Bistro Two Eighteen

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1. EW

   EmilyW

   Mississippi

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The gumbo was fabulous! Wine selection was great. We will be back.

   Report
2. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Toronto

   14 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   14 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall3food3service2ambience4

   Uneven service experience at best. When we arrived on time for our reservation, we were directed to the bar to wait for our table which was not ready. After waiting a few minutes at the empty bar without being acknowledged, the bartender abruptly took our order. The drinks were slapped down in front of us without so much as eye contact from the bartender, much less any “hello” or description of the drink. When we were seated, the wine menu was placed and left directly on top of my appetizer plate. During dinner our server Lucas was friendly, attentive and the best part of the service. When we ordered wine, the sommelier came and poured it without greeting us or offering any explanation of the wine or any tasting notes, etc. (Why have a sommelier if this is what you’re doing?) Dinner itself was good on the whole. After a forgettable mussels app where the mussels were mostly gritty and the fries left to soak in butter, I had a beet salad that, while standard, was well-executed. For dinner we had a pork chop, which was excellent, yet accompanied by an overcooked blue corn grit cake and some cauliflower that was ok. We also had a redfish dish. The fish was cooked properly, yet bland. The accompanying grits were very good. Dessert was a good almond butter cake that was a touch dry. As we finished our meal (around 9:30 and way past everyone’s weekend bedtime in Birmingham) staff were removing table cloths from the surrounding tables and giving the clear signal that it was time for us (and we weren’t the last to leave) to finish and go. Eating here I understand why Frank Stitt has delayed the reopening of Highlands. (And why Bistro 218 is glad he hasn’t.) It is such a challenge to provide excellent or even very good customer service. You can get a tasty pork chop and a good beet salad at a high price point in lots of places. Top flight service to go with good food is a challenge that Bistro 218 has not figured out.

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3. L

   Lawnboyy

   Birmingham

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall4food5service5ambience3

   I had the duck confit and it was excellent. The service was just right. The restaurant was a little on the noisy side. Prices were very high, but expected for fine dining.

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4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Arrived when opened and was able to hear a wonderful selection of music. As guest started to arrive, sound levels decreased ability to hear it. Food was outstanding from tuna tartare to pork belly to kick things off, to the beef Wellington and duck confit to finish the main course. Sommelier was helpful in recommendations. Crème brûlée was fantastic as well. Mixed drinks were spot on! Will definitely be returning.

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Birmingham

   13 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   13 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall4food5service5ambience5

   As always, the meal and experience is wonderful. I’m a regular and will continue to be. My only complaint. And it’s minor, is the best salad is very small in proportion. Once you remove/consume the lettuce etc. the remaining amount of beets is very small. And the beets are the primary reason diners are ordering the beet salad. I would encourage more beets per order, particularly for the price of that item. Otherwise a great meal. Thank you.

   Report
6. TR

   TRfromTtown

   Atlanta

   149 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   149 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   My lady friend and I started our anniversary weekend at Bistro 218 with a wonderful dining experience. Our waiter helped her with a cocktail suggestion which she loved s. She and I split a blackened fish with grits and fried okra…really delicious. And we capped off our meal with a very good crème brûlée!

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Los Angeles

   5 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food4service5ambience5

   Our favorite restaurant in B'ham. Hits the sweet spot in 'specialness' between a regular night to dinner and an anniversary-type meal. Basically - always a nice choice!

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8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall1food4service1ambience4

   My wife and I were incredibly disappointed last evening with our experience at Bistro218. The issue was the service. Our waiter was respectful, courteous…and obviously overworked. I assume this was because staffing shortages, and I do not at all feel negatively about the wait staff. The food was excellent as always. I Will hesitate to return any time soon.

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9. LR

   LaurenR

   Birmingham

   6 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Absolutely LOVED the bourbon dinner. Won lots of wife points for booking this. Food was incredible. Will definitely go back.

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a wonderful bourbon tasting meal. Everything was excellent.

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11. PC

    PercyC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    The night was enjoyable with a perfectly cooked steak

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12. DJ

    DouglasJ

    Birmingham

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on January 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Went before going to an event at the BJCC. Food and service were great and efficient.

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13. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5

    Slow service. Dinner was outstanding. Dessert was not very good.

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14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Very good food and service!! Cool atmosphere!

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15. F

    Francisco

    Birmingham

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was incredible. Great wine lis. Atmosphere was also great. This is my new fav spot.

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16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It’s always a great experience when we go here! The food is amazing as always and great ambiance!

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17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Lucas was great! Very attentive, friendly, & patient. The food was exquisite as always. Love dining here, everyone is very welcoming & polite.

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18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Birmingham

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    We decided to pick a new place to celebrated our daughters birthday instead of going to one of our usual places. It was a nice experience for all of us. The food is a little higher priced, drinks are over priced and it was a little louder then what we prefer

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19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It was our anniversary. We had just gotten engaged at Bistro Two Eighteen a year ago. They gave us a very lovely table and the ambiance was amazing, and the food was to die for. Bistro Two Eighteen is a dining experience, one we will enjoy for years to come!

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20. LW

    LucyW

    Mobile

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Absolutely love Bistro 218. There are so many restaurants in Birmingham that we love, but this one stands out! Very friendly and knowledgeable staff that treated us like royalty. This is the second meal in as many months. We've also been two times before last year when in town. I had the tuna tartare both times. Fresh and cold both times. So good. My husband's app mussels were so good that I got them as my dinner. Sauce was light but decadent. I got the frites on the side, because I like them crunchy. Wow! We also got two orders of brussels sprouts and the scallops. This recent trip we had the tournedos au poivre. Absolutely divine. Marc recommended a good white burgundy to go with the mussels. Also, had a nice sauterne. We sat in the bar area in a quiet front table. So nice. Beautiful decor and cool atmosphere. Bar is a bit more casual. I would be remiss if I didn't comment on the service. While the food was outstanding, Mark, our server was just wonderful, as were the manager and server last month. My husband's mother was dying in Huntsville, so we've been going back and forth. We were exhausted both times, but this recent visit, she had just died two days before. They couldn't have been more friendly, kind and helpful. We even remembered our anniversary was the next day, and they gave us a nice glass of champagne. Make your reservations now. You will not regret it.

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21. CP

    CathyP

    Birmingham

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We chose to sit in bar area and it was definitely noisy. Now we know! Will pick restaurant area going forward. Everything was wonderful

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22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall4food4service2ambience3

    First time visiting. Calibrating thru french cuisine .. generally good .. seasoning might need adjustment esp salt

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23. BC

    BrianC

    Birmingham

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everyone who worked there was incredible! The food was delicious! This restaurant is truly a gem and we look forward to returning!

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24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    Very loud atmosphere. Couldn’t hear the waiter or those at my table. Food was alright, definitely not as flavorful as the reviews made it out to be.

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25. BD

    BirmDiner

    Detroit

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing dining experience!

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26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New Orleans

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great date with

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27. LS

    LeeS

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food. Amazing service. Such a wonderful atmosphere. Loved it all.

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28. B

    Bhamnet

    Birmingham

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Perfect meal with friends. The Octopus appetizer is amazing. Best Duck in town. Wonderful food and excellent service.

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29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Nashville

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My husband and I took our 3 adult sons to dinner and celebrated 2 birthdays. Enjoyed the food very much and the boys really liked the atmosphere.

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30. CP

    CameronP

    Birmingham

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing experience every time. Food and service always good

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31. CC

    CurryC

    Birmingham

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great place for a special dinner. Food is outstanding and the customer service is well beyond a wait staff. I would not try to host a large party but 4 or less I feel is the perfect size dinner party for the ambiance. It is pricey but in my opinion well worth an occasional visit.

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32. MA

    MistyA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Hands down, best meal I've ever eaten. I look forward to eating there again soon.

    Report
33. TB

    TimB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Flavor, flavor, flavor. I could tell I was in good hands when I noticed the salad was properly seasoned. Blackened Redfish was fresh, lively with smoky collards, yellow Carolina rice, and lightly fried okra. Just so much fun to eat. The Cherry Bomb was incredibly professional, a true pastry chef in the kitchen. Service when and as needed, no more. Dining room comfortable, good sound levels. Eat here

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34. J

    Jody

    San Diego

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3

    Great experience.

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35. CB

    CajunBabe

    New Orleans

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on January 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My husband and I celebrated our Anniversary and had a romantic dinner! I definitely recommend for a special date night, service and food is A+

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36. C

    Chicca

    Cleveland

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent experience. Food and service were excellent. Great service.

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37. JJ

    JohnJ

    Birmingham

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Dined at Bistro 218 on New Year's Eve. The restaurant offered a 'special' NYE menu. The appetizer choices were limited, but were very tasty. The baby grilled artichokes were delicious, and the shrimp cocktail featured large plump shrimp that were perfectly cooked and an excellent cocktail sauce. I was a little disappointed that something a little more complex than shrimp cocktail was not offered. For our second course, we had the Lobster bisque which was outstanding and full of large chunks of lobster. For the third course, I had the Rack of Lamb and my dinner partner had the Duck Confit. Both were excellent. We washed it down with a very nice bottle of Chateauneuf -du-Pape. The deserts were also very good, but not so outstanding that I can remember the names. Overall, a five star experience with great service and outstanding food. However, I do think that the prix fixe of $125.00 per plate excluding drinks, plus a mandatory pre-paid gratuity of $50.00 felt a little overpriced. I have dined at this restaurant before and the food and service always has been outstanding. Maybe one of my favorite places in town at this time, but for comparable meals, I would not have paid more than $100.00 per person. Maybe this is just the premium paid for the special occasion. Maybe I would have felt differently if the appetizers had been a little more spectacular.

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38. SP

    SamanthaP

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience2

    We had to wait 20 minutes past our reservation time, our main course came out while we were still eating our salad course, and our dessert never arrived despite the fact that we paid for a prefix menu for New Year's Eve.

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39. JS

    JenniferS

    Birmingham

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Enjoyed our New Years Eve Prie Fixe!

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40. CS

    CameronS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    An absolutely spectacular dinner. From the time you enter the door to walking out expect a top notch experience.

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