Seasoning Bistro — Restaurant in Marion

I was just passing thru as I'm traveling the state visiting antique stores. I had time to kill so I stopped by this restaurant as I was walking along the town square and the antique stores had just closed. It was cold outside I thought I would grab a coffee to warm up and grab a bite to eat. This was at 6pm. I walked in and was asked if I had reservations. I said no, and was told it would be after 7pm before they could serve me. I looked around and there were empty tables everywhere. So I asked if they had a waiting area, they seemed confused and said they would have to go ask about it. They said I could sit upstairs at a reserved table until the guests arrived. I was seated at a large table that had already been set with plates and name places. I felt very uncomfortable since I was not part of the reserved party and had been asked several times if I was part of that party. I said no, but they asked if they could get me anything, so I didn't know if I should order and eat off someone else's reserved plate, since I was sitting at Lori' s seat and I'm not Lori, or if I was there to just wait? It was just a very uncomfortable situation. I asked if there were any other restaurants close by that I could walk to where I could be served. They told me Joe's pizza was just around the corner, so I ended up leaving walking there to eat. Everyone at the Bistro was very nice, but since I am from out of state I did not know I had to have a reservation. I feel like this could have been handeled in a better way. I've traveled across the country and never had an experience quite like this happen before. It was only a month ago I was in Philly and walked into an Italian restaurant in Little Italy. Same situation, they asked if I had a reservation and when I said no, they told us they could make it happen. The restaurant was completely full but we were immediately seated at a table and made to feel very welcome and served. I just don't understand how a restaurant that is completely full can make a customer feel welcome and serve them without a reservation, but this restaurant has many empty tables handeled this situation in the way they did. I can not rate the food, as I didn't have the opportunity to try it. My suggestion to others is if you are going to visit this restauramt, call ahead and make a...

We actually were just driving through on our way down to Shawnee but needed to stop somewhere for dinner. With a hungry family of four who doesn't eat fast food, I desperately did a Google search for 'restaurants near me' and this place popped up somewhere near the bottom. The website looked good, but highly recommended making a reservation, which we obviously hadn't. We decided to take our chances and stop in anyway. I'm so glad we did! From the first moments the staff were so super accommodating. Being from Chicago, I was prepared to be turned away and laughed at for not having a reservation and trying to dine with kids on a Saturday night. But we were greeted with friendly faces eager to find a way to accommodate us. And they did! It was not for lack of patrons - the place was packed with every table full from the time we arrived to the time we left. I don't know if someone stayed late to serve us, or what they did to make it happen. The host went to speak to the owner, returned asking if we were willing to wait 20 minutes, but then had us seated within five. The food was spectacular - meets perfectly seared, vegetables still crispy, yet buttery and caramelized. The chef was taking risks and nailing it every time, resulting in LARGE but balanced flavors and textures. Everything from the kids' menu to the cocktails were made from scratch, with thoughtfulness and intention. And the service couldn't have been better. The pacing of the food and level of attentiveness were just right. Our experience here was on par with, and even exceeded most of the experiences we've had at top Chicago restaurants. Whether you are a local or simply passing through, put this on your list of destinations. But maybe plan ahead and make a reservation just in case our luck...

I took my wife Kerri here for her birthday this past weekend. We went expecting to spend a little money on a fine meal and it did not disappoint. We spent that money and we got everything plus more than what we came for. The wait staff was all highly skilled and very educated on the food and drink menu, friendly, attentive, and professional. I am not a drinker much anymore but for a special occasion I have been one or two. I love dark beer our server knew so much about dark beer I almost thought I was talking to a Cicerone. We went for fine dining, we got fine dining, service and the food and drink were beyond expectation. I do not give 5 stars unless I feel it was a 5-star fine dining experience. Most top-shelf, everyday independent eateries get 4 stars from me for a perfect experience. However, since we went to celebrate and the food was on a gourmet level Seasoning Bistro gets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me. I would like to thank our friend Courtney and the rest of the highly skilled staff, from the kitchen to the bussers for a true fine dining experience. It was worth every penny. Thank You for a wonderful meal and time. On a closing note, the location is amazing. Located on the historical Benton Square, you could smell the age of the building in the hall as you walked to the restroom. The wonderful odors of gourmet food and the age of the location truly took me back to eating at the "Pirate's House" in Savannah GA a year ago for my wife's birthday. The Pirate's House was first opened in 1753 and had that same amazing smell of a truly aged and historic location. I think that was my last 5 Star dining experience and for Southern Illinois, Seasoning Bistro deserves that 5-star for providing such a fine service here in little 'ol...