I recently had the pleasure of dining at this gem in downtown Birmingham, and it absolutely lived up to the buzz. Nestled in a vibrant and safe part of the city, the restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored historic building featuring high ceilings, exposed brick, and an atmosphere that perfectly blends charm and elegance.
Valet parking made the visit even more convenient, and from the moment we walked in, the experience felt special. The restaurant is uniquely split into two distinct spaces: one side offers a relaxed bar setting, while the other provides a more refined white tablecloth dining experience—each with its own thoughtfully crafted menu.
Our party of six tried a variety of dishes, and every single one was outstanding. From appetizers to entrées, everything was prepared with care and full of flavor. The drinks were equally impressive—creative, balanced, and beautifully presented.
This spot is well worth the drive, whether you're local or coming from out of town. I highly recommend it and will definitely be returning soon
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Patsy Martens
I haven’t been there in years. Used to be one of my faves, but was disappointed last time & haven’t been back. Their sister restaurant Bocca has NEVER disappointed! So I’d recommend going there. AND SLOAN’s Bourbon Bar that they own on 2nd. Fabulous!
One of Birmingham’s gems. I did not care for French food until I had Bistro 218. Everything was spectacular. Thank you for a wonderful experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alan
Excellent overall.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pan Seared Gulf Red Snapper Provencal
Jaquan Readus
Bistro Two Eighteen is an overall great experience. From the food to the atmosphere and the service grade A experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ekkehard Bonatz
Another excellent anniversary dinner at Tom Saab’s delightful establishment! Appreciated new options of happy hour libations and streamlined menu for pre-concert or theatre days. Had the red fish and the shrimp risotto. First class menu items! The market arugula salad was very fresh and in a class of its own. Our server, Abdourahman, did a great job representing the restaurant team! We continue to be impressed by the valet person, who should get credit for his professionalism and long service for Bistro 218!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Susan Vogt
Our dinner was delicious. The sauteed, seasonal Chanterelles were such a treat as well as the hamburger, Crab Louie Salad and cheesecake. Mark provided excellent, professional service in the bar area. We're already looking forward to our next visit.
Great food and service. The Snapper and Red Fish were delightful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Confit, Pan Seared Gulf Red Snapper Provencal, Hellefied Filé Gumbo, Blackened Louisiana Redfish, Blackened Red Fish, Wild Gulf Shrimp and Vegetable Risotto
Fredrica Fortune
This is a wonderful date night spot. We enjoyed the food as well as the ambience. The servers were very attentive to our needs. Having the option to valet was a bonus!
I recently had the pleasure of dining at this gem in downtown Birmingham, and it absolutely lived up to the buzz. Nestled in a vibrant and safe part of the city, the restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored historic building featuring high ceilings, exposed brick, and an atmosphere that perfectly blends charm and elegance.
Valet parking made the visit even more convenient, and from the moment we walked in, the experience felt special. The restaurant is uniquely split into two distinct spaces: one side offers a relaxed bar setting, while the other provides a more refined white tablecloth dining experience—each with its own thoughtfully crafted menu.
Our party of six tried a variety of dishes, and every single one was outstanding. From appetizers to entrées, everything was prepared with care and full of flavor. The drinks were equally impressive—creative, balanced, and beautifully presented.
This spot is well worth the drive, whether you're local or coming from out of town. I highly recommend it and will definitely be returning soon
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I haven’t been there in years. Used to be one of my faves, but was disappointed last time & haven’t been back. Their sister restaurant Bocca has NEVER disappointed! So I’d recommend going there. AND SLOAN’s Bourbon Bar that they own on 2nd. Fabulous!
Delicious food, friendly servers, fancy atmosphere
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of Birmingham’s gems. I did not care for French food until I had Bistro 218. Everything was spectacular. Thank you for a wonderful experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent overall.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pan Seared Gulf Red Snapper Provencal
Bistro Two Eighteen is an overall great experience. From the food to the atmosphere and the service grade A experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Another excellent anniversary dinner at Tom Saab’s delightful establishment! Appreciated new options of happy hour libations and streamlined menu for pre-concert or theatre days. Had the red fish and the shrimp risotto. First class menu items! The market arugula salad was very fresh and in a class of its own. Our server, Abdourahman, did a great job representing the restaurant team! We continue to be impressed by the valet person, who should get credit for his professionalism and long service for Bistro 218!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our dinner was delicious. The sauteed, seasonal Chanterelles were such a treat as well as the hamburger, Crab Louie Salad and cheesecake. Mark provided excellent, professional service in the bar area. We're already looking forward to our next visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
awesome gumbo... forest would be proud.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Good overall
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Our favorite Bham restaurant. Great special occasion or just a fancy date night. They need to bring back the charred Octopus. Missing it on the menu.
Recommended dishes: Duck Confit
Wow. Duck confit was just absolutely wonderful. Delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had the crab cake appetizer & the red snapper both were excellent. Great service too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crab Cake, Blackened Louisiana Redfish
Great food and service. The Snapper and Red Fish were delightful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Confit, Pan Seared Gulf Red Snapper Provencal, Hellefied Filé Gumbo, Blackened Louisiana Redfish, Blackened Red Fish, Wild Gulf Shrimp and Vegetable Risotto
This is a wonderful date night spot. We enjoyed the food as well as the ambience. The servers were very attentive to our needs. Having the option to valet was a bonus!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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