The Rosebank branch of this stylish café chain is hugely popular, and for good reason – the food is innovative and fresh, the service is stellar, and the atmosphere warm and engaging.

Located in the center of the plaza between The Zone shopping center and the Rosebank Mall, Tasha’s offerings are a cut above its adjacent competition, which include a pizza chain and an Italian coffee shop. The 30-page main menu is the same as the other branches and offers café classics with a modern twist: French toast with mascarpone and mixed berries, burgers with polenta fries and tzatziki, barbecued chicken “Vietnam” with julienned carrots, avo, cucumber, coriander and chilli, and the schnitzel sarmie, topped with tomato, avo, red onion, and French dressing salsa. But this branch also has its own “signature” menu, with items that aren’t available at the other locations.

I ordered the eggs Benedict off the latter menu, and it was honestly the best I’ve ever had in my life. Unlike other restaurants, this one uses a base of dense brown bread instead of a muffin, and it makes ALL the difference. The Hollandaise sauce was also done just right, and the poached egg was soft and tender. Even though the dish was extremely filling, I felt compelled to wash it down with one of Tasha’s famous milkshakes – this one was vanilla and chocolate brownie. Thick, rich and delicious! I didn’t feel like eating for days afterward however, as this meal was so rich.

Seating options at Tasha’s include the open-air indoor dining room, or outdoors on the plaza. If you’re dining alone, there’s a communal table, which is a thoughtful gesture. The airy, Italian-chic decor includes Tashas’ signature Vespa parked out front, which is sort of the chain’s “mascot.” On weekends it gets very busy here between mid-morning and late afternoon, so expect a wait.