Pistacia Vera — Restaurant in Columbus

Was in town from Houston celebrating my friends 30th birthday. I have never left a bad review somewhere (literally check my google profile), but this was bad. Got our drinks and bakery items, we were inside for no more than 3 minutes after receiving our items, waiting for an Uber as it was pouring rain outside. We asked if we could set our drinks on a table in there and they said no (totally fine, there was a sign it was for pick up orders), so we moved away and huddled together in a small area sipping our drinks and taking bites of the bakery items. An employee came up to us and asked us to step out side because we can not eat or drink inside. We literally thought she was joking, nope. We said "ma'am, it's pouring rain outside, we will stop eating, can we just wait for our uber that is 5 minutes out." She informed us that we can not and they have a "covered patio." I'm sorry but I need a definition of what y'all think a covered patio is because that is not it. So we all were forced outside literally pressing our bodies as far against the windows as we could (the 1 foot covered area lining the window had benches that were completely soaked). And look, I was in the service industry for 10 year so I get how it is. I really just wanted to let it go but could not. My friend from OH and I went in side, I returned my drink and requested a refund (oh and we all tipped them 25%+ which is the highlight here), and asked them why were we forced outside in the pouring rain, again "you are not allowed to eat or drink in here." I simply said, "okay I completely understand that. I have one question though, can you show me the sign in this Café where you sell food and drinks that states no eating or drinking is allowed? CRICKETS. LITERAL CRICKETS. It was extremely awkward as this poor girl looked around for a sign that didn't exist. "uh uh uhhhh." My friend and I exchanged a few stern but not rude words with her about how insane this whole situation is and would have no problem following rules if RULES WERE POSTED. We also questioned the ludicrousness of a bakery and café literally not allowing any sips or snacks to take place inside their doors. It's truly baffling. Y'all gotta get some signs, posted rules, a note on the receipts. Something. People usually assume they can sip and snack inside the doors of a café and bakery... ever thought about that? Get it together, specially with your coffee and food being literal MID. Houston...

Exquisite selections of fresh, as authentic as you can get this side of the Atlantic patisserie. It was a huge it with the small group crowd. Extremely high marks go to the Mushroom and the Ham, Chard, and Onion Quiches both sporting a flaky buttery crust that will not be discarded and the most decadent creamy filling that is just flavorful velvet. The pastries were also a huge hit, especially the croissants and orange Brioche ( which you must have with their butter and jam).

One hint to increase chances your choices will be available: order online for pick up. Not only does the bakery ask that you bypass the occasionally long lines waiting outside to order, but you have a separate pick-up are in the bakery for your fresh purchases. No more disappointment that the last Ham and Cheese Croissant is gone after having waited in line for 20 minutes.

And the eclairs...they are "smack yo mama" excellent and though the macarons are impeccable, you'd be nuts to not get their eclairs too.

I also had a lovely decaf latte which included extremely high quality bean which remind me of some Costa Rican beans I've roasted with a rich caramelly molasses finish that brings me great joy.

Expensive as all get out but cheaper than a trip to France on a Saturday morning, therefore completely...

I don't order at coffee places and bakeries very often. Not to mention I have health issues that affect my eyesight and therefore my reading comprehension. There were menus at the front that I had a hard time understanding, and when I got to the front of the line I asked a question about their decaf options, to which, instead of answering or explaining, the worker said, "There are menus at entrance." She points to the end of the line which I can't reach. I try to explain my confusion, but a nice customer sees the interaction and takes it upon herself to explain the products to me, thank goodness. Without the help of the kind customer I would've been floundering. My issue is that instead of making me feel stupid over something I had no control over, it would've been nice if the lady at the counter could've saved us both the time and have given me a suggestion or some advice. That way I could've gotten in and out faster so as to not hinder productivity flow, since it was very busy. Working in the food business myself, I understand that when you're in the weeds, you're in the weeds. That being said, being rude to the customers on their first visit doesn't leave a good impression or encourage them to come back. The baked goods, at least,...