger panna cotta, with melon granita, which was light yet intense in flavour and delicious. We had tried to book Rustic Stone, the restaurant downstairs, but it was full and they suggested we try Taste. We didn't know it was Japanese-influenced and I think they took this on board upon seeing our menu-bafflement and offered a glass of wine on the house. Fair enough. If I returned I'd be armed with a more rested brain (like I'd give it a full day off beforehand, take it to the pictures, buy it flowers, tell it it was looking great) and I would square right up to that a la carte menu, look it in the eye and plainly demand to know its tofu options, the brute, and I wouldn't take no for an answer. The Japanese are masters of simplicity, so ultimately I agree if for different reasons that Taste is not a Japanese restaurant. But the food largely made up for it, the service was good, it's a relaxing place to eat, and if the head wins over the heart, there's no denying it's a decent head. If you don't believe me, just look in the window where its image hangs pride of place, presumably so you know who best to talk to if you need anything explained. read more

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In expectation of my arrival in Dublin for a 17 day visit, my sister sent me Taste as a potential dinner option while I was staying with her. Coincidentally, I had a hankering for sushi on the first night and so after snagging a reservation, off we went to Taste. The restaurant was located on the third floor of Rustic Stone. We were seated at the sushi bar for dinner. The bar itself was different from those that I've experienced in the US where the cooking area is lower so you have a view of what the chef is making; however, the bar seating at Taste was also way roomier than most in the US. My sister and I opted for the €60 omakase - I requested the umami miso and the duck broth, while my sister had the regular miso and the salmon broth - and added on some toro nigiri. We also ordered cocktails - the Eastern Promise and the Gin Garden - which were excellent. The meal was excellent! The nigiri combinations were sometimes surprising but they worked well. The quality of the fish was also very good. I loved the broth and cooking the duck breast myself - it was so rich and the flavours were deep and well-developed. For the "light dessert" they brought out three options: a cheesecake, a coconut ice cream, and a ginger flan. The cheesecake actually had this odd cheese (not cream cheese or ricotta) taste but my sister and I were obsessed. Minus one star for the service because although everyone was super super nice, it was slooooooow. Our meal took about 3 hours. Not that we minded but just be wary that you might be here awhile! However, the meal meal was excellent and my sister and I agreed that between us there was nothing on the menu that we wouldn't order. read more

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The restaurant is situated on top of rustic stone and also by the same chef. The place itself was pretty nice however I felt it was a little too rowdy and noisy to have a nice dinner. I also felt they kind of lack staffs and took them pretty long to get to us. I had their omakase meal (both the €55 and €70 ones). They don't serve the omakase meals by the menu, whereby they served us the nigiri first before the temaki and miso soup. But small details anyway. The nigiri was pretty good. I felt the lobster and the sea bream nigiri was the best out of the 6. The rice was beautifully seasoned and pressed. Very impressed by the standards. The miso soup was really authentic with a heavy seafood taste to it. Inside had some clams and mushrooms (enoki) which I was pretty impressed by the enoki. The enoki had this sour taste to it that made the whole soup really appetising. The temaki was an avocado and a piece of tuna wrapped a wanton-like fried skin. It wasn't too bad as a palate cleanser. There was another course we had that I can't quite remember what they called it. But it was sea bream in a mushroom broth (for the €55) and a lobster sashimi (for the €70). The sea breams were perfect with the mushroom broth. Sweet fish with a tinge of sourness from the mushrooms. Absolutely beautiful. The lobster itself had a good and nice texture to it however whatever garnish they had on top was way too sweet. I basically had to scrap it off to finish it. We had the duck and lobster nabe. The broth for the duck nabe was really sweet with complemented really well with the duck. The duck was really good too. The lobster was really fresh and sweet, but the broth was sub standard. What I absolutely loved was the desserts. A very interesting innovative dessert - matcha creme brûlée with pistachio, white chocolate and yuzu ice cream. It's probably the best dessert I've ever had. The other option was a chocolate mousse with chocolate cookie. And chocolate can never go wrong. But I highly recommend the match creme brûlée. It was simply a delight. All in all, the meal was pretty good. I just felt the portions were pretty small. But the ingredients were definitely fresh and cooked pretty well. read more

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Atmospherically, one of the better restaurants I've been to in a while. They just seem to get the music/lighting/decor balance just right. Taste is on the second floor of the Rustic bar/restaurant complex, and the staff carefully guide you the entire way to your seat. The service was awesome throughout - attentive, friendly. We sat at the bar and were thoroughly impressed and entertained watching the kitchen at work during our meal. I was at first taken aback when I received my first plate of 4 nigiri because I was initially expecting more of an authentic edomae-style Japanese sushi experience. In that style, simplicity is the emphasis, not creative toppings and sauces. After eating the first piece of nigiri, though, it was clear that - while not traditional - this meal was the result of a singular vision and was not lacking at all where quality was concerned. This chef was not trying to emulate any particular style or flavor but rather put his own stamp on something you thought was familiar. With each piece of nigiri he explored an array of textures and flavors while also managing to maintain a balance throughout. We came away very impressed with the entire experience. read more

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The attention to detail here is incredible. Not only the food, but the furnishings and art. I loved being brought up to the 3rd floor. The way it was done felt very exclusive and special. However, I quickly became disillusioned. This was true even with the delicious amuse bouche that apparently had tuna in it although I could not find it. It started with the sake. The price was fine, but they need to offer a bigger size and a bigger sake cup. I sat at the "sushi bar" by myself from 6:35 until 8:32p.m. This was particularly odd since I tried to move my reservation, but was informed in OpenTable that no other times were available. In fact, until 8pm, half the restaurant was empty. I love sitting at the bar and watching chefs at their craft. But what became quickly obvious is that the kitchen was overstaffed. This changed at around 8:30pm when everyone b came overlybusy. The head chef (not Dylan McGrath) is stern and it was difficult to wrangle a smile or 30-second conversation out of anyone even though they were clearly not busy. I started with the six-piece sushi omakase. Everything was beautiful and delicious, but small. The toro was not what I would expect and it fell apart as I ate it and could not be bitten in half. I then tried the blow torched scallops and edamame. The scallops needed the smallest hint of salt to bring them into amazing. More surprising however was that I watched as my scallops sat under a heat lamp. Not for long though because I made a comment and my edamame was quickly ready. The edamame was delicious. However, I cannot help but disapprove of the fact that it was coated in butter. This is unnecessary always. It is particularly unnecessary when the edamame comes with dipping sauces. I was fascinated by these sauces. I wish the flavor of each had been a bit stronger and not so diluted. So much potential here. I next went to the pork belly. This was a huge disappointment. I sent it back half uneaten. It was dry. There was inedible fat. There was not enough sauce. The shiso leaf truffle salad was not properly proportioned (like the sauce). The quail eggs, however, were delicious. Next I went to the short rib "beignet." Very tasty. Cooked beautifully. But it needed a lot more of the artichoke purée to balance it out. That artichoke purée, from the little I got, appeared to be delicious and a wonderful balance to the dish. Finally, I got the lobster tataki because I asked what I should not miss and this was apparently the item. The lardo crudo is what makes this dish. However, it reminded me that certain things (like the nigiri sushi) were hard to eat. The lardo needed to be cut. All I was provided were chopsticks, which were inadequate for the job. I had to ask for a fork and knife, but this ought to be cut so that I can easily obtain a perfect bite. Overall, 117 euro, when included sake, a glass of Chablis and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. The price was a bit high, but no problem. If the chefs had been friendly, I think all else may have been forgiven. If the food has been perfect, I would have forgiven the unfriendliness of the environment. But if you aren't going to be warm and welcoming when you have a girl who is by herself, sitting at the sushi bar and clearly knowledgeable in food and alcohol, then you need to be perfect in every other respect. This place was not. I would not recommend this place to people from another country. But people from Ireland who are open to this food should give it a try. But bring company. read more

Devastating menu that at times can leave you speechless. 8oz Sirloin over charcoal, but will have to settle for the wyagu next time. Menu was a cosmic tour of your palate and surprisingly filling and creative. read more

Taste at Rustic - Japanese Near Me - Dublin, D

Had a fantastic experience here last night. My wife and I came in on chance and were so happy when we left. Cocktails were great, food was fantastic, and the desert was perfect. The menu was a little complex at first, but turned out to be a lot of fun once we got the hang of it. Staff was super friendly and attentive and clearly the kitchen staff had focused on attention to detail. The sashimi was fresh, my lamb skewer was amazing, and my wife's salmon was perfect. read more

Had 1 night in Dublin and a great friend turned me on to Taste. From the first greeting, to time to go, it was perfect. Terrific seating, lovely bar and fun atmosphere. The food is delicate and flavorful. It's small (not too small) plates. We had a party of 5 and there was very little that we didn't try. From tasting menu to individual plates. Started with cocktails, Tequila Thyme and Cucumber-Lychee Martini. Gorgeous. Then a bottle of Sake, one of the best. Scallops, Pork Belly with Quail Eggs (not gunna lie, my favorite), Sushi, Wagyu, etc. Dessert was ok but not the star. Just concentrate on the main part of dinner. You won't be disappointed! Finished with coffees, a sweet Sake and some wine. Chef McGrath knows what he is doing and it shows. Well done. Can't wait to take friends next month when I return. read more

Taste at Rustic - Grilled Pork Belly with Quail Eggs. Gorgeous. - Japanese Near Me - Dublin, D

I have been going to Tate for a number of years and I never had less than excellent service and outstanding food. I truly appreciate their selection of wines and sake. I recommend their raw bar. it is always super fresh. They were always very accommodating and professional. Highly recommended. read more

Excellent food and the best sushi I have found in Dublin. The ceviche was a favourite at the table for those who have had ceviche throughout Latin America. Excellent sushi and roles and the steak was delicious. The soup was so unique and tasty too. Great wine and saki. Just an overall amazing experience. This is my new favourite restaurant. read more

Well done Dylan McGrath you have created a wonderful eating experience in this restaurant!! My wife & I enjoyed pre dinner cocktails downstairs and I was close to dropping the review down to 4 stars because in the bar the staff were too busy chatting amongst themselves rather than looking after customers when we arrived - however once they realised we weren't being looked after things moved on smoothly. We read through the new updated menu (which was easier to go through than the original menu when the restaurant opened) whilst enjoying the cocktails & decided to be brave and choose for ourselves what we'd eat instead of going with the set menu options. Upstairs in the restaurant we were very well looked after by attentive staff - a good wine selection - food was absolutely delicious & if you really focus on your taste sensations with each bite/mouthful you will enjoy a wonderfully unique experience. read more

It was odd after being told I could not be accommodated at their sister Irish restaurant to be led up two flights only to discover that Taste means Japanese! Fortunately I was feeling very open to a new dining experience on my first night in Dublin and happened upon a wonderful restaurant. The setting is attractive, the service most helpful and expert, the food extraordinary. read more

Brilliant! Easily my favourite restaurant in Dublin right now, it's pretty much a place you can bring anyone in on any occasion - be it with your partner for a fancy romantic dinner, or dinner while catching up with friends, or even awkward family gatherings! I've been to the Japanese restaurant a good number of times since they created it, and it's by far the best in terms of creativity, premium ingredients, fantastic flavours, and service from a ridiculously fun team of people! They somehow always remember you, can sense when you need something, and are always up for jokes and laughter. Even got to meet the main man himself on one occasion - Mr McGrath popped over to introduce himself to my family and I (although we weren't in any great state to meet anyone that day - it was the family outing occasion that particular day!) and he explained to us his experiences in Japan and how he wanted to bring his learnings back to Dublin - honestly delighted he done so! On to the food and wow I could not believe my eyes when I first saw the menu - many of these Japanese dishes actually use ingredients that you rarely see in other places in Dublin. I went straight for the Toro tuna sushi, ordered a few other sides and the Wagyu beef for mains - Absolutely. Delicious. My girlfriend got the lobster hotpot and when she was done eating the lobster, staff actually took the pot back to the chef to make a soup out of the ingredients in the pot. Again delicious and I like that the ingredients didn't get wasted. Note that the Japanese restaurant doesn't open everyday though, so my advice would be to ring ahead and ensure you get a table for the day you want! read more

Came for an early dinner and the food and service were just ok. The steak we had was rough and chewy. The sauces and flavors were not good. The servers are running around a lot and it was hard to get someone to even get us more water. The restaurant also gets pretty smokey from the torching and grilling. read more

I have mixed feelings about Taste. Yes, the locations is excellent, yes the food is beautifully presented and delicious and the overall experience is good but but I felt like I needed a hamburger afterwards because it simply wasn't enough food and, at nearby €170 for two, including booze, it wasn't cheap either. My pork belly starter was a little more than two or three bites, my companion's scallops were about three of same, sliced in half and artfully presented for maximum aesthetic effect. Our mains of lamb and chicken skewers were also delicious but gone in seconds. The Pinot Grigio, however, was excellent. So good we had a second carafe to share. The meal was book-ended with a couple of G&Ts with coffee afterwards. The evening was very enjoyable and the food was indeed sublime but I felt less than satisfied from a value for money perspective. Taste should get at least four stars for the food but I can't go there. Definitely a special occasion place but not if you're actually hungry. read more

I was visiting this place during a holiday with my girlfriend. She loved it so much that she forced me to post this feedback on yelp even though I usually don't do that. It truly was one of the best culinary experiences I've ever had. The waiters were amazing and hilarious making the whole experience a delight for both body and soul. Highly recommended! read more

Overall I think it is disappointing. The food is ok/nice but so overpriced for what it is and in comparison to similar standard restaurants in Dublin. The decor and service is good. I won't be back, there's too many better options. Also it was only half full on Friday night so I suspect it won't continue in its current form anyway. read more

Our dinner was at 9pm on a Saturday evening. We thought the ambiance was nice, the host was friendly/attentive, and food was good but ordinary. I don't think I'd recommend the place for foodies. We love trying different things so we usually order the Omakase when available at a restaurant. It started with a nice miso soup, followed by a small king crab dish, lobster/sea bream sashimi, and a hot pot with monk fish. The crab, the lobster, the sashimi, and the monk fish all seemed fresh but nothing we'd remember to come back for. The highlight of the restaurant in my view was their sake list. They had a couple of my favorites, Nanbu Bijin and Dassai. read more

I don't review many restaurants, but felt obliged to after being mesmerized by dish after dish here. I've had the finest cuisine in New York, London, Tokyo and many other places and have to admit that this meal, in Dublin of all places (and Asian food!) was one of the ten most enjoyable meals of my life. Every dish packed a punch of flavor from the hand roll to kick off the meal to the surprise broth made from my sukiyaki at the back and the mochi to clean the pallet at the end. In between a variety of nigiri, edamame and sweet corn beignets. Unreal flavor. read more

I am quite disappointed. The sushi is great but other food is just so so. It is very noisy and it is weird because the key rule of Japanese cuisine is " quite" and " low key". read more

I went to there last night and I have to say the sushi was incredible .... Not only this I will go back because the green tea dessert ..... This is the best Japanese restaurant I have ever taste ! read more

I was referred by a co-worker who had just been here on a visit. This place met all expectations! The waiters were amazing and very knowledgable about wines/pairings and food. The appetizers were really good, especially the asparagus. They bring a table grill should you choose steak (which my two friends had). I opted for the Omakase menu and had a chance to try several items (seafood, sides, and dessert). I loved it all! The dessert was unusual - cheesecake with popcorn ice cream. so good! read more

I came to mark a big occasion with the family and was expecting good things. It was exactly what we wanted. We were a group of 4 and were sat in one of the booths around to the right. The food is truly amazing. It is quite pricey but as it is somewhat of an experiential restaurant it gets away with it. read more

Amazing food and brilliant atmosphere. The bar/waiting area is great, buzzing with life and a brilliant cocktail menu. The lighting and ambiance was very nice and just the way you like it. Food was simply amazing, Crab for starters which I can recommend and the Wagyu beef simply out of this world. Definitely recommend it. read more

The overall experience was good, but it felt overpriced for what it was and service was not at the level I would expect for such a nice restaurant. We started off with the chef's selection of nigiri, which was excellent. We continued with a selection of items from the hot menu. The waitress tried to make us feel like we hadn't ordered enough food and encouraged us to order an extra salad and the full portion of the chicken karagee when we had wanted a half portion. After receiving the nigiri selection, we were expecting the salad, but it didn't come until 30-45 minutes later with the rest of the dishes we had ordered. We had only ordered the salad at the suggestion of the waitress as a palate cleanser between our nigiri and our main course, but it didn't come before our main course as it was promised. At the end of the meal, the waitress gave us desert menus and said she would be back to check in to see if we wanted desert. By this point, all we wanted was the check, but we accepted the desert menus out of our usual politeness and spent the next 30+ minutes staring at all the wait staff to try to get someone's attention to get the check. The waitress finally checked in after over 30 minutes to see if we were ok. If I had wanted dessert in the first place, by this point, I would have no longer wanted it. For such a small restaurant, I would expect more attentiveness from the staff. Overall, the food was great, but I couldn't justify the cost and experience again. read more

This restaurant is like nothing I have ever experienced. The menu is so eclectic & exciting. We had bites & pastas. We will certainly go back. read more

Amazing food. The sushi is one of the best I ever had. The flavors keep surprising you. The service is great. My mind is blown. Highly recommend. read more