Welcome to Taste Kitchen
Welcome to Taste Kitchen, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Ann Arbor. Our culinary journey fuses vibrant flavors from around the world, offering a unique blend of seafood, desserts, and bar delights. While the decor is simple and cozy, it creates an inviting space to enjoy meticulously crafted dishes.
From the succulent steamed mushroom dumplings to the rich, flavorful duck breast, every bite is a testament to our commitment to quality. Our seasonal cocktails, featuring homemade syrups, enhance the dining experience. At Taste Kitchen, we invite you to celebrate life’s moments with us, savoring every exquisite flavor along the way.
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521 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Hotline: (734) 369-4241
If you find yourself wandering the vibrant streets of Ann Arbor, Michigan, make it a point to visit Taste Kitchen, a culinary gem nestled at 521 E Liberty St. This restaurant seamlessly blends an eclectic menu with an inviting, cozy atmosphere, providing diners with a unique experience that celebrates both creativity and quality.
Taste Kitchen stands out in the bustling Ann Arbor food scene with its focus on seafood, desserts, and innovative dishes that draw inspiration from various culinary traditions. Whether you're in the mood for steamed mushroom dumplings or the sophisticated seafood paella, the variety is sure to cater to diverse palates. Reviewers have raved about the salted whitefish fritters, and for good reason—the delicate flavors engage the taste buds beautifully.
While some guests have pointed out that the decor may feel modest and somewhat outdated, others have found charm in its simplicity. The ambience is warm and inviting, with dim lighting and subtle modern accents that enhance your dining experience. As Linda I. noted, the fine dining elements, including elegant table settings and attentive service, elevate the overall feel without being pretentious.
- Highlights: Signature cocktails like the Thyme Out, featuring a delightful blend of tequila and grapefruit vermouth, have impressed guests, often stealing the spotlight from the food itself.
- Dishes to try: Many have praised the duck breast for its perfect preparation and rich flavor, while the Coconut Panna Cotta serves as a dreamy conclusion to your meal.
- Guest Experience: The service, although occasionally noted as slow during peak times, has generally been described as friendly and knowledgeable. The staff’s ability to recommend dishes and cocktails adds a personal touch that enhances your visit.
Despite some critiques on portion sizes and price points, the combination of inventive cuisine and a cozy setting make Taste Kitchen a worthy destination for both special occasions and casual meals alike. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply indulging in delicious food, this eatery offers an experience that resonates deeply with both locals and visitors.
In conclusion, Taste Kitchen is more than a restaurant; it's a culinary exploration that fuses flavors and traditions. With its standout dishes and inviting atmosphere, it promises a dining experience that reflects the spirit of Ann Arbor—vibrant, diverse, and deeply satisfying.
The decor and ambiance is nothing special. Somewhat small, simple, and out dated, but the food was absolutely incredible. Service was slow, but it was New Years Eve and they only had one server working. She told us it was her second week on the job, which is a crazy thing to do to a new hire. I was very happy with my meal but the total package is nothing to return for. One and done!
My fiend got reservations for us at this wonderful restaurant. When I arrived I was pleasantly greeted by the hostess and offered to take my coat. I really lived her ambiance here as it was dimly lit, but great modern accents. The server was extremely nice and had a wonderful knowledge of the menu. I started with a seasonal cocktail where they had homemade syrups and it was delicious. We ordered the steamed mushroom dumplings along with salted whitefish fritters. Both starters got us ready for our amazing dinner we were about to embark on. My friend ordered h tu r salmon and I ordered the duck breast. It was cooked perfectly and had a wonderful flavor. Such a cute restaurant in the heart of Ann Arbor
Eclectic menu. Everything was delicious and prepared perfectly Sakura pork loin, and whitefish salted fritters fantastic
An approachable fine dining feel. Think white tablecloths, darker design, candle and flowers on the table, dressed up servers who change your silverware in between courses. It almost seems like it doesn't quite fit right amidst the hubbub of State St. After years of walking past, we finally tried Taste Kitchen and it was a nice dinner! I started with the Thyme Out cocktail (tequila, grapefruit vermouth, jalapeño, thyme, bitters, grapefruit, lime) and this was PHENOMENAL. Honestly maybe my favorite part of the whole dinner, just one of the best cocktails I've had in a while! Pretty spicy (which I like). For food, French Vietnamese inspired, we went family style, sharing a few starters and a main between two: - Seafood Paella; good seafood (the lobster and scallop were my favorite), saffron rice maybe a touch underseasoned - Thai Pomelo Salad; bright and texturally interesting between the pomelo, endive, jicama, and peanuts! - Beef Tataki; very tasty, 5 small pieces of beef in a tasty ponzu sauce garnished with radish and pickled red onion (the best bite combined it all) - Mushroom Noodle Salad; enoki mushrooms and noodle blended seamlessly together for a herby peanut noodle dish with an extra little flair Finished the meal with the Coconut Panna Cotta... which, after the cocktail, may have been my second favorite part of the whole meal. So yummy and loved the extra toasted coconut. Overall portions are fairly small, but tasty (though the dishes didn't really blow me away). And gorgeously presented! Service was very polite and professional. Street parking or there's a nearby parking structure a couple blocks away.
Came here on a whim on a weekend and was pleasantly surprised by the overall experience. While pricier than our party expected, it surely was worth it for the various food with interesting fusion inspirations, super attentive service, and cozy interior ambience. Would definitely return for a special occasion for the variety of dishes and drinks. The portion sizes were fair and just the right amount for satisfaction, but I can see others expecting something more for the price point. Overall, it's definitely a hidden gem in a college town like this. It's an upscale meal that *actually* feels worth its value with the service and ambience that matches.
We went with a group of five for a work dinner. We decided to get a few appetizers to share. We ordered the crabcakes, calamari, beet, salad, the dumplings, and the salmon. They were all delicious and gave us a good taste of the appetizers at the restaurant. I ordered the salmon and risotto for dinner. The risotto was creamy, and it was the perfect texture. The salmon had a nice lemon grass coconut sauce, that was very tasty. You have the option of getting rice that is black with your dish if you like. The salmon was Thai inspired. The noise level was moderate so we could talk to one another. The servers were very attentive.
We had dinner here the other night and, sadly, they have less outdoor seating than they used to. Nevertheless, it was a beautiful evening to sit outside even if their outdoor seating is more limited. We started with the Crab Cakes and the Salmon Poke and both were excellent. I slightly preferred the poke because it was spicier. I had the Lake Perch with quinoa and asparagus which was excellent though a few of the stalks of asparagus had seen their better days and were tough. The Chocolate Delice for dessert was also excellent. The service was friendly and helpful.
This was one of the places we hadn't been to yet despite living in Ann Arbor for many years. Decided to make a reservation for a birthday and to celebrate a new job. Staff is very attentive and knowledgeable and while it feels like tight quarters in some parts of the dining area it had an ok ambiance. The food was all very good. The mussels starter may have been my favorite and we were so excited when the server offered more bread to dip in the delicious sauce. Steak tartare we wouldnt order again but didn't regret it -- it was okay, maybe lacking some flavor. My king salmon entree was very good -- salmon cooked perfectly on top of a cauliflower puree, spinach, and an excellent yogurt sauce. The scallops were also well-cooked and the corn succotash had incredible flavor, however for the price of the dish I'd expect more than three small scallops. The ginger creme brulee was very good. We were pleased to eat it despite being super full. Overall this place was very good, however I think a bit overpriced for what you get depending on the dish. But it's downtown Ann Arbor, after all. We'd go again for sure.
We were looking for a new place for a special birthday celebration and this place was the perfect fit. It was hopping on a cold Saturday night! Our reservation was at 7:30, but we didn't get seated until7:45. We didn't mind because it was obvious they were bust, but they gave us each a glass of champagne as an apology - appreciated, but totally unnecessary! It's a cozy little place, but it didn't feel cramped and the decor is simple and elegant. Our server was Luke - he as very friendly and attentive. They have an interesting cocktail menu. I got the Highland Campfire and my daughter tried the Texas Sunset - great tasting and beautiful presentation! All three of us had the Seafood Bisque and it was delicious! We all tried different entrees - I had the Chilean Sea Bass, my wife had the Shrimp Risotto and my daughter had the Diver Scallops. All three were excellent choices!