Best Restaurants for Handcrafted Cocktails in Short North - Arena District

What a WONDERFUL surprise! We had been advised by a manager at Molly Woos to try this restaurant and to be sure to ask for a table on the upper level. We did just that and WOW how awesome of an evening we spent on our 47th anniversary. The atmosphere was outstanding! The view of beautiful Easton with all the Holiday lights shining was such a beautiful site. Our seating, the staff, the food were all outstanding. Our waitress recommended the BABA GHANOUSH which was homemade as was the pitas that came with it. Next we each had a starter. My husband ordered the Charred Octopus which he enjoyed and I had the Golden Beet Salad which was one of the best I ever had and I have tried many. For our entree we shared the Open Fire Roasted Shellfish Platter in the small size which was plenty since we had the appetizer and starters. Best of all was the staff and especially our waitress. From the moment we walked in everyone knew it was our anniversary and mentioned it. They knew this from the note that I added on Open Table but never has this been acknowledged so nicely as at this restaurant. This new dining option we have at Easton is a DEFINITE must try! We cannot wait to return :)

Food was delicious. Our server, Taylor, explained the menu clearly and answered all of our questions making this a very enjoyable evening!

My partner & I came in for dinner before a show. We were seated next to a family & asked to move a table down to a more isolated table which wasn’t a problem. My cocktail was the Venetian Sunset (perfectly fruity and delicious). I ordered Branzino which was phenomenal. Seasoned perfectly and the potatoes on it were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Delicious. My Partner got the Lamb Pappardelle, which she enjoyed but said was well seasoned (a teeny tiny bit too salty, wishes she had more noodles to balance out the sauce but I just gave her some of my potatoes instead which worked out nicely. For dessert we ordered the Lemon Cassata which was elevated and delicious. It reminded me of lemon bars but even better with the layers of cake and lemon. We loved it and left full. Our server (Our Server, Eric, burned his hand serving the Pappardelle from the hot pot & we thanked him for his sacrifice of comfort.) Eric was an amazing server, wasn’t overbearing and allowed us to enjoy our meal in peace. Would definitely return!

The service and our server was especially great and pleasant. The service and complimentary dessert/champagne made our anniversary celebration that more memorable. Thank you.

The restaurant had a nice cozy atmosphere… the service was very good, waiter was very attentive. We were a party of 7 and the food came quickly and hot, just the way we want it!