Bistro 82
401 S Lafayette, Royal Oak, MI, 48067
Bistro 82 Menu
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Address :
401 S Lafayette
Royal Oak, MI, 48067 - Phone (248) 542-0082
- Website https://bistro82.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Accepts Bitcoin : No
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet, Garage, Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Jenn L.
Every aspect of my experience here was wonderful. the ambience was beautiful. I went for appetizers before meeting friends elsewhere for dinner but I wish that I had also stayed for dinner. The customer service was beyond outstanding and efficient. The food was nothing short of spectacular. The steak tartare was amazing and the steak frites practically melted in my mouth. I also had the cinnamon-sugar beignets and the flavors and textures were mind blowing. Finally the champagne cocktail was the best cocktail I've ever had. Its been two days since I went and I am still craving the food! I cannot wait to go back.
(5)J T.
One of my girlfriends and I decided to try this place yesterday, for some Thursday linner (lunch/dinner), I believe we arrived at around 4:30 and were the only ones there (they open at 4). We were (obviously, lol) promptly seated and given the COOLEST IPAD menus. The menu allows you to select the dish on the menu - opens up a window that shows you a picture of the dish, a text box explaining the dish further and what wine pair with the dish. After finally deciding on what we wanted, I ordered the champagne cocktail, the steak tartare and the short rib. My friend ordered the roasted shrimp, and the fish of the day (forgot her cocktail choice). We also shared the bread pudding. One thing that I can appreciate about all the dishes over all is the fact that it was not an abundance of food, I LOVE when an appetizer is not the size of an entrée dish and I have enough room to try a variety of things. Steak tartare was very good but probably what I enjoyed the least. The meat was fresh and the raw quail egg was delicious, I just thought it was a spicier than it should have been. I really appreciate the flavor of raw meats so when that flavor is over powered, I'm not the biggest fan. But the combination of being served with relish and the crispy bread chips made a great combination of flavors. Roasted Shrimp were so good, but the broth that the shrimp were in was OUTRAGEOUSLY slap your momma good! Thank God, the shrimp were served with two pieces of bread that allows you to soak up the broth, which made the whole dish perfect. Short ribs were amazing too! They were so tender and flavorful. This is the only portion that was a little on the bigger side compared to the other portions in this restaurant, but that didn't stop me from eating the whole thing, lol. The piece of shortrib sat on swiss chard surrounded by a celery root puree that was to DIE for! I definitely dipped the ribs through the celery root puree as much as I could. The fish of the day, I believe was Cobia, but don't quote me. It definitely was a white fish that started with a C and it was a short name, lol. It sat on a bed of cheese risotto with mushrooms. It was so good too, the fish was not fishy at all, which is why I never order fish - im always scared to hate the fishy taste. But not this fish, it was so fresh and tender. The risotto was very flavorful as well. The blueberry pudding was perfect for 2 people to share; it literally was about 4 pieces for each of us. Enough to satisfy your craving for something sweet without feeling like you need to work out for 2 weeks straight. I also appreciated that it was not overly sweet which leaves room for the flavor of the ingredients instead of just the taste of sugar. Both cocktails were great as well, my champagne cocktail had a sugar cube in it - which I thought was so cute!
(5)Kristi M.
Best food I've had around Detroit so far. Had the bone marrow, beat salad, and lamb special. Everything was nicely balanced and presented well. Felt like the hostess could have balanced the seating a bit better as the area we sat in was congested and almost felt like the tables were on top of each other while the middle of the dining room remained empty during our entire meal. Was nice to be able to view pictures of each food item on the tablets but felt like the menu interface wasn't easy to navigate. Over all a good experience, the food quality makes up for all of the minor details.
(5)Christina L.
Had a pretty good experience here for my birthday last night. The decor is nice, minimalist, and reminds me of a place you would find in NYC or Chicago. The restaurant is very open, we were seated at a table in the middle. We started off with the East Coast oysters and they were very good. I had been craving oysters and they hit the spot. They give you four different sauces for them, I really liked the dijon sauce. We also go the steak tartare, which was a lot smaller than what we expected. It was good, but didn't really stand out compared to other tartare that I've had. My boyfriend got the French onion soup. It was good, but again didn't really stand out. We ordered the chicken papperdelle (with asapargus and noodles) as our entree. I did not realize it was a pasta dish, but was pleasantly surprised. The noodles tasted like they were hand made, and the fettuccine sauce was delicious. The best part was dessert. It was phenomenal. We went with the cinnamon sugar beignets. They were hot, soft but crispy, and came with a salted caramel sauce for dipping. Their happy hour menu looked like you could get a good taste of this restaurant without making a dent in your wallet. I will definitely be back to try some of their drinks.
(4)Scott R.
When untouchable service meets untamable menu, you know you're in for a great night. Do yourself a favor and let your server set the pace. It's like a playground for anyone who takes dining seriously.
(5)Ronda N.
Great place for a romantic date or to enjoy happy hour. The restaurant is a 2-story space that is beautifully refurbished with a modern sleek style. It was previously Sangria Tapas Cafe and Salsa Dance Club. Bistro 82 serves French cuisine. The entrees are elegantly prepared like works of art. The shellfish platter is a must have. It is a generous variety of chilled seafood served on a tower that can be an appetizer for 1+ or an entree for 2. The filet mignon is nicely done it is tender with amazing flavor. Royal Oak needed a restaurant of this caliber that is sophisticated but not stuffy. The prices are not cheap $$$$ with the average entree priced around $30.
(4)Laura N.
I had an open mind heading into this dinner, perusing the menu online ahead of time, excited to try an up and coming restaurant. The ambiance was nice and with the wonderful weather, the open doors to streetside were a nice change of scenery. Staff is relatively attentive but it's evident this is just a job to most. The menu descriptions were more mouth watering than the actual product. I ordered the 12 oz ribeye, med rare. First time I've seen a ribeye look look like a piece of top sirloin and not at all flavorful. My med/rare came back as med to med well...and it was only a 1/2 inch thick; no flavor to the meat either. I eat out three times a week for business and think I can speak to this. I never would have known the food was 'french' in style either. Not sure they know exactly what they want to be. My companion's dinner selections looked yummy but flavor was severely lacking: salmon, wagyu beef, ribeye. Everything was underseasoned and incorrectly cooked - meat overly done, potatoes under cooked, lack of flavor and seasoning. Just mediocre. My favorite part of the meal were the roasted mushrooms - they were absolutely delicious. Should have made a meal out of them alone. Average at best - I make better meals at home. If you are just looking for a nice place to dine then give it a shot, but if you are a foodie you will be sorely disappointed. They are trying to be creative but fall way short.
(2)Maciej J.
We weren't originally planning on going to Bistro 82, but since Ronin had over an hour wait for a table, we decided to go across the street and try Bistro 82. I have to say we were not disappointed. I decided on the Wagyu Hanger Steak, which was excellent, it was cooked a bit closer to medium than medium-well, but I enjoyed it nevertheless. The fries that accompanied my steak were delicious, as was the Malbec that our server suggested. All in all, the atmosphere of the restaurant was enjoyable, and the price was on-par with other restaurants of this type (very similarly priced to J. Alexander's, while offering better quality food and atmosphere) I would highly recommend this restaurant, and I look forward to returning in the future.
(4)Mirriah J.
All I can say is the only reason you will be disappointed is if you don't go. Often.
(5)Tiffany E.
Date night with husband so decided to try something new and local. First- They take reservations - we hate waiting. 2nd bonus- it was freezing cold and they offer Valet service at the door- HUGE!!!!!! Nice atmosphere clean, dimly lit, no TV so you actually can talk to without distraction. The menu is on a tablet so that was unique and they have photos of the food- which is like the modern day version of Big Boy's place mat. We have needed a French Bistro in town for a while so I was happy with the menu items. Be prepared- The portions are European- Small and the prices are on the higher end but the quality of the food is also very fresh and very high. The presentation was beautiful. We shared the Steak Tartar- good. I had the Grilled Calamari - Excellent! I also had the Beet Salad- Excellent!!!! My husband ordered the Special Entree- Blackened Ribye Steak which was outstanding and the qualtiy of the meat outstanding as well- We were a little shocked when the bill came and the special was $50 for the Entree. A little steep for not sharing the price but I am sure the quality of the beef was what brought the price up. Service was amazing!!!!!!!! We will be back!
(5)Brian K.
It is now 10:05 - had a 9:00 reservation, was told it's not "their fault" how about we made a reservation for an hour ago...how many tables are in this place? One? Nothing like waiting over an hour for...no table....better off going anywhere else - the owner is at the bar, knows he situation has come over and said nothing - he has known for over 30 min. If the owner does not care, why should the staff? food could be great - how would we ever know!!!!!
(1)CJ R.
I live right by Bistro and have gone quite a few times. The food and service are always consistent. I like the interior and its clean, modern design. In Royal Oak this is my favorite restaurant, followed closely by Ronin. I've tried quite a few items on the menu, but have to say my favorites are the hanger steak, salmon, the poutine appetizer and their salads. The hanger steak is such good quality beef, sliced thin and cooked perfectly. On top of it is a delicious bordelaise sauce. I also have to mention how good their french fries are. In terms of the overall experience, the staff is very professional and knowledgeable. A well-managed restaurant where service is prompt. On the weekends it gets very busy and I would recommend reserving a table. I Given the quality of the food and service I feel that Bistro is very well priced. I'm not saying it's inexpensive, but it's definitely worth it.
(5)David L.
Finally the restaurant in Royal Oak I have been waiting for. Had a recent date night here on a Friday and it was the best dining experience I have had in a LONG time. Our waitress was on point and completely professional in delivering (better than) fine dining service in a romantic yet modern setting. Oh and the exceptional service wasn't the only thing that stood out. The attention to detail in everything (from drinks to decor) was nothing but impressive. My girlfriend and I decided to share a few things starting with the Crudite Wrap, a light and unusual dish (in a good way!) that we both enjoyed. Only the freshest ingredients that included cucumbers, carrots, arugula, and this coconut curry dipping sauce. After we devoured the appetizer we moved out to the butter salad - sounds simple and unhealthy but again was crisp and to our delight, the waitress had the salad split for two. the crisp lettuce was topped with soft boiled egg, roasted corn, confit tomato, hearts of palm, haricot vert, fried chickpeas, radish, and buttermilk-chive dressing. The main entree (which was also split for us on separate plates) we decided on was the Wagyu Hanger Steak which was sliced thinly and topped with a delicious butter sauce and asparagus (substituted the fries). Now the BEST part - Dessert I don't have a sweet tooth but this could be the best thing I have ever tasted. Cinnamon-Sugar Beignets - the waitress described it as an elephant ear filled with caramelized banana which we would dip in caramel sauce and was finished with powdered sugar and sea salt. Quite possibly the most heavenly dessert ever. Can't WAIT to go back!
(5)Lisa L.
Celebrated Valentines Day early, first time here and have to say it was an amazing experience! Our server was very knowledgeable and was able to recommend amazing items. We had the hanger steak and cobia...both were cooked to perfection. Server recommend the sorbet trio, which is made in house and we were very happy! Will be back for sure!
(5)Naveen N.
Delicious duck. iPad menus were a nice touch but the restaurant lighting was a little too dark.
(4)Craig B.
This is the best food in Royal Oak. Excellent atmosphere, though acoustics could use some work. Wine list is excellent. Food is excellent. Be prepared to spend $75+ per person with drinks.
(4)TripleO T.
Great Place. Went there for my wifes birthday, I liked it but she loved it. The calamari were to die for. Wife ordered mussels I ordered a stake. Choice of wines or cocktails. We both ordered cocktails. I've been a couple of other times and I always enjoyed my visits there.
(5)Lisa R.
The food was delicious-- only to be out done by the wonderful service!! Worth every penny!!
(5)Anne M.
For wine and service, they have officially spoiled us. The first time we ended up at Bistro 82 was a recommendation from a friend. Although we had a new server, I don't think we could have complained about anything. Fast forward 6 months and multiple visits. Matthew, the sommelier, remembers all of the wine recommendations he made. Dare I say we have gone back just to pick his brain? Mallory, the server we had on our first trip (and subsequent times after) is attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. The food probably won't wow you, but if you are too lazy to cook and want to kick your feet up with a bottle of wine, this is definitely your place.
(5)Ashley R.
Had a great great experience at bistro 82. This is the type of restaurant that Royal Oak really truly needed. Sat up at the bar on a Thursday night- the place had a nice steady flow of diners. Our bartender (didn't catch his name) was super sweet and informative. My partner in crime and I had the seafood platter (which- at 80 dollars seems a little high- and it may be, but the size of the oysters on this thing is beyond me... Pic to follow). Also, I had a few Moscow mules- which omggggggg the best I've had in a while! I love how they serve them In copper mugs! The decor is snazzy, and modern. The rest of the menu I have yet to try, but will be back soon!
(5)dawn v.
I have been Yelping since 2009 and I have never felt the need to give ten stars before and who knew that would happen here at home?!?! This was absolutely the best experience in brunch that I've ever had, do five stars for the executive chef and five more for our service, David Bryant! (I have his card now, thankfully, because I'd only go back on a night he was working! He's that good) We asked for his suggestions and took them all. Seafood hash: I can't explain it because you haven't seen this before. I've done the salmon hash at Chinooks in Seattle, which is fab, but not refined on this level. Just so creative and the perfectly made. Croque Madame: get OUT!!! genius. We loved it. (See pics) Not Your Mommas Mimosa: another great choice by David. Worth every cent as it packs a good kick. ( I HATE the $10-$12 mimosas all over B'ham and Ferndale that are weaker than weak! You feel so scammed) Dessert: wasn't on brunch menu but David offered it up so we ordered three things... beignets and caramel sauce seriously better than you could ever expect a beignet to be. (And yes, I've had them in New Orleans and even took a baking class for them... Can't be missed here!) I don't even know what to call the mousse? Budino? I don't know. These rich layers of vanilla and chocolate pudding-like dessert with candied balls of goodness? No idea... Cookie on top to crack into the glass... Oh, and David gave us a Brunch menu signed by the chef so how much better can it get??? (I know the answer to that: they could do year-round brunch! That would be better!). I'll be back for dinner as fast as I can. I just can't get over this place right here in Royal Oak.... Root just got moved to my second fave. ;)
(5)Brittany L.
I am determined to hit the 18 top brunches in metro Detroit after the latest published article. This was one of the stops. I am not sure if they will have brunch during the fall, but I think that it ended with the month of August. I was debating between 2-3 stars because it wasn't a bad experience. The highlights of the afternoon were the tables by the open windows. The "Not Your Mother's Mimosa (I think it was called)" was terrible. It came out warm and it was $12. It was bitter and when I asked for a glass of ice, was given an ice water about 20 minutes later. I strained the water with my hands and it was still warm. My boyfriend didn't drink his and I drank half of mine. Kind of a waste for $24. He loved his food - the seafood scramble, so my review isn't based off of that. I got the omelette with herbed ricotta and wild mushrooms and caramelized onions. It was okay. The insides of it were great, but there was too much egg without enough filling. The potatoes that came with it were also okay, but tasted simply of seasoning salt and weren't very hot. I did enjoy the iPad menus on the table which our server told us we could look at for the dinner menu - just to take a peek. Again, this is odd. For such a pricey brunch, I'd recommend elsewhere. I have heard that have a great happy hour, so maybe check that out instead.
(2)Megan K.
I had a friend come in from out of town and we decided to try out Bistro 82. Wow, blown away! Overall, it was a great experience. The restaurant is very modern, open, and airy. We sat on the edge of the restaurant where they had opened the doors so it had become like a patio. Our server was very attentive but not obtrusive. We ordered a bottle of Opus One Cabernet. Their wine list is rather extensive and they definitely have a nice mix of affordable bottles with higher end bottles. Some of their cocktails sounded interesting but I decided to save that for another time. The appetizer course was my favorite! I ordered escargot. Honestly, I'm not sure of any other restaurants in the Detroit area that serve it and it's sad because it's one of my favs. My friend got the bone marrow and we requested foie gras. It is not on the menu but they made it two ways for us, savory and sweet. My escargot smelled heavenly like butter and garlic. They tasted just as heavenly. The foie gras sweet was served with honey, banana, and strawberries. It was delicious though I preferred the savory foie gras. It was served atop a circle of bread of some sort with mushrooms, roasted onions, and glazed pecans. For dinner I got the salmon which was cooked to perfection, a nice crust from pansearing and not overly salty. The flesh was moist and tender. My friend very much enjoyed his steak. I didn't really want dessert because I was stuffed but my friend ordered it anyway. We got the chocolate banana and strawberry basil. The banana ice cream was delicious but the cake was strange. The outer consistency was like pudding and the flavor was off. The inside was good, crunchy and chocolately but imo, the serving size was just too large. The strawberry basil was odd, the basil ice cream was....interesting and all together with the gels and the spongy cake, it was good but it wasn't my cup of tea.
(5)Charles M.
We had a great time with our favorite bartender Ted. Excellent apps-grilled calamari with squid ink sauce and oysters with the Experience Z and Pimms Cup cocktails followed by a bottle of Ramey Chardonnay with steak and frites and salmon with a white bean and greens underthing. Then three deserts. The warm beignets with bananas and sauce won out. Then a patron tequila based chocolate after dinner drink. We shared with the granddaughter of my favorite grade school teacher and basketball coach. A charming young lady Nicole Chopp. Some enchanted evening.
(5)Grace D.
Love the Happy Hour! Sit at the bar because the service is phenomenal. Great bartenders who are attentive and very knowledgeable about the menu and drinks!
(5)Rajan B.
Although I did start off with a bad experience on the burnt calamari, man!!! The filet that I ordered was phenomenal!! I ordered medium well, it did come out to be medium, but it was plate wiping clean delicious!! My wife ordered the hangar steak at medium and it came out to be medium rare and we are not going to order that next time!! Fries that came with the hangar steak was salty!!! I am going to come back and guess what I am going to get? The filet!!! Staffs were very friendly and the service is friendly! People who goes to Cafe Du Mont in New Orleans would really appreciate the Beignet at Bistro 82!!! Pros: the filet and the beignet were the highlight!! Cons: the calamari was burnt and I tasted coal, and that's the highlight :)
(4)Di Z.
Pleasantly surprised. Held off on going as I was not convinced that French food can be done well in Detroit. The decor is not french per say the space is huge but agree wit the chic/modern assessment. Service: our waiter was great, explained everything to us and showed us the ipad menus and made great suggestions on the wine (highly recommend Buena Vista for red). Food: delicious, french onion soup dumplings to start. Larndon salad w egg and bacon on top of lettuce not a bad way to go. As for entree, the cobia was absolutely divine (white fish with a bit of fattiness to it that is heavier than your generic white fish), the sauce with grains? Was a perfect complement. I had some of the wagyu steak which was very good but I wouldn't say its amazing. My only tiff was that the dessert choices didnt look that great and no soufflé or any typical french choices were available.
(5)Michelle N.
Bf and I came here on a Thursday for a very last-minute, spontaneous date night..boy am I glad I've had Bistro 82 bookmarked! I had a great experience from start to finish. The hosts, Ivan and some other lady whose name I didn't get, were friendly and seated us quickly. Our waiter was great as well. We tried: -French onion soup dumplings: as our waiter explained, they put the onions in dumplings, set the dumplings in an escargot-plate thing, pour some soup over it, and finish it with cheese. It's served with crostini. I liked this but wish the dumplings weren't so doughy. Next time, I'll skip this and try something else. -Duck confit fettucine: MUST ORDER. I'm not even a pasta person (as in I will always opt for something else), but this is good!!! Crispy duck skin, creamy sauce (w/o being heavy), fresh pasta, and generous duck portions. A solid 5 star dish -Wagyu hanger steak: we ordered this with bone marrow, which I recommend skipping. The steak was good, and the fries were deeeeeelicious. I'm quickly adding Bistro 82 to my list of highly recommended restaurants!
(4)Mitchell C.
Found out about this place on here and had to take my girlfriend. I overdressed, wearing suit pants, dress shoes, button up shirt, and a tie. Everyone else was wearing some more casual attire. I could have lost the tie, unbuttoned the top button of my shirt and been fine. Our waitress was really nice. I ordered a Filet Mignon, which was delicious, and she recommended getting the side of bone marrow with it. I decided to and ended up loving it. Great food, great service, great atmosphere.
(5)Adam B.
We had a fabulous meal with the kids (who are foodies) here after sampling the food at the taste of Detroit at Motor city casino. The dumplings served in escargot plates were unreal.
(5)Stephanie D.
If I had to pick a favorite all around restaurant this would be it. The service from the minute you walk in the door to the minute you leave is impeccable. Having been there at least 10-15 times for either happy hour or dinner I can say that you can't really go wrong ordering off of the menu. The dishes are all fresh, high quality, and beautifully plated. I've also done special tastings a few times that are off menu items specially prepared by the Executive Sous Chef Norman Fenton that were amazing. If you want an approachable fine dining experience go here with friends, get the paper airplane and eat you heart out.
(5)Ernie M.
This was really a great dining experience -----nearly a five star. The menu is on an iPad and is very easy to use. We started with two appetizers the French Onion Dumplings and the Squash Hummus. The French Dumplings came in an escargot- like serving dish and were exceptional. The hummus was good but if you are going to have one appetizer, get the dumplings. I ordered the Seafood Ciopinno and all of the offerings were perfect.(Clams, Mussels, Shrimp and some excellent crab legs). My wife had the Roasted Cobia (a tasty mild white fish) and loved it Others in our group had the Hanger Steak and the Airline Chicken (not what you think---ask for an explanation of the name, it's interesting). We also had two side dishes, the grilled asparagus and the Brussel Sprouts. They were large enough for all four of us to share. Wine and beer were all good. Now for the best part. We had two deserts, the chocolate banana plate and the Cinnamon Sugar Beignets. The beignets were the BEST. The chocolate was ok. Service by Mallory was perfect and she served every dish with appropriate timing and correctly presented. Can't wait to get back.
(4)Christine S.
What a great place! Decorated beautifully, love the option of sitting by a window and being able to open it. The bar has a wonderful happy hour. Had the french onion dumplings, out of this world. Steak frites also great. Best béarnaise sauce I"ve ever tasted. Bartender was cute and unpretentious and helpful. Great find.
(5)Sir Poop A.
Should be in Birmingham to capture the pretentious people it markets to, but I guess Royal Oak should have an upscale place. The space is beautiful, menu is a little foofy, so expect to not know a few ingredients, and they use those iPad menu things, which probably slows down their entire turn, and definitely lowers total alcohol sales because people spend too long looking at the menu. Service has been spotty. I'll likely be back - maybe for a work dinner or special occasion or just drinks. Good spot to watch the divorced moms congregate on their free Wednesday nights.
(3)Rita H.
Great happy hour. Food is generally excellent. Great atmosphere and staff. My only disappointment was when I went to brunch recently. Like Britanny L's post, I got the wild mushroom omelette and it was just okay. The eggs were cooked great but the filling was not as tasty as I thought it would be - a bit on the dry side. I liked the potatoes. The brunch drinks are very overpriced. $10 - $12 for a Bloody Mary that was good but nothing special. $24 before tax & tip for an okay omelette and one okay Bloody Mary is too expensive for Metro Detroit. There are too many good brunch options in Metro Detroit to charge that much for drinks. I'll definitely go back for dinner and happy hour, but probably not for brunch.
(4)kevin e.
I would say 4 1/2 stars since 5 stars is so rare - BUT this was an excellent dining experience Very good service Food outstanding cooked very well and the dessert was unreal Some standouts : APPYs : Escargot/ Roasted Shrimp/ Oysters Main Meal : Steak Frites/ Filet Desserts : The Beignets OMG !!! Wine list interesting but after buying a typically overpriced but good bottle of champagne we were able to drink our own wine with a $35 corkage fee Overall wonderful night- Place was packed and a little loud
(5)Samantha F.
On Saturday night, my party of 4 was seated on time for our 8 pm reservation. Our waitress was very helpful when suggesting wine and cocktail options. We shared a dozen oysters (east and west coast) and the Grilled Calamari to start. The oysters were fresh and came with a variety of accompaniments. The calamari was cooked perfectly but I found the overall flavor of the dish to be lacking. For my entree, I had the Lardon salad and a side of french fries. The Lardon salad is my all time favorite winter salad. It features frisee, bacon-sherry vinaigrette, 63 degree sous-vide egg, roasted carrot, radish and Brussels sprouts. When you break the egg and mix the yolk into the salad, it is just perfection. The french fries are pretty delicious, too :) My husband ordered the Braised Pork Shank which comes with roasted celery root, white bean ragout, swiss chard and bourgiugnonne sauce. He enjoyed it but said he would not order it again. Our friends ordered the Scottish Salmon and Sea Scallops and raved about both entrees. All 4 of us were members of the clean plate club! We had three delicious desserts: -Chocolate Decadence: a brownie like dessert with banana mousse, salted caramel ice cream and peanut butter powder -Blueberry Cheesecake with macerated blueberries and lemon cookie crumble crust -Cinnamon-Sugar Beignets with caramel and caramelized banana We enjoyed all three desserts but in the past, I've found the Beignets to be more flavorful. I'll call it a one time fluke. Overall, I am a huge fan of Bistro82. The food, ambiance and service are 5 star.
(5)Sol C.
Not impressed anymore. Service did not wow me nor did the oysters as well as the never changing menu. I'm bored with this place now. Time to update or this establishment food wise or it won't be around in another year bc it is overpriced and always same same.
(2)Taylor M.
Cocktails were great. Steak was delicious. Service was even better. I will definitely be back and I highly recommend this place if you're looking for somewhere nice to dine in the Royal Oak area.
(5)Denise W.
The food was very very good. We had escargot. The bistro salad. I had the cobia and it was excellent. My husband had the filet which he also said was very good. The only complaint I would have are the drinks are very weak. They are prepared In a tall skinny glass filled 3/4 high with ice and I had three mojitos when usually I can only have one. Just to give you a reference.
(5)Betty S.
Took a friend here for a birthday treat - our first time at the restaurant. We found the atmosphere to be a bit cold, but as it darkened outside, the inside felt more warm and welcoming. However, the background music was techno-pop - really? The crowd was mixed, with people of all ages so the music didn't seem to match. That repetitive, pounding beat all night was really annoying. Our server was not very friendly, in fact seemed a bit arrogant. I shared this info with the manager who came by, and he thanked me for sharing, but that was it. What saved the evening was the food - interesting offerings, nicely presented and very good. For what we spent for dinner and wine, I would have expected better atmosphere and service, so not really motivated to return.
(3)Ben C.
Let's start with the menus. They're awful. It doesn't bother me that they're on tablets (technically Android, not iPads), but the execution is really poor. The interface is terrible, you have to tap all over the place to read any descriptions about any of the items. They're accompanied with photos which sounds nice, but ends up feeling like you're ordering off a McDonalds value menu. You can't drag through the items. The bottom of each dish also has wine pairings, along with some 3rd party "Pairing Buddy, Inc" or something logo, that stands out like a sore thumb. No self-respecting restaurant would put that on a printed menu. What's more, 3 of the menus we had at a table for 6 interrupted us while browsing with "low battery alerts." The whole thing is incredibly tacky and not a good first impression. Some of the food was good. I enjoyed my arugala salad. I also had the Duck Confit Fettuccine. The duck itself was nice - nice crispy skin, cooked perfectly. The pasta and sauce was not great. Cubed carrots and peas reminded me of a school lunch. Restaurant is very noisy. It didn't bother me that much but it did several of my companions.
(3)Van Cac Thi T.
Really one of the best kept secrets in the metro Detroit area! Our waiter was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about all the items on the menu. The bf and I decided to stop by one Sunday evening and ordered all the interesting appetizers. Tried and loved: -raw oyster platter with house made condiments - polenta poutine -grilled calamari with a fab black ink smear -steak tartare with quail egg -roasted shrimp in a very rich broth, a grilled baguette to use as a sponge - a creamy Greek yogurt citrus panna cotta I can't wait to come back and dine. I haven't been that excited or interested in any new restaurants around the area. It is truly refreshing and makes you feel like you are dining outside of MI! Keep up the great work chef and staff!
(4)Kaitlyn T.
Best food in Royal Oak hands down. I rarely give such a high rating but I eat here frequently and haven't had a bad experience or a bad meal.... They nail it every time and even put up with my specific request due to food allergies! The chef is happy to accommodate! The ambiance is fabulous whether you sit at the bar, in a quiet corner or the private dining room. The staff is exceptional making a wonderful dining experience. Now back to the food.... The seafood dishes are my go-to, the bouillabaisse is one of my favorites along with the Cobia and the seafood tower is great for larger parties. Every dish is well balanced in flavor. If you're in the mood for red meat try the hanger steak and frites, a generous portion and always a great cut. Although I have noticed that on busier nights the portions tend to be smaller but I guess on slow nights the don't want to toss the extra food that goes unprepared, you will notice that all of the ingredients are fresh. The wine list has something to please everyone. Decent happy hour, the bartenders are true mixologists. Dessert menu... Come on its French, of course it's decadent and worth the caloric overload! If you want to avoid the calories, ask for an espresso martini for an after dinner treat instead, you won't be disappointed.
(4)JC W.
We've visited twice. Once for brunch and again tonight for dinner. Each event was great! Food was incredible. Presentation one of the best we've ever seen. Wait staff is mature and professional. As a bonus the cadence was just right for us. Each time we had 2 toddlers. The wait staff and ambiance embraced our situation and we enjoyed a full course meal before the little ones got bored. Unusual experience and welcome! We'll be back. Thank you!
(5)MacGregor B.
If u are tired of the normal brunch you need 2 get here. Excellent food n service. Had the Croque Madame today like no brunch entree I've had before accompanied with a great cappocino
(5)Kathleen L.
The food was so good, I'm not even going to knock a star off for our somewhat unresponsive server. I docked a star only (wish Yelp offered 1/2 stars) because I felt there wasn't a lot of variety in ingredients in the menu offerings. The menu isn't large, so it was disappointing to see the same succotash base in our appetizer as was used in my main dish. Not a big deal, though, knowing that the menu is based on seasonally available ingredients. The salmon and cobia are absolutely fabulous. The atmosphere is very sophisticated, without feeling aloof or cold. They have done a lovely job with the transformation from the former Sangria space. It certainly has the feel of a special occasion restaurant, but I'd consider returning just to try other items on the menu and make up a reason to celebrate.
(4)Natalie B.
A hidden gem in a city full of bars and bar food. The food is not only beautifully presented, but it is delicious as well - a rare combination these days. I've never had a bad experience, both at the bar and in the dining room. The staff is friendly and attentive and overall, it rivals (if not beats) any of the restaurants in Birmingham. I've never ordered an item that I didn't absolutely love (Steak Tartar, Escargot, French Onion Dumplings, Filet, Salmon Tartar, Mussels, any of the sides.) They have great selections on their happy hour menu too! Honestly, can't say one bad thing about this place.
(5)Amy V.
Rated #2 best restaurant in Detroit by the Freepress??!!! I'd like to know the criteria because it shouldn't be even on the top 10. We went there last night and were highly disappointed. Ordered: - West coast oysters- We both tried them and had to spit them out, they were BAD, sent back. - Calamari- Not good, teriyaki and smoke flavored, what we got was not like the pic on their iPod menu. - Foi Gras - Decadent, very nice portion and flavors. - Bone Marrow - Tasty but a little too salty, not worth the price. - Duck Fettuccine - Horrible. Not fresh, duck tasted like cardboard. - Cobia- Excellent, I highly recommend it. - Roasted Brussel sprouts - Soggy, just ok on flavor. - Roasted mushrooms - Mediocre - Bread pudding- Thumbs down, very dry. Specialty cocktails were very good. Bottom line? We won't be return customers
(2)Kathy B.
I am torn. It's not a 3 star and it's not a 4 star. It is therefore a 3.5 star since we can't rate it that way I'm rounding up. So we came here for my birthday and even though it was Restaurant week we decided to opt for the main menu for dinner. We started with a bottle of wine and ordered the french onion soup dumplings and pate for starters. The french onion soup dumplings are pretty good. Although having 7 dumplings with so much cheese and dumpling with only a little bit of soup captured inside the dumpling can get very rich after the 2nd one. I make french onion soup often at home and it left me wanting more soup. It was a great interpretation though. The pate was was a beautiful display of modern plating. The accompaniements to the pate were also great in adding flavor. It had the tart from the pickled onions, sweet from the pears, and some earthy sharp taste from the microgreens. My biggest gripe with it was that it had a balsamic reduction brushed on. And though it was beautiful, it was useless. If your going to put this reduction on a plate. I want to be able to eat it. I tried scraping this thing off a knife repeatedly. I decided the only sure fire way to get that off the plate was to lick it off. (No, I didn't do it. But was very tempted) Next we both had the hanger steak with fries. I was a bit surprised that with the modern plating of the appetizer they went traditional with the steak et frites. I felt like first course and second course were at different restaurants. While the meat was cooked perfectly and lacked salt and the bearnaise sauce that supposedly came with it was a quater sized...coin. Because it wasn't even a dallop. I'm sure someone out there is saying you don't want to lose the integrity of the meat by covering it up with a whole bunch of sauce, but when the meat itself lacks salt and there isn't salt on the table. Well, I need it. The whipped lemony butter with the fries was a good surprise and break from ketchup. Lastly we had the yogurt panna cotta. This was great! I loved every little bit of it from the mandarins, blueberries and tiny zest of lime or lemon that was in there on top. The texture of the panna cotta was perfect. A good balance of sweet and tart from the yogurt. I could have eaten that for days. In fact, writing about it now is making my mouth salivate for it. Overall, their plating is beautiful the tastes are on par with a good french bistro. Classic tastes with modern plating. I just wish there was something a little but more exciting for my palate. My eyes are eating it all up, but my tastebuds are saying good old same old. The atmosphere is very date night chic. The waiter was very attentive and polite. I would love coming out here for some drinks or taking visiting friends here for dinner. It was a good birthday dinner to celebrate not just my birthday, but also our move to our new home. I would come back here and there to taste the other things on the menu. But I fear that if I've tasted everything on the menu already. I won't come back for the food. Keep me coming back chef!
(4)Andi O.
Impeccable service, inviting atmosphere and fantastic food. Bistro 82 has been on our list of places to try but the price point makes it a special occasion place for us. However we decided to check it out during restaurant week. We enjoyed the French onion dumplings, goat cheese salad, wagyu streak, and beignets. It was all wonderful! I love the iPad menus with extensive descriptions of all the food, wine, and cocktails. They also offer valet parking for a fee. Our server was excellent, and we also chatted with the manager (possibly owner?) who was very friendly. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Chelsea G.
When I sat down to write this post I truly didn't know where to begin. No - not because I had writers block (which is usually the case) but because Bistro 82 has TOO MANY impressive aspects of their restaurant to cover in one article - which for Bistro 82 is a great problem to have. I could go on and on about their formal dining area with the amazing wine cellar and gorgeous modern decor. Or we could talk about the swanky night club upstairs with the attached roof-top patio and DJ booth that sits on a 10,000 gallon tank filled with tropical fish. But that will have to be saved for another post (which I solemnly swear to write) because today we will focus on my favorite time of day....happy hour. ...Except when you stop chowing and take a gander around the place. In order to participate in the happy hour festivities you have to sit in the beautifully decorated bar area; complete with an onyx bar and windows from floor to ceiling. Then you must browse through their iPad menu and then place your order with the friendly, knowledgable servers. Sounds like the best night ever? Well it is. Go there now and delight your senses at our new happy hour haven.
(5)Lynn P.
2.0 star rating 6/14/2015 # 1 Overpriced # 2 Smallest entree portion of fish we ever had # 3 MOST IMPORTANT! No matter how stylish the place is or how good the food might be, a rude waiter can leave a bad taste and lead us never to return. When asked if a bread basket would be coming to the table the waiter, David, actually said "If you are THAT hungry, you can order an appetizer. like someone else at the table did." How does that snarky remark fit into the suggested 25% gratuity?!!
(2)christopher w.
Went to this wonderful restaurant with another couple. The atmosphere was chic unlike the previous Sangria which was dark and grungy. Had some great drinks prior to ordering, although the martinis were awfully small. No biggie. Appetizers were excellent from the escargot to the steak tartar to the lamb ribs. Yummy. As for the entrees, I opted for the blackened ribeye with bone marrow. Steak was great, marrow was like eating fat out of a bone...but perhaps that was what it was supposed to be. Wine during the meal was great as was the service, had a great waiter!!! Why not 5 stars?? Too expensive for what you get. Again, outstanding food, atmosphere and service......but not worth the price. The management was outstanding, frequently asking how our experience was. This is a great new restaurant. Do not hesitate to give it a go.
(4)Kristine L.
I've decided to break my cardinal rule to never rate a restaurant until I've been able to try their food. With Bistro 82 - they've made it impossible for me to honor that rule with my first (and only) experience. I called in for a reservation for a table for 2 at 730 pm on a Saturday night. My husband and I arrived at 720pm and was told by the hostess that they were running 'a bit behind on their reservations' but it shouldn't be long. Fast forward to 835pm with no table - I'm hangry so my husband decides to ask the hostess what the hold up was. The response? "well, you aren't the only ones who've had to wait" What was supposed to be dinner and movie night was effectively squashed by a restaurant that appears to be unable to manage proper table turnover and client communication . A 1+ hour wait for a table WITH a reservation is ridiculous for Royal Oak. Thanks for helping me cross this restaurant off my list to try or reommend!
(1)Frank T.
What a cool night. Someone here knows how to cook. Not big meals but big flavor. The onion soup in escargot dish is amazing. No snails just small and huge flavor. The seafoods boulibase was so fresh. We will be back
(5)Jon L.
This place is great (but pricey)!!! Went there around 9pm and luckily were able to sit right away. We got the escargot appetizer (pretty good) and the shellfish tower, which was fantastic. Crabs - divided lengthwise, scallops, mussels, oysters, jumbo shrimp, and 4 different sauces. Menus are electronic on tablets, which I'm not sure I liked, but contained quite a bit of info on each dish as well as wine pairings. I'll be returning.
(4)Laura D.
Very yummy and cool restaurant. Server was very friendly and the ipad menus were a cool touch. I had the hanger steak and was not disappointed. Fun place to go for drinks with friends or for a romantic dinner.
(4)Amanda K.
Having just moved back to detroit, my food experience was limited to the diners and other food places my parents took me to as a kid. I was nervous as to what to expect for high quality food in metro detroit. Bistro 82 is definitely a great example of high quality food. I like what they did with the former sangria space. It was very crowded when we went there, at 8:30 on a saturday night. We made a reservation (highly recommend you do that), and had to wait a little bit longer than I would think to get seated. We had a great table and a great waiter. As was mentioned in other reviews, the menus are on tablets. I personally thought this was really cool! You were able to click on a food item, see a picture of that item, and the price. My husband and I both loved the food that we ordered. We shared the escargot and the Michigan salad. The escargot was yummy and buttery with a little puff pastry. The Michigan salad was good, and presentation was beautiful. I ordered the salmon dish, which our waiter recommended for the humid weather we are having (I was debating that or the more savory fish option). It was a good call, the salmon was also beautiful presented, with a tasty crispy skin, and delcious buttery sauce and veggies. My husband ordered the duck confit pasta dish, and also enjoyed that very much. In addition to the food, I thought they had a great wine selection, and very much enjoyed my glass of pinot noir, although I did think the prices by the glass were a bit more than I expected. Also, I really like the pitcher they use to poor water,it is an old wine bottle with the top sabred off. In the end we ordered the chocolate lava cake that they were serving with berries, it was recommended by our excellent server, and it was delicious. All in all, a great meal, and I would definitely go back here sometime soon.
(4)Annie S.
It would have been a fabulous meal and night out with our friends except we couldn't hear what anyone at the table was saying because it was SO loud on a Saturday night. It didn't help that the music was loud but the real issue is all the hard surfaces, high ceiling acoustics overshadowing the creative and good menu and food. They need to invest in some serious improvements before I go back unless I plan to dine alone!
(3)Laura K.
I give it four stars because of the pannacotta and our server Adam. The place looks a lot better than it used to that's for sure. I went on a Tuesday night before a show across the street and it was pretty crowded. The service was great. The iPad menu is fun. I had the calamari. It was good but it could have used more acid and salt. My scallop entree was very good. 4 giant sea scallops were almost too much. The best part of the meal was the dessert, the yogurt pannacotta. It was so good I had to take a picture. I do think this place is a welcome addition to Royal Oak. I will return to sample the menu. It seems like the have a very good happy hour menu.
(4)Beth R.
Mediocre from start to finish. The bar is pretty as is the restaurant but tables seemed cramped and too close to each other. Very loud and hard to hold a conversation with dinner companions. Shrimp appetizer was ok, shrimp were decent but cocktail sauce was skimpy and had too much horseradish. Onion soup dumplings were too doughy and for $12 the bone marrow was a joke. There was enough marrow for one cracker, a total rip off. Sent first drink back as it tasted like it was all cranberry and no vodka, replacement was better but I expect a good drink in a place like this. Potato boulangere was disappointing, soggy potato chips with cheese! The main course, Roasted Cobia was a small portion, mussels were tasty but small and Sprng Chicken was good but cardamom purée was a bright orange color and didn't seem like a natural color, not sure what they added to get it so flourscent looking. The Beignets were not light and fluffy and seemed raw in the center. Won't rush back.
(3)TheArtist S.
Well, you know you're in for an awkward experience when the wallflower hostess hems and haws about finding you a spot in a nearly vacant restaurant. We came between the early and late shows at ROMT, so it was surprising we could even get a table. The food was really good. The service was delivered with relentless fatigue and eye rolls. This outweighed the food, and understandably we won't be back. PS, we found it fascinating that the the following gratuities were suggested 20% "excellent" 22% "outstanding" and 25% for "exceptional" (something like that anyway). We were left wondering why those figures were recommended while the service levels were in reality "Poor," "Disinterested "and "Visibly Annoyed"
(2)Mary Anne S.
Very enjoyable meal. The iPad menu is strange. It's nice to have pictures and wine pairings but it almost seems like the entire table isn't interacting with each other. The food was beautifully presented and delicious. The waitstaff is very professional. You don't feel rushed thru dinner. We had the beet salad (very good)and grilled artichokes (skip-better at J Alexander's). The scallops were great as was the cobia fish. The chocolate banana dessert was excellent! I like bananas but usually not in dessert, I will get this again!
(4)Natalia F.
We went to bistro 82 at 8pm and it was packed. The crudités wraps aren't as good as everyone reviewed, we should have tried the jumbo shrimp! Then we got the hanger steak- which was as amazing as everyone craved and also the cobia. We would give the hanger steak a 9.9/10 and the cobia 8.9. The beignets were delish. Overall great meal and didn't feel disgusting after a big meal. All of those items plus wine bill was $113
(5)Jenny Z.
This place is overrated and pretentious. We went there during happy hour and my husband had the hanger steak while I tried most of the happy hour menu. The hanger steak was chewy, but the fries are decent with Parmesan sprinkled over it and a strange dipping white sauce that's nothing to write home about. The raw oysters were good, and I highly recommend them especially at a great value of $3 for 2. The pork belly was mediocre, and tasted like Asian-styles bbq essentially. The mussels were mediocre and in a pool of oily tomato sauce, lacking any interesting flavors. The salmon tartar was not good because it was just covered in mayonnaise, masking any delicious salmon flavors. As a sushi lover, I always feel it's essential to enhance the textures and flavors of good fish rather than masking it. Lastly, the slider was dry with a piece of steak on it rather than a juicy ground burger. If you're not much of a foodie, and value a nice atmosphere, this is a good place (especially for dates or dressier occasions). Personally, I find it silly to dress up for a place like this, but I bet you'll get better service. Of course my husband and I looked like complete bums in jeans and T-shirts and service didn't improve until we paid with a platinum card in the very end, then the server was all talkative and uber friendly, or maybe it was just for a better tip... We'll never know. Regardless, if you're all about the food, there are much better places throughout metro Detroit that brings both value, interesting food combinations and good execution.
(3)Esther G.
I get alarmed at fine dining places when no one else is there. It feels like all eyes are on you, and I cannot get comfortable. That's how it was here. The waitress kept coming and coming and coming back. I wasn't annoyed, I just felt bad as people just stood around. My friends and I split a bunch of appetizers and also dessert, taking forever to decide on fancy tablet menus that weren't properly functioning. For instance, the one I had didn't list all the dessert choices, while another didn't show all the photos. Technology, right? Here's how I would rank what we all shared. Although it doesn't seem like a lot, it was enough for dinner for the three of us. Poutine: Probably the best I've had, and I've had poutine in Canada: Great combination of polenta steak fries, beef shank gravy, Vermont cheddar. Cinnamon-sugar beignets: With a side of caramel and sliced bananas with fried caramel. These made my sweet tooth so happy. Grilled artichoke: Served with sides of lemon vinaigrette and roasted pepper aioli (both pretty good). Bone marrow: I had never had it so I don't know what it was supposed to be like. Rich fat, yes, but it was overdosed in salt so not as enjoyable. Served with little baguettes and lemons to squeeze.
(3)Marina G.
I love the atmosphere and bar here, absolutely beautiful. I really like the blood orange martini but that was about it. The food was not worth it though. I've tried multiple dishes (chicken, ratatouille, pasta, French fries, mushrooms, soup) all below par and def not worth the price. Spend your money else where.
(2)Sue C.
The food is fine dining and very delicious. Well prepared, looked great. They need to work on their welcome though. Within the first 15-20 minutes, we felt insulted about three times. We are quite accustomed to good food & wine, but this was a very stuffy experience. Maybe it was just that particular hostess and waiter. We'll try again, later. There has to be more to it to be one of the 'ten best of 2014', right?
(3)Marty F.
I've been wanting to eat here for a while, but I work so much, I never really want to go out. My girlfriend and I really didn't want to cook so we came here. I'm now slapping myself for waiting so long. I got the roasted cobia. It was $30 but well worth it. The portion was perfect. Just enough to fill me up, but not too much to where id need a doggy bag. My lady got the duck confit, which was awesome as well. As good as her duck was, the pasta with the dish is what really stood out to us. The service was fantastic. I can't remember our servers name, but he was extremely helpful with choosing our wines. I highly recommend either of the Rieslings. Very nice, and attentive. The management was super cool too. They bought us each a dessert drink which was very unexpected and kind. I'd suggest this place to anyone. The hardest part was picking out what to eat. Everything looked phenomenal. But I absolutely recommend the cobia.
(5)Stephen M.
Everything was prepared perfectly. The service was impeccable. I highly recommend the cauliflower appetizer.
(5)Eddie S.
Some of the most sophisticate cooking in Southeast Michigan. Suggested for the discerning palates.
(5)Adam O.
Swung in here to try a few bites at the bar recently and came away pretty darned impressed. Had the grilled calamari, interesting take since at 99% of the places around you'll have it breaded and dunked in hot oil then loaded with salt. More restrained but technically sound. Loved the tentacles that got charred on the grill. Good mix of flavors. Next, tried the crudité spring roll. I'm no vegan, but I could still eat this every day. Just incredibly fresh and delicious. Loved the addition of the varied herbs and the buttered "crouton" in the roll-up for some textural contrast. The coconut curry sauce.....I could have dipped Tostitos in that and been happy. Grabbed the yogurt panna cotta for dessert which was one of the single best sweet things I've had in months. Awesome. Not sure about the as listed "blueberry compote" since they were just whole blueberries, but typo aside, great dessert. Smallish but well thought out beer list, very good wine list. Cocktail list that could probably use a few more options. Space inside was a bit sparse for my taste. Cold and gray dominate outside the onyx topped bar. Could have used some art or a splash of color to liven things up a bit. Prices were on the higher end, but after tasting the food, probably fair. Still, aside from the décor, really no complaints. Food, in the limited time I spent there, was some of the best I've ever had in Royal Oak. Maybe the best. I'll be back to dig deeper. Good start.
(4)Michael M.
If possible Bistro 82 has gotten even better in the months since my last visit.I especially love the Saturday night ambiance. The service was excellent and the food even better.My friends were first timers to Bistro 82 and thoroughly enjoyed themselves too.
(5)Lauren L.
I'm still in disbelief that Sangria is gone (RIP, Sangria) however Bistro 82 has not disappointed when I've been. The vibe feels very city chic. CHILLED SHELLFISH: The oysters were delicious - very fresh. Cute mini Tabasco sauce bottles, horseradish, cocktail sauce, lemons - the works. SNACKS: Roasted Olives - served warm - tasty. Cheese Trio - 3 slices of a variety of cheeses. ENTREE: Chicken Paillard was very good but not as good as the the Wagyu Hanger Steak. Scrumptious. The side of french fries were on another level. I could have ordered at least 10 entree sized servings to go... They had truffle oil, parmesan, & obviously bits of heaven sprinkled on them. Insanely good. The bar area is stunning. I would have loved to grab a pre-dinner cocktail but both times I've been the bar area has been packed. Bistro 82 is definitely a chic & unique addition to downtown RO.
(4)Sam B.
I took the girlfriend out on a date to this place. It had wonderful food, but it was quite pricey. It is great for a date night or a special occasion, but I don't think I could afford it on a regular basis. All of the food came out hot and fresh. We had the Poutine which was incredible. One of the best appetizers I've had. The salmon and steak entrees were quite good as well, but they didn't blow me away. I would definitely recommend it to someone looking for a date.
(4)Joey K.
Been there twice, food was great first time (had Cobia entree and the seafood platter app), not as good but decent second time (entree was the seafood stew or something like that). Service was great both times. Drink pours were weak.
(4)Saadia A.
Went for a friend's birthday and overall had a good experience. The place is very trendy, modern and clean. A nice added touch was the tablet menus that showed you pictures of each dish on the menu. I ordered the ribeye steak with a side of potato dauphinoise. The steak was solid, not bad but not anything to rave about. The potatoes were also a little overdone, but tasty nonetheless. I tried a bit of the Hangar steak my friend ordered, it was MUCH better. The fries it came with were also amazing and perfectly cooked. As a group we shared appetizers and dessert.. The poutine was subpar. The meat on it was great but the cornbread was an odd texture and lacked any real taste. The beignets for dessert were probably my favorite thing we had. Very taste and very light, a perfect dessert after such a heavy meal. The service could have been a lot better. Our waiter was absent throughout much of the meal (had to ask two or three times for a refill) and not friendly. We would ask him questions about menu items and he would be really short and unhelpful with his responses. He just seemed really disinterested in waiting on us. Overall, I would probably go back if someone I was with really wanted to check it out, but I can't see myself choosing to go back on my own.
(3)Angelica R.
Tried it again and might I say the service was possibly the best I've had in Metro Detroit. The food also was the best I've had in Metro Detroit. Even my boyfriend was impressed which never happens. The bone marrow is wonderful. The side salad is Delicious and the poutine.... AMAZING... Must try. . It was different than anything I've ever had and I need to try it again and so do you. .. The Ribeye was also amazing. This place is doing it right. It's obvious that these people actually care. Now the drink menu. ..I'm sorry. I hate it. .. Please improve it bistro 82....Also yelp. They close at 11 on Friday. . It said 12 and we barely made it in at 1045.... Thinking our experience would be awful because of it being so late but wow were we surprised... incredible!
(5)Ray B.
Seemed that it was as much as about the experience as the food. The happy hour prices are only at the bar. The menu was a tablet, which is cool but not certain the value add was there.
(4)Steven M.
Aaron has a done a great job in terms of the food! Scallops and the newly added filet are literally amazing. Service is great and it's definitely what Royal Oak needed. Have gone twice in the last three weeks and will return very shortly. Awesome food!
(5)Sufia U.
Went there for a birthday dinner. The ambience is great, and was a very trendy place. I heard great things about the dessert, but no one told me about the most amazing steak I've ever had. The Hanger Steak with fries was cooked to perfection. Melted in your mouth and came with a delicious sauce. I ordered it Medium and it was perfectly pink in the middle and the cut was beyond delectable. I usually never finish my steak, but this time, there was not one piece left. We also ordered the Poutine and Lamb Ribs. The Poutine was a little mushy, but the beef gravy and pieces of meat were really what made the dish. Lamb was good, a little over-cooked, but good flavor. Overall, it was a good dining experience. Make sure you get the beignets, they are the perfect after-dinner dessert, and was super light. The caramel sauce was heavenly.
(4)Lauren V.
This restaurant is phenomenal!! From the gorgeous decor to the accommodating waitstaff to each and every delicious bite...I cannot compliment Bistro 82 enough. I've been there for a couple different events. One was a group dinner and the other was a special celebratory dinner with just me and my husband. The seafood platter is to die for...large, succulent chunks of the freshest, tastiest crab legs, shrimp, oysters, mussels, lobster...on and on and on. The stuff of dreams!! The roasted artichokes...yummmm. The Cobia is so good it almost makes me angry. The scallops--holy cow--they make you believe in God. Large, juicy scallops, pan seared to perfection. Mmmmm. I could go on and on. Every salad is fantastic--light and filled with flavor. Nothing overly dressed or overdone. The entrees are superb. I've had the pleasure of tasting several and each is a saliva-inducing heaven. I know--strong words, but well deserved!! And don't you DARE skip dessert--at this point, I believe I've tried all of them and they are magical. Don't even think about it--get to Bistro 82 ASAP. No-brainer here.
(5)Stephanie S.
Bistro 82 is a nice spot... Maybe more of a 3.5? Loved the decor but the feel was a bit more clubby than I expected for a nice sit-down meal. I would recommend getting rid of the techno music. Food overall was very good, not amazing. Nothing came out of the kitchen super hot, which is how I like my food to be served. Lamb ribs were good and the peanut sauce for the crudite wraps was excellent, but the wraps need work! More crudites for sure! Put some cucumber and avocado in there and get rid of all that lettuce and weird little crouton! Charging extra for over-grilled baguette that tasted charred is a no-no! My husband said the lardon salad was one of the best he ever had. My beet salad was good but needed more contrast of flavors as it was sweet on sweet on sweet. I really enjoyed my hangar steak and my husband liked his ribeye but said the bone marrow was terrible. The beignets, complimentary for my bday, were light and delicious, and hot espresso and hot french press finished off the meal nicely! My biggest complaint? Those stupid iPad menus. They kept shutting off and freezing which is annoying. More annoying, though, is having to flip between categories, click on each item when i want to read a description, and i hate pics of food on a menu! I want to get away from my devices when i go out to dinner, not stare at another one. Please get rid of these!!!
(4)John V.
Holy Happy Hour! Great deals on food and drinks. Oysters were great (for Michigan). We sat at the bar and the it was great service. The place is beautiful, last time I was there it was still called Sangria. A nice remodel and beautiful new place. Would be back.
(4)Bob J.
First visit on a Saturday night. Last visit on any night. Went with another couple. Quick points: OK food, waiter who was in love with asking if everything was "marvelous," loud place, trendy tablet menu that didn't work nearly as easily as it might have, not much wine from France for a "French" bistro, very weak wine by the glass options. (The Yelp classification as a French place is misleading. "Eclectic" would fit better, despite the presence of the hanger steak.) More on my food. I had the hanger steak and escargots. Should have looked more carefully or asked how the escargot was prepared... this arrived with the escargots embedded in a mix of beans and mushrooms and carrots (too dark to really see what else) that obscured the flavor of the escargots. The hanger steak arrived with perfectly done pommes frites... but the steak itself was just barely warm. Been sitting about for a tad too long. Generous portion. Will not go into detail re the challenge of using the tablet menu except to say that I've read some trendy places are retreating from this solution. Most entrees are pictured if you tap on the name of the entree. But not all. The duck confit, for instance, had no picture, just recommendations for 3 Chardonnay wines starting at $188 a bottle and another for $88. Wine selection is overpriced toward the (very) high end. Not what you should expect in a place that puts "bistro" in the name. Nothing wrong with high end selections but this list is not well balanced to the mid-range. All in all, it just seemed pretentious for a bistro-style place. But maybe some of that feeling came from the over-enthusiastic waiter. It was OK. It was far from "marvelous."
(2)Jen T.
My first time dinning there last night. Soon as I walked in I felt like I was in NY or something which was refreshing. We were seated immediately and took our time looking over the menu. I recommend the champagne cocktail. We started with the Shellfish platter which was excellent. It was more than enough for an appetizer. The server also asked the chef could we substitute the mussels for more oysters and that was no problem. She was very attentive but in a good way. We later ordered the Gratin Brandade and it was excellent. For my entree I ordered Scottish Salmon. Great tasting and presented nicely! One thing I would say is it gets pretty loud and is a great place to dine with friends. I'm looking forward to dinning again and ordering the Grand Shellfish Tower!
(5)Jess P.
my first visit here was fantastic. i love the atmosphere. me, my bf and a friend of ours came here during happy hour before a show downtown. we gawked at every plate that they brought out. it looked amazing and it tasted so, so good. i want to come back here for a date night. :)
(5)Jeena S.
The service was great. Everything tastes great and I loved the food presentation. I personally liked the iPad menus.
(5)Mihaela C.
Great night. This was our first time there. Took an out of town couple. We all loved our meals and drinks. The 82 mule (a little weak but good ) the hother pepper grapefruit tequila drink. It was hot :) and wine. Polenta pouting and roasted shrimp appetizers. Both great...the sauce on the shrimp was addiction . Entrees were....pork chops , filet , cobia and the seafood copino. All del8 iois! Nice ambience with very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Would recommend it and definitely go back!!
(5)Michael A.
This review is entirely related to the service received at Sabrage which is the bar located above Bistro 82 and directly affiliated with Bistro 82. Upon entering Bistro 82, we ordered a round of drinks and discussed purchasing a bottle at Sabrage with the manager at Bistro 82. The Bistro 82 manager (white/male) indicated it was a one (1) bottle minimum for a table and a bottle at Sabrage which we agreed to. At about 12:15 we attempted to close or tab at Sabrage to avoid the wait at 2am, at this point the manager indicated it was a two (2) bottle minimum and we were being kicked out of our space. We refused to accept this change in circumstances and we escorted out of the location like criminals. Worst bar/club in the metro detroit area!
(1)J D.
I've been in a few times and haven't disliked anything that I've ordered! The food is simply amazing, great quality ingredients and beautiful presentation. If you dislike waiting for a table or for your meal, check it out on a weekday evening, but the weekend atmosphere is very fun, and the staff makes any visit enjoyable.
(5)Meagan H.
Just had dinner here. Food was delish and our server Shana was attentive (but not annoying) and helpful. We had the pork chop and vegetable pave and would recommend both! We will be back .
(5)Virginia M.
If I could give this place less than a star I would. We had dinner at this place with 20 other people for a birthday party. While the food was okay, the service was not good at all. After paying a rather large bill we decided to check out Sabrage, you would think after having a birthday party at the restaurant they would be a bit more accommodating. However, they were not.... after waiting for ever we all had to pay the cover charge and on top of that we got bottle service to secure the space. We were rushed and treated poorly. This place reminded me of the snobbish Birmingham restaurants and their patrons. While I swore I would never come back, I was looking into getting information in regards to bottle service at Sabrage for a future birthday party.... again the service was APPALLING!!!!! I contacted them through their website as stated. A week later after no information, calls, or emails I decided to call the number on the web 313-406-0440. I left a message, an hour later I received the following text message: "are you trying to call Sabrage nightclub? Can I help you with anything?" to which I responded with "yes, I was trying to get information on booths and bottle service for a birthday party". After a few minutes I got a call from this number from a very unqualified person who has no idea what customer service is and should never deal with prospect customers. I explained to him that I was looking into obtaining the number people that can be fitted in a booth and the possible prices. He stated he had NO IDEA and was not able to provide an amount... to which I ask could you tell me how much it has cost in the past? and he again said no... I said, this is for a birthday party and I would like to know if it is within the budget. To this he asked when the birthday was so I said October. He laughed on my face and asked if it was a joke with a super condescending tone which annoyed me to the 9th degree. If you have no idea then you should have never returned my call when I stated I wanted to obtain information about bottle service!! Second of all how can you not know how many people fit in a booth and how much it costs?? You have a drink menu don't you????!!! After he was terribly rude to a possible future customer that would bring 20+ people to the place had the nerve to say " I never before had anyone call so long in advance, are you trying to hustle me on price?" WHAT IS THAT!?!?!?! TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE!! Need less to say I am NEVER EVER considering Bistro 82 or Sabrage for any celebrations or dinners!!! I recommend you do the same!!!!
(1)Nina M.
Decided to finally check this place out and it did not disappoint! The Paper Airplane cocktail was fantastic as was the French Onion Dumplings we had as an appetizer. For the entree, I had the baked Cobia and my husband had the filet, both of which were great. Another huge plus is that they take reservations, even on a Saturday night. The atmosphere is very chic although it was a little loud for my taste. Overall, great experience!
(4)Karen G.
Great waiter, delicious food and nice atmosphere! The owners should be proud of how well Kyle represented their restaurant. He was welcoming and educated about both the wine and food they offered. I always appreciate when it feels like the wait staff is being honest about what they like and what is popular among guests. The tablets were also a nice touch. It was convenient to see pictures of the food, so you knew what to expect. I'm also a little more willing to try a new wine if I can read the description, so that was another plus in having the tablet available in addition to the waiter's expert recommendations. My friends and I were there to celebrate our birthdays. We explained to Kyle that we had been celebrating together since we were five years old... Next thing we knew, he was back at our table with complimentary champagne, so that we could toast our special celebration. How unexpected and totally thoughtful! Now on to the food. BOTH the presentation and taste deserve 5 stars. The filet was amazing! It just melted in my mouth. We also had the cheese plate appetizer and cauliflower romesco, which didn't disappoint either. Frankly I don't think I'd be disappointed with any of the appetizer or entrée selections this restaurant offers. I was a little reluctant when choosing this restaurant due the five star prices, but it was a special celebration so I agreed, and it turned out to be well worth it in my opinion! (And I almost forgot... We had a 6:30 reservation and were seated immediately upon our arrival).
(5)Emma S.
So good! Great experience overall. We had a great server with a Mohawk that was very honest and sweet. We had the bone marrow which was good (if you like super rich/fatty foods. I had the pasta with chicken dish which was incredible. My friends all had fish and were very happy with it. The scallops were perfect. For dessert we got a few different ones but by far the best was the bread pudding. As for he drinks, in all honesty I didn't love any of them but the Moscow mule was the best thing we tried. I think they need some sweeter ones on the menu :) Great experience! I'd recommend anyone to go there.
(5)Shayna L.
We came here for Father's Day Brunch. It was a lovely day & we sat inside the restaurant. However, each table by the window/doors was open to the street so it was like eating outside - protected from the noise/dirt of the street. Everyone loved their food. I ordered eggs benedict, which I usually don't like, but the server highly recommended it. They should name it something else because it bore no resemblance to the traditional dish. It was absolutely delicious! Everyone else loved their food, too. What we all found odd was that each breakfast dish was a la carte. I mean a la carte as in none of the egg dishes came with even a piece of toast. We've never before experienced this in any restaurant anywhere. Also, we ordered lattes, which was the smallest serving I've ever seen - for $4.50 Thus the 4* But, most importantly, the food & service were excellent & we had a great time. Would definitely return.
(4)Kim W.
We took in a little date night action and checked out this newer spot. Love the interior design and layout. The food was paired well and I will note the tartare just does it for me. It's nice seeing RO grow up this way. Looking forward to coming again and exploring the menu more thoroughly!
(4)Chelsea A.
I didn't want to give a four. I was reluctant to even come here, the image of the place is the antithesis of what I look for in dining and entertainment. I did end up here though. This is only because I heard that the owner was unable to complete his dream of using magnificent sharks as decor for his dj booth. Thank god that didn't work out. Anyways... After ordering a $14 cocktail in Royal Oak, Mi, I realized they did indeed have ingredients for one of my favorite cocktails. A rarity and a bonus. We ordered a few apps, the crudite wrap was very fresh and the peanut sauce was excellent. Pickled veggies were perfect texturally and my second cocktail was well worth the excessive for Royal Oak price. Whilst perusing the menu for more ordering potential, the manager stopped by. He happens to be a manager I quite like (formerly at Gastronomy ) and he sent out some additional apps- the polenta poutine with short ribs and the roasted marrow, as well as a goat cheese salad. All were well executed and plated beautifully. Another cocktail? Sure! Another? Ok!! Four cocktails in, I decided desserts were a great idea. The chocolate tart is rich and creamy and all that is required of a chocolate dessert. I guess it wasn't enough though, because we also had beignets. Umm... Amazeballs. Hot, like too hot to eat for a minute, and the sauce? Wow. Could have had several more of those, but the owner's super hot girlfriend was sitting right by me. So I stopped eating. Lol very nice staff, and the bar itself is gorgeous. Thanks for not abusing sharks, now I can come here sometimes.
(4)Mona W.
Came here the weekend they opened and the food lacked a bit of flavor and didn't think I would come back. We decided to give it another try for dinner and drinks and we loved it. Their drinks are awesome, food was cooked to perfection and overall good time and atmosphere. It's on the pricier end so come ready to spend a pretty penny. And be ready to be seen. We just saw some Lions players walk in.
(4)Miriam I.
Had the opportunity to try Bistro 82 recently prior to a concert at the Royal Oak Music Theater. As it was early on a weeknight, the place was lightly populated, and we benefited from the full attention of our very nice server. We warned him that our time was short due to the general-seating situation at the concert, and he was most accommodating. The ambiance, not something I usually mention in my Yelping, deserves a shout - out, as it is quite lovely. Dinner definitely deserved a longer visit - we will have to return to better enjoy the offerings. I started with a butternut squash soup, done just as I like it - creamy and comforting. My co-diner had the Roquefort-stuffed pear salad, which was very enjoyable. For my entree, the chicken pappardelle was quite well executed. The Scottish salmon ordered by the co-diner was beautifully presented, with flavor to match. Desserts looked scrumptious: alas, time did not permit us to partake. As Arnold S. might say, we 'll be baaack.
(4)Brittney K.
Just wanted to say thank you to the staff, management and even the owner at Bistro 82/Sabrage. Could not have asked for a better night! The food, atmosphere, and service was amazing! I highly recommend this to anyone looking for an exceptional night out. Thanks for making my 30th Birthday one to remember.
(5)Anna R.
I was irritated with this place before I even walked in. Two hour wait, annoying hostess(es), no sign- ugh.... the ego on this place was bigger than anyone who's ever performed across the street at ROMT. But a friend works there (shout-out, Adam! We'd go anywhere for you! Xo!) so we gave it a shot (for dessert, after our two hour wait was up and we'd polished off a delicious meal ay Lily's.) Ohhhhh emmmmm geeeee. I don't even remember what we had.... something, something salted caramel ice cream with malted milk chocolate sauce and something about beignets and caramel something.... Good lord. Divine. Loved every bite. I'll probably show up again during the week when there are a few less selfies being taken and try dinner. Seriously. Divine. Try it.
(4)Jay J.
First time here. Had the grilled calamari, beet salad and the Cobia (special) ...all three dishes were amazing. I really wasnt expecting this level of quality, flavor and perfectly seasoned, pprepared and balanced dishes. I will be back soon!
(5)ReNika R.
Went for dinner on a Saturday night, the place was packed. We were seated immediately however it took forever to be greeted, & the appetizer & entrée were a good 45 minutes apart. The overall experience was nice & the food was good.
(4)Krissy G.
Tried Bistro 82 for a late night dinner on Friday. Right from the beginning I was impressed. I liked that the menu was on an iPad and there was pictures of everything so I knew exactly what I was ordering. We started with bone marrow and it was amazing! Everyone at our table ordered a different entree and loved every bite. Bristro 82 is pretty expensive but the food and service was amazing. If I'm going to spend that much money on dinner I want to make sure it is a great experience. I did think the drinks were a bit over priced.
(5)Dave W.
Professional service by a guy from northern France - food was good - enjoyable experience
(4)Paola Y.
I had the escargot for appetizer and the Wagyu Hanger steak for entree. It was delicious. The ambience is lovely. Except for the construction happening at the back of the restaurant that spoils the view, but that is not the restaurant's fault. Also our waiter was very nice and helpful. Cannot wait to go back to try the desserts!!
(4)Michael K.
Great cocktails and appetizers. Oysters were fresh. And my friend said the beef tartare was fantastic. The menu is good. Salmon, pork, salad, all good. Also had some delicious dessert wine. Best food in royal oak. Will go back.
(4)Jonathan N.
The long wait to eat here was worth it. The food here is great. 1. The ambience is solid - really like the design of the bar. The iPad menus are a bit of a novelty, but actually very cool and useful 2. Service - our waiter was a french guy and he was very good. Knew everything about the dishes, got our food to us quickly and on time, and wasn't overbearing. 3. Food - I had the scallops which were excellent. Mussles and fries were also good. Overall, I really liked the variety of dishes on the menu. Would go back again for sure.
(5)Adrianne A.
Tried the Hanger steak- just ok. Wasn't that great a place overall, nice ambience ruined by an over zealous water boy. Food tried but once again- no cigar. The chips of shell in the oysters were very irritating. Probably won't be back...
(2)Lisa H.
The food was horrible. I found a bug in the salad and it ruined my appetite for the night. Also the service wasn't that great the waitress was very rude. Never going there again!!!!!!!!
(1)Rose P.
I have nothing but nice things to say about this place. The staff was warm, friendly, knowledgable, and patient (we were a little on the indecisive side). The food itself was TO DIE FOR! I ordered the hanger steak, which came with fries, and a side of mushrooms. The meat practically melted in my mouth, the fries were well-seasoned, and the mushrooms were tasty and slightly crisp. When I wasn't sure which wine I'd like best, the waiter brought samples of each wine that I was considering and gave me time to choose between them. It was nice to not feel rushed. The wine itself was high-quality and reasonably priced. I was too full for dessert, but everything looked good. What's particularly unique about this restaurant is the menu is on an iPad, and you can see what most of the food looks like when you click on it. I've never seen that before and more restaurants should do things like this. Dinner tonight was an overall excellent dining experience here. I definitely recommend it and plan to go back soon!
(5)Dennis L.
Thought we'd give Bistro 82 a try as we've seen pretty good reviews! Very nice decor, simple yet modern and upscale. So off to a good start! We were impressed by the salads, The Beet and Goat Cheese were excellent, and a real treat. The main course's were good but not as impressive. The Chicken Papardelle and the Waygu Flank Steak were our choices. Good, but not as we had anticipated after the wonderful Salads. Also service was good until time for the check. We waited about 15 minutes for our server to pick up my cc to pay the bill! Another note, throughout the meal, the drone of "Techno" music was playing and as it got later, it got louder, so make sure you enjoy that while trying to eat dinner and carry a conversation, or go to dinner early!
(3)Envirochk E.
We tried Bistro 82 last night and were very impressed! The staff was professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. The food - the food - however, was the star. Beautifully presented (it helps that the menu has pictures so that you get a better understanding of what you are ordering). We split two appetizers, one entree and one dessert. The portions were so generous, we left quite satisfied. The wine selection is well curated, with great values and spluges. The food - the food - however was well worth the trip. Presentation, preparation, quality of ingredients, combinations of flavors and seasonings - all spot on. Run, don't walk, to Bistro 82. Great atmostphere (except for the tacky people at the bar on their phones the entire time - and the gal wearing Guess denim overalls and a men's hat. Not fashionable nor pleasing to other patrons!). The menu is definitely upscale; the atmosphere tempers it a bit by being just the right combination of casual and upscale. This is great place for the weeknight dinner and a special celebration.
(5)Camaj J.
Very nice place. Interior design is very trendy and modern. Food had excellent taste and texture. I had the ribeye, which was cooked perfect. It had a very tasty butter marinade. Wife had seafood, very good. Waitress was knowledgeable and very friendly. Only issue is the surrounding location, the view from the window was of a construction site. Overall very good experience!
(4)Speed I.
When I heard my friend was taking over the space at Sangria I couldn't wait to get in there and eat! 3 weeks after opening the place runs like it has been there for years and the food looks and tastes outstanding. Great atmosphere and courteous staff - highly recommended.
(5)Ammie S.
Not happy at all! We had dinner parties several times there because it was new and thought it would be a good change. Definitely not! We headed upstairs twice and what a joke. We had parties that spent a good amount of money over dinner and drinks but still had to pay cover to go upstairs and wait in a line even after requesting a table a month before. Apparently if you want to sit down upstairs you have to pay hundreds of dollars for that. It's Royal Oak! The fourth time I went we got there late 1am. I was not sure my birthday party was still there. I asked if I could go and see if they were still there and I was told I had to pay a $5 cover. Didn't agree with this but whatever. I payed for four of us. As I was walking up my party was walking down leaving. I asked for a refund and I was told no. I knew the "head of security" when I asked him he still said he was unable to refund the money. I think it's quiet ridiculous. I could go on and on with negative things about this place , the bottom line is I live in RO and will not go back here nor will I suggest it to anyone. They screwed up 4 events now I have had there. I'm done!
(1)Tracey C.
I really wanted to love this place but came away thinking it was just ok. The decor is simple and understated very modern in a New York kind of way. The service was outstanding. I ordered the crudite wrap for an app and it was delicious. My main course was a tad disappointing only because it was over seasoned with salt...tons of salt. Scallops were cooked perfect but overpowered by salt and I ended up drinking an entire bottle of pellegrino. Is this review a deal breaker? No, my husband enjoyed his meal and I would definitely give them another try.
(3)Joel M.
I've been to Bistro 82 twice over the last couple weeks. The first time I went, I wasn't wowed by the wagu beef, but this time we shared oysters, pork belly and I had the short rib. Everything was really well prepared and incredibly tasty. They also have a great beer and cocktail list. It's impressive to see so many craft beers on tap. We're definitely putting this place in the rotation when we want a nice evening out or have friends in town visiting. The place lives up to the hype.
(5)Nina C.
Well we had a AMAZING experience here- I don't know what the other people are talking about! Let me get the things out of the way that I didn't like 1) NO purse hangers under the bar... Don't they know Chanel doesn't belong on the floor?!? 2) woman's bathroom- handicap stall lock sticks! On to the awesomeness of this place- the grilled artichokes phenomenal, the shrimp appetizer- awesome! The cheese plate OUT OF SIGHT! Main dishes- the white fish, scallops, salmon outstanding! The Italian chicken pasta dish was magnificent!!!! Desserts- we had them all they were soo amazing I don't think even the most erotic sex session is a good as their desserts! The manager Scott is from Ocean Prime- with that said you know that your culinary experience here is going to be amazing- the service was so on point that I actually asked the waiter if he could "back off" there was not one napkin left unfolded, one water glass below 1/2 full and one cocktail with 2 sips left without another brought- and not one bottle of wine emptied before asking to bring another! This is exactly what Royal Oak needed- enough with the hipster crap around town- this is the place to be! Congrats guys you did amazing!!!
(5)Bev C.
First and last time at this restaurant. The lobster bisque announced it s arrival at our table with a very fishy smell. We were unable to eat it. The "bread" was grilled and just tasted burnt and greasy. So I thought ok try salad how bad can that be...well the beet salad was basically pickled beets with some pears and a lackluster dressing. My mom has a limited palate due to her age and we heard the waitress and waiters making fun of her. At one point I thought maybe we were on Mystery Diners. All in all not a great experience. The only reason I gave it two stars instead of one is that my husband's fish was OK.
(2)David W.
Great eclectic menu. Food and service were great. It's a great looking place too. But I don't understand why management of a restaurant of this caliber thinks pounding bass adds to the ambience . I can handle conversational noise, but the pounding bass is irritating. This place needs to decide if it wants to be a great restaurant ( which it could be ) or a club. I'll go back again because the menu was so good and there are some other dishes that sounded great . But if the bass is still pounding, it could be my last visit.
(3)Dana S.
There are 3 people here right now and each gave Sabrage 3 stars. First, at LITERALLY 10 pm the bouncers were trying to create a line and we were waiting to get in. Think about it, 10pm waiting in line to get in a Royal Oak MI bar. The sad part is that I liked this place before I even set foot in it but the actual employees sort of ruined my actual first experience. There were so many workers (with their black blazers) that is was actually a buzz kill. I think it was too many because it saw three separate people who worked there texting which is pretty ridic. I want to believe in the vision but it's a little "me too" (if you don't understand google Louis ck). I can't say I won't be back but as a royal oak resident I feel like there was a team meeting before hand trying to make the workers keep a line and make the bar seem elite. Get real. OH..and at 1:30am we were told the bar was too packed to get back in. Wtf. I heard multiple times people makes comments that this night was going to be a yelp nightmare.
(3)Brian H.
Royal oak was in dire need of an upscale bistro like this. The concept, menu, atmosphere comes together perfectly. We had reservations for a table but sat up at the bar instead since it was quite early and no one was there. Our bartender Richard was extremely efficient, helpful, and really knew the menu in and out. Started out with the grilled calamari, delicious. Roasted shrimp, delicious. Ordered a dozen oysters, delicious. My entree was a chicken dish that was a bit bland, but once i added a little salt it was perfect. I guess too little salt is better than too much! Overall great experience, great staff, classy place.
(4)Sue D.
Once you get past the valet and female bartender your dining experience will be very satisfying. Food is good, our server was wonderful.
(4)Abe F.
This review is for Sabrage, the bar upstairs. I decided to go there a few weeks ago with my girlfriend. The place is a little hard to find even though it's on the corner. I didn't see a sign anywhere, just a small line of people outside. There must have been 5 or 6 bouncers at the door, I thought that was a little obnoxious. So we get upstairs and ask for a coat check. Guess what? No coat check at the bar or restaurant downstairs. Where do you think we live? Los Angeles? It's ZERO degrees outside. People don't want to hold their coat all night! Anyways so I leave my girlfriend at the bar and take our coats to put them in the car across the street. I explained that to one of the bouncers at the door on the way out and was back in a couple of minutes. When I tried reentering one of the other bouncers claimed they were at capacity and don't allow reentry. I laughed in his face and he was quickly overruled by the other bouncer I talked to. So finally I'm upstairs with my girlfriend and we have a couple of drinks. The service was prompt and the drinks were ok. I honestly don't see where all the money went that was supposedly invested in this place. Besides the fancy bar I felt like I was back at the old Sky Bar.
(2)