Delicious food, amazing wine, and a calm, cool atmosphere! Great for date night or a group outing. Don't reserve on Open Table though, bc the last two times I did so, they said they didn't receive my reservation and wouldn't honor it (even with my reservation confirmation). Very frustrating.
(4)
Christy S.
My husband and I have been to the Wine Bistro several times. We like to go on a Monday or Tuesday because it is 'Corkage Free Night'. It is our opportunity to grab a bite to eat and a bottle of wine. The Wine Bistro atmosphere is quaint and cozy. I like the dim lighting, my husband does not so I guess it is at your own preference. We sat at the bar tonight our server was Morgan she is super nice and does a great job attending to your needs. We got the flat bread pizza for the happy our price $6, which is great! However, tonight the portions were much smaller than we remember a month or so ago. Not sure if that has changed permanently or it just happened to be an off night. We were a little bummed about that part. This is still one of my favorite date night places! :) Kudos again to Morgan! Good service makes a big difference!
(4)
Bridget H.
So, before I even start I have to say I usually LOVE The Wine Bistro. But - this location was BAD :/ Stopped in for a late lunch. 2:30ish ...ordered one of my favorite dishes -Short Ribs w/ Wild Mushroom Risotto. I understand we may have come at "the end" of lunch service, but come on. The Risotto was So burnt. So dry. And even smelled like a burnt pan. Inedible. I asked for another serving. I was brought an even more disgusting plate of it. Like they literally scrapped the bottom of the pan that was in the sink. So GROSS. I'm sure I'll eventually go back to the WB in Clintonville (best location I think) ....but I will never come back to this location. Beware Late Lunchers.
(1)
Lisa C.
First visit back since 9/2013. There were 12 in our group. Service was a bit slow-one of our guests got her bottle of wine and then we had to go to the bar to her a wine glass! Food was outstanding. Everyone at the table raved about what they ordered. Will definitely be back-still love the place.
(4)
Erin Q.
I was in town to visit some friends and they love this restaurant so we went before our concert plans. The staff were all super friendly and helpful. I like that you can just go pick a bottle of wine from the wall and they will uncork it for you. We started with the fondue and scallop lollipops. Both were delish and they brought us extra bread for the fondue since we had four people. I ordered the half strawberry pistachio salad and it was the perfect size and tasty too. For the main dish i did the BLT flat bread. I was pretty full by that point, but they gladly boxed up my leftovers for me. This place is very cool and I would definitely go back.
(5)
Bryant M.
Confession: I've never eaten at any of The Wine Bistro locations. I'd read good things about them, so I finally bit the bullet and went. I mean... I like wine. I like food. This should be a win. Everything was totally fine, and I can't say that anything was bad--but I don't think I'll be back. Something was a bit off to me, and I can't quite put my finger on it... -The location is a bit like the tardis: looks like a tiny stripmall shop from the outside; is actually really big and seemingly neverending on the inside. -The decor was a bit over the top "Italian" for my personal taste. It was still cozy though. -The food was all very good, but not outstanding. I'm also never one to complain about portion sizes (really, I don't think I've ever written this), but I thought my dinner was really small. I had the short ribs, asparagus, and roasted carrots. The short ribs were tasty, but really fatty and not plentiful. There were two big positives for me though: +They have a gluten-free menu! +The service was really outstanding and attentive! Maybe it was a combination of things? Maybe it's just not my type of place. At the end of the night, my bill for two of us was about $90, and all I kept thinking was: I COULD HAVE HAD THE WHITNEY HOUSE FOR THE SAME AMOUNT. Mmm... and I love The Whitney House... anyway... The Wine Bistro really is A-OK, just not my jam. But clearly it IS a lot of people's since the restaurant was packed!
(3)
Carma M.
Such a cute little spot! My husband and I stopped by on our way to Cincinnati and so glad we did! We were with our pup and was able to sit outside with him. We had the hummus trio and flat bread. Everything was delicious! I had the white wine flight and they were perfect pairing to the food. Definitely would recommend!!!
(5)
Bridgett E.
Great service great wine and great food awesome ambiance! Come here often for lunch...only complaint is that the corkage fee that isn't advertised anywhere. I get it I am ok to pay, However we purchased 4 bottles of wine, 2 of which were corked (one $60, another $22) and 2 others pulled from the shelves ($10 and 20) and twisted the caps off ourselves. When asked about once the bill came, our server explained this is a "corporate policy", we asked to speak to the manager. The manager came over explaining that this is "corporates policy" incredibly defensive....ok, again I get it. But may I offer a few suggestions as I worked in restaurants for many years.... 1) advertise/advise the corkage fee...on the menu somewhere would be a great place to start..especially if one of the bottles that you are unscrewing the cap off yourself for $10 will cost you another $8...just mark up all the bottles for dine in... 2) as a manager, look professional (the tank top/jeans/messy bun not appropriate in my opinion) Remember golden rule...customer is (usually) always right...bring them back 3) don't make excuses, make it right so as to bring your customers back. We've been numerous times and bring clients in all the time. Again, a better approach would've been to apologize, remove 2 of the fees (the self-twist) and advise that next time they won't...no biggie (I will say the server did remove one of the cork fees but the manager never came back...in fact she made it a point (or it appeared) to keep her back to us when she was at the bar... 3) don't have an attitude and grow up. We did try to go to a "corporate" website so as to leave feedback/comments but couldn't find one.
(3)
Sara S.
I went to the wine bistro yesterday evening with my husband's family to celebrate a few of the family members' birthdays. This was my first time there, and I was pleasantly surprised. Their food choices were great, so I had a hard time even choosing one. We got a few appetizers (Tuscan popcorn, hummus, and a meat/cheese/bread plate). They were all amazing! I don't even like hummus, but the olive hummus was ridiculously good. As my entree, I tried the strawberry pecan salad. It was really fresh and tasted great. My husband tried one of the flatbreads, and it was also really good. The service was fantastic as well, so we will definitely be visiting the Wine Bistro again when we are in Columbus.
(5)
Erin T.
Stopped by in the evening for creme brulee, mousse and coffee. First time here. Loved the creme brulee very much along with my Frangelico & coffee. YUM!!
(4)
Nelson R.
We enjoy everything about this place except for the terrible muzak easy listening that is always playing. Good food, great wine selection, patio seating. Just wish they would change or even turn off the music.
(5)
Juanita R.
My boyfriend and I loved this place. They have a huge wine selection (duh) along a bookshelf and you are able to walk around and pick your own wine. It doesn't feel gimmicky though. It feels intimate and well thought of. Try the cheese plate!
(5)
Lori S.
I've eaten at different Wine Bistro locations over the years and I've always had great food. This particular visit was no different. My friend and I split the baked brie appetizer, which was divine - crispy, light puff pastry crust and delicious cheese. I had the shrimp and risotto, and it was really delicious. The shrimp was tender and perfectly cooked, the risotto was creamy, cheesy and flavorful with asparagus that was just the right level of crisp-tender. Their wine flights are always interesting, too. This evening I had a naughty-themed flight (I was somewhat chagrined that I really enjoyed the cringingly-named Fifty Shades of Grey wine, and the almost-as-cringeworthy Sexual Chocolate wine was also fantastic). I didn't have it this visit, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention their pot de creme chocolate dessert, which is so good I had to restrain myself from licking out the bowl. If you like rich, decadent chocolate, this is for you.
(5)
Tia P.
A great cozy environment! I had a birthday dinner here in a private dining room which accommodated about 12 of us. It was nice having our own separate dining room and the staff was nice and accommodating. The food was yummy! I'll definitely come back :) this place is also cute for first dates or simple casual date night with someone special :)
(4)
Karla B.
The food choice has changed. It is not so good anymore. The flavor and the care taken has decline as time has passed. I think people come here to avoid the short north where they still care due to the competition. The wine is still a good option because the variety is still there.
(1)
Crystal O.
I have been to all the Wine Bistros as we've moved around town and new ones open. We were among some of the first under-40 set to frequent the north location on hwy 23, and held multiple small gatherings (birthdays, etc) at the Lane Ave location. I always check in on Yelp and sometimes Facebook, so I think it's safe to say I'm a fan and a regular. I love the concept, the decor, the prices and food are very solid every time, so Wine Bistro is doing a lot right. My biggest complaint and reason why this is only a 3 star experience to me (if it weren't for all the things above, it would probably be a 2) is the service and attitude of the servers, not only at this location but all the ones I've been to. I know a reasonable amount about wine and frequently purchase bottles when I'm in the restaurant. However, maybe because we're a little under the median age of normal patrons, I've never felt fully welcomed. I have to think maybe we're just not perceived to be "big spenders" because of our age, which is really disappointing as many Gen Yers besides myself are very into wine. I've never brought myself to review this aspect of my experience as it's fairly typical, but at Wine Bistro it has become a disturbing pattern. Case in point: Yesterday a friend of mine (both in our 20's -- me barely so, but it still counts) visited and arrived in time for happy hour. When we inquired about what glasses were on happy hour, our server (I believe it may have been a manager, actually) acted a little put out and mentioned that it was barely still happy hour (we still had a good half an hour) when showing us the two by-the-glass options for $5/glass. Later he came back and apologized saying he thought it was later than it was, which was nice, and did at least provide the happy hour menu and we ordered a $5 appetizer apiece. Possibly because of that, our server (now another person) must have assumed we were just there on the cheap. We were asked if we'd like another glass of wine and when we said yes, the server just went and got us one of the same, before we had a chance to indicate if we wanted to get another glass of *something else.* After our second glasses, we were offered dessert and after turning that down, our checks were brought just as we'd drained the glasses and a good 20-30 min before I'd intended to leave. No mention of another glass, refill of water, dinner, etc. was made by the server. It was pretty clear that we were perceived to be taking up a valuable table that they'd like to fill with someone else who was going to have a bigger tab. It's just really disappointing that taking advantage of the great happy hour values results in that kind of attitude. Too bad for them, as I had my eye on several other glasses, and would also probably have gone home with a bottle or two of my favorites. I'll keep going to Wine Bistro because they have great offerings and it's a nearby wine bar that my neighborhood very much needs, and I'll hope that maybe next time we're treated like the regulars and wine lovers that we are.
(3)
Morgan M.
I will probably come here again because the ambiance is really nice and the menu looked really nice. However, I wasn't super impressed with the wine selection and it would be nice if they had more flight selections. The price per glass was on the high side but not ridiculous, ditto for the food. Really the only travesty to me was that there is an $8 corking fee for bottles! That is just ridiculous in my opinion since your only options are glasses on the menu. For real wine lovers I would say House Wine or Spagio's wine room are better options but for a glass of wine and dinner, this is a nice place.
(3)
Christina C.
As far as I'm concerned, 3 Wine Bistros are not enough. This is their brand-spankin' newest location (as of late March) and is reminiscent of all the reasons I'm a fan! For starters, wine. WIne! Wine everywhere! Lining the walls. Glasses on the tables. Empty bottles for decor. Wine, wine all over the place. Just the way I like it. Every Monday & Tuesday bottle fees are waived so you can get an amazing bottle without worrying about the extra 'somethin.' Hell, have two! Hah. The menu is pretty great as well. Not the best of the best, but reasonably priced, and all pair reallllly well with good wines. My top picks are for sure the veal meatball & any flatbread. The prosciutto & fig & veal flatbread in particular. Of course you have small table options for dining/drinking, and big group tables as well, or even the bar! The group dining room seats I think 8-10 and the only thing required is a reservation. No fee. I think there is a $200 minimum though - but that's easy. Duh, wine! The most delightful part of my visit was the amazingly comfortable lounge area with the most stylish - but more importantly, most comfortable chairs - which I've come to appreciate with a delicious glass of California red. You'll find me there at least 4 Tuesdays out of the month for no corkage fee nights. Oh, wait.
(4)
Angie K.
Love it as a gatthering place for friends. Meatball is awesome awesome! The chocolate dessert is also AMAZING. mix between fudge and mousse. I haven't liked too much other things on the menu (food wise). Wine is awesome and ambience is awesome. I really love the concept and wine and hanging out here.
(5)
Robert H.
4 stars for the wine. 2 stars for the bistro. This is a wine bar that serves a little food. It is not a bistro with a wine twist. The menu options were very limited and would be good for a happy hour, but I was disappointed they did not offer more selection after hearing such good things. The sandwich I had was just OK, and the plate it was served on, while cute, made it difficult to keep bits from jumping onto the table. I would characterize the service as stoney casual. Warm, but a little slow. The seating felt like I was eating in a library, and felt a little off. Would I stop in for wine at the bar with friends? Yes. Will I go back for lunch or dinner? No.
(3)
David B.
Make a reservation if dining in the evening on a no corkage fee night. Every food item I've had has been excellent and complimented the wine. The atmosphere is relaxing and unlike many establishments, seems to promote conversation with your party. The wine selection is massive. The staff is very knowledgeable and can help you discover a new favorite or track down that hard to find special occasion wine.
(4)
Julia T.
The wine bistro is great. The waitress was very knowledgable and recommended a great bottle of wine. We had not originally planned on eating dinner there, however we were having such a great time that we decided to stay and order some flatbreads. A bit burnt on the bottom but otherwise tasty. Great wine, decent food...but here is the kicker...when the bill came I realized that they charged our designated driver for every single refill on his coke....what!!???!? Insane and totally unacceptable. Never going back.
We went here on a whim Saturday night. Whim = me driving down High St. and shouting "Ooo, wine bistro!!!". We got super lucky, we wandered in without a reservation and snagged the last table. Then we settled in for a heavenly meal. We both got wine flights; I got the "Diamonds in the rough" and he got "Baby got blends"... and we were both pleased. Then we stared at the menu and ordered via whim (again). By far, our favorite things were the olive hummus in the hummus trio. We fought over it. And the chocolate pot de creme for dessert was sinfully good. Our server, Lexie (sp?), was awesome... she made great recommendations and was all-around fabulous. On a whim or not, We will definitely come back here.
(4)
Gerry J.
The best wine bistro location, just because it takes two minutes for me to get there. Finally one great hang out spot in Clintonville area. If only they would extend their hours into late midnight. I also happen to believe that you can judge a quality of a restaurant from its restroom. Based solely on that factor, they are a winner! Probably one of the best, most well-thought, spacious restroom in Columbus, lol. I have seen places with more wine collection, but I think this place covers the basic. Not a wine lovers, so I won't talk much about it. There are $8 corking fee nonetheless, so I thought that was a bummer considering the server had a super rough time opening our bottle and one of us had to help her. But, a great addition to Clintonville list of restaurants.
(4)
Anand M.
Great place for wine lovers to try lots of types. Great flat breads. And also hummus.
(4)
Steve F.
We have enjoyed The Wine Bistro at other locations around Columbus, but, the High St. location was a serious disappointment. The wine and beer was the only saving grace. My wife got the Prosciutto and fig flat bread, very hard to screw up a flat bread, but, they did. The crust was so hard it was not edible. It was more like trying to chew a flavorless piece of tile. I had the Pasta Rustico, which was described as having sausage, chicken and shrimp in a light cream sauce. It had one shrimp, mostly chicken and zero flavor. After adding salt, pepper and crushed red pepper it was edible. While the restaurant was not busy at all, our service was weak at best. If you want a glass of wine before you go somewhere else for dinner, The Wine Bistro might be a lovely and comfortable stop.
(1)
Anna S.
Love the concept but not too impressed with the food. First off, great selection of wine. However, wish they had more wine flights. Also, the two times I've visited, I wasn't able to create my own flight (hopefully this has changed). Second, the food is good but not stellar. The last time I visited, we had the scallops, crab cakes, and a flatbread (particular one no longer on menu). None of the items really hit the spot though all were perfectly edible. I'll probably be hitting up this place simply because of the dearth of restaurants in Clintonville and because of this same exact reason, I suspect this restaurant won't be itching to raise the quality of its food.
(3)
Dennis L.
It's ridiculous of me to have even gone to a restaurant called the Wine Bistro. I'm a novice at best when it comes to alcohol in general, and wine specifically; on the rare occasion I do drink, I prefer cocktails and girly alco-pop. But the reputation this place is getting in Clintonville and the menu were enough to lure my wife and I for her birthday dinner. The atmosphere is pretty cool; my wife described it as an "upscale Cracker Barrel," and it was meant as a compliment. The walls are lined with an infinite number of bottled wines (which you can buy and have served to you for a fee), and there are little sitting areas apart from the tables that look like nice places to relax with a drink and a snack. We ordered bruschetta as a starter, with tomatoes and prosciutto atop it. Very tasty if a bit messy. I also got a panini with turkey, apples and emmenthaler cheese; the highlights were the crunchy dark bread and the rich but mustard-y spread. My wife had a flatbread with pears and brie cheese. As for the wine, m'lady got a sweet white wine and liked it (the server was kind enough to bring out a sample before she selected it). Knowing nothing about wine, I asked the server to bring me a red that went with my meal, and she brought a cabernet that I enjoyed. I thought it was plummy, reticent, and blowzy, with hints of cigar box and petrol. (Just kidding, I got those terms from Wikipedia. But it was good, for reals.) We'll be back to this cool neighborhood hangout.
(4)
Mel G.
This was one of my favorite places to go to before the last visit in January. My boyfriend and I had reservations on 1/25 which happened to be the last day of Restaurant week. We arrived a little late and decided to sit at the bar so we wouldn't have to wait for a table. They had the three course menus and one of the appetizers we ordered was the veal meatball which was melt-in-your-mouth delicious on previous occasions. It came out completely charred on one side and was clearly overcooked. We sent the meatball back and sure enough the next one came out a few minutes later and it was the same way. It seemed like the kitchen tried to doctor up the second one with more cheese and marinara sauce which didn't help. We sent that one back too and here's where it got worse. The owner came up to us with our partially eaten meatball in hand and proceed to eat a bite out of the pot that we just sent back! She said that there was nothing wrong with it. I've never been more disgusted or insulted in my entire life. Then she asked if we wanted a 3rd meatball or have it taken off of the check. My boyfriend said he wanted to think about it and she responded saying, "Well I'll have another one ready to go for you to take home." At that rate we were flabbergasted and he told her to just take it off of our check. Luckily the entrees were prepared well (beef short ribs and fusilli with prosciutto.) We were too full for dessert and asked to have them boxed up. To our surprise when we got home, they had messed up our dessert order as well. Perhaps they ran out of creme brule and decided that chocolate cake was an acceptable alternative?? I do realize that they were incredibly busy with it being the last night of restaurant week but management could have planned better and had more workers on the schedule. This experience was very disappointing to say the least and what used to be our favorite spot to go to for a bottle of wine and dinner has fallen to the bottom of the list.
(3)
Jim H.
Not such a good night. Ordered 5 Cheese Board because we used to like the cheeses and the orange marmalade. They gave us 5 tiny pieces of cheese, bread, grapes, and a pretty sad looking strawberry. Had to flag down the waitress to ask for marmalade, who eventually brought us some. Then, out dinners took forever. First, they told us there was a big party, which was delaying our food. Then, my food, which I specifically ordered because it came with roasted cauliflower, didn't have roasted cauliflower. Then, we couldn't check out because the computers were down. To sum it up, some of the food was good, and unfortunatly, while the servers were nice, the service was lacking and very, very, very slow.
(2)
Andrew C.
The relaxing business casual atmosphere makes it a great venue for a bite with colleagues. The meatballs are especially homemade with different types of cheese! Delicious. I wish they offered more meal options, but definitely my favorite place around.
(5)
S M.
How is it that the last 3 times I've been to this place they only have ONE bottle of moscato left. If people drink that much muscato, buy more!!! Think I am done. Oh yes and a corking fee?!?! Too expensive for opening a bottle of wine.
(1)
M S.
Our group of 15 had dinner here on Friday night and had a great time. The wine selection was very nice, the atmosphere was great also. My favorites were the cheese board and the salads. We will definitely come back to try their other appetizers and entrees. I liked the chicken entree my wife ordered and I had the short ribs with mushroom risotto (excellent!). Our waiter, Carson, was excellent also.
(4)
Golnaz P.
If you are in the mood for some vino, this is your spot. They have so many different types of wines that it becomes very challenging to decide. Luckily, the staff is very generous in letting you try a few. I recommend buying a bottle and splitting it with your party instead of buying per glass, because it will end up saving you $$$. The service is great! The staff is very knowledgeable. They have wines for every budget. There is also a nice food menu to accompany the wine. I wouldn't come here just for dinner, but more like drinks and something to nibble on. I was in the mood for some dessert, so I ordered the vanilla ice cream with flame cherry. It was delicious! This is adefinitely a hit!
I recently had a date night here with my husband and we had a great time! We are big wine lovers so the selection here can't be beat. Wine covers the walls organized by different type and different regions. We got lucky on a Friday around 8:00 to walk right in and get a table. It was crowded, especially since the tables are a bit jam-packed into the small space and it was also a little noisy for the same reason but it was actually a nice setting for a cozy, romantic date. We ordered the Mediterranean popped corn and the crab and avocado salad in a martini glass as appetizers. The popped corn was a bit greasy but a nice little snack for dinner. The crab and avocado salad was ok, but it was very apparent that it was pre-made and put in the refrigerator so the crab was not as flavorful as it should be. Then we shared a bottle of the Drake Brothers Wild Ohio mead. Brothers Drake is a local meadery here in Columbus. Our server didn't realize that it was going to be carbonated and the cork flew off like champagne and almost hit another table! He felt terrible but no one was hurt- so it was all good. You can also select any bottle in the restaurant for retail price and drink it for a small corkage fee. There are also wine flights you can choose or even customize a flight you'd like to try. Our dinners were two of the pizzas- which I have to say were delicious and reasonably priced. We had the Italiano and the Braised Veal Meatball pizza. They were very thin crust pizzas and the sauce was perfect. For dessert we shared the pot de creme which was similar to the crab salad. It was decent, but obviously pre-made and it deterred from the flavor a bit. But to share it was an ok, not too heavy, finish to the meal with something a little sweet. We had a really nice time and would definitely go back for a light dinner of pizzas and wine. I'd probably pass on the apps and desserts next time, but the atmosphere and the wine selection is well worth a nice evening out.
(4)
Amy W.
A group of friends and I went for dinner the night before Christmas Eve. The food was okay and service was slow but the service was personable. Unfortunately, our server lost my credit card. She denied ever having it in the first place despite the other people at my table assuring her that they saw me put it with the check. They weren't able to find it. I realize it was an honest mistake on their part, but it was a bit of an inconvenience. It was the night before Christmas Eve and I had to cancel my card and wait for a replacement. All it would have taken was a sincere apology and some sort of gesture to convey that they understand the potential gravity of this mistake. This didn't happen. I was given no apology from anyone, never received a follow up call from the manager (the server took my information and indicated that she would have the manager call me), never received a response from the e-mail I sent through the "contact us" link on their website, and my Facebook post I left has been deleted. This is an example of horrible customer service.
(2)
Abigail B.
I absolutely love this place. They have a good variety of wines and since the new management took over - we've never had bad food there. In fact, the manager and the chef have gone out of their way to be friendly with us. We live very close to here and love to visit on the weekends. I'm not giving it a full five stars becuase, like other reviewers, I have had spotty service there.
(4)
Walt S.
Three cheers for The Wine Bistro..... uh,.... that would be 3-stars..... for its ambiance and wine selection. First, the wine selection and options. Not being a wine connoisseur it would be snobbish of me to pretend to rate their cellar(s). So I'll say all the selections both on the menu and stacked neatly on shelves along the walls was mind-boggling. My friend who I was there to meet asked for a French Vouvray and actually got it! So who's zoomin' who when it comes to handing out Atta-Boys. The food menu looked enticing but between the two of us we only shared the "warmed olive selections" which were delicious as well as the hummus and warm bread and pita; the hummus coming in three tasty flavors. No main course was ordered so I'll bail on that portion. Now comes the ambience. From the outside, this place looks out of place. There could've been a Verizon store on one side and a Kinko's/FedEx on the other. It's pushed into a small strip commercial center that is very unappealing. Once inside you warm up a bit. The large bar is very accomodating and looks like it could hold up to 25 - 30 seated. More if people are standing. The tables are disjointed and packed into little cellar-area nooks and crannies. It works but what some might suggest is intimacy, others would just say its all too close together. There is a back room with a large table - perhaps seating 8 - 16 persons for private scheduling ( I liked the looks of it). And then there's the din of voice-noise. By 8PM the place was buzzing with business but the noise levels were ominously high. This is not a place to have a sit-down dinner date if you're hoping for low level conversation. And lastly..... COUGAR TOWN. Yes, on Friday at 6:30PM when I walked in to meet my friend the bar was entirely commprised of women with women who ranged in age from 25 - 50 years young. For me, it was terrificly enticing. Wow! Soon thereafter this climate changed and it turned to couples and mixed couples dining out. For a laugh.... I ordered a chardonnay that I was told is commonly referred to in this Wine Bistro as "Cougar Juice" - how fitting. I will make a return stop.... and know nothing about wine other than it leads to warm olives and some brazen thoughts of women.
(3)
Carolyn K.
If it were possible to have a crush on a wine bar, this place would be the object of my affection. It (fairly) recently changed ownership and the changes have been incredible. The decor is welcoming and adorable. They've even added a makeshift patio area outside of the bar. The wine selection is second-to-none (and you're, of course, welcome to bring your own wine for a minimal corking fee). They feature live jazz music one or two nights a week. And, they've expanded their menu to include more than just appetizers - you can easily come here for a light, yet filling meal of salads and flatbreads. What's not to love?! Driving by the place, it always appears to be overly packed. Do not let that deter you from venturing in for a glass or flight of wine! There is ample seating on the patio, at the bar, or at any number of tables and couches scattered throughout. The hidden gem of the Bistro, however, is the party room in the back. This is perfect for a girls' night out, birthday celebration, etc. The back room is a beautifully secluded space that seats approximately 8-10 around the main table. Be sure to call several weeks in advance to reserve the room for your group.
(5)
Sristi S.
I have been here a couple of times with my husband and his colleagues. I love the collection of wines they have here...and that too at retail price!! The icing on the cake is the awesome food that goes with it.
(4)
Paul F.
After seeing an article about their new restaurant, I checked them out on Yelp and found that this store was a lot closer to me. This is a really nice looking place but the first thing that I noticed was that they don't have the wine chillers (for lack of a better name) that some of the other places do. I also noticed that they had a dozen or so bottles uncorked in their cooler and on their counter. That can't be doing the wine and good. But I decided to eat anyway, since the food was really what I came for. I started off with the scallop lollipops. There were three of them and boy were they small. My next course was the small cheese board, consisting of three small chunks of cheese. My three were cheddar, pecorino, and emmanthaler. It also came with a couple of bunches of grapes and some candied nuts. The nuts were the best of the bunch. The long and the short of it was that it was just okay, but not good enough to bring me back.
(3)
Ashley P.
I recently went to The Wine Bistro with a group of co-workers for lunch. I was immediately impressed with the atmosphere and decor. Everything was very put together, even down to the tiniest details such as tags on their napkins. I got a Blank + Blank consisting of the grilled chicken pesto flatbread and strawberry salad. It was more than enough food and very good. I'm looking forward to returning to this location (or the one on Lane Ave.) and trying out some of their wine in the future. They had an endless selection to choose from, so I'm sure I'll find something delicious! They really do need to change their horrible logo done in Papyrus, though. (Sorry, it's the designer in me!)
(4)
Rose S.
Love this place. Deb & her staff really do an excellent job. My husband & I frequent this establishment at least twice a month. No TV's, great lighting, jazz music, really good food, and a staff that knows your name - it doesn't get any better than this! I recommend the Flat Bread Pizzas - all varieties are excellent. The meatball appetizer is amazing. The Cheese Plates is always a hit, as well as the hummus. We always see people we know, which is a plus and you can pick your own wine flights from just about anything they have available. Did I mention I love this place?
(5)
Mark N.
The atmosphere alone would have me coming back, but couple that with their sumptuous veal meatballs and a bottle of Prisoner and you have a spectacular night. Service is wonderful and the staff recommends flawless parings every time.
(5)
Ashley J.
I'm a diehard wine lover. I'm into white wines (Chard, Rieslings, etc.) and this place had plenty of them from different regions of, not only the state of Ohio, but the world. The wine selection is fantastic. The atmosphere is quite relaxing and chill. It's a good place to visit after a long day at work, for a group get-together or a nice after dinner date. While their food selection isn't the greatest, the wine choices make up for it. it's not like an actual bistro. It's for wine, hence the name. Wine lovers like myself will love it here. If you're into craft beers and such, you'd be better off hitting up W.O.B.
(4)
Misty H.
The Wine Bistro had been my fiance and I's favorite restaurant since it opened, and was the home of one of our first dates so when it came to choosing the perfect place for our rehearsal dinner there was no question where we would go. We were disappointed as the guest count grew and we realized everyone would not fit into the restaurant, and then magically they opened a private room next door. It was a sign! We immediately began to inquire about the private room for our June 2013 wedding date. This is where our excitement ended. We were treated very rudely by the staff during our first conversation about the room, as if they didn't take us seriously about wanting it - to the point that they would not offer a contract or write us down on the calender. They told us to come back closer to the date. Months passed and save the dates were sent out, so I decided to inquire again about the private space. Emails, phone calls, visits, and to no avail. One time I even called and heard the manager (Deb) in the background say she "was in a meeting, couldn't talk". I told the host the reason for my calls, my phone number, and to please have her return my call the next day. She assured me that she would, and I have still yet to hear back. It's absolutely appalling to me that a restaurant owner would not want to speak with someone interested in spending $1,000's of dollars in one evening. We were also interested in ordering cases of wine for the wedding and as take home gifts for our guests. Their loss. After looking at several other private rooms in the area (Hyde Park, Columbus Fish Market & J. Liu) we've settled on The Worthington Inn for our guests - and I would suggest you do the same if you're looking for a welcoming rehearsal/wedding dinner.
(2)
Joe S.
Prepare to indulge in wine! This place is an excellent spot for a first date, night out with the wife, or a double date, as I participated. You may drink more wine if you're amongst friends so please have a DD prepared!!! Once you get past the semi-annoying $8 corking fee (which can be waived on certain nights), the selection is outstanding. You name the type or country of wine and they are likely to either 1) have it, or 2) offer up a great alternative that you will find excellent. Now mind you that it's certainly best to buy bottles here as opposed to individual glasses of wine, so it does eat into your nightly bill. The ambiance is wonderful. Everyone in here is socializing with those around them and with the wine flowing it seems everyone is having a great time - which hopefully influences you to also have a great time! They actually do sell food here, too, and it's top notch and not too pricey. The flatbreads we ordered really did the trick at our visit and as well as being highly recommended, I also endorse them, so you should order one when you're here. If a budget night out is for you, either don't come here or don't order wine. Either way you're missing out on a treasure of a restaurant and experience.
(5)
Matt H.
This little gem is easy to miss driving by but is really cool inside. The atmosphere is awesome and the food is great. We like to sit at the bar and talk wine with the drink slingers.
(5)
Denae S.
Excellent service, fantastic wine selection, and yummy food. What more could you ask for. We travel all the way from Grove City.
(5)
Vanita H.
This place has quickly turned into a favorite that I frequent weekly. Why? Ambience is classy yet relaxing. It has darker lighting but this location manages a feeling of coziness but not cramped. The service is always great with the staffers being knowledgeable about menu items as well as the retail wine selections. I usually drink the red menage a trois' wine and they were out of it due to popularity and the waitress quickly guided me to a comparable red that hubby and I loved. Ok lets talk food now. The flat breads? Amazing!! I get the pepperoni without the pepperoni's (I know it sounds crazy just hear me out). They have this pepperoni jam that goes on it and I just do that. Not too much not too little. I had the crab cakes and they were light and crispy on the outside. I would call it a medium sized portion. It is served with a slaw that has a nice Asian flavor. Let's talk value. They get 4 out of 5 rubies from me. The happy hour from 4-6 lets me choose a house wine for only $5 and a flat bread or another small plate item for $5. I will do The Wine Bistro again and again. My girls call this grown and sexy.
(4)
Lee B.
My wife and I have been known to visit here as many as three times in a week. What we find unique is that the price for a bottle of wine is the price you'd pay retail plus a small corkage fee. Most restaurants double or triple the price of a bottle of wine. We love the atmosphere and the people who work there. Their special wine tasting events are a lot of fun. Prices are very affordable, the atmosphere is festive, and the food options will vary in desirability depending upon where your appetite is on a particular evening. The Wine Bistro has expanded to the shop next door, and my wife's employer recently hosted a party there. It was a positive experience for everyone including the CFO!
(5)
Billy C.
The Wine Bistro is a fantastic place! Filled with great wine selections, an eclectic menu of delicious food, and a friendly and courteous staff. We have been regulars there for a long time (even in it's previous incarnation) and enjoy it every time.
(5)
John P.
Great wine and atmosphere...set down for dinner with friends on a Saturday night and had a great time. Service was great and the meat ball pizza was outstanding. We purchased a variety of wine as well...I will be going back.
(5)
L B.
Really enjoyed this place and would recommend for a date night, or a fun girls night out. Food was really decent...appetizers were great, dinner entrees were good. The inside is cozy and they have a nice little patio, considering this location is between two drive thru's. They have an awesome wine selection, and the corkage fee is waived on Monday and Tuesday nights. You can get a really decent bottle of wine for $20-$30.
(4)
Mischa E.
This place is great, but I have only gotten in once without a reservation on a weekend. Make sure to book in advance.
(4)
Jason S.
On my second visit to the Worthington Wine Bistro, I started to understand what seemed strange about the atmosphere the first time. Something about the mood lighting and jazzy music. Something about the high pitched chatter and poor acoustics. Something about the various perfumes wafting through the air, with an awkward hint of talcum powder. Yeah. Separate from my party, I can't help but feel it's pretty much just me and a whole bunch of cougars. The Wine Bistro, as its name implies, features more wine than I can imagine drinking in a lifetime, offering something for lovers of any fermented grape variation. There is a small set of beers for non-winos (coughmecough), though you shouldn't have high expectations for this given the venue's focus. The food ranges from just acceptable to very good, the flatbreads being the winner among tasters. The kitchen's signature bistro meatball pops up under almost every menu subheading: have it on a baguette; have it sliced up on your flatbread; have it alongside your favorite pasta; have it in your chocolate pot au creme. (Or not.) They call it out in the pasta section as the "giant, soon to be world famous braised veal meatball", and while the hyperbole isn't justified, it is a tasty, tender thing. For spaghetti dishes, the marinara is passably good, while the pomodoro simply tastes like the marinara cut with too much evoo (if you don't say it like Rachel Ray, it doesn't count). Overall the menu is of sufficient quality and variety to please any palate. The pot au creme and berry desserts were both very good; the former is definitely better without the meatball. Service varied in my trips between highly alert and "Oh, that's right, you guys are my table!" [insert hybrid bubble gum pop and Houdini-esque disappearing noise] Food prices are reasonable -- I don't agree with the current $$$ rating on here. $$ is more appropriate. Have a glass, have a bite, admire all the wicked ways to get inebriated. And hey, if you're in the market...
(3)
Frances A.
BIG GROUPS ARE WELCOME! Hi there - I'm writing another review because this place deserved a SHOUT-OUT for catering our large and somewhat obnoxious group of 10 professional women getting together for a girlfriend's birthday! YAY! First - someone savvy made the reservation so we got seated right away and for a rainy Tuesday night, this place was kinda hopping! Second - the table was AWESOME! It was big, rectangle high top table that seated all of us comfortably and the backdrop of wines housed in dark bookcases made me feel like we were in a library. Nonetheless, I appreciated the decor because it made our evening that much more enjoyable. Third - GREAT SERVICE! Our server was prompt, very HELPFUL, and knew how to recommend great WINES to go with your food. Fourth - GREAT WINE choice. I ordered the MAMBO wine because I'm tired of ordering heavy, dark, opulent wines and I don't like the lightness of Pinot Noirs. She was able to point me to a great tasting wine that went fabulously with my super FRESH strawberry salad. I got to taste everyone's food and honestly, I was impressed because I had little expectation. EXPECT LITTLE, GET MORE and Bring a big group with you OR hole up at the great bar for Happy Hour! This place has the potential to be the perfect singles mecca or 1st date joint!
(4)
Toby B.
I enjoyed a nice salad and shared a flat bread with a buddy. It was good. Portions were decent however for the price it just seemed to lack that "pop" that I look for when I have to drop a $20 on lunch. It would be an excellent date spot. Not really a good place for a lunch meeting.
(3)
Allison D.
This isn't somewhere that I would have normally visited if it weren't for having a meeting there. It is located in a small strip mall so the few tables that they have outside on what they call the patio do not seem like a very pleasant place to sit. The decor inside is trendy but makes for a very crowded dining area which is also very loud. Our server was very helpful in making a wine selection and choosing an appetizer. I tried a glass of prosecco ($10) which was very good and the popped corn ($4) which was fun to snack on . It was seasoned with olive oil and feta cheese but did not have as strong a taste as smell. Some of the people I was with ordered pizzas and pasta which they seemed to enjoy enough but no one raved about the food. Overall the experience at The Wine Bistro was pleasant enough but the prices seemed a bit high for a casual evening. The average pour was around $12 and the options were somewhat limited. If you are not a fan of wine, I would definitely not suggest TWB as they do not serve any liquor and have a very limited beer selection.
(2)
Sally A.
We've been to Wine Bistro a couple of times, and have never left disappointed. The scallop appetizer and flatbreads are my favorites! It's nice to pick out a wine myself and enjoy it right away. $8 corkage fee seems a little steep but they do have no corkage nights as well. Love the back room for special occasions with a group!
(4)
Brian C.
Great food. Unprofessional staff. Our first visit began well. The server introduced us to a wine that was a pleasant surprise for all of us at the table. However, trying to buy this wine from them afterwards has soured our opinion. Since that dinner, we've tried to buy the wine from them on three different occasions. Each time they have not only been unable to sell us the wine, the staff has been arrogant and rude. Buying a product shouldn't be this difficult or unprofessional.
(1)
Patricia M.
Last night was my first night in and it was absolutely perfect. The guy I have been dating and I met up here, we loved the ambiance and how laid back everything/everyone was. Our bartender Austin was wonderful very knowledgeable of the menu, both food and wine. I will highly recommend this place to everyone and we will be back in the near future!!
(5)
Jen V.
We love this place - great wine selection and interesting small plates. It's a great atmosphere to unwind or entertain. Service is good although they don't seem to have 'as much' wine knowledge as some other wine bars we frequent. It's not an issue as we normally know what we like.
(5)
Kate T.
Wonderful place to go and relax. My partner and I enjoyed the smaller new "room next door" as it was quieter and not as packed. The flat breads are amazing- try the shrimp and mango curry!
(5)
Paola M.
What a great little jewel restaurant. A co-worker and I were actually looking for a another wine bar when we accidentally stumbled on this one. Atmosphere was immediately warm, inviting and the wine selection was quite interesting and fairly well thought out to appease any taste. The appetizers were so different and interesting, we made it our meals and couldn't skip dessert. the Espresso dessert was such a suprise, a mocha in solid form with just the right amount of whipped cream and that decadent espresso bean to bring out the coffee flavor in the chocolate. A very nice smooth Port to accompany this awesome little dessert - we were truly impressed. Skip to the next night...and yes, we chose to return and ask for the same server, Beth. She was fantastic the night before and we were just as pleased the second night. We never had to ask for a thing, she was super attentive and knew her menu well. All her recommendations were spot on, and we really enjoyed her bubbly personality. Trying different appetizers and enjoying every one of them along with you guesses it...more wine. Columbus, you have a fine little jewel, I look forward to my next trip back next January, in the meantime, go experience it for yourself and ask for Beth!
(5)
emily w.
The food tends to be quite good here. They must have a good oven because the flat breads are excellent. The patio is large and usually not crowded. The downsides: the kitchen is quite slow, and the music they pipe in is horrendous. If it weren't for those two things I think we would eat there much more often.
(3)
Lisa M.
Visited Friday, March 29. Great location. Finally, Clintonville has a great restaurant with waitstaff. The warm olives, house salad and chicken entree were very good. The wine sampler of 3 wines is very nice, though cumbersome for a table for two. Struggled to give it 3 or 4 stars. As it is newly opened, there were a few kinks for the waitstaff to work out. Also, as someone who avoids gluten, my food options were very limited. Vegetarians and vegans may also have trouble. I'm hoping The Wine Bistro will make some adjustments given the Clintonville crowd. I would definitely frequent the place if more gluten-less options were available. Weekend reservations for tables will be a necessity.
(4)
T D.
The Worthington location seems less busy and quieter than the other Wine Bistro in Upper Arlington. The service and food are just as great! The atmosphere is casual and you are surrounded by shelves of wine bottles for sale. I go there on an almost weekly basis just to eat the pepperoni and wild mushroom flatbread, and I've heard there is a new Wine Bistro opening in Clintonville soon.
(5)
Peg C.
Salad and flatbread. Both with fresh ingredients. Better to not be in a hurry. Original wine selection on the menu was out of stock :(. Always good to try something new. We will certainly make a return trip.
(4)
Carrie C.
I've been here several times for lunch with friends. Their hummus sampler is amazing...highly recommended! Their flatbreads & salads are quite good, although I think the prices are a bit high. Service was pretty slow and we had to track down our server multiple times. It may have been fine in the evening, but when we're on a timeline for lunch I would have preferred a bit more prompt service/attention. I have also purchased wine here and they are very knowledgeable and helped me find a great bottle of wine to give as a gift. Overall really nice retail shop, great for appetizer (hummus sampler + glass of wine) but if you're going to eat, be prepared to shell out some cash.
(3)
Laura I.
I am addicted. I have been going to this place for quite some time and I can't get enough of the food and the wine. The selection is incredible, the staff knowledgable and great, and the price is very affordable. The ambiance is relaxed but exciting- they have live music a few nights a week and wine tastings that are well worth the price. Great for a romantic evening, a girl's night , or just plain taking yourself to dinner. Excellent!
(5)
Nona N.
My favorite place for a quiet romantic dinner or gathering with friends. Excellent food, service and atmosphere.
(4)
Jennifer D.
I absolutely love this place! It's a relaxing atmosphere with candle-lit tables - appropriate for lovers and friends. The wine is priced really well and displayed along the walls in sections; Merlot, Pinot, Argentina, etc. I highly recommend this place, any day of the week. HOWEVER...if you want at table at this or any other of their locations, I advise you make reservations a couple days early.
(5)
Linsey G.
I must say....The Wine Bistro out did itself this past weekend!!! i hosted my sister's bridal shower in the "Reserve", which is connected to The Wine Bistro, and the results were fantastic!!! i have always enjoyed my dining experience in the past at the Bistro, but dealing with the serving staff and management...i was more than happy with the outcome. the room was perfectly set!! Everything from lighting, to seating, to arrangements, i was truly pleased. it perfectly held my group of 30. i received so many compliments on my choice of venue and the decor (which i of course attributed to the staff!!!) The food, of course, was fabulous...which i knew it would be. the manager, Deb, helped me pick my food ahead of time. she told me i "wouldn't be disappointed" and that she would "make it lovely for me". she was right!! we decided on flat breads, Tuscan popcorn, bruschetta, hummus and brie, as well as both red and white sangrias and various wine. all delicious!!!! i will definitely keep in mind The Wine Bistro for future events, and i know my guests will too!!!
(5)
Tracey W.
Great wine selection and appetizers. Great for small groups! Check nights when non-corking fees on Mondays and Tuesdays. Also uses Open Table to reserve table even on holidays like New Year's Eve!
(5)
David L.
We came here on a Sunday night (nearly empty inside) and ordered a Grilled Chicken Pesto Flat Bread and some Spaghetti with Meatball. The food was just average for the price we paid. While the ingredients seemed fresh, the feed seemed overcooked. The flat bread was a little on the hard side and the meatball in the spaghetti seemed like part of it was overcooked and even slightly burnt.
(3)
Anna H.
Went on a slow night with a group of friends. The food is delicious. Wine was good, too. I had a chicken pot pie--it was very creamy and flavorful, but outrageously expensive for the amount. I was left hungry. Never, ever, ever leave me hungry. It's always bad. I ordered dessert (chocolate almond cookie-type dessert), and it was disappointing. I love the decor and the atmosphere, but I simply cannot afford such overpriced food. I could've eaten two chicken pot pies (if it were up to my stomach and I ignored social convention), but my bank account wouldn't let me. Plan to spend a lot of time and money here. This is the type of restaurant for people who wish to savor their food and try various wines. It's meant to be relaxing while enjoying pleasant conversation with family/friends. This is not the place to go if you're in a hurry.
(3)
Jake A.
We came in this past Sunday night, and it was incredible. The wine selection is earth-shatteringly huge and the food was very good. A lady (maybe the owner?) stopped me on my way out to ask how everything was and we struck up a little conversation. She was very nice and invited me back. It was a fantastic experience and I will be back very soon.
(5)
Allison H.
Stopped in for a late dinner last night and took advantage of the $25 restaurant week menu. Very relaxing and friendly atmosphere, though the smooth jazz muzak was a teeny bit loud. Boyfriend loved the short rib entree and I enjoyed fusilli & prosciutto with veggies. Their retail wine prices aren't bad and the selection by the glass was really interesting. I am definitely going to hit up the Wine Bistro (though possibly at other locations closer to my house) again and wish I'd gone sooner.
(4)
Foodie W.
Love the decor and ambience! Would be a perfect place if you are planning for a candle light romantic dinner. This bistro has definitely a great selection of wine. We started with the scallop lollipops and it was fantastic! Had the spaghetti marinara and meatball .. was disappointed. Was indeed a giant meatball but it was almost tasteless. The grilled chicken with pesto cream sauce was OK. The best thing about this bistro is they paired the wine with the food you've ordered. So, it was a great way to sample different types of wine. Would definitely go back for the wine and some light appetizers ... and no pasta next time.
(3)
Tatjana B.
Was looking at this as a restaurant more so than a wine bar because of the full menu options. Nice wine selection to purchase. We only had appetizers and the anti pasti platter was just a little too simple and not exciting. The atmosphere was very pretty and enjoyable - dimly lit, etc... As we don't have the opportunity to dine out a lot, this is one that would not be a repeat for us from the dining aspect. However nice place to maybe grab a drink with a girlfriend.
(3)
Sonya B.
Nice ambience. Apps and winery salad were delicious (hummus trio and crab cakes). Unfortunately, the main dish was a disappointment. The beef short ribs should have been melt-in-your-mouth tender but they were dry and tough. We told the waitress about a dairy allergy and she served us carrots with butter anyway and didn't offer to switch it out. She didn't offer an explanation or apologize for the tough meat. She just offered us dessert and brought us our check.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Fri, Sat, Sun Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Sara G.
Delicious food, amazing wine, and a calm, cool atmosphere! Great for date night or a group outing. Don't reserve on Open Table though, bc the last two times I did so, they said they didn't receive my reservation and wouldn't honor it (even with my reservation confirmation). Very frustrating.
(4)Christy S.
My husband and I have been to the Wine Bistro several times. We like to go on a Monday or Tuesday because it is 'Corkage Free Night'. It is our opportunity to grab a bite to eat and a bottle of wine. The Wine Bistro atmosphere is quaint and cozy. I like the dim lighting, my husband does not so I guess it is at your own preference. We sat at the bar tonight our server was Morgan she is super nice and does a great job attending to your needs. We got the flat bread pizza for the happy our price $6, which is great! However, tonight the portions were much smaller than we remember a month or so ago. Not sure if that has changed permanently or it just happened to be an off night. We were a little bummed about that part. This is still one of my favorite date night places! :) Kudos again to Morgan! Good service makes a big difference!
(4)Bridget H.
So, before I even start I have to say I usually LOVE The Wine Bistro. But - this location was BAD :/ Stopped in for a late lunch. 2:30ish ...ordered one of my favorite dishes -Short Ribs w/ Wild Mushroom Risotto. I understand we may have come at "the end" of lunch service, but come on. The Risotto was So burnt. So dry. And even smelled like a burnt pan. Inedible. I asked for another serving. I was brought an even more disgusting plate of it. Like they literally scrapped the bottom of the pan that was in the sink. So GROSS. I'm sure I'll eventually go back to the WB in Clintonville (best location I think) ....but I will never come back to this location. Beware Late Lunchers.
(1)Lisa C.
First visit back since 9/2013. There were 12 in our group. Service was a bit slow-one of our guests got her bottle of wine and then we had to go to the bar to her a wine glass! Food was outstanding. Everyone at the table raved about what they ordered. Will definitely be back-still love the place.
(4)Erin Q.
I was in town to visit some friends and they love this restaurant so we went before our concert plans. The staff were all super friendly and helpful. I like that you can just go pick a bottle of wine from the wall and they will uncork it for you. We started with the fondue and scallop lollipops. Both were delish and they brought us extra bread for the fondue since we had four people. I ordered the half strawberry pistachio salad and it was the perfect size and tasty too. For the main dish i did the BLT flat bread. I was pretty full by that point, but they gladly boxed up my leftovers for me. This place is very cool and I would definitely go back.
(5)Bryant M.
Confession: I've never eaten at any of The Wine Bistro locations. I'd read good things about them, so I finally bit the bullet and went. I mean... I like wine. I like food. This should be a win. Everything was totally fine, and I can't say that anything was bad--but I don't think I'll be back. Something was a bit off to me, and I can't quite put my finger on it... -The location is a bit like the tardis: looks like a tiny stripmall shop from the outside; is actually really big and seemingly neverending on the inside. -The decor was a bit over the top "Italian" for my personal taste. It was still cozy though. -The food was all very good, but not outstanding. I'm also never one to complain about portion sizes (really, I don't think I've ever written this), but I thought my dinner was really small. I had the short ribs, asparagus, and roasted carrots. The short ribs were tasty, but really fatty and not plentiful. There were two big positives for me though: +They have a gluten-free menu! +The service was really outstanding and attentive! Maybe it was a combination of things? Maybe it's just not my type of place. At the end of the night, my bill for two of us was about $90, and all I kept thinking was: I COULD HAVE HAD THE WHITNEY HOUSE FOR THE SAME AMOUNT. Mmm... and I love The Whitney House... anyway... The Wine Bistro really is A-OK, just not my jam. But clearly it IS a lot of people's since the restaurant was packed!
(3)Carma M.
Such a cute little spot! My husband and I stopped by on our way to Cincinnati and so glad we did! We were with our pup and was able to sit outside with him. We had the hummus trio and flat bread. Everything was delicious! I had the white wine flight and they were perfect pairing to the food. Definitely would recommend!!!
(5)Bridgett E.
Great service great wine and great food awesome ambiance! Come here often for lunch...only complaint is that the corkage fee that isn't advertised anywhere. I get it I am ok to pay, However we purchased 4 bottles of wine, 2 of which were corked (one $60, another $22) and 2 others pulled from the shelves ($10 and 20) and twisted the caps off ourselves. When asked about once the bill came, our server explained this is a "corporate policy", we asked to speak to the manager. The manager came over explaining that this is "corporates policy" incredibly defensive....ok, again I get it. But may I offer a few suggestions as I worked in restaurants for many years.... 1) advertise/advise the corkage fee...on the menu somewhere would be a great place to start..especially if one of the bottles that you are unscrewing the cap off yourself for $10 will cost you another $8...just mark up all the bottles for dine in... 2) as a manager, look professional (the tank top/jeans/messy bun not appropriate in my opinion) Remember golden rule...customer is (usually) always right...bring them back 3) don't make excuses, make it right so as to bring your customers back. We've been numerous times and bring clients in all the time. Again, a better approach would've been to apologize, remove 2 of the fees (the self-twist) and advise that next time they won't...no biggie (I will say the server did remove one of the cork fees but the manager never came back...in fact she made it a point (or it appeared) to keep her back to us when she was at the bar... 3) don't have an attitude and grow up. We did try to go to a "corporate" website so as to leave feedback/comments but couldn't find one.
(3)Sara S.
I went to the wine bistro yesterday evening with my husband's family to celebrate a few of the family members' birthdays. This was my first time there, and I was pleasantly surprised. Their food choices were great, so I had a hard time even choosing one. We got a few appetizers (Tuscan popcorn, hummus, and a meat/cheese/bread plate). They were all amazing! I don't even like hummus, but the olive hummus was ridiculously good. As my entree, I tried the strawberry pecan salad. It was really fresh and tasted great. My husband tried one of the flatbreads, and it was also really good. The service was fantastic as well, so we will definitely be visiting the Wine Bistro again when we are in Columbus.
(5)Erin T.
Stopped by in the evening for creme brulee, mousse and coffee. First time here. Loved the creme brulee very much along with my Frangelico & coffee. YUM!!
(4)Nelson R.
We enjoy everything about this place except for the terrible muzak easy listening that is always playing. Good food, great wine selection, patio seating. Just wish they would change or even turn off the music.
(5)Juanita R.
My boyfriend and I loved this place. They have a huge wine selection (duh) along a bookshelf and you are able to walk around and pick your own wine. It doesn't feel gimmicky though. It feels intimate and well thought of. Try the cheese plate!
(5)Lori S.
I've eaten at different Wine Bistro locations over the years and I've always had great food. This particular visit was no different. My friend and I split the baked brie appetizer, which was divine - crispy, light puff pastry crust and delicious cheese. I had the shrimp and risotto, and it was really delicious. The shrimp was tender and perfectly cooked, the risotto was creamy, cheesy and flavorful with asparagus that was just the right level of crisp-tender. Their wine flights are always interesting, too. This evening I had a naughty-themed flight (I was somewhat chagrined that I really enjoyed the cringingly-named Fifty Shades of Grey wine, and the almost-as-cringeworthy Sexual Chocolate wine was also fantastic). I didn't have it this visit, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention their pot de creme chocolate dessert, which is so good I had to restrain myself from licking out the bowl. If you like rich, decadent chocolate, this is for you.
(5)Tia P.
A great cozy environment! I had a birthday dinner here in a private dining room which accommodated about 12 of us. It was nice having our own separate dining room and the staff was nice and accommodating. The food was yummy! I'll definitely come back :) this place is also cute for first dates or simple casual date night with someone special :)
(4)Karla B.
The food choice has changed. It is not so good anymore. The flavor and the care taken has decline as time has passed. I think people come here to avoid the short north where they still care due to the competition. The wine is still a good option because the variety is still there.
(1)Crystal O.
I have been to all the Wine Bistros as we've moved around town and new ones open. We were among some of the first under-40 set to frequent the north location on hwy 23, and held multiple small gatherings (birthdays, etc) at the Lane Ave location. I always check in on Yelp and sometimes Facebook, so I think it's safe to say I'm a fan and a regular. I love the concept, the decor, the prices and food are very solid every time, so Wine Bistro is doing a lot right. My biggest complaint and reason why this is only a 3 star experience to me (if it weren't for all the things above, it would probably be a 2) is the service and attitude of the servers, not only at this location but all the ones I've been to. I know a reasonable amount about wine and frequently purchase bottles when I'm in the restaurant. However, maybe because we're a little under the median age of normal patrons, I've never felt fully welcomed. I have to think maybe we're just not perceived to be "big spenders" because of our age, which is really disappointing as many Gen Yers besides myself are very into wine. I've never brought myself to review this aspect of my experience as it's fairly typical, but at Wine Bistro it has become a disturbing pattern. Case in point: Yesterday a friend of mine (both in our 20's -- me barely so, but it still counts) visited and arrived in time for happy hour. When we inquired about what glasses were on happy hour, our server (I believe it may have been a manager, actually) acted a little put out and mentioned that it was barely still happy hour (we still had a good half an hour) when showing us the two by-the-glass options for $5/glass. Later he came back and apologized saying he thought it was later than it was, which was nice, and did at least provide the happy hour menu and we ordered a $5 appetizer apiece. Possibly because of that, our server (now another person) must have assumed we were just there on the cheap. We were asked if we'd like another glass of wine and when we said yes, the server just went and got us one of the same, before we had a chance to indicate if we wanted to get another glass of *something else.* After our second glasses, we were offered dessert and after turning that down, our checks were brought just as we'd drained the glasses and a good 20-30 min before I'd intended to leave. No mention of another glass, refill of water, dinner, etc. was made by the server. It was pretty clear that we were perceived to be taking up a valuable table that they'd like to fill with someone else who was going to have a bigger tab. It's just really disappointing that taking advantage of the great happy hour values results in that kind of attitude. Too bad for them, as I had my eye on several other glasses, and would also probably have gone home with a bottle or two of my favorites. I'll keep going to Wine Bistro because they have great offerings and it's a nearby wine bar that my neighborhood very much needs, and I'll hope that maybe next time we're treated like the regulars and wine lovers that we are.
(3)Morgan M.
I will probably come here again because the ambiance is really nice and the menu looked really nice. However, I wasn't super impressed with the wine selection and it would be nice if they had more flight selections. The price per glass was on the high side but not ridiculous, ditto for the food. Really the only travesty to me was that there is an $8 corking fee for bottles! That is just ridiculous in my opinion since your only options are glasses on the menu. For real wine lovers I would say House Wine or Spagio's wine room are better options but for a glass of wine and dinner, this is a nice place.
(3)Christina C.
As far as I'm concerned, 3 Wine Bistros are not enough. This is their brand-spankin' newest location (as of late March) and is reminiscent of all the reasons I'm a fan! For starters, wine. WIne! Wine everywhere! Lining the walls. Glasses on the tables. Empty bottles for decor. Wine, wine all over the place. Just the way I like it. Every Monday & Tuesday bottle fees are waived so you can get an amazing bottle without worrying about the extra 'somethin.' Hell, have two! Hah. The menu is pretty great as well. Not the best of the best, but reasonably priced, and all pair reallllly well with good wines. My top picks are for sure the veal meatball & any flatbread. The prosciutto & fig & veal flatbread in particular. Of course you have small table options for dining/drinking, and big group tables as well, or even the bar! The group dining room seats I think 8-10 and the only thing required is a reservation. No fee. I think there is a $200 minimum though - but that's easy. Duh, wine! The most delightful part of my visit was the amazingly comfortable lounge area with the most stylish - but more importantly, most comfortable chairs - which I've come to appreciate with a delicious glass of California red. You'll find me there at least 4 Tuesdays out of the month for no corkage fee nights. Oh, wait.
(4)Angie K.
Love it as a gatthering place for friends. Meatball is awesome awesome! The chocolate dessert is also AMAZING. mix between fudge and mousse. I haven't liked too much other things on the menu (food wise). Wine is awesome and ambience is awesome. I really love the concept and wine and hanging out here.
(5)Robert H.
4 stars for the wine. 2 stars for the bistro. This is a wine bar that serves a little food. It is not a bistro with a wine twist. The menu options were very limited and would be good for a happy hour, but I was disappointed they did not offer more selection after hearing such good things. The sandwich I had was just OK, and the plate it was served on, while cute, made it difficult to keep bits from jumping onto the table. I would characterize the service as stoney casual. Warm, but a little slow. The seating felt like I was eating in a library, and felt a little off. Would I stop in for wine at the bar with friends? Yes. Will I go back for lunch or dinner? No.
(3)David B.
Make a reservation if dining in the evening on a no corkage fee night. Every food item I've had has been excellent and complimented the wine. The atmosphere is relaxing and unlike many establishments, seems to promote conversation with your party. The wine selection is massive. The staff is very knowledgeable and can help you discover a new favorite or track down that hard to find special occasion wine.
(4)Julia T.
The wine bistro is great. The waitress was very knowledgable and recommended a great bottle of wine. We had not originally planned on eating dinner there, however we were having such a great time that we decided to stay and order some flatbreads. A bit burnt on the bottom but otherwise tasty. Great wine, decent food...but here is the kicker...when the bill came I realized that they charged our designated driver for every single refill on his coke....what!!???!? Insane and totally unacceptable. Never going back.
(2)J Alan S.
"The Wine Bistro" has one the largest selections of wine I've seen in a long time in a relatively small plates restaurant. AND they only have a meager $8 corkage fee on their cash and carry selections. Major props to that feature. My first visit to "The Wine Bistro" was during "Columbus Restaurant Week" (CRW) where participants are given 3 options from their menu. Of the 3 course selections available, I chose their "Braised Veal Meatball' as my starter. The braised meatball rested on a few seasoned croutons topped with house marinara, mozzarella and provolone and baked to near perfection .. then sprinkled with fresh basil. This was one tasty dish .. probably one of the best meatball starters I have ever had! For the second course, I selected "Braised Beef Short Ribs" with a "Port Wine Demi-Glace" on a bed of "Roasted Mushroom Risotto" and served with "Glazed Carrots". The flavor of short ribs was very good. My only issue was the upper 1/4 on the ribs were dried out and unpleasantly tough. The lower 3/4 were nice though. An experienced chef would have not let this happen he would have watched his braising liquid closely and either dropped the temperature on the braise OR would have maintained proper height of the liquid. I don't know, I didn't cook them. I'm certain, a customer who has virtually no experience in the kitchen with braising food would have loved the dish .. Me .. I know better. The risotto on the other hand was a disaster. Gloppy with no spread. a sour flavor that was confusing and mushrooms tasted like "canned" bits and pieces. Pass on this one folks. It was one of the worst risottos I have ever had. The glazed carrots on the other hand were a complete delight. Perfectly cooked with the exact amount of sweet for the glaze. I want the recipe on that side dish. It was THAT good. For my final selection I chose "Crème Brûlée". It was fair at best. Nothing special expected and nothing special received. My partner in crime ordered off the CRW menu and decided upon the "Filet & Bleu Flatbread", which featured thin sliced filet mignon, port soaked figs, red onion, bleu cheese and garlic cream garnished with fresh cilantro and white balsamic vinegar reduction. She said the taste was good and the flatbread crispy. However, she longed for more of the delicious toppings that seemed a little sparse. All in all a decent flatbread, but maybe the next time another offering may be chosen. As far as our server .. Near perfect. Despite being busy, she was fun, informative and eager to please our every need. Great job! All in all, the CRW at "The Wine Bistro" in Worthington was definitely worth the $25 a person. A few slip ups in execution that an experienced chef could correct on the first day. Look for more cooking views, reviews and recipes on facebook.com/BaldFoodie
(3)Stephanie P.
We went here on a whim Saturday night. Whim = me driving down High St. and shouting "Ooo, wine bistro!!!". We got super lucky, we wandered in without a reservation and snagged the last table. Then we settled in for a heavenly meal. We both got wine flights; I got the "Diamonds in the rough" and he got "Baby got blends"... and we were both pleased. Then we stared at the menu and ordered via whim (again). By far, our favorite things were the olive hummus in the hummus trio. We fought over it. And the chocolate pot de creme for dessert was sinfully good. Our server, Lexie (sp?), was awesome... she made great recommendations and was all-around fabulous. On a whim or not, We will definitely come back here.
(4)Gerry J.
The best wine bistro location, just because it takes two minutes for me to get there. Finally one great hang out spot in Clintonville area. If only they would extend their hours into late midnight. I also happen to believe that you can judge a quality of a restaurant from its restroom. Based solely on that factor, they are a winner! Probably one of the best, most well-thought, spacious restroom in Columbus, lol. I have seen places with more wine collection, but I think this place covers the basic. Not a wine lovers, so I won't talk much about it. There are $8 corking fee nonetheless, so I thought that was a bummer considering the server had a super rough time opening our bottle and one of us had to help her. But, a great addition to Clintonville list of restaurants.
(4)Anand M.
Great place for wine lovers to try lots of types. Great flat breads. And also hummus.
(4)Steve F.
We have enjoyed The Wine Bistro at other locations around Columbus, but, the High St. location was a serious disappointment. The wine and beer was the only saving grace. My wife got the Prosciutto and fig flat bread, very hard to screw up a flat bread, but, they did. The crust was so hard it was not edible. It was more like trying to chew a flavorless piece of tile. I had the Pasta Rustico, which was described as having sausage, chicken and shrimp in a light cream sauce. It had one shrimp, mostly chicken and zero flavor. After adding salt, pepper and crushed red pepper it was edible. While the restaurant was not busy at all, our service was weak at best. If you want a glass of wine before you go somewhere else for dinner, The Wine Bistro might be a lovely and comfortable stop.
(1)Anna S.
Love the concept but not too impressed with the food. First off, great selection of wine. However, wish they had more wine flights. Also, the two times I've visited, I wasn't able to create my own flight (hopefully this has changed). Second, the food is good but not stellar. The last time I visited, we had the scallops, crab cakes, and a flatbread (particular one no longer on menu). None of the items really hit the spot though all were perfectly edible. I'll probably be hitting up this place simply because of the dearth of restaurants in Clintonville and because of this same exact reason, I suspect this restaurant won't be itching to raise the quality of its food.
(3)Dennis L.
It's ridiculous of me to have even gone to a restaurant called the Wine Bistro. I'm a novice at best when it comes to alcohol in general, and wine specifically; on the rare occasion I do drink, I prefer cocktails and girly alco-pop. But the reputation this place is getting in Clintonville and the menu were enough to lure my wife and I for her birthday dinner. The atmosphere is pretty cool; my wife described it as an "upscale Cracker Barrel," and it was meant as a compliment. The walls are lined with an infinite number of bottled wines (which you can buy and have served to you for a fee), and there are little sitting areas apart from the tables that look like nice places to relax with a drink and a snack. We ordered bruschetta as a starter, with tomatoes and prosciutto atop it. Very tasty if a bit messy. I also got a panini with turkey, apples and emmenthaler cheese; the highlights were the crunchy dark bread and the rich but mustard-y spread. My wife had a flatbread with pears and brie cheese. As for the wine, m'lady got a sweet white wine and liked it (the server was kind enough to bring out a sample before she selected it). Knowing nothing about wine, I asked the server to bring me a red that went with my meal, and she brought a cabernet that I enjoyed. I thought it was plummy, reticent, and blowzy, with hints of cigar box and petrol. (Just kidding, I got those terms from Wikipedia. But it was good, for reals.) We'll be back to this cool neighborhood hangout.
(4)Mel G.
This was one of my favorite places to go to before the last visit in January. My boyfriend and I had reservations on 1/25 which happened to be the last day of Restaurant week. We arrived a little late and decided to sit at the bar so we wouldn't have to wait for a table. They had the three course menus and one of the appetizers we ordered was the veal meatball which was melt-in-your-mouth delicious on previous occasions. It came out completely charred on one side and was clearly overcooked. We sent the meatball back and sure enough the next one came out a few minutes later and it was the same way. It seemed like the kitchen tried to doctor up the second one with more cheese and marinara sauce which didn't help. We sent that one back too and here's where it got worse. The owner came up to us with our partially eaten meatball in hand and proceed to eat a bite out of the pot that we just sent back! She said that there was nothing wrong with it. I've never been more disgusted or insulted in my entire life. Then she asked if we wanted a 3rd meatball or have it taken off of the check. My boyfriend said he wanted to think about it and she responded saying, "Well I'll have another one ready to go for you to take home." At that rate we were flabbergasted and he told her to just take it off of our check. Luckily the entrees were prepared well (beef short ribs and fusilli with prosciutto.) We were too full for dessert and asked to have them boxed up. To our surprise when we got home, they had messed up our dessert order as well. Perhaps they ran out of creme brule and decided that chocolate cake was an acceptable alternative?? I do realize that they were incredibly busy with it being the last night of restaurant week but management could have planned better and had more workers on the schedule. This experience was very disappointing to say the least and what used to be our favorite spot to go to for a bottle of wine and dinner has fallen to the bottom of the list.
(3)Jim H.
Not such a good night. Ordered 5 Cheese Board because we used to like the cheeses and the orange marmalade. They gave us 5 tiny pieces of cheese, bread, grapes, and a pretty sad looking strawberry. Had to flag down the waitress to ask for marmalade, who eventually brought us some. Then, out dinners took forever. First, they told us there was a big party, which was delaying our food. Then, my food, which I specifically ordered because it came with roasted cauliflower, didn't have roasted cauliflower. Then, we couldn't check out because the computers were down. To sum it up, some of the food was good, and unfortunatly, while the servers were nice, the service was lacking and very, very, very slow.
(2)Andrew C.
The relaxing business casual atmosphere makes it a great venue for a bite with colleagues. The meatballs are especially homemade with different types of cheese! Delicious. I wish they offered more meal options, but definitely my favorite place around.
(5)S M.
How is it that the last 3 times I've been to this place they only have ONE bottle of moscato left. If people drink that much muscato, buy more!!! Think I am done. Oh yes and a corking fee?!?! Too expensive for opening a bottle of wine.
(1)M S.
Our group of 15 had dinner here on Friday night and had a great time. The wine selection was very nice, the atmosphere was great also. My favorites were the cheese board and the salads. We will definitely come back to try their other appetizers and entrees. I liked the chicken entree my wife ordered and I had the short ribs with mushroom risotto (excellent!). Our waiter, Carson, was excellent also.
(4)Golnaz P.
If you are in the mood for some vino, this is your spot. They have so many different types of wines that it becomes very challenging to decide. Luckily, the staff is very generous in letting you try a few. I recommend buying a bottle and splitting it with your party instead of buying per glass, because it will end up saving you $$$. The service is great! The staff is very knowledgeable. They have wines for every budget. There is also a nice food menu to accompany the wine. I wouldn't come here just for dinner, but more like drinks and something to nibble on. I was in the mood for some dessert, so I ordered the vanilla ice cream with flame cherry. It was delicious! This is adefinitely a hit!
(5)Hillary H.
I have been to The Wine Bistro many times and will keep coming back! I am really excited to try the new Clintonville location!!! My favorites are the cheese board, black olive hummus, and the anti pasta platter. I love when seasonal items are in-and of course the WINE!!! My Fiancée booked the private room in the back for a surprise birthday last year and it was amazing. I love the atmosphere! Be prepared for a slight wait for food, but hey that is what wine is for!
(4)Megan D.
I recently had a date night here with my husband and we had a great time! We are big wine lovers so the selection here can't be beat. Wine covers the walls organized by different type and different regions. We got lucky on a Friday around 8:00 to walk right in and get a table. It was crowded, especially since the tables are a bit jam-packed into the small space and it was also a little noisy for the same reason but it was actually a nice setting for a cozy, romantic date. We ordered the Mediterranean popped corn and the crab and avocado salad in a martini glass as appetizers. The popped corn was a bit greasy but a nice little snack for dinner. The crab and avocado salad was ok, but it was very apparent that it was pre-made and put in the refrigerator so the crab was not as flavorful as it should be. Then we shared a bottle of the Drake Brothers Wild Ohio mead. Brothers Drake is a local meadery here in Columbus. Our server didn't realize that it was going to be carbonated and the cork flew off like champagne and almost hit another table! He felt terrible but no one was hurt- so it was all good. You can also select any bottle in the restaurant for retail price and drink it for a small corkage fee. There are also wine flights you can choose or even customize a flight you'd like to try. Our dinners were two of the pizzas- which I have to say were delicious and reasonably priced. We had the Italiano and the Braised Veal Meatball pizza. They were very thin crust pizzas and the sauce was perfect. For dessert we shared the pot de creme which was similar to the crab salad. It was decent, but obviously pre-made and it deterred from the flavor a bit. But to share it was an ok, not too heavy, finish to the meal with something a little sweet. We had a really nice time and would definitely go back for a light dinner of pizzas and wine. I'd probably pass on the apps and desserts next time, but the atmosphere and the wine selection is well worth a nice evening out.
(4)Amy W.
A group of friends and I went for dinner the night before Christmas Eve. The food was okay and service was slow but the service was personable. Unfortunately, our server lost my credit card. She denied ever having it in the first place despite the other people at my table assuring her that they saw me put it with the check. They weren't able to find it. I realize it was an honest mistake on their part, but it was a bit of an inconvenience. It was the night before Christmas Eve and I had to cancel my card and wait for a replacement. All it would have taken was a sincere apology and some sort of gesture to convey that they understand the potential gravity of this mistake. This didn't happen. I was given no apology from anyone, never received a follow up call from the manager (the server took my information and indicated that she would have the manager call me), never received a response from the e-mail I sent through the "contact us" link on their website, and my Facebook post I left has been deleted. This is an example of horrible customer service.
(2)Abigail B.
I absolutely love this place. They have a good variety of wines and since the new management took over - we've never had bad food there. In fact, the manager and the chef have gone out of their way to be friendly with us. We live very close to here and love to visit on the weekends. I'm not giving it a full five stars becuase, like other reviewers, I have had spotty service there.
(4)Walt S.
Three cheers for The Wine Bistro..... uh,.... that would be 3-stars..... for its ambiance and wine selection. First, the wine selection and options. Not being a wine connoisseur it would be snobbish of me to pretend to rate their cellar(s). So I'll say all the selections both on the menu and stacked neatly on shelves along the walls was mind-boggling. My friend who I was there to meet asked for a French Vouvray and actually got it! So who's zoomin' who when it comes to handing out Atta-Boys. The food menu looked enticing but between the two of us we only shared the "warmed olive selections" which were delicious as well as the hummus and warm bread and pita; the hummus coming in three tasty flavors. No main course was ordered so I'll bail on that portion. Now comes the ambience. From the outside, this place looks out of place. There could've been a Verizon store on one side and a Kinko's/FedEx on the other. It's pushed into a small strip commercial center that is very unappealing. Once inside you warm up a bit. The large bar is very accomodating and looks like it could hold up to 25 - 30 seated. More if people are standing. The tables are disjointed and packed into little cellar-area nooks and crannies. It works but what some might suggest is intimacy, others would just say its all too close together. There is a back room with a large table - perhaps seating 8 - 16 persons for private scheduling ( I liked the looks of it). And then there's the din of voice-noise. By 8PM the place was buzzing with business but the noise levels were ominously high. This is not a place to have a sit-down dinner date if you're hoping for low level conversation. And lastly..... COUGAR TOWN. Yes, on Friday at 6:30PM when I walked in to meet my friend the bar was entirely commprised of women with women who ranged in age from 25 - 50 years young. For me, it was terrificly enticing. Wow! Soon thereafter this climate changed and it turned to couples and mixed couples dining out. For a laugh.... I ordered a chardonnay that I was told is commonly referred to in this Wine Bistro as "Cougar Juice" - how fitting. I will make a return stop.... and know nothing about wine other than it leads to warm olives and some brazen thoughts of women.
(3)Carolyn K.
If it were possible to have a crush on a wine bar, this place would be the object of my affection. It (fairly) recently changed ownership and the changes have been incredible. The decor is welcoming and adorable. They've even added a makeshift patio area outside of the bar. The wine selection is second-to-none (and you're, of course, welcome to bring your own wine for a minimal corking fee). They feature live jazz music one or two nights a week. And, they've expanded their menu to include more than just appetizers - you can easily come here for a light, yet filling meal of salads and flatbreads. What's not to love?! Driving by the place, it always appears to be overly packed. Do not let that deter you from venturing in for a glass or flight of wine! There is ample seating on the patio, at the bar, or at any number of tables and couches scattered throughout. The hidden gem of the Bistro, however, is the party room in the back. This is perfect for a girls' night out, birthday celebration, etc. The back room is a beautifully secluded space that seats approximately 8-10 around the main table. Be sure to call several weeks in advance to reserve the room for your group.
(5)Sristi S.
I have been here a couple of times with my husband and his colleagues. I love the collection of wines they have here...and that too at retail price!! The icing on the cake is the awesome food that goes with it.
(4)Paul F.
After seeing an article about their new restaurant, I checked them out on Yelp and found that this store was a lot closer to me. This is a really nice looking place but the first thing that I noticed was that they don't have the wine chillers (for lack of a better name) that some of the other places do. I also noticed that they had a dozen or so bottles uncorked in their cooler and on their counter. That can't be doing the wine and good. But I decided to eat anyway, since the food was really what I came for. I started off with the scallop lollipops. There were three of them and boy were they small. My next course was the small cheese board, consisting of three small chunks of cheese. My three were cheddar, pecorino, and emmanthaler. It also came with a couple of bunches of grapes and some candied nuts. The nuts were the best of the bunch. The long and the short of it was that it was just okay, but not good enough to bring me back.
(3)Ashley P.
I recently went to The Wine Bistro with a group of co-workers for lunch. I was immediately impressed with the atmosphere and decor. Everything was very put together, even down to the tiniest details such as tags on their napkins. I got a Blank + Blank consisting of the grilled chicken pesto flatbread and strawberry salad. It was more than enough food and very good. I'm looking forward to returning to this location (or the one on Lane Ave.) and trying out some of their wine in the future. They had an endless selection to choose from, so I'm sure I'll find something delicious! They really do need to change their horrible logo done in Papyrus, though. (Sorry, it's the designer in me!)
(4)Rose S.
Love this place. Deb & her staff really do an excellent job. My husband & I frequent this establishment at least twice a month. No TV's, great lighting, jazz music, really good food, and a staff that knows your name - it doesn't get any better than this! I recommend the Flat Bread Pizzas - all varieties are excellent. The meatball appetizer is amazing. The Cheese Plates is always a hit, as well as the hummus. We always see people we know, which is a plus and you can pick your own wine flights from just about anything they have available. Did I mention I love this place?
(5)Mark N.
The atmosphere alone would have me coming back, but couple that with their sumptuous veal meatballs and a bottle of Prisoner and you have a spectacular night. Service is wonderful and the staff recommends flawless parings every time.
(5)Ashley J.
I'm a diehard wine lover. I'm into white wines (Chard, Rieslings, etc.) and this place had plenty of them from different regions of, not only the state of Ohio, but the world. The wine selection is fantastic. The atmosphere is quite relaxing and chill. It's a good place to visit after a long day at work, for a group get-together or a nice after dinner date. While their food selection isn't the greatest, the wine choices make up for it. it's not like an actual bistro. It's for wine, hence the name. Wine lovers like myself will love it here. If you're into craft beers and such, you'd be better off hitting up W.O.B.
(4)Misty H.
The Wine Bistro had been my fiance and I's favorite restaurant since it opened, and was the home of one of our first dates so when it came to choosing the perfect place for our rehearsal dinner there was no question where we would go. We were disappointed as the guest count grew and we realized everyone would not fit into the restaurant, and then magically they opened a private room next door. It was a sign! We immediately began to inquire about the private room for our June 2013 wedding date. This is where our excitement ended. We were treated very rudely by the staff during our first conversation about the room, as if they didn't take us seriously about wanting it - to the point that they would not offer a contract or write us down on the calender. They told us to come back closer to the date. Months passed and save the dates were sent out, so I decided to inquire again about the private space. Emails, phone calls, visits, and to no avail. One time I even called and heard the manager (Deb) in the background say she "was in a meeting, couldn't talk". I told the host the reason for my calls, my phone number, and to please have her return my call the next day. She assured me that she would, and I have still yet to hear back. It's absolutely appalling to me that a restaurant owner would not want to speak with someone interested in spending $1,000's of dollars in one evening. We were also interested in ordering cases of wine for the wedding and as take home gifts for our guests. Their loss. After looking at several other private rooms in the area (Hyde Park, Columbus Fish Market & J. Liu) we've settled on The Worthington Inn for our guests - and I would suggest you do the same if you're looking for a welcoming rehearsal/wedding dinner.
(2)Joe S.
Prepare to indulge in wine! This place is an excellent spot for a first date, night out with the wife, or a double date, as I participated. You may drink more wine if you're amongst friends so please have a DD prepared!!! Once you get past the semi-annoying $8 corking fee (which can be waived on certain nights), the selection is outstanding. You name the type or country of wine and they are likely to either 1) have it, or 2) offer up a great alternative that you will find excellent. Now mind you that it's certainly best to buy bottles here as opposed to individual glasses of wine, so it does eat into your nightly bill. The ambiance is wonderful. Everyone in here is socializing with those around them and with the wine flowing it seems everyone is having a great time - which hopefully influences you to also have a great time! They actually do sell food here, too, and it's top notch and not too pricey. The flatbreads we ordered really did the trick at our visit and as well as being highly recommended, I also endorse them, so you should order one when you're here. If a budget night out is for you, either don't come here or don't order wine. Either way you're missing out on a treasure of a restaurant and experience.
(5)Matt H.
This little gem is easy to miss driving by but is really cool inside. The atmosphere is awesome and the food is great. We like to sit at the bar and talk wine with the drink slingers.
(5)Denae S.
Excellent service, fantastic wine selection, and yummy food. What more could you ask for. We travel all the way from Grove City.
(5)Vanita H.
This place has quickly turned into a favorite that I frequent weekly. Why? Ambience is classy yet relaxing. It has darker lighting but this location manages a feeling of coziness but not cramped. The service is always great with the staffers being knowledgeable about menu items as well as the retail wine selections. I usually drink the red menage a trois' wine and they were out of it due to popularity and the waitress quickly guided me to a comparable red that hubby and I loved. Ok lets talk food now. The flat breads? Amazing!! I get the pepperoni without the pepperoni's (I know it sounds crazy just hear me out). They have this pepperoni jam that goes on it and I just do that. Not too much not too little. I had the crab cakes and they were light and crispy on the outside. I would call it a medium sized portion. It is served with a slaw that has a nice Asian flavor. Let's talk value. They get 4 out of 5 rubies from me. The happy hour from 4-6 lets me choose a house wine for only $5 and a flat bread or another small plate item for $5. I will do The Wine Bistro again and again. My girls call this grown and sexy.
(4)Lee B.
My wife and I have been known to visit here as many as three times in a week. What we find unique is that the price for a bottle of wine is the price you'd pay retail plus a small corkage fee. Most restaurants double or triple the price of a bottle of wine. We love the atmosphere and the people who work there. Their special wine tasting events are a lot of fun. Prices are very affordable, the atmosphere is festive, and the food options will vary in desirability depending upon where your appetite is on a particular evening. The Wine Bistro has expanded to the shop next door, and my wife's employer recently hosted a party there. It was a positive experience for everyone including the CFO!
(5)Billy C.
The Wine Bistro is a fantastic place! Filled with great wine selections, an eclectic menu of delicious food, and a friendly and courteous staff. We have been regulars there for a long time (even in it's previous incarnation) and enjoy it every time.
(5)John P.
Great wine and atmosphere...set down for dinner with friends on a Saturday night and had a great time. Service was great and the meat ball pizza was outstanding. We purchased a variety of wine as well...I will be going back.
(5)L B.
Really enjoyed this place and would recommend for a date night, or a fun girls night out. Food was really decent...appetizers were great, dinner entrees were good. The inside is cozy and they have a nice little patio, considering this location is between two drive thru's. They have an awesome wine selection, and the corkage fee is waived on Monday and Tuesday nights. You can get a really decent bottle of wine for $20-$30.
(4)Mischa E.
This place is great, but I have only gotten in once without a reservation on a weekend. Make sure to book in advance.
(4)Jason S.
On my second visit to the Worthington Wine Bistro, I started to understand what seemed strange about the atmosphere the first time. Something about the mood lighting and jazzy music. Something about the high pitched chatter and poor acoustics. Something about the various perfumes wafting through the air, with an awkward hint of talcum powder. Yeah. Separate from my party, I can't help but feel it's pretty much just me and a whole bunch of cougars. The Wine Bistro, as its name implies, features more wine than I can imagine drinking in a lifetime, offering something for lovers of any fermented grape variation. There is a small set of beers for non-winos (coughmecough), though you shouldn't have high expectations for this given the venue's focus. The food ranges from just acceptable to very good, the flatbreads being the winner among tasters. The kitchen's signature bistro meatball pops up under almost every menu subheading: have it on a baguette; have it sliced up on your flatbread; have it alongside your favorite pasta; have it in your chocolate pot au creme. (Or not.) They call it out in the pasta section as the "giant, soon to be world famous braised veal meatball", and while the hyperbole isn't justified, it is a tasty, tender thing. For spaghetti dishes, the marinara is passably good, while the pomodoro simply tastes like the marinara cut with too much evoo (if you don't say it like Rachel Ray, it doesn't count). Overall the menu is of sufficient quality and variety to please any palate. The pot au creme and berry desserts were both very good; the former is definitely better without the meatball. Service varied in my trips between highly alert and "Oh, that's right, you guys are my table!" [insert hybrid bubble gum pop and Houdini-esque disappearing noise] Food prices are reasonable -- I don't agree with the current $$$ rating on here. $$ is more appropriate. Have a glass, have a bite, admire all the wicked ways to get inebriated. And hey, if you're in the market...
(3)Frances A.
BIG GROUPS ARE WELCOME! Hi there - I'm writing another review because this place deserved a SHOUT-OUT for catering our large and somewhat obnoxious group of 10 professional women getting together for a girlfriend's birthday! YAY! First - someone savvy made the reservation so we got seated right away and for a rainy Tuesday night, this place was kinda hopping! Second - the table was AWESOME! It was big, rectangle high top table that seated all of us comfortably and the backdrop of wines housed in dark bookcases made me feel like we were in a library. Nonetheless, I appreciated the decor because it made our evening that much more enjoyable. Third - GREAT SERVICE! Our server was prompt, very HELPFUL, and knew how to recommend great WINES to go with your food. Fourth - GREAT WINE choice. I ordered the MAMBO wine because I'm tired of ordering heavy, dark, opulent wines and I don't like the lightness of Pinot Noirs. She was able to point me to a great tasting wine that went fabulously with my super FRESH strawberry salad. I got to taste everyone's food and honestly, I was impressed because I had little expectation. EXPECT LITTLE, GET MORE and Bring a big group with you OR hole up at the great bar for Happy Hour! This place has the potential to be the perfect singles mecca or 1st date joint!
(4)Toby B.
I enjoyed a nice salad and shared a flat bread with a buddy. It was good. Portions were decent however for the price it just seemed to lack that "pop" that I look for when I have to drop a $20 on lunch. It would be an excellent date spot. Not really a good place for a lunch meeting.
(3)Allison D.
This isn't somewhere that I would have normally visited if it weren't for having a meeting there. It is located in a small strip mall so the few tables that they have outside on what they call the patio do not seem like a very pleasant place to sit. The decor inside is trendy but makes for a very crowded dining area which is also very loud. Our server was very helpful in making a wine selection and choosing an appetizer. I tried a glass of prosecco ($10) which was very good and the popped corn ($4) which was fun to snack on . It was seasoned with olive oil and feta cheese but did not have as strong a taste as smell. Some of the people I was with ordered pizzas and pasta which they seemed to enjoy enough but no one raved about the food. Overall the experience at The Wine Bistro was pleasant enough but the prices seemed a bit high for a casual evening. The average pour was around $12 and the options were somewhat limited. If you are not a fan of wine, I would definitely not suggest TWB as they do not serve any liquor and have a very limited beer selection.
(2)Sally A.
We've been to Wine Bistro a couple of times, and have never left disappointed. The scallop appetizer and flatbreads are my favorites! It's nice to pick out a wine myself and enjoy it right away. $8 corkage fee seems a little steep but they do have no corkage nights as well. Love the back room for special occasions with a group!
(4)Brian C.
Great food. Unprofessional staff. Our first visit began well. The server introduced us to a wine that was a pleasant surprise for all of us at the table. However, trying to buy this wine from them afterwards has soured our opinion. Since that dinner, we've tried to buy the wine from them on three different occasions. Each time they have not only been unable to sell us the wine, the staff has been arrogant and rude. Buying a product shouldn't be this difficult or unprofessional.
(1)Patricia M.
Last night was my first night in and it was absolutely perfect. The guy I have been dating and I met up here, we loved the ambiance and how laid back everything/everyone was. Our bartender Austin was wonderful very knowledgeable of the menu, both food and wine. I will highly recommend this place to everyone and we will be back in the near future!!
(5)Jen V.
We love this place - great wine selection and interesting small plates. It's a great atmosphere to unwind or entertain. Service is good although they don't seem to have 'as much' wine knowledge as some other wine bars we frequent. It's not an issue as we normally know what we like.
(5)Kate T.
Wonderful place to go and relax. My partner and I enjoyed the smaller new "room next door" as it was quieter and not as packed. The flat breads are amazing- try the shrimp and mango curry!
(5)Paola M.
What a great little jewel restaurant. A co-worker and I were actually looking for a another wine bar when we accidentally stumbled on this one. Atmosphere was immediately warm, inviting and the wine selection was quite interesting and fairly well thought out to appease any taste. The appetizers were so different and interesting, we made it our meals and couldn't skip dessert. the Espresso dessert was such a suprise, a mocha in solid form with just the right amount of whipped cream and that decadent espresso bean to bring out the coffee flavor in the chocolate. A very nice smooth Port to accompany this awesome little dessert - we were truly impressed. Skip to the next night...and yes, we chose to return and ask for the same server, Beth. She was fantastic the night before and we were just as pleased the second night. We never had to ask for a thing, she was super attentive and knew her menu well. All her recommendations were spot on, and we really enjoyed her bubbly personality. Trying different appetizers and enjoying every one of them along with you guesses it...more wine. Columbus, you have a fine little jewel, I look forward to my next trip back next January, in the meantime, go experience it for yourself and ask for Beth!
(5)emily w.
The food tends to be quite good here. They must have a good oven because the flat breads are excellent. The patio is large and usually not crowded. The downsides: the kitchen is quite slow, and the music they pipe in is horrendous. If it weren't for those two things I think we would eat there much more often.
(3)Lisa M.
Visited Friday, March 29. Great location. Finally, Clintonville has a great restaurant with waitstaff. The warm olives, house salad and chicken entree were very good. The wine sampler of 3 wines is very nice, though cumbersome for a table for two. Struggled to give it 3 or 4 stars. As it is newly opened, there were a few kinks for the waitstaff to work out. Also, as someone who avoids gluten, my food options were very limited. Vegetarians and vegans may also have trouble. I'm hoping The Wine Bistro will make some adjustments given the Clintonville crowd. I would definitely frequent the place if more gluten-less options were available. Weekend reservations for tables will be a necessity.
(4)T D.
The Worthington location seems less busy and quieter than the other Wine Bistro in Upper Arlington. The service and food are just as great! The atmosphere is casual and you are surrounded by shelves of wine bottles for sale. I go there on an almost weekly basis just to eat the pepperoni and wild mushroom flatbread, and I've heard there is a new Wine Bistro opening in Clintonville soon.
(5)Peg C.
Salad and flatbread. Both with fresh ingredients. Better to not be in a hurry. Original wine selection on the menu was out of stock :(. Always good to try something new. We will certainly make a return trip.
(4)Carrie C.
I've been here several times for lunch with friends. Their hummus sampler is amazing...highly recommended! Their flatbreads & salads are quite good, although I think the prices are a bit high. Service was pretty slow and we had to track down our server multiple times. It may have been fine in the evening, but when we're on a timeline for lunch I would have preferred a bit more prompt service/attention. I have also purchased wine here and they are very knowledgeable and helped me find a great bottle of wine to give as a gift. Overall really nice retail shop, great for appetizer (hummus sampler + glass of wine) but if you're going to eat, be prepared to shell out some cash.
(3)Laura I.
I am addicted. I have been going to this place for quite some time and I can't get enough of the food and the wine. The selection is incredible, the staff knowledgable and great, and the price is very affordable. The ambiance is relaxed but exciting- they have live music a few nights a week and wine tastings that are well worth the price. Great for a romantic evening, a girl's night , or just plain taking yourself to dinner. Excellent!
(5)Nona N.
My favorite place for a quiet romantic dinner or gathering with friends. Excellent food, service and atmosphere.
(4)Jennifer D.
I absolutely love this place! It's a relaxing atmosphere with candle-lit tables - appropriate for lovers and friends. The wine is priced really well and displayed along the walls in sections; Merlot, Pinot, Argentina, etc. I highly recommend this place, any day of the week. HOWEVER...if you want at table at this or any other of their locations, I advise you make reservations a couple days early.
(5)Linsey G.
I must say....The Wine Bistro out did itself this past weekend!!! i hosted my sister's bridal shower in the "Reserve", which is connected to The Wine Bistro, and the results were fantastic!!! i have always enjoyed my dining experience in the past at the Bistro, but dealing with the serving staff and management...i was more than happy with the outcome. the room was perfectly set!! Everything from lighting, to seating, to arrangements, i was truly pleased. it perfectly held my group of 30. i received so many compliments on my choice of venue and the decor (which i of course attributed to the staff!!!) The food, of course, was fabulous...which i knew it would be. the manager, Deb, helped me pick my food ahead of time. she told me i "wouldn't be disappointed" and that she would "make it lovely for me". she was right!! we decided on flat breads, Tuscan popcorn, bruschetta, hummus and brie, as well as both red and white sangrias and various wine. all delicious!!!! i will definitely keep in mind The Wine Bistro for future events, and i know my guests will too!!!
(5)Tracey W.
Great wine selection and appetizers. Great for small groups! Check nights when non-corking fees on Mondays and Tuesdays. Also uses Open Table to reserve table even on holidays like New Year's Eve!
(5)David L.
We came here on a Sunday night (nearly empty inside) and ordered a Grilled Chicken Pesto Flat Bread and some Spaghetti with Meatball. The food was just average for the price we paid. While the ingredients seemed fresh, the feed seemed overcooked. The flat bread was a little on the hard side and the meatball in the spaghetti seemed like part of it was overcooked and even slightly burnt.
(3)Anna H.
Went on a slow night with a group of friends. The food is delicious. Wine was good, too. I had a chicken pot pie--it was very creamy and flavorful, but outrageously expensive for the amount. I was left hungry. Never, ever, ever leave me hungry. It's always bad. I ordered dessert (chocolate almond cookie-type dessert), and it was disappointing. I love the decor and the atmosphere, but I simply cannot afford such overpriced food. I could've eaten two chicken pot pies (if it were up to my stomach and I ignored social convention), but my bank account wouldn't let me. Plan to spend a lot of time and money here. This is the type of restaurant for people who wish to savor their food and try various wines. It's meant to be relaxing while enjoying pleasant conversation with family/friends. This is not the place to go if you're in a hurry.
(3)Jake A.
We came in this past Sunday night, and it was incredible. The wine selection is earth-shatteringly huge and the food was very good. A lady (maybe the owner?) stopped me on my way out to ask how everything was and we struck up a little conversation. She was very nice and invited me back. It was a fantastic experience and I will be back very soon.
(5)Allison H.
Stopped in for a late dinner last night and took advantage of the $25 restaurant week menu. Very relaxing and friendly atmosphere, though the smooth jazz muzak was a teeny bit loud. Boyfriend loved the short rib entree and I enjoyed fusilli & prosciutto with veggies. Their retail wine prices aren't bad and the selection by the glass was really interesting. I am definitely going to hit up the Wine Bistro (though possibly at other locations closer to my house) again and wish I'd gone sooner.
(4)Foodie W.
Love the decor and ambience! Would be a perfect place if you are planning for a candle light romantic dinner. This bistro has definitely a great selection of wine. We started with the scallop lollipops and it was fantastic! Had the spaghetti marinara and meatball .. was disappointed. Was indeed a giant meatball but it was almost tasteless. The grilled chicken with pesto cream sauce was OK. The best thing about this bistro is they paired the wine with the food you've ordered. So, it was a great way to sample different types of wine. Would definitely go back for the wine and some light appetizers ... and no pasta next time.
(3)Tatjana B.
Was looking at this as a restaurant more so than a wine bar because of the full menu options. Nice wine selection to purchase. We only had appetizers and the anti pasti platter was just a little too simple and not exciting. The atmosphere was very pretty and enjoyable - dimly lit, etc... As we don't have the opportunity to dine out a lot, this is one that would not be a repeat for us from the dining aspect. However nice place to maybe grab a drink with a girlfriend.
(3)Sonya B.
Nice ambience. Apps and winery salad were delicious (hummus trio and crab cakes). Unfortunately, the main dish was a disappointment. The beef short ribs should have been melt-in-your-mouth tender but they were dry and tough. We told the waitress about a dairy allergy and she served us carrots with butter anyway and didn't offer to switch it out. She didn't offer an explanation or apologize for the tough meat. She just offered us dessert and brought us our check.
(3)