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Bistro Two Eighteen, Birmingham, AL

Bistro Two Eighteen

4.8
4.8
2094 Reviews
$50 and over
Contemporary French
Welcome to Bistro 218
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Birmingham’s Financial and Theater District, Bistro 218 features side by side dining concepts.

Guests can enjoy a glass of wine or craft cocktail in our upscale casual bar room and indulge in a full bar menu under or proceed through the French doors into the main dining room and take pleasure in French classics paired with seasonally procured wines and local craft beers. Reservations are available in either room.

Ever changing menus are seasonal, with Gulf Coast influences and feature local foragers and farms supplying the best Alabama has to offer.

Bistro 218 honors the traditions of French bistros with minimalist decor in a historical setting. Dark Brazilian mahogany, high ceilings and exposed brick adorned with local art emanate a comforting yet elegant atmosphere that is perfect for a romantic dinner, a pre-theater meal or a relaxing night out.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 7 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary French, Contemporary American

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Tue–Thu 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (205) 983-7999

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive chef

    Tom Saab

  • Private party contact

    Tom Saab: (205) 983-7999

  • Neighborhood

    Birmingham

  • Cross street

    2nd Ave. N.

  • Parking details

    Complimentary Curbside Valet Parking Starting at 5pm

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 2,094 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Alabama

    Best Overall

  • Alabama

    Best Food

  • Alabama

    Best Service

  • Alabama

    Best Ambiance

  • Alabama

    Best Value

  • Alabama

    Innovative

  • Alabama

    Romantic

  • Birmingham

    Best Overall

  • Birmingham

    Best Food

  • Birmingham

    Best Service

  • Birmingham

    Best Ambiance

  • Birmingham

    Best Value

  • Birmingham

    Good for business meals

  • Birmingham

    Innovative

  • Birmingham

    Great for fine wines

  • Birmingham

    Romantic

  • Birmingham

    Good for special occasions

Sort by

  1. JeffS

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a lovely evening and the food was delicious!! Joseph was our server and he did an excellent job. We will return
  2. ShariP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was awesome from start to finish! We will definitely be back again.
  3. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a pleasant experience with fine food and really great service - we’ve had the pleasure of having Sebastian as our host each time and he is simply a very engaging, knowledgeable and pleasant young professional! Thanks again
  4. MIKEV

    Alabama

    25 reviews

    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice dinner and outstanding food. Just as with everything can get pricey
  5. ChrisG

    Alabama

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We were hitting the same few restaurants a little too often and wanted something new. B218 delivered for us. Good bar, good food, sterling service. It's a fuzz pricier than similar places, but not outrageous. Overall, would do again.
  6. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Anniversary dinner and it didn’t disappoint. Perfect table with an anniversary note from the chef, great server, food was top notch. And they gave us complimentary champagne to celebrate.
  7. UncleBob

    Alabama

    104 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    104 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our first time back in over a year due to illness so had our 50th wedding anniversary diner there with friend. As alway, the meal was fabulous as was the personalized service. Specifically the blackened redfish (the best ever, including the “original” from Paul Prudome’s in New Orleans.). A friend ordered Brussel Sprouts which I usually hate due to bitterness, but these were wonderful!
  8. KellyM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is amazing. Service is great. One of our favorites.
  9. ReeceT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Arrived early for our reservation and it was a few minutes before the doors opened. We were still accommodated by the staff. One of the best meals weve had in a long time. The servers might need a bit more training on the wines available but overall we were very impressed.
  10. KevinP

    Atlanta Metro

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Another delicious meal from Bistro. The blackened red fish was an impressive dish with great flavor and beautiful presentation. The fried okra was an excellent addition. I appreciate the green beans were cooked enough to be enjoyable. Highly recommend Bistro.
  11. maryb

    New Orleans

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great restaurant. We sat on the upper level which we find to be less desirable as the main floor. The upper level gets warm.
  12. JohnT

    Charleston

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing dinner again at Bistro 218 for my birthday.
  13. LenB

    Alabama

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service (Sophia) Best crab cakes ever -- different in a great way from traditional (Maryland?) style - would love to see these as an entree
  14. JannaC

    Alabama

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything about our dining experience was perfect!! Love Bistro 218.
  15. EdwardH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible cuisine and fantastic service. Lucas was a great server!
  16. RandyD

    Alabama

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always enjoy this restaurant. The service is top notch and the food is authentic French and always perfectly prepared and delicious. We had, among our other dishes, the soft shell crab appetizer (seasonal) and it was exceptional, as were our entrees. We will return.
  17. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Dropped by for drinks and appetizers before concert, nice valet, nice hostess, nice bartender and nice drinks and food, the bill was not so nice…….
  18. AeshaK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Bistró 218 was excellent. The service was wonderful, and so was the food! My husband and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary there, and it was a very nice experience.
  19. Kelli

    Charlotte

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect spot to celebrate our anniversary! The food was amazing from appetizer to dessert.
  20. SuMo

    Alabama

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Pear salad was unique, tasty. Gumbo was very good and comparable to any fine dining restaurant in Louisiana. Joseph, our server, was prompt, knowledgeable, and very efficient. Duck confit was excellent. A little pricey, but worthy of a special occasion celebration.
  21. Richard63

    Phoenix

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall3food5service2ambience3
    Great food, service was less than desirable
  22. ma80108

    Denver

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    dinner was great the creme buelle was brutal the creme was great but the sugar crust was much too thick. difficult to break and impossible to eat service was great too
  23. VincentV

    Alabama

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    I have a shell fish allergy, so I was limited in selection I wanted a salad but do not eat blue cheese and it was on all the options
  24. CamilleP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience. They did run out of an item that three of our party had ordered. Three ordered the pork chop and one of our guests had to change their selection. Otherwise the food was great, especially the crab cakes.
  25. JamesG

    Alabama

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent menu top to bottom, very well prepared dishes and all beautifully displayed.
  26. Kcp1963

    Denver

    144 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    144 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent bourbon tasting event. 5 stars!!! The food was amZing. Only bad information to the Bourbon.
  27. Jennifer

    Atlanta Metro

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful meal, drinks, and service! We will be back!
  28. GregC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    Consistently acceptable but not noteworthy dining.
  29. kathrynw

    Mobile

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. The service was excellent. Very impressive and will be planning another trip back
  30. IndyFoodie

    Indiana

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Crème Brûlée and Duroc chop were outstanding. Would highly recommend this restaurant. They take your allergies very seriously which does not happen often when dining out.
  31. ChristyO

    Atlanta Metro

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Bistro Two Eighteen is a must. The service, food and ambience are impeccable. At the order of an appetizer, our server - the bartender, we did the bar seating - assured us that the meal would be paced. In a rare and amazing experience, it actually was! The Tuna Tartare was ridiculously good. The Roasted Beet Salad was the exact delicious thing for the season. I would stab someone with a fork if they tried to take any of the Bistro Steak off my plate! It was a perfect medium rare. The Trout was also amazing. Perfect wines. Perfect meal.
  32. BeckyV

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Consistently a great experience at Bistro 218. Love the background music too!
  33. SteveH

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent meal and great service. Great menu items. Our favorite restaurant by far!!
  34. KatherineM

    Alabama

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent in every way. Been several times over the years and food has always been good but it had been awhile. Can’t wait to go back.
  35. RondaH

    Alabama

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Food was really good. But they will not allow changes to the menu?
  36. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice - staff and owner exceptional! Our dinners were varied but all loved food. We sat at bar table which was just right atmosphere and accommodating for conversation. Definitely plan to return!
  37. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Consistently great food and service! We were on a time crunch because we had tickets for a show and they were super accommodating
  38. Kristin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great dinner on our first visit to Bistro Two Eighteen. Service was excellent as were the food and cocktails. Highly recommend for an elegant date night! We will be back.
  39. Dominus

    Alabama

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on April 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The quality of their dishes is incredible! Steak was tender, juicy and cooked to perfect temperature requested. Vegetables were fresh, crisp, and lightly/perfectly seasoned. The redfish rivalled the redfish in NOLA, and the crabcakes were reminiscent of the many I've enjoyed in Maryland. We had excellent help with finding the perfect wine pairing, and the cocktails were top shelf! Amazing everytime we have made the trip to Birmingham. This is the kind of top notch restaurant that you write home about.
  40. OpenTable Diner

    Nashville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic service and the food is excellent and beautifully presented.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Bistro Two Eighteen is rated 4.8 stars by 2094 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 7 times today
Google Map for Bistro Two Eighteen

218 20th St. North, Birmingham, AL 35203

Additional information

  • Cross street

    2nd Ave. N.

  • Neighborhood

    Birmingham

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Tue–Thu 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary French, Contemporary American

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Complimentary Curbside Valet Parking Starting at 5pm

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Tom Saab

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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