Court Yard Ristorante — Restaurant in Alpena Township

Look.... I loved this place when I first went there for our wedding rehearsal 10 years ago, it was a top tier experience, but let me explain real quick my experience with it from tonight.

The waitress was very nice, but felt like she may have lacked training or been very new. Not her fault if that's the case. I say this because the only refills we had on our drinks were when we asked for them. Our appetizer was set down behind our glasses so we had to resituate it after she walked away. Really small stuff and I hate to bring it up, but when you are paying $100 for dinner it should feel a bit more professional.

I'm a metal head. Love me some riffs. However on the anniversary when I am wanting to sit down for a meal and relax I don't want to hear it blaring out of the kitchen. My wife was able to name the band and we were a good distance from the kitchen.

It was not busy at all when we arrived, maybe 5-10 tables in the whole place, but still from appetizer to main course more than an hour. Many times we were left just picking at garlic bread waiting for the next bit to come out.

The desert was free as it was our anniversary which was nice of them, but I don't think it was made in house (NY Cheesecake). Definitely looked and tasted store bought. I might be wrong though.

The food is very (emphasis on the very) overpriced for what you get. I think it was $38 for the wife to get beef medallions on sweet potato spears. The portions for that was very small. Medallions were delicious, but the rest of the plate. Meh.

I got the mac and cheese and it was okay. Lacked very much in flavor, but overall not a terrible dish. Again for $25+ for a bowl of Mac and Cheese with Chicken and Bacon it should be stellar. Meh.

The Calamari appetizer and soups honestly were far better than either main course plates and in my opinion the saving grace on this review.

The garlic bread we received twice was much more burnt than what you see in the pictures others are posting. Was edible and honestly still tasted good, but regardless shouldn't come out black ringed all the way around.

We spent $94 just a single appetizer and two dishes. That might include the two Pepsi we had. Seems a bit up there for what we received.

I know for the money spent there are far better experiences in town. I have had several of them. Some for...

My (frugal) boyfriend and I ate here for our anniversary last summer. He kindly permitted me to choose the appetizer and I went with ahi tuna poke as I had tried this in the past years ago and loved it. It was served in about the same way as I recalled, with no noticeable variations in quality, taste or ingredients.

I appreciated the consistency over time as it tells me I can expect my favorite dishes to remain favorites.

We really enjoyed the ahi tuna after I reassured bf that yes, it's expected and perfectly safe for the center to be pink. He ate every last bit of salad as well, the salad is great too if you're really hungry!

We appreciated the complimentary bread that is offered with dinner so very much as well.

I struggled with choosing the main course and could not decide between shrimp risotto or almond encrusted chicken. I finally settled on the chicken - I'm happy whenever I can get some quality risotto!

The boyfriend ordered pasta and raved about it for the rest of the night.

For dessert we split a piece of the most amazing, heavenly chocolate cake!

I don't even know how to describe our meal other than to say we each drifted in a dream of culinary bliss from start to finish, and we did not need to lift a finger to exert ourselves due to waitstaff very pleasantly and cheerfully bringing more bread or drink refills as requested.

Boyfriend also commented on how truly remarkable the ambience here is, and how well it set the stage for an amazing dining experience and I am inclined to agree!

He also said that it was worth the money, for a special occasion, in his opinion.

I would ideally eat here once per month but I am not a frugal person.

Dining at The Courtyard Ristorante is a singular experience and if you've been wanting to go but not sure if you'll regret spending the money, I say go for it and you will most likely wish you'd gone sooner. It's so worth it especially on special occasions.

I also would recommend calling a few days in advance to make reservations, especially around busier times like summer...

If hospitality excellence had a name, it would be Court Yard Ristorante! Nestled in the heart of Alpena, Michigan, this hidden gem is a culinary sanctuary that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

From the moment you step foot into the Court Yard Ristorante, you're greeted with an ambiance that seamlessly blends elegance with warmth. The rustic charm of the decor transports you back in time, while the inviting atmosphere makes you feel right at home.

Now, let's talk about the food. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey unlike any other. Each dish is a crafted with passion and precision by the talented chefs who infuse traditional Italian flavors with innovative twists. Whether you're craving classic favorites like homemade pasta tossed in rich marinara sauce or adventurous delights like their signature seafood risotto, every bite is a revelation.

The menu boasts a plethora of options to satisfy every palate, including mouthwatering vegetarian and gluten-free selections. And let's not forget about the wine list—a carefully curated selection of varietals that perfectly complement the flavors of each dish, elevating your dining experience to new heights.

But what truly sets Court Yard Ristorante apart is its impeccable service. The staff members are more than just servers—they're culinary ambassadors who are passionate about ensuring that every guest leaves with a smile on their face and a belly full of delicious food.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving an unforgettable dining experience, Court Yard Ristorante is the place to be. Don't just take my word for it—experience it for yourself and prepare...