The Other Side Bistro — Restaurant in Bonita Springs

We made reservations about a week in advance for my 83rd birthday on November 8, this year! We liked our meal and Barry, our waiter was excellent! We eat out a lot because of our reluctance to cook due to our advance age; we somehow have not eaten here before. When we arrived at this bistro, the woman on the front desk, told us that she could not find our reservation; we insisted and when she did find our name, she wanted to sit behind the reception desk hidden from other tables. A woman diner at another table then told her in a hushed voice that it was okay if we sat next to her table, we saw and heard her; it felt uncomfortable! I then asked to be sat outside and there too, the woman wanted us to sit at a far corner hidden from other tables. At this point, I raised my voice and told her that we would sit at a nearby table and we did! After this, the woman apologized and we had no further problem and we enjoyed our meal! I give this restaurant four stars only for meal and Barry! For making us feel uncomfortable and rather very unwelcoming attitude, I would give it only one star. We will definitely go back and we hope we get a more welcoming reception. If not, my next review will be...

We enjoyed our dining experience very much. The food was well prepared. My snapper was fresh and perfectly cooked, my request for “light blackening” met. My dining companions had the crab stuffed cod and enjoyed it. I couldn’t resist the creme brûlée and it was excellent too.

Our server was DJ and he knows his business. He was attentive but there was no rushing to clear plates while some were still eating, which I really appreciate. It is a service ambiance getting harder to find in our “fast casual” world.

The general ambiance of the dining room is good too. It’s a small room but not over crowded. Perhaps a bit heavy on the cork decor but they do have an excellent wine list too, and reasonably priced. The restaurant is highly recommended and we...

Delicious!! After my 3rd visit I can confirm this is a new hidden gem! The food was amazing, from the mussels and calamari appetizers to the bolognese and veal francese entrees everything has consistently been amazing. This time we ended with the rice pudding, my mouth is still watering!!

They also have a really unique cocktail list that I will happily be revisiting soon!

We were fortunate enough to meet the owners, Omar and Ali. It is clear why these two went into the business! Their food and service speak for themselves, but these two gentlemen could not have been more hospitable. I look forward to dining at their establishment again and hopefully engaging in more...