Forest

735 Forest Ave, Birmingham
(248) 258-9400

Recent Reviews

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Lizzie Stickney

Always a favorite restaurant for truly delicious (and often more uniquely prepared) food. The butternut squash pasta feature was fantastic, the service was perfectly attentive yet laid back, and the general vibes of the restaurant were relaxing yet elegant. Will return as always.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Truffle Pasta, Duck Confit

Yam

My initial review of from 4 years can be seen below; but following my more recent visits, I can certainly say they are hands down one of the best in the Birmingham area. They still offer an unmatched level of service, especially David at the bar; additionally, the food is absolutely spectacular. All of my recent visits I have been blow away by the flavor profiles practically leaving me to clear my plate. I’ve said it before and will continue to highly recommend them because at the end of the day you must experience them for yourself.

Prior review: The upscale level of service and overall grandeur of Forest was certainly up to par. I ordered the branzino at the time and though it is not the best I’ve had, it was still really tasty. With this being said, I would recommend for you to give them a try whether it’s date night or a night out with a group of friends!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Black Truffle Spaghetti, Halibut, Snapper Crudo, Garden Fresh with Hendricks Gin, Gnocchi

Lacey Foon

Elegant, sophisticated atmosphere with great service and always excellent quality. They have many outstanding, unique menu items such as the farm egg and black rice you can't get anywhere else!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Tina Reiss

Amazing. Highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nick F

Food was excellent, relaxed atmosphere, the baked Alaska was a delicious dessert.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Mark Keating

Good food great service , not my side of town but a nice spot!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Sarah Joy Grajewski

Great experience, the food was delicious and service was wonderful.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Bob Beauchamp

We had a great meal and the service was very good.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

S PJ

Def a bit more upscale and wonderful restaurant

My favorites; beet salad, baked Alaska, the thin fries with Duck and butter beans
My not so favorites (my personal opinion)
- tuna being over flavored by sesame oil
- “lamach” pasta with shrimp being too salty
- tiramisu missed the traditional coffee flavor

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Alexander Wong

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

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