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Bistro Two Eighteen, Birmingham, AL

Bistro Two Eighteen

4.8
4.8
2035 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 14 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

  • 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

Experiences

  • Rare Bourbon Dinner

    $295.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Apr 25, 2023 only
    Our Rare bourbon Dinner will be a night of good food and even better drinks! Join us as we taste various rare bourbons including Blanton's, Pappy's 12 and 15 year, Elijah Craig and more alongside a four course meal. Cocktail hour begins at 5:30 and dinner begins at 6:30.
  • French Bistro Wine Dinner

    $135.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Apr 11, 2023 only
    Join us for this fantastic dinner event! Our sommelier Carlos Cisneros has expertly paired five wines with a five course meal and will spend the evening presenting each wine as well as entertaining. Cocktail hour starts at 5:30, dinner will begin at 6:30.

Popular dishes

What 2,035 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
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Alabama

    Best Overall

  • Alabama

    Best Food

  • Alabama

    Best Ambiance

  • Alabama

    Best Value

  • Alabama

    Great for fine wines

  • Birmingham

    Best Overall

  • Birmingham

    Best Food

  • Birmingham

    Best Service

  • Birmingham

    Best Ambiance

  • Birmingham

    Best Value

  • Birmingham

    Innovative

  • Birmingham

    Hot spot

  • Birmingham

    Great for fine wines

  • Birmingham

    Romantic

  • Birmingham

    Good for special occasions

Sort by

Filters

  1. Melisha

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was my husbands birthday!! Thank you Sophia, Tom and Matt for making our night special from start to finish. The food and service was amazing!! You guys were awesome!! FYI we had 19 people!! All were very happy!!! Thank you
  2. MarcusC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall3food4service5ambience5
    The Food was great, the server we had Joseph was one of a kind, But we had a reservation for 7:30 and was put off like we didn’t belong in the restaurant hoping we would leave a party before us was allowed to carry over into our reserve time we were visiting the area and was treated like second class citizens so I’m sure the own doesn’t care but we will never visit the restaurant again or advise people to come to the restaurant THANK YOU Joseph, FOR TREATING US LIKE HUMANS!!!!
  3. KarenH

    Alabama

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    just an amazing evening - the food was delicious. The drinks were wonderful. The kid enjoyed 1.5 desserts
  4. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food! The octopus appetizer was fabulous. E was excellent. Great service
  5. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Bistro Two Eighteen consistently delivers a superior product, great atmosphere, attentive staff, awesome food, just very hard to beat for a sure bet go to restaurant
  6. LexiS

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Brought our in laws here for a nice dinner and we had the best time! Food wine and cocktails were amazing and the service was excellent!!
  7. Southgirlchic

    Alabama

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were seated at a wonderful table upstairs, loved the privacy we felt. Also love the somewhat new lamps in the center of the table that are stylish and bright enough by which to read the menu but don’t take up a lot of room. Our group of four started off by trying a number of things: the brussels sprouts, an order of frites with aïoli, and the octopus with romesco. All were delicious, with the octopus as a stand out. Octopus can be tough but thanks to the sous vide this dish gets, it was tender as can be and the romesco full of bright flavor. Absolutely an incredible appetizer. For entrée I had the branzino, which was cooked perfectly with crispy skin and served with buttery fingerling potatoes. I ate every bite. Dessert was a rich and creamy chocolate espresso pot de crème, with some seriously delicious chocolate cookies and brownie on the side. Service was consistently attentive without being obtrusive, with even the manager checking on us twice. All in all, Bistro 218 does it right!
  8. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Bistro 218 is an exceptional restaurant that offers a unique and delightful dining experience. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. The menu is carefully crafted, featuring a diverse selection of dishes that are expertly prepared and beautifully presented. The chefs at Bistro 218 clearly take great pride in their work, using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients to create dishes that are bursting with flavor. The service at Bistro 218 is also top-notch. The staff are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, always happy to answer any questions and make recommendations to help you make the most of your dining experience. Overall, I highly recommend Bistro 218 to anyone looking for a truly exceptional dining experience. Whether you're looking for a romantic evening out, a special occasion celebration, or just a delicious meal, Bistro 218 is sure to impress.
  9. MrsMaddMan

    Washington DC

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great dinner at the bar. The octopus appetizer was amazing! As was the Branzino as main course. Service was excellent. A very nice way to celebrate my 50th state:). That item is now checked off my bucket list!
  10. jimp

    Alabama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a great experience from start to finish.
  11. OpenTable Diner

    Tallahassee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Daughters birthday!
  12. MaryAmanda

    Alabama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing service and attention to detail. Entire staff was welcoming and friendly! Amazing food!
  13. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    Service and ambiance were excellent. I find their food to be inconsistent and plate pairings to be underwhelming.
  14. MarkW

    Alabama

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Business dinner with a friend - all was very pleasant Sebastian provided simply great service
  15. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    All of the food and beverages were excellent! I had the chanterelle appetizer and steak entree. Yum! Prices were reasonable for the quality meal you get.
  16. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful first time at this restaurant! Bourbon selection was exceptional and service was top notch.
  17. Au8urn

    Alabama

    67 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    67 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    All excellent. Matt is a great manager.
  18. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious and awesome service. Made us feel very special for my Wife’s birthday. They have never disappointed.
  19. Robby

    Western NC

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our appetizers of grilled octopus and the artichoke and oyster bisque soup were outstanding. The oysters and artichokes almost melted together. Both of us had fish for the entrees. We were delighted to find branzino and blackened redfish. Both were prepared perfectly. The wine list was extensive. A white Burgundy matched the fish. Our waiter, Sebastian, was attentive, professional, and took time to be friendly as we expressed interest in the restaurant and our dinner. It was a memorable dinner.
  20. HowardH

    New York Area

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on February 22, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience3
    Overall a very enjoyable experience. The food was excellent, my oyster bisque may have been the best soup I have ever had and my fish dinner was delicious. The menu is limited and since my wife has to avoid dairy, she settled on just having soup and salad. She said both were good. Good crowd on a Tuesday night so noise level was high, but we could still talk to each other and the couple next to us.
  21. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really nice table and got seated early. Wine service and waitress service was great. Very attentive but not overly. Food was delicious and served on time. Desert menu was limited but very good.
  22. AmyS

    New Orleans

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent!! Best espresso martini around. Service and food were all top-notch.
  23. BrittanyV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was our first time eating here and everything was amazing! Food was delicious and customer service was even better!
  24. SamanthaW

    Alabama

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Late Valentine
  25. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service, helpful and friendly
  26. JohnG

    Denver

    61 reviews

    5.0

    61 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent food coupled with great wine choices using their sommelier. Always a fine dining choice!
  27. KatherineH

    Alabama

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Five friends had a wonderful, relaxing meal. Our server Jordan was attentive and informative.
  28. Clarke

    Alabama

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We’ve eaten many times here and we’ve always had a great experience. The Staff was helpful in suggesting wine that paired with our meals, the menu was creative and the food was exceptional. Highly recommend
  29. JohnL

    Alabama

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Much of our food was very good. Desserts were mediocre. Pork chop fantastic, duck not hot , just barely warm when served, chicken pailard very good, gumbo excellent, cake dry… tasted a bit old or overcooked… told server, he said he’d let pastry chef know. Beautiful restaurant, friendly staff. 4 stars, not 5 … I’d like to see a little improvement as this is a favorite place.
  30. Hulsey

    Alabama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Was great as usual! Love this place.
  31. Amber

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere and food! Really enjoyable experience.
  32. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Exceptional from start to finish. Waiter was patient and helpful in choosing a wine. High quality food expertly prepared. One of the best meals we have had in a very long time.
  33. Bucky

    Alabama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, dinner at Bistro 218 was fantastic! Every meal is presented flawlessly and tastes beyond comparison!
  34. KristinT

    Mobile

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the most delicious meals I have ever eaten!
  35. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Everything was great though I ordered the rosti and got the salad instead but it was also tasty so I didn’t say anything
  36. joshg

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect ambiance and menu for an intimate date. Dessert is a must! Great drink and wine menu.
  37. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    29 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Some of the foods were good but relatively cold, portions sizes were small too.
  38. HalaF

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was wonderful
  39. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    My fish was cool and grits were cold. It was such a let down from previous meals there. Other diners were also underwhelmed!
  40. BigTasty

    Atlanta Metro

    29 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall2food4service4ambience3
    For the price, the portions were small. Good food but small portions made it seem unreasonable.

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 2035 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 14 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

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