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| - My husband and I live in the neighbourhood and had been excited to try out Barsa Taberna ever since the sign went up mid-construction and we read Toronto Life's write up on the restaurant. So, we made reservations for a Friday dinner in June 2014 and showed up. First impression, gorgeous decor and design. Really excited about the Market St. revitalization (now make it ped-only!), pleasant and friendly wait staff, the place had a fun vibe and we were ready for a good night. On the waitress's recommendation, I ordered the sangria cava and thought it was OK - a bit too sweet. By memory, I believe we got their version of the patatas brava (potatoes were harder than they should be), the calamari (too tough) a few other tapas that were clearly forgetable and the paella with shrimp. The paella was too buttery, a bit too salty, had no saffron or any other flavour really - other than butter and salt. In fact, everything tasted like it had either been seasoned with a curry mix OR with just butter and salt. And sadly, everything was marked way up $$ for a tapas place. We love several other tapas restaurants in Toronto and sadly for us, this one was neither authentic or worth the price tag. I am guessing they just intend to be a tourist grab which justifies the inflated prices and mediocre food. I was surprised to learn that an established chef was actually behind the enterprise. We will not be returning unless out for just drinks with friends because, as I said, the decor is beautiful and the ambiance is fun.
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