Very fancy and expensive restaurant. One of the few restaurants in metro Detroit (and likely the whole of Michigan) that serves Baked Alaska. They do not flame it in front of you nor does it come with sparklers like some restaurants may do. Still it was delicious. Jamie was a great waitress, friendly and in a good mood. There is no parking lot for Forrest, however after 5:30 pm and on weekends you can use the AAA Birmingham parking lot which is right next door. Very nice interior. The water glasses are small. There is a candle at the table.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Annie Chen
This was one of the most elegant and well-balanced meals I’ve had in Michigan. Everything—from the presentation to the pacing—felt thoughtful, fresh, and celebratory.
We started with a spread of appetizers: the black rice with cobia was deeply savory and beautifully textured, while the fritto misto was crisp and bright without being greasy. The yellowfin crudo was a standout—fresh, lightly sweet with strawberry and citrus, and plated with precision. The shaved Brussels sprout salad with pine nuts and feta brought a perfect crunch.
For mains, the vongole angel hair was light, garlicky, and full of briny clam flavor, while the filet was cooked to perfection—tender, richly sauced, and deeply comforting. We shared the home fries with garlic aioli on the side, and I’d order them again just for the dipping sauce.
To end, the baked Alaska was not only stunning with its torched meringue shell and birthday candle, but also balanced in sweetness and texture. The surprise of pistachio ice cream (I think?!) on the side was a lovely touch—creamy, lightly nutty, and refreshing.
Service was warm and attentive without hovering. The ambiance feels elevated but never stuffy—just enough buzz in the room to feel lively.
✨ Pro tips: • Come hungry and plan to share. • Ask about the ice cream flavors—they’re not always listed but worth trying. • Perfect for a birthday or intimate group dinner.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David Janisse
How can I give 1 star despite good food? Simple, they book you a table for 5:15pm for your anniversary without telling you they need the table at 7pm. You order food, drinks, and wine all of which are rushed out including the second course arriving at the same time as the main. Then at 7pm, you order a port, and the maitre d asks you to go over to the bar to drink it because they promised said table. For sure it was the worst dining experience I've ever had, and to think, I got to spend $500 for it. I will not be back!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Alan Blatnikoff
This might be the best restaurant in our area. The menu has something for everyone. The freshest fish, meat, pasta, or vegetarian. You name it, they have it. And in ways you have never seen really good food prepared. If you haven’t been, run! Can’t recommend this restaurant enough. It’s the best of the best! And if you like to sit at the bar; Mark and David are fantastic! They make you feel like family. Just a fantastic place to visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jennifer Khan
The food and service were exceptional and the vibe was chill for an intimate birthday dinner celebration.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nick Fedirko
Great experience, definitely fine dining
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Driving Silent
The food was so amazing i went back a second day in a row. The GF chocolate cake was amazing along with the homemade banana and pineapple ice cream. They have a truffle pasta that was so amazing and fresh tasting. I don’t even like truffle anything! I highly recommend this place. Service was also amazing. Very glad i got introduced to this restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amanda Menard
Before I get into how amazing everything was; Shout out to Lisa who is very obviously a top-notch professional at what she does. Her recommendations truly made the meal magnificent. Service executed to perfection. THE FOOD: The tuna appetizer- OH. My. Lanta. So many unexpected elements come together to make a perfect dish. It's an adventure on a plate. The harmony of the flavors was exquisite. Branzino- Holy shit good. Light, tender. Perfectly balanced flavors. Truffle pasta- omg beyond delicious. I ate my leftovers the same night. I wish I had 2 stomachs just so I could have ordered a second helping. After that? The Baked Alaska. I have never had a better dessert at fine dining restaurant. Ever. Tue layers of flavor and perfectly chewy brownie made this dish everything. I rarely try the same restaurant twice but I truly can't wait to go back to Forest.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ron Suber
Absolutely delicious dinner on patio with fabulous service …great bread, salad, tuna taco, veal, vegi’s + Amazing desserts too…highly recommend..Yum!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dino Karagounis
What can I tell you this is probably my most favorite restaurant. Great service great team, not to mention a great chef also, but you just can’t beat any pasta recipe. Jamie was her server amazing everything was was delivered by team members as soon as it was finished.
Dinner last night was absolutely amazing. The ambience, the service and the food. Thank you so much.
Mia
Came here last Saturday for my first time. Not sure what was better, the food or the service! Curtis was our server, and while I’ve become so used to detached cold service, I was blown away when I finally got a server that I felt like I could ask anything(especially being a first timer) we got the snapper crudo, & the Caesar as an app at his suggestion, both were phenomenal. The entrees were equally as delicious. The halibut was filling & perfectly cooked with out the flavor being ruined by to many sauces like so many restaurants. Will be returning & asking for him as a server. Perfect date night achieved.
Brian Hughes
Outstanding service and excellent food! Great evening.
Thanh Le
What a let down this restaurant was.... I was taken here by my boyfriend for not only our anniversary but also for my birthday, mind you, he had made reservations a week prior and had requested that we get a window seat and that it was for special occasion. Upon arriving at the restaurant, we arrived 5 minutes prior to our reservation (our reservation was for 8:15pm), they told us that we still had to wait for our table despite us making a reservation. Due to it being a busy Saturday night, we understood that it can take a minute to get another table ready, we asked how long the wait was and they told us that they were not sure because they just sat another table down. This was odd to us because why did we make a reservation if they weren't going to honor the reservation system. While waiting for our table I saw servers making a makeshift table in the middle of the restaurant in an empty spot that didn't have tables there prior, and I remember making a comment to my boyfriend that I hope that is not our table because that is not what we had requested for and also why are they making a makeshift table when we had reservations to begin with as if we were walk in customers. The server finally told us our table was ready and me worried that the makeshift table was ours because we were headed that way, I then asked if we were going to get a window seat and they said no window seats were available at the moment. Already frustrated I asked them how long would it be to wait for an actual window seat and they said they weren't sure. At that point it was already 8:40, (25 minutes after our reservation time) and after the whole day of waiting for date night I did not eat so I was hungry, I said that in the meantime while we wait for our table we will walk downtown Birmingham but if we come across a restaurant that will seat us earlier than Forest, will the no show policy still be applied to us (no show = $40 per person). THEY SAID YES. Meaning we would've paid $80 for a restaurant we wouldn't be dining at....That is so insane to me that not only did they make us wait WHILE we had a reservation, did not accommodate us for our request of a window seat, but is ALSO going to charge us a no show fee if we didn't end up dining with them DESPITE us showing up at our reservation time. We had no choice but to stay at this restaurant that was already ruining our night. Fortunately our waitress was really sweet to us and the actual hosts at the front door were trying their best at accommodating us but seeing the lack of attention from the managers was disappointing. I would have not written a bad review if they allowed us to dine somewhere else without charging us but seeing the greed in management makes it difficult to be cooperative. I would NOT recommend this place to those looking to dine downtown Birmingham and EXPECIALLY to those that are looking for a restaurant that honor the reservation system because they will screw up the rest of your evening plans.
Mike Hathaway
This place was okay. For the price you pay to eat and drink here the food and wine was not all that impressive. I asked for a house Cabernet and they gave me a $38 glass of wine, what is that about? The pappadella pasta is gray colored for some reason? And it didn't even taste that good. The branzino on the other hand was delicious. The steak was not that great either, it had a lot of fat on it and the seasoning was just okay. I could make a better steak at home. Maybe it's hit or miss, but for that cost I don't think I'll be going back. The service is great everyone was nice. I'm just stuck on the cost. It was ridiculous.
Very fancy and expensive restaurant. One of the few restaurants in metro Detroit (and likely the whole of Michigan) that serves Baked Alaska. They do not flame it in front of you nor does it come with sparklers like some restaurants may do. Still it was delicious. Jamie was a great waitress, friendly and in a good mood. There is no parking lot for Forrest, however after 5:30 pm and on weekends you can use the AAA Birmingham parking lot which is right next door. Very nice interior. The water glasses are small. There is a candle at the table.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was one of the most elegant and well-balanced meals I’ve had in Michigan. Everything—from the presentation to the pacing—felt thoughtful, fresh, and celebratory.
We started with a spread of appetizers: the black rice with cobia was deeply savory and beautifully textured, while the fritto misto was crisp and bright without being greasy. The yellowfin crudo was a standout—fresh, lightly sweet with strawberry and citrus, and plated with precision. The shaved Brussels sprout salad with pine nuts and feta brought a perfect crunch.
For mains, the vongole angel hair was light, garlicky, and full of briny clam flavor, while the filet was cooked to perfection—tender, richly sauced, and deeply comforting. We shared the home fries with garlic aioli on the side, and I’d order them again just for the dipping sauce.
To end, the baked Alaska was not only stunning with its torched meringue shell and birthday candle, but also balanced in sweetness and texture. The surprise of pistachio ice cream (I think?!) on the side was a lovely touch—creamy, lightly nutty, and refreshing.
Service was warm and attentive without hovering. The ambiance feels elevated but never stuffy—just enough buzz in the room to feel lively.
✨ Pro tips:
• Come hungry and plan to share.
• Ask about the ice cream flavors—they’re not always listed but worth trying.
• Perfect for a birthday or intimate group dinner.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
How can I give 1 star despite good food? Simple, they book you a table for 5:15pm for your anniversary without telling you they need the table at 7pm. You order food, drinks, and wine all of which are rushed out including the second course arriving at the same time as the main. Then at 7pm, you order a port, and the maitre d asks you to go over to the bar to drink it because they promised said table. For sure it was the worst dining experience I've ever had, and to think, I got to spend $500 for it. I will not be back!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
This might be the best restaurant in our area. The menu has something for everyone. The freshest fish, meat, pasta, or vegetarian. You name it, they have it. And in ways you have never seen really good food prepared. If you haven’t been, run! Can’t recommend this restaurant enough. It’s the best of the best! And if you like to sit at the bar; Mark and David are fantastic! They make you feel like family. Just a fantastic place to visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food and service were exceptional and the vibe was chill for an intimate birthday dinner celebration.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great experience, definitely fine dining
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was so amazing i went back a second day in a row. The GF chocolate cake was amazing along with the homemade banana and pineapple ice cream. They have a truffle pasta that was so amazing and fresh tasting. I don’t even like truffle anything! I highly recommend this place. Service was also amazing. Very glad i got introduced to this restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Before I get into how amazing everything was; Shout out to Lisa who is very obviously a top-notch professional at what she does. Her recommendations truly made the meal magnificent. Service executed to perfection.
THE FOOD:
The tuna appetizer- OH. My. Lanta. So many unexpected elements come together to make a perfect dish. It's an adventure on a plate. The harmony of the flavors was exquisite.
Branzino- Holy shit good. Light, tender. Perfectly balanced flavors.
Truffle pasta- omg beyond delicious. I ate my leftovers the same night. I wish I had 2 stomachs just so I could have ordered a second helping.
After that? The Baked Alaska.
I have never had a better dessert at fine dining restaurant. Ever. Tue layers of flavor and perfectly chewy brownie made this dish everything. I rarely try the same restaurant twice but I truly can't wait to go back to Forest.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely delicious dinner on patio with fabulous service …great bread, salad, tuna taco, veal, vegi’s + Amazing desserts too…highly recommend..Yum!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What can I tell you this is probably my most favorite restaurant. Great service great team, not to mention a great chef also, but you just can’t beat any pasta recipe. Jamie was her server amazing everything was was delivered by team members as soon as it was finished.
Restaurantji Recommends
Dinner last night was absolutely amazing. The ambience, the service and the food. Thank you so much.
Came here last Saturday for my first time. Not sure what was better, the food or the service! Curtis was our server, and while I’ve become so used to detached cold service, I was blown away when I finally got a server that I felt like I could ask anything(especially being a first timer) we got the snapper crudo, & the Caesar as an app at his suggestion, both were phenomenal. The entrees were equally as delicious. The halibut was filling & perfectly cooked with out the flavor being ruined by to many sauces like so many restaurants. Will be returning & asking for him as a server. Perfect date night achieved.
Outstanding service and excellent food! Great evening.
What a let down this restaurant was.... I was taken here by my boyfriend for not only our anniversary but also for my birthday, mind you, he had made reservations a week prior and had requested that we get a window seat and that it was for special occasion. Upon arriving at the restaurant, we arrived 5 minutes prior to our reservation (our reservation was for 8:15pm), they told us that we still had to wait for our table despite us making a reservation. Due to it being a busy Saturday night, we understood that it can take a minute to get another table ready, we asked how long the wait was and they told us that they were not sure because they just sat another table down. This was odd to us because why did we make a reservation if they weren't going to honor the reservation system. While waiting for our table I saw servers making a makeshift table in the middle of the restaurant in an empty spot that didn't have tables there prior, and I remember making a comment to my boyfriend that I hope that is not our table because that is not what we had requested for and also why are they making a makeshift table when we had reservations to begin with as if we were walk in customers. The server finally told us our table was ready and me worried that the makeshift table was ours because we were headed that way, I then asked if we were going to get a window seat and they said no window seats were available at the moment. Already frustrated I asked them how long would it be to wait for an actual window seat and they said they weren't sure. At that point it was already 8:40, (25 minutes after our reservation time) and after the whole day of waiting for date night I did not eat so I was hungry, I said that in the meantime while we wait for our table we will walk downtown Birmingham but if we come across a restaurant that will seat us earlier than Forest, will the no show policy still be applied to us (no show = $40 per person). THEY SAID YES. Meaning we would've paid $80 for a restaurant we wouldn't be dining at....That is so insane to me that not only did they make us wait WHILE we had a reservation, did not accommodate us for our request of a window seat, but is ALSO going to charge us a no show fee if we didn't end up dining with them DESPITE us showing up at our reservation time. We had no choice but to stay at this restaurant that was already ruining our night. Fortunately our waitress was really sweet to us and the actual hosts at the front door were trying their best at accommodating us but seeing the lack of attention from the managers was disappointing. I would have not written a bad review if they allowed us to dine somewhere else without charging us but seeing the greed in management makes it difficult to be cooperative. I would NOT recommend this place to those looking to dine downtown Birmingham and EXPECIALLY to those that are looking for a restaurant that honor the reservation system because they will screw up the rest of your evening plans.
This place was okay. For the price you pay to eat and drink here the food and wine was not all that impressive. I asked for a house Cabernet and they gave me a $38 glass of wine, what is that about? The pappadella pasta is gray colored for some reason? And it didn't even taste that good. The branzino on the other hand was delicious. The steak was not that great either, it had a lot of fat on it and the seasoning was just okay. I could make a better steak at home. Maybe it's hit or miss, but for that cost I don't think I'll be going back. The service is great everyone was nice. I'm just stuck on the cost. It was ridiculous.
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