We were two retirement-age couples bicycling along the Welland Canals Parkway Trail on a lovely summer day, and the bike trail went right past this restaurant. So it was a great location for our lunch. We had a table on the patio, which looked out over the "old canal" (a part of the Welland Canal between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie that the big ships haven't used for the past half-century). The view of the water and some of the fine old buildings on the other side of the canal was quite lovely. We locked our bicycles on a rather ramshackle fence outside the restaurant but within sight! After fifteen miles of biking on a summer day we were happy to order drinks. Unfortunately Taris had no cider or beer on draft (I gather they never do), but they did have a small but good selection of beer and cider in cans, in the $8 range (which seemed a bit high). These appeared quickly, as did a pitcher of water and glasses. We had chosen the restaurant before beginning our bicycle trip partly because its on-line menu identified gluten-free options. Two of us began with a watermelon and cucumber gazpacho, quite refreshing, nicely spiced, perhaps a little thin, $8.50. For the main, three of us ordered fish tacos (three for $18); the tacos were made with corn tortillas, which of course was a gluten-free choice. The fish tacos had generous pieces of good-quality white fish lightly deep-fried, and thus far quite good. The promised pico de gallo, however, turned out to be about a teaspoonful, and there was no shredded lettuce, beans, tomatoes, cheese, chilis, or, indeed, anything else either in the tacos or on the plate. That felt pretty minimalist. Another one of us ordered the cold noodle salad ($22) with three very nicely prepared slices of seared albacore tuna, rice noodle, and six-minute egg. He found it quite good and was very positively impressed with the skill of the kitchen staff. The main problem was the service. Rachel seemed very capable when she brought our water and took our orders, and the gazpacho arrived quickly. After about half an hour she refilled our water and said that our food would be out shortly, which suggested to us that she had just checked with the kitchen, but apparently she hadn't. After a further fifteen minutes, when an adjoining table received their meal from another waitress after an extremely short wait, we asked this second waitress if she wouldn't mind checking on our order, since by then we had been waiting 45 minutes. She did, and then Rachel reappeared and told us that she had just discovered that, unfortunately, the kitchen hadn't received our order, but that they were starting on it now. What she didn't say, but what she perhaps should have admitted, was, "At no time during the past 45 minutes did it ever occur to me to check why things were taking so long. Serving tables isn't exactly my passion." Whether she had made a mistake, or the kitchen had made a mistake, or whether some technology had failed, we weren't told, but the server was clearly the one who should have recognized a problem long before the 45-minute mark. When she did bring our meals, it was with a conspicuously diffident "sorry about that." I might add that the restaurant wasn't at all crowded. Now, I don't know that it would be fair to judge the restaurant just on the basis of one experience with one server. After all, the management can't keep on top of every order from every table. And, indeed, the other staff members there seemed hospitable, friendly, and efficient. On the other hand, I do feel that a restaurant that was dedicated to providing satisfactory customer service, and one that was concerned for its reputation, might at least, in these circumstances, have adjusted the bill accordingly. As it was, we were charged $160 for four people for canned drinks, well prepared but not sensational meals, and stunningly inattentive service.
Really enjoyed this place. It was a great night. Sat at on the patio. It was all covered with comfy seats and a really nice view. Service was good. Drinks were good and reasonable. Food was really really good. Will come back for the view and to try a couple more dishes.
My family and I had a delightful experience at Taris on the Water. The servers, interior design, and music was just amazing. We sat within the outdoor seating area; the view of the bridge was beautiful. I recommend the fried chicken and the flourless chocolate cake. If we ever come back to Canada, this is a restaurant we will return to.
This place is spectacular! Justin the manager was fantastic. He and the other staff were calm and attentive despite what was obviously a very busy Wednesday evening. I only had the Calamari which was cooked perfectly. I also tried the Salmon wrapped Shrimp which was smokey and wonderful. They even had music (Jeff Beadle) which was a perfect addition to the terrace, water and historic setting. What a stellar culinary experience. This place is an absolute gem!! Don't think a out it. Go there!
Tl;Dr: great service, good food, lovely location, recommended visit.Recently had a special family event at this restaurant, the service staff was very friendly and knowledgeable on all products as well as Extremely accommodating for my young daughter as this was a large family gathering, by preparing special meal options to suit a toddlers "pallette".Food for the event was fantastic, with a large amount prepared.Selection of drinks and food was great, and I especially enjoyed the locally brewed beer.Restaurant is located on the riverfront, and has easy access for a walking path/park for better water viewing.Recommended for families, business meetings, and romantic dinners.
Thank you to the staff at Taris, amazing afternoon at your restaurant. The event at my fathers reception was outstanding. The food was amazing so thanks to the chefs. Special thanks to Justin for organizing this. My wife’s side of the family really enjoyed the food and venue and said they are coming for dinner on their own sometime.
Tl;Dr: great service, good food, lovely location, recommended visit. Recently had a special family event at this restaurant, the service staff was very friendly and knowledgeable on all products as well as Extremely accommodating for my young daughter as this was a large family gathering, by preparing special meal options to suit a toddlers "pallette". Food for the event was fantastic, with a large amount prepared. Selection of drinks and food was great, and I especially enjoyed the locally brewed beer. Restaurant is located on the riverfront, and has easy access for a walking path/park for better water viewing. Recommended for families, business meetings, and romantic dinners.
Nice view and nice menu however not high marks on fried chicken or Korean beef that was not actually Korean beef but rather just grilled steak that was very chewy...wouldn't recommend either choices. Maybe other choices are better or was an off day.
The staff was very friendly and greeted us upon entry. I know the chef and he consistently provides delicious and inventive dishes. The bar staff allowed ordering drinks off-menu (ordered the espresso martini). The view of the old Welland canal creates nice ambience when dining on the patio. Parking can be confusing as it is located off Niagara Street behind the building (FYI).
Food is really good and super fresh! I highly recommend!