Bistro Two Eighteen — Restaurant in Birmingham

This was only my second time ever eating anything remotely French (minus french fries of course!), and I have to say this may be my new favorite restaurant and type of food. Service was amazing from our sweet waitress that was super knowledgeable of all menu items to the kind valet (and only one working I think) who had to stand in the cold all night!

The appetizer portions were huge with the fritto misto and steak tartare being what we chose to share. The fritto misto was more shrimp and calamari compared to amberjack which was good for me since I personally don't like fish. It was served with a delicious remoulade for dipping. The steak tartare takes home the gold though! I had only learned maybe a year ago that people EAT beef completely uncooked! But after today, I can say that I'm a fan! I think steak tartare may actually be almost as good as a regular steak, the capers and raw egg served atop of it made it just perfect. As for my entree, I ordered the free range chicken paliards which was some of the most tender and perfectly cooked chicken I had ever had. It was served with the lemon butter caper sauce and creamy risotto. There were SO many menu options that appealed to me though so seeing rissoto really helped me decide, and it was the best decision ever! I had a piece of the duck confit my friend ordered, and I have to say it was a little tough for me. It tasted more like the dark meat of turkey, which I'm not a big fan of. The only time I've had duck before tonight was when I was in China, and I guess Chinese ducks must be 70% body fat because they are so much more juicier and have much more delicious fat on them. Overall I had a great five star experience, and can't...

I can’t stress enough how utterly mind blowing an experience is at Bistro 218. It’s impossible to ever do it justice with words, but I will attempt.

You never know what you’re in for with a lot of restaurants; for one reason or another consistency is hard to find. With bistro, everything about your experience is exactly as amazing, delicious, and special as the time before. From start to finish, you’ll find yourself transported to a different place. The cocktail list is as unique and varied as anywhere, but the wine list is where the drink menu truly shines. CASTLE, their in-house Sommelier, will make at least one appearance at your table- allow him the opportunity to pair your meal perfectly, because he will. It will be perfect. Whether it’s the fried oysters, amazing salads, or perfectly cooked and delicious entrees, you can’t miss on this menu. A varied selection of choices from vegetarian, seafood, and red meat… I actually chose against my usual direction and went chicken. It. Was. AMAZING. I kept thinking to myself “man, this is a chicken dish… but it’s so much more”. My girlfriend did the same- mixed it up and went against her usual and got the beef Wellington. Of course, she was blown away. And the wine pairings? Perfect as always. Also, a pro-tip: when making a reservation (don’t try and walk in by the way, a reservation is necessary unless you’re just interested in a bar section experience), request for the special balcony table. The atmosphere and surroundings at bistro are already top notch, but this just takes it to another level. There’s simply nothing about Bistro 218 that isn’t 5 stars. We can’t...

Disappointing dinner overall. The crab cakes were on the fishy side, definitely more fishy than any otrs I've had and the fried green tomatoes were undercooked to the point of being crunchy, and not because of the crust. The steak was overcooked with a heavy char causing crispy burnt edges. The beef had a good flavor but there was no seasoning, not even a light salt or pepper. The fries that came with it were very good. Crispy, great flavor, and the best part of the meal which is very disappointing. The Chicken paillards was borderline inedible. A boiled price of unseasoned chicken with green beans that were decent and a light sauce that was okay at best. The salad had a shocking amount of wilted yellow/ light brown leafs that made it unappetizing. The creme brulee was decent. Very light and a crisp melted sugar layer on top. The appetizer bread was actually the best part of the meal, which says a lot, a fluffy and light load with melted cheese, herbs, and flaky salt.

Getting past the food, the wait staff was obnoxious. They kept pressing for our table to order alcoholic beverages that we repeatedly turned down to the point they were being pests and we felt pressured to drink like it was some college party. Other than that, our waters never got low and that's the only redeeming quality. The hostess had on a mini tootoo that was just odd. She asked that no one wear hats but was walking around with a skirt that barely covered herself and high socks. It just wasn't appropriate for the atmosphere.

Overall, not at all worthy of a $255 check and we won't return. There much better food and service all...