TASTE — Restaurant in Norfolk

A Norfolk Icon That Perfects the Art of the Sandwich TASTE is more than just a restaurant in Norfolk; it's a culinary institution, a beloved local landmark that has set the standard for upscale casual dining for decades. Every visit feels like a special occasion, even if it's just a quick lunch break. For its unwavering commitment to quality, its impeccable flavors, and its uniquely Virginian charm, TASTE is an effortless five-star experience. The magic starts with the ingredients. From the moment you walk in, the market side of the shop beckons with its curated selection of gourmet cheeses, wines, and local artisanal products. This same commitment to quality is evident in every single menu item. The bread is always fresh and flavorful, the meats are premium, and the house-made dressings and spreads are what truly elevate the experience from a simple meal to something memorable. Ordering any of their signature sandwiches is a rite of passage. The Northender, with its perfect combination of turkey, bacon, and that legendary house dressing, is a masterpiece of sandwich construction. The Lynnhaven, another crowd favorite, is equally delightful. Each sandwich is perfectly balanced, generously filled, and tastes incredibly fresh. The salads are crisp and creative, and the daily soups are always a comforting and delicious choice. The atmosphere at the Norfolk locations is consistently bright, clean, and welcoming. It strikes the perfect balance between a bustling cafe and a relaxed market, making it an ideal spot for a business lunch, a weekend brunch, or catching up with a friend. The staff is always polished, professional, and efficient, handling even the busiest lunch rushes with grace. TASTE is a local treasure that has never once rested on its laurels. It consistently delivers an exceptional product in a wonderful environment. It’s a shining example of a local business that gets everything right, and it remains the undisputed champion of the sandwich in...

Lived here back in 2012 and loved the taste. They have changed locations since back then they were on Hampton Blvd but always gave great service. Order online yesterday two back to back orders for two sandwiches. Arrived one customer in the restaurant with exception to young ladies selling Girl Scout cookies. It had been about 10 to 15 min after we placed the second order. Yet with 4 maybe 5 employees on staff they couldn’t make two sandwiches correctly. The young lady at the register was nice. She ask a guy in the back about the two orders, he responded, “yes I’m working on it and it’s not ready yet.” I waited approximately 3 more minutes get home with my sandwiches. My husbands is correct (1st order) mine was not (2nd order) I did the make your own. I had a cold hard brioche bun with, 1 piece cheddar cheese folded into 1/4, lettuce, tomato, pickles, double bacon, and CHICKEN BREAST plain as day on receipt. I get home no CHICKEN BREAST! Cold chewy bacon, hard bread, etc etc. I called the restaurant took a min to find the number as you can’t push call from the google search page. So found it on their website, call I’m blessed to listen to the funeral music, someone picks up but then puts phone back on funeral music for a second round, and then a automated recording says, “ sorry leave a message.” Never received a call back, but I didn’t think they would. Anyways I guess they grew their business in the 11years since we lived here, but they lost there...

So taste is supposed to be this gourmet establishment that sells sandwiches, salads and a limited number of soups. I've gone to Taste on some occasions because they are too expensive to be a regular (according to my wallet). Taste used to be a treat for me, but these last two times left me feeling pretty upset that I didn't go somewhere else.

Today I ordered the Granny goat wrap and I am disappointed. There isn't anything special with this wrap except that it has a small amount of goat cheese. The chicken is extremely dry with an unpleasant, crumbly texture. The problem for me is that there is too much of certain ingredients and not enough of the others. There is a ridiculous amount of balsamic vinegar that overpowers the wrap. There is a tiny amount of apples, large chunks of dried out chicken with a tiny smear of goat cheese. Then there the lettuce enclosed within the wrap.

The wrap is just disappointing because I can make this at home and for a lower price point. I get it, it's a restaurant and they are offering me the convenience. But push past the convenience and offer me a tasty experience that sets it above some wrap I can make at home.

The last visit I got a wrap with shrimp in it. Forgive me for not remembering the name, but I'll make it short and sweet: It wasn't good and certainly not worth the price point.

I think I'll just get better at taking my...