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Bistro Two Eighteen, Birmingham, AL

Bistro Two Eighteen

4.8
4.8
2200 Reviews
$50 and over
Contemporary French
Top Tags:
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 12 times today
Experiences are available.

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
  • Website
    http://bistro218.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Tom Saab
  • Private party contact
    Tom Saab: (205) 983-7999
  • Location
    218 20th St. North, Birmingham, AL 35203
  • 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

Featured in

Experiences

  • Rare Bourbon Dinner

    $295.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Sep 27, 2023 only
    Join us for an exceptional and exciting experience at Bistro 218! On Wednesday September 27th, we will be hosting a five course meal with a cocktail hour beforehand at 5:30. Dinner will begin at 6:30, where throughout you will get a taste of Buffalo Trace, Eagles Rare, Wellers 12, Blanton's, Blanton's Gold and Pappy's 10 Year.

What 2,200 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
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Alabama

    Best Overall

  • Alabama

    Best Food

  • Alabama

    Best Service

  • Alabama

    Best Ambiance

  • Alabama

    Great for fine wines

  • Alabama

    Romantic

  • Alabama

    Good for special occasions

  • 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

2,200 Reviews

  1. DebfromBham

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every item we ordered was beautifully presented and absolutely scrumptious! From the brussels sprouts to the BLT salad to the pork belly to the entrees: rosti, steak frites, and prime NY strip, we loved it all!

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  2. WillN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I had a great experience and a fantastic meal.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Bistro Two Eighteen was very romantic. The food was beyond our expectations, especially the pork belly. The chef really knows his stuff. The staff was very friendly and went above and beyond knowing it was our anniversary with the small gifts throughout our meal. Highly recommend. The only small thing I would change is the seating area we were in. We were in a corner facing out which was fine until people were seated at nearby tables. Although I was seated next to my wife, I was facing a couple and my wife was facing another couple. Kind of strange and wish they just people a chair on the other side of our table so we could face one another instead. Regardless, our experience was wonderful! I would highly recommend especially if you are celebrating your anniversary. We will definitely be back.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Jdubs

    Charleston

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was my first time dining here. Food and service were great. Savannah was our server and she was excellent!

    Is this helpful?

  5. kevinw

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Bistro 218 is undoubtedly in the top tier of restaurants in Birmingham. The ambiance is perfect for a romantic dinner...like our 26th anniversary. The staff is attentive and the food never disappoints.

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  6. RayE

    Alabama

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Birthday Celebration with the 2 of us. Started with Cosmo, crab cakes Manhattan and pork belly. Then shared gumbo followed by duck confit. All were fabulous especially the duck. Desert was crème Brule with a birthday candle! Jordan did a great job being patient and not rushing us. Very eclectic atmosphere and great music.

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Austin

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very swanky! Nice atmosphere, fresh food, friendly service. You really can’t go wrong here! 

    Is this helpful?

  8. ChrisM

    Denver

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always exceptional, B218 is probably my favorite restaurant in Birmingham, one of my favorites in the country. The service is perfect, and the food is very thought out, when you see a new dish it will be something very different. I am a straight-line chocolate cake person, but their dessert menu changes frequently. Last night I had the sautéed pear, and it was truly one of the best desserts I've ever had, something totally new and delicious, a real standout. I go to B218 often and I'll continue, it's always a pleasure.

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  9. Lovegoodfood7412

    Las Vegas

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great dinner with friends. Always a good time at Bistro.

    Is this helpful?

  10. WillieM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was fresh and made to order. The staff was attentive and the quiet atmosphere made it easy to have a romantic dinner. Chef Tom dishes were delicious and he cared about his customers.

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  11. RDoug

    Alabama

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved the romantic feel of the dining area, also the brick walls. Also, thanks for giving us a table by a window and a very good server! The red fish was perfectly cooked and loved the okra on top and grits on bottom. Crab cakes were out of this world! It was a perfect evening!

    Is this helpful?

  12. ImmanuelR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was excellent, and they helped me surprise my wife for our anniversary. They even had us a card. Definitely will be coming back.

    Is this helpful?

  13. CharlesC

    Charlotte

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful! Made our anniversary special:) Service was excellent.

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  14. Theanniversary

    Alabama

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This bourbon event was OUTSTANDING! I ended up pulling the short straw and was picked the Designated Driver but the food made up for missing the bourbon! My husband and his friend from out of town made up for me not drinking. We had the best time and will be back with more friends for these events. 10 Stars!!

    Is this helpful?

  15. StevenK

    New Orleans

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was a bourbon experience and it was amazing! Already waiting for the next one. #1 - Wellers, #2 Blanton’s .

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Favorite place for special occasions! Our anniversary was perfect in every way!

    Is this helpful?

  17. ShellyandChris

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dining at Bistro 218 is such a treat whether you are seated at a table or having dinner at the bar. Last night we have lovely fish - red fish and flounder. The sauces and sides for each were just as delicious. Wishing we had room for dessert but that will need to wait until next time. Top drawer all around.

    Is this helpful?

  18. BigMike

    Alabama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The food is excellent in a very attractive ambience.

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  19. LindaE

    Mobile

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere, food, and service! Highly recommend

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  20. NooNoo

    Alabama

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Bistro 218 is our favorite restaurant in Birmingham. The food is fantastic, the service is fantastic, the chef usually comes by and says hello, and the portions are generous. We think the drinks from the bar are special. Some bars just make an average drink, but there’s go the extra mile. We’ve been eating there since they opened and believe it just continues to get better. We have a phrase that describes a great meal. We call it memorable. Our dining at Bistro 218 is always memorable.

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  21. ChristenW

    Houston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wait staff was wonderful! Valet was friendly and welcoming. Can’t wait to come back.

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  22. DrLLCoolJ

    Alabama

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I visited Bistro Two Eighteen for our anniversary. We were warmly greeted by the hostess who wished us Happy Anniversary and immediately took us to our table. We were seated at a cozy table in the front, right by the window. Our waiter came over, wished us happy anniversary, and offered a complimentary champagne toast. Later the manager came over with a sweet anniversary message to put on our table and wished us well. The service throughout the night was fantastic and the food was outstanding. We ordered drinks, appetizers, entrees, and dessert, and they all came out smoothly. It was the perfect timing between courses - not too rushed and not too long. At the end, the manager came back and gave us a handwritten card from all the staff wishing us a happy anniversary, which is such a sweet touch to the whole night. Lastly, our waiter asked for our valet ticket when he processed our bill, and our car was waiting on front when we left. Overall, it was a wonderful evening, and we can’t wait to come back!

    Is this helpful?

  23. Julia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Celebrated my friend's bday. We got a free desert, a birthday card signed by the Chef, and then the Chef came to our table and congratulated my friend. The stuff was extremely nice.

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  24. Guids

    New Orleans

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Value and service was outstanding. We enjoyed their thoughtful seating choice.

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  25. CharlesR

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    We had a good time. The food was good my wife and I both enjoyed the meal and the evening. It was a little difficult to hear the waiter which was probably a combo of voice and atmosphere volume but definitely not unpleasant for conversation. and the food but good. I would say slightly higher priced relative to quality, but we still definitely enjoyed everything we ordered.

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  26. TemekaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love the card that was left out on table for husband's birthday and thoughtfulness to give a birthday card and desert!! Waitress was excellent and the amount of food was actually fulfilling....

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and excellent service for a fabulous dinner downtown.

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  28. JessicaR

    Alabama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated our daughter's 16th birthday here, and the staff was nothing short of accommodating and amazing!

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  29. Loved

    Alabama

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great place to celebrate a birthday! Upstairs seating was quiet enough for good conversations!

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  30. Scott

    Tallahassee

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Not as good as I remember. Food was room temperature. It wasn’t bad but could’ve been better.

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  31. MarthaI

    Alabama

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Music was too loud. Even my grandchildren thought it was loud.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Naples

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Fantastic food and service. Everything we ordered was very well done. Only critique is the risotto and duck could have been warmer. Overall excellent experience.

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  33. GoodRowe

    Washington DC

    27 reviews

    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From the valet and matre d to our waiter Aaron, the staff helpfulness was so appreciated as we were visiting the area and wanting a special dining experience. Our group mixed Southern nostalgia favorites (fried green tomatoes, grits) with culinary challenges (fish Provençal, glazed pork belly, seafood risotto) and found every course outstanding. The wine and spirits list showed rare global expertise. Bistro 218 will draw us back to Birmingham for a repeat visit.

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  34. ChristopherJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I went for our anniversary and everything was amazing from the drinks to the starters and mains down to the dessert. Fantastic service great fresh food. High recommended.

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  35. CurtisF

    New Orleans

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything about our dining experience was outstanding. Greeted courteously and seated promptly. Savannah was our server and did a stellar job. The food was outstanding. We asked Savannah to pass that along to the kitchen staff.

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service outstanding food. I will most definitely be back soon.

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  37. PigsInaBlanket

    Alabama

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Has become my go to for good food, good atmosphere, and excellent service.

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  38. JohnnyC

    New Orleans

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were treated as vip. Valet at the door was great. The meal and service was outstanding. We requested and were given a corner table for our special occasion.

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  39. RamonaG

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic menu. Love it all. Beautiful atmosphere!

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  40. Bernice

    Alabama

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My Favorite Restaurant in Birmingham. Everything is always Delicious!

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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 2200 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 12 times today
Experiences are available.
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

Featured in

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