The Clay Pot Bistro — Restaurant in Bowling Green

Update. We returned this evening for the first time in three years, and were glad to see that the food quality has remained excellent under the new ownership. The former sous chef is now the head chef, and has maintained the restaurant's high standards.The stroganoff remains the best around and the risotto was top notch. The owner Veronica was very gracious and our server was very good. I have however downgraded my rating from five to four stars for the following reasons: My perspective is as a former restaurant and nightclub manager. First, there is the unfortunate cutting of corners and excessive frugality. Paper napkins--other than for safety reasons during the pandemic --have no place in a fine dining restaurant. Next, a top notch restaurant charging for extra bread is unheard of and we had never previously been charged for extra bread here in years past. Also, it is traditional though not required for the best restaurants to acknowledge a birthday with a complimentary dessert or beverage. The owner and waiter did wish my wife happy birthday, but nothing was offered as is the tradition at most excellent restaurants. We drove in from out of state to eat here, incidentally. Finally, we found the service charge of 3.5% to be cheap and unwise. Such expenses should be built into menu prices. I do hope the new owners understand that the extra revenue gained through nickel and diming will be offset by the loss of customer goodwill. We will be back again sometime when we are passing through because the food and service is good and the owner cordial. But we will no longer drive in for special occasions for the reasons noted ###. Previous review:This is one of the ten best restaurants we have ever been to. Everything is made from scratch. We started with the bruschetta, which was outstanding (made with imported Bulgarian balsamic vinegar). The main courses--beef stroganoff made from tenderloin; and spicy shrimp--prepared with peppers in a clay pot--were delicious. The atmosphere was quiet; and service was very good without being intrusive. Finally, the prices for a high end restaurant were very affordable--just 20.00 each for the main courses including salad. Please note this restaurant is only...

The family (3 adults) had a memorable meal at the Clay Pot Bistro. Our server was Savannah, was everything you could want – she knew the menu and their ingredients, she was speedy and warm. Thank you Savannah!

I started off with the French Onion Soup, which was served in the traditional handled bowl. The homemade broth was thick with caramelized onions, fat croutons of bread and a layer of melted cheese that floated atop the croutons. A flower made from herbs and green onions was the embellishment on the top. This soup was delicious and I ate every drop.

All our entrees were flavorful and scrumptious. The entrees are generous and we each had lunch the following day. One of us had the Beef Stroganoff. The beef was tender and the cream sauce was loaded with mushrooms and leeks. The next entree was the Mushroom Risotto in an Asiago and Parmesan sauce. A variety of mushrooms and Risotto, cooked to perfection, in a delectable sauce. The next entree was Red Lentil Stew served on a bed of rice. The stew broth was tomato-based and included peppers, carrots, celery and onions. The stew was delightful, savory and hearty. All entrees were accompanied by a side salad of field greens, thin slivers of red onions and heritage cherry tomatoes, served with a light balsamic dressing.

We each had a dessert. The official title of one dessert is Chocolate Cheesecake. It should be called, Double Decadent Cheesecake, it was sinfully good. This cheesecake was firm and smooth and the hint of salt was just right. I ate every bite. The other two folks enjoyed the crepes, one was made with a fig filling, that was superb. We were sad Flambe was performed in the kitchen and not at our table.

Free parking is nearby. There are no steps into the restaurant. The bathrooms are spotless. For someone using a walker or wheelchair, the restroom provides enough space for ease of use and for privacy. The Clay Pot Bistro is the perfect spot for an upscale meal or celebration. We are looking forward to a...

Food was very good, but for what you get, I really thought it was priced above it's level. I ordered the sea bass, my wife ordered the waygu filet. Both came with predetermined pairings. I had water, she had a bottle of coke. Drinks cost us two different $4 charges for drinks. One was for a random non-alcoholic surcharge that I can only assume was for the complementary water they brought to the table before we ordered and was never refilled. Mine sat empty half the meal. We both ordered items that were market priced. We also had dessert: a lemon blueberry cheesecake and a peach crepe. Total was north of $150. We expected about $100-110, after tax, based on the most expensive market prices listed on the board. Both our meals weren't priced (I get it buyer beware). But you typically expect a menu to vary in price about 20% of the average, not 50%. We tried it. It was good. We are new residents to BG, but honestly we'll probably drive 20 mins to Downtown Toledo next time we want a fine...