Artisan Urban Bistro — Restaurant in Saginaw

I’m a huge foodie and love trying new restaurants around the world, so I had high expectations for this meal. I started with the seafood bisque, not your grandma’s deviled eggs, the blue cheese salad, and the lamb meatloaf dinner. My date had the ranch salad and chicken Parmesan. To be honest, I wasn’t impressed at all. The food was bland, lacking seasoning, and I couldn’t even finish my meal. I ended up packing it all to go. My date felt the same way. The deviled eggs actually made me feel sick, and definitely weren’t anywhere near my grandma’s, which are always delicious. These had no seasoning or flavor at all.

The blue cheese dressing on the salad was surprisingly sweet, which was really strange and not something I’ve ever encountered with blue cheese before. Plus, there was only a very small amount of salad—maybe 3-4 forkfuls, which felt like a real letdown.

On the bright side, the seafood bisque was amazing—definitely the best I’ve ever had. I would give it five stars without a doubt. It was the only thing that saved this review from being a one-star experience! The owner did talk to us quite a bit, but unfortunately, it made my bisque cold by the time I could actually enjoy it.

As for the lamb meatloaf, it was served cold, and there were only two tiny medallions, barely enough to call a portion. It came with cold tzatziki sauce, a single potato sliced into four pieces, and three asparagus spears for $32—way overpriced in my opinion.

On the plus side, the staff and owner were very friendly and did a great job, which bumped this review to a 3 out of 5 stars. The restaurant itself is small with a great, intimate setting. If you're into that, it’s definitely a place to check out, but be sure to book in advance, as I believe there are only about 10 tables. To any potential customers I guess I would say try at your own risk lol. However I won’t be returning no offense. Thanks

My advice to the restaurant: please season your food better and offer more value...

It's difficult to parse through all the reasons why I have a fondness for Artisan Bistro down to just one, but I will certainly try.

My first experience with Artisan Bistro was not through the front door, instead it was through sharing a connecting hallway during my brief time serving at Oracle Brewing. The Head Chef/Lonnie, had no obligation to start with an indelible impression, but she did anyway. Her warm presence paired with a smile from cheek to cheek had me feel undoubtedly welcome. She didn't care that I was a trans woman as she had looked past my appearance and made me feel undoubtedly welcome. It's evident she's had long practice of being that incredibly motherly and loving. Not only is this reflective in her food, but that same warmth is echoed in her work culture. As i hear the staff laughing while working, I understand why Artisan Bistro fills my soul. I was homesick. When I'm at Artisan Bistro, my need for that secure feeling you can only get at home is satiated. What Lonnie and her staff have created is a small tavern off the beaten path to shelter and repair the heart. I have heard it on bustling nights. When smiling and chatty patrons create a loud chorus of laughter and stories. I know everyone is experiencing what I had. That same need to feel like a child again, coming home from school on a brisk fall day, playing in the leaves, to find yourself sitting at the dinner table with my mother for supper....

This tiny gem of a cafe has limited hours and a small bill of fare, but is more than worth the effort to visit. No chain restaurant this! Though the menu is short, the ingredients are fresh and well prepared, but make early reservations as there is a real risk of sell out on some the more interesting dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and artistic without pretension and the staff all seem to be excited to work there. Today we treated ourselves to a Sunday brunch that included breakfast pasta with fresh vegetables, ham and bacon, cereal coated french toast and fried chicken that was both crunchy and soft as well as savory and sweet and juicy enough to send my toes tapping. I am so happy our area has a creative, comfortable and most of all delicious eatery. Here's hoping where the Urban Bistro is flourishing others...