G Michael’s Bistro

What a wonderful find! Our food was fabulous, the selections numerous, and service was first rate. We are traveling from Florida to Michigan and found ourselves stopping over in Colombia Ohio. I did a search for restaurants on my phone and G Michaels sounded promising. My soft shell crab, a special was wonderful and my husband was delighted to find a head cheese appetizer (not my personal favorite) but he thought it was wonderful. Thanks for a great dining experience

The best in the city
Great service, excellent wine selection. the service is top notch

G michael’s is a classic restaurant in the German village area. The ambience is formal (white table cloths, etc,), but not stuffy. The server and the hostess were extremely friendly. We arrived a bit early for our reservation but were seated right away.
For drinks I had a sangria, which was solid. For appetizers I ordered the shrimp with grits and sausage. It was neither bad nor great. My wife had the trout. The taste was okay. My lamb chops were delicious and cooked medium rare perfectly. One of our other friends got the walleye fish special, which she seemed to like quite a bit
The service was 5 stars. The food was closer to 3 stars this time around. However, in the past we’ve had better experience with food, so I’m hoping that this latest visit was an anomaly.

My dear friend took me hear for belated birthday dinner! OMG it was so good! The environment was a little intimidating with white tablecloths and tented napkins as I felt under dressed! However our server was absolutely amazing and knowledgeable! He made us feel welcome and offered his personal favorites along with a bit of history of the restaurant (nice touch). Besides the street parking (German Village) but valet is available! I highly recommend it

This is my fiancé’s and I’s favorite restaurant in Columbus. I love the seasonal menu. We are never disappointed when we come here. Service is always amazing as well.

Sat on the patio during the summer time and we really enjoyed ourselves. We had a glass of wine, a salad and a few appetizers. Their calamari is fabulous. I love their gluten free options! We had great service and the food was just delicious. Went again in the winter and ordered half of the menu. All of it was so good! Very flavorful. I will definitely keep coming back.

My first visit was during Restaurant Week, in which I love being able to sample notable Columbus restaurants at very reasonable prices in order to find which places I’ll come back to in the future. In the years that I have participated in these weeks, G Michael’s was one of the worst experiences I’ve had, which was incredibly disappointing due to is reputation and price point. But clearly price doesn’t pay for quality.
My first concern was the presumptuous air of our waiter that we «must be there for Restaurant Week.» Which I’m not sure why he seemed so confident of that being the nature of our visit as we didn’t stand out more than any other patron.
When ordering beverages I had to ask my waiter twice for recommendations as to what their specialty/​popular cocktails were since they had a fairly lengthy list of about 20. He said that all of them were good and walked away. When he returned I somehow managed to have him recommend the French Martini since I asked for something sweet (which by the way isn’t exactly my idea of sweet, rather a bit tart). My friend asked for a half a shot of Bailey’s with coffee, to which his response was «we only do full shots.» No other clarification, such as «it would still be the price of a full shot if that’s ok?»
The only appealing element all night was the brussel sprouts which were good. But we were there for an HOUR & a HALF before our main course was served. The waiter did inform us after about 45 minutes after our appetizers were cleared, that the kitchen was behind and our food would be out shortly. Finally 30 minutes later our main dish eventually came. I was able to sample every dish our table ordered (lamb, pork chop, tofu) & all were mediocre at best, and the desserts (bread pudding & chess pie) fared about the same.
I am very disappointed overall and have no intentions on returning. Poor value, service, food, ambiance. I’d recommend Lindey’s or Barcelona for anyone looking for an alternative in the area.

I went there tonight for Restaurant Week and I think I made the best decision. They offered 3 courses (apps, entrée and dessert). For apps, I picked Buttermilk Fried Oysters. It was smooth and great combination of saltiness and awesomeness. For the entrée, I picked Crawfish and Red Rice Stuffed Rainbow Trout. It was a perfection. The fish cooked perfectly and the sauce was da bomb! The fish was super fresh and made you crave for more. Lastly, I picked Chess Pie with sweet-​coffee kahlua syrup. It was not bad but my friend ordered their Baileys and Hazelnut Bread Pudding and it was great. It was warm, sweet, and perfectly moist! And of course our server Alex was great. He was very knowledgeable and very warm with people. Overall, I am pleased with the food and the service. I can’t wait to come back!

The Brick bar is very nice. The atmosphere of a neighborhood place with great happy hour. The staff is friendly and serves appetizers to dinners. Something for most taste.

Amazing happy hour spot here, accompanied by even more amazing small plates. My new favorite spot in Columbus.
I want to try dinner at this place. I’ll definitely be back.
What a treat.

Well-​executed food, welcoming hospitality:
+ Elk loin was perfectly seared (not for you if you can’t do zero fat content) w. the best herb-​roasted parsnips and sautéed spinach I’ve had, and balanced bacon jam and a lobster-​veal reduction.
+ Pork tenderloin was moist w. a tasty sausage gravy, and again, w. delightfully flavorful vegetables, down to the cayenne roasting, housemade bread and butter pickles… whoever was in charge of the vegetables executed so well.
+ Their bourbon pecan pie was a joy, and arguably the best one we’ve ever tried.
+ My only regret is not ordering the walleye, as it’s «something the chefs are always doing something cool with.»
+ Collin was our ever-​pleasant waiter who knew the menu well, gently talking me through my struggle to decide. I like how genuinely proud he was of the restaurant, and how one wanted to be on whatever team he was on. He was attentive, humorous, and full of interesting bits. One of our favorite waiters ever.
Takeaway:
+ Like having dinner at a classic home of a friend who cooks wonderful food with finesse, but with the kind of unassuming hospitality that has you using the kitchen as your own, flipping cupboards for mugs or wiping your hands on a tea towel.
+ Don’t be fooled walking past, deciding where to eat before becoming Book Loft hermits. It seems normal-​ish on the outside, but quickly becomes bistro classy. I was a little hesitant with my running shoes, but I didn’t feel looked down upon at all. God, I miss my hometown & I’ll miss it more now.

We were there for happy hour and had an amazing date night. Food, cocktails and service were all beyond amazing and the happy hour prices were just a treat on top of everything else.
We tried a couple of their specialty cocktails and I was extremely impressed with the balance of flavors. For small plates, we went with the Lobster Arancini and the Octopus. The Octopus was so so so soooo good. Topped with chimichurri and accompanied by a savory bacon and potato hash, it was really an excellent dish.
The ambiance is very cozy and perfect for a couple of people who just need to unwind in a sophisticated setting.
I cannot wait to return and may opt for staying past happy hour next time so I can try the rest of the menu.

I was visting the Columbus area and looking for a good restaurant to have dinner. As always, I went on Unilocal to check it out beforehand. I saw nothing but great reviews for G Micheal’s Bistro so I decided to give it a try. I’m truly not sure why this restaurant has such good reviews because my experience there was quite the contrary.
Our waiter and hostess were both very unprofessional and rude. That aside, everyone at my table ordered appetizers (pork, gazpacho, octopus, and salad). The only person who liked/​finished their meal was my friend who ordered the salad and even at that he was not impressed. We decided not to order entrees as the service and food was less than exceptional. In my opinion, the food was overpriced and not good. I was disappointed in my experience.

The happy hour here is pretty dope. Half off the small plates and like $ 3 for their draft beer is kinda unbeatable. They don’t have a huge beer selection here, but the few they do have are solid. And the small plates were delicious. I had the pork belly, which was pretty good tho not as tender as pork belly typically should be. Good flavor tho. And then the shrimp and grits which was my favorite part. Very flavorful, and a pretty big portion for the price. The sausage is also a really nice touch and adds a kick of spice to true dish. Overall very happy with this place, but be aware the happy hour only applies if you sit at the bar, which has only about 10 – 12 seats probably so get here early before it fills up.

A classy establishment with over the top service and food. Set up a dinner here with a client and it was a complete success. We came on a Monday night, however there was a floral trade show going on so reservations were a must. Although the restaurant is on the smaller side the front and back of the house can accommodate larger parties. The fare is what I’d consider «Italian New» with a good selection of meat, poultry and fish dishes. They had a nice pre-​fixe meal too at $ 30. Also, lovely small plates to share. I had the walleye and it was outstanding. One of the specials they had was a chanterelle mushroom appetizer. Apparently they have someone that goes foraging for them when they are in season. Crazy! Lastly, I was extremely grateful that they accommodated the additional people that arrived last minute by putting a table and booth together. Definitely coming back again.

Once again this place astounds. Near perfect balance of flavors, selection, and value. This is my favorite restaurant in Columbus and one of my favorites anywhere. They do a wonderful job with almost everything and remain consistent in service, value, specials, and using local foods. Great place for special occasions. Always several very good vegetarian options. A good place for foodies looking for seasonal items.

I don’t consider myself to be a fancy person. I rarely go out to nicer, more expensive restaurants around town, and I’d rather be in a dive bar or a diner. That being said, I LOVED this place! I came with a group for happy hour, and it truly is the best way to experience the food and atmosphere of what is otherwise a slightly cost-​prohibitive establishment (at least for me). Other reviewers are correct — place a reservation if you can, as this place has happy hour in the bar area starting at 4:30, and by 5pm it was already filling up. You can make a reservation online with Open Table, and specify that you’d like bar area seating.
Our server was very attentive and helpful, and gave her recommendations for the specialty drinks and small plates that she preferred. All of their specialty cocktails are $ 5, the draft beer is $ 3, and the small plates were $ 7! I had an AMAZING plate of shrimp and grits that made my eyes roll back into my head. The grits were cheesy, and so soft that it felt like eating mashed potatoes. I was very excited to have a chance to try a small plate that is actually on their regular entrée menu. It’s as good as everyone says! The calamari here is also excellent, and the lamb poutine is decadent; with lamb as soft as pot roast.
There is another gorgeous room with huge windows off to the side for regular diners, as well as a patio area. I will definitely be back for happy hour again, and I may even consider dining here for dinner on a special occasion. DO NOT MISS THIS HAPPY HOUR!

I am going to go out on a limb and probably say… at this point in my life. This is my favorite Columbus restaurant! I had been begging my husband to take me here for 3 years and he finally stepped up and took me on my Birthday (Props to Derek)!
We had a reservation, so it was easy to get in and have a seat. I definitely recommend reservations if you plan in advance, because we went on a Thursday and it was very busy, so I can only imagine on the weekends.
We started with drinks, and mind you they have a very large wine list with a wide price range, so if you don’t want to break the bank, you don’t have to.
Our appetizer were the Oysters Rockefeller. They were the best. I always say, anywhere that has Oysters Rockefeller is just trying to tease me, I could eat over 10 of them, but they give you 4. And that’s anywhere.
After staring at the menu for what felt like 15 minutes, I finally went with the filet with a lobster butter and it was the best choice I think I could have made. It was cooked perfectly and had the best flavor.
What I like about G. Michaels is that is has a southern flare. I lived in Charleston for 3 years and the minute I read the menu I could see the Southern touches jumping out at me. It brought me back to the time when I lived in Charleston. It was a nice fix for when Im craving that Southern food. They know exactly what it’s all about.
And not to forget, our waiter was extremely helpful and very sociable. He was great to have through our dining experience.
If your a foodie, this place HAS to be on your list.

G Michael’s is one of those places that I’d heard about ever since moving to Columbus, and I just now finally got around to trying it. Shame on me…
Let me set the scene: A winter night in German Village, with snow gently covering the brick streets. On the outside, G Michael’s looks like the other gorgeous brick houses in the village, and inside it’s dark, rich, and swanky. This is a perfect date spot.
G Michael’s was one of the pioneers in the modern day Columbus food scene. I think its age and maturity are both a blessing and a curse.
On one hand, this place is a well-​oiled machine, and everything is absolutely perfect. The interior is pristine, the service is top-​notch, and the food is divine. I had one of the best steaks of my life – you know… the kind that make your eyes roll back in your head. They also have an incredible wine selection – my friend and I easily polished off a bottle between us. Oh, and they handled my stupid wheat thing like total pros.
Our server was absolutely lovely too. He was a bit formal for me (actually, G Michael’s as a whole was a tad stiff for my taste), but he was still warm, friendly, and joked around with us. 5 stars for him.
And on the other hand, something about this place felt a little off. When I went to the restroom, they had these placards all over the wall touting awards they had won – about a decade ago. I think that was pretty indicative of any small qualms I had with G Michael’s: a little like they were resting on their laurels of yesteryear. While everything was technically perfect, it didn’t seem alive. No one seemed excited about being there to provide this stellar experience.
But let me be clear: any small negatives I had here were *my* issue – not theirs. It’s just about taste preferences.
G Michael’s is most definitely on the fancier side, and the price reflects it. But hey – when you’re talking about perfect, it ain’t cheap. I do hear they have an outstanding happy hour, so I’ll be sure to come for that soon!

Finally, I got the chance to visit G Michael’s after hearing fantastic things about it from… well, everywhere. It did not disappoint. The atmosphere is classic and low-​key. The interior is larger than it appears from the inside, with a bar/​lounge are including seating as well as several distinct dining rooms. The wine list was tremendous, with a wide variety of vintages and price points by the glass and by the bottle.
My friend and I shared the Brussels sprouts appetizer, which was delicious and unusual — the current trend is to roast sprouts, but these were prepared in a cream sauce with mushrooms and cheese. I had a delicious steak with spinach and potato au gratin. The service was prompt, knowledgeable and friendly — the server was professional but low-​key, contributing to the general atmosphere as a relaxed fine dining restaurant. There were many menu items I’d have loved to try — perhaps on the next visit! G Michael’s is a bit of a splurge — entrees were in the $ 25 – 40 range — but an excellent choice for a meal out in German Village.