L’Antibes

Service was great. Food was pretty good, but not top notch. Parking was a huge hassle in the area, so I’d try to get there extra early to navigate, or be prepared to pay for valet. Overall, it was a nice, albeit slightly pricy, date night for my wife and me.

Just had an amazing dinner– escargot, salmon, crème brûlée & french wine. Food was fantastic & service was attentive– intimate, quiet & perfect for a date night :)

Fantastic, attentive service and outstanding French cuisine in a small, quiet setting. The food is delicious and rich in flavor, executed well, and traditional in preparation. Entrees average $ 30. The wine list is small but adequate. Many bottles in the $ 45 – 60 range. They could use some pendant style lighting — track lighting primarily lights the room and it kills any ambiance.

A great place to go for a quiet romantic meal. Certainly a place to go celebrate. Quiet and perhaps pretentious, but the food never disappoints! Perhaps the only place in Columbus to get Sweatbreads made to perfection!

The restaurant is simplistic but very nicely done. Small at about 10 – 12 +/​-​tables which made it cozy. We started off with the escargot that, as expected, came in a garlic butter sauce. Plenty of escargots for a good appetizer. For the main dish my gf ordered the sweet breads and I the duck. Both were served perfectly seasoned with good portions. For dessert she got the lemon curd with pistachio and I the chocolate mousse. The mousse was good — hard to mess that up. The lemon curd was awesome. Great combination of tangy and tart and contrasting textures. If you have never been here it is definitely a must go.

While home for the holidays my boyfriend and I decided to gift my little sister (13 years old) with a fancy dinner. The crowd here was younger than I expected, and they definitely delivered on french cuisine that was delicious and unusual. Service was quick and friendly and the portions were larger than I’m used to at a finer restaurant without being too overwhelming.
I actually thought about only giving three stars, however, because the restaurant was SO COLD! While seating a table near the door, the server even commented that they might want to hold on to their coats because it would be so cold there. That’s crazy! Just get one of those pop-​up double doors for the colder months. For a restaurant of this caliber, this seems like a ridiculous oversight.

I had absolutely no idea this place was tucked back off High Street in the Short North!
The décor was very minimal, a little strange considering how expensive the food was. The server was able to time our courses well and they had a great (but pricey) wine list. The food was exactly what you;d expect at a french american place. The menu had something for everyone. I had the duck and my husband had the steak frites, which came with lobster and a hollandaise sauce.
All in all we would go back but there are other upscale restaraunts in town Id return to first.

Practically perfect in every way. The food was beautiful and delicious. Service was impeccable (no high school students moonlighting here!) true professionals. But the best part — we could carry on a conversation without raising our voices! A delightfully calm and serene experience.

Lives up to the hype and worth every penny.

I visited for dinner with my folks awhile back. I think we had some sort of dining deal, and I was excited to go based on what I’d heard and my love of French cuisine. Despite having a reservation, we were sat at the bar, which was not only inconvenient for talking, but also more difficult for my elderly parents. The food was decent, but the wine list was surprisingly lacking. Overall, we had a positive experience, but it was a bit of a letdown after my expectations and the general lack of European haute cuisine options around town.

I was given a choice among a few places (none of which I’d been to) for a birthday meal, and I went with this one as it had the most appealing menu online. Wise choice, as it turned out.
I started with the pureed cremini mushroom soup, which was outstanding even if the flavor seemed a little too concentrated. When the savory richness became a bit much, I used what was left as a dip for the outstanding bread that was served with the meal.
We split two entrees: The grilled scallops and the pork loin. Both were done perfectly. Neither was greasy, overcooked, or over-​salted (three things I’d become accustomed to when it comes to higher-​end eating in Columbus). Potion sizes were perfect: large enough to satisfy, but small enough to encourage savoring your food.
L’Antibes is now my go-​to restaurant for a classy meal in the city.

L’Antibes is an interesting place that a few friends of mine convinced me to try a few weeks back. My first impression of the places was that the atmosphere certainly matched with what I would expect for an intimate French restaurant in the city. The décor was nice to look at, and conservative enough that it wasn’t over bearing or distracting.
After being seated I decided to order my go-​to cocktail (the old fashioned) which was prepared fairly well. At the time I perhaps would have preferred the whiskey ratio to be a bit greater, but I chalk that down to being personal preference. One problem I did have though was that it was very difficult to order a second or third drink after the first arrived. I managed to only get a cocktail and glass of wine by the time dinner was over. We were a large group though, so perhaps that played a role.
I ended up ordering the scallops dish that was offered at the time. I must admit that in making this choice I figured it would be a bit risky as scallops are a very difficult thing to get correct. It turns out I was rewarded rather handsomely for taking the risk as they were most enjoyable. The texture was just right and the flavors introduced by the sauce and garnishments were quite complimentary and didn’t steal the show away from the scallops themselves. Overall I was very pleased with the dish.
Unfortunately I did not get to have dessert on this visit. I will say that for the most part I enjoyed the overall experience of L’Antibes and would visit again if I found myself in the vicinity and had a craving for some delicious French food.

Enjoyed a leisurely meal here last weekend. At times the pacing felt a little too leisurely, but my sig other and I were intent on a nice little romantic evening so we relaxed and enjoyed ourselves.
L’Antibes was smaller than I expected, which is a good thing. Every table was taken when we arrived for our 8pm reservation so our server had to be busy. She was very nice but seemed to forget us once or twice between courses. That shouldn’t happen at a place like this, but the atmosphere and food made up for it.
Surprisingly reasonable wine selection, price-​wise. We loved the escargots and the sauce they came in (SO’s first try of them) and both salads. The duck was divine and the short rib special even more so. I really loved the lychee sorbet dessert special, light and refreshing.
I’d love to come back for a quiet drink at the cute little bar sometime, and for dinner again as well. Small annoyance when we arrived was the valet — he didn’t come over to the passenger side to let me out, barely a hello to either of us, and they charged $ 5? I can get myself out of the car no problem, and am happy to do so. But if I’m paying for valet, that kind of courtesy should be expected.

Excellent meal. Scallops were fantastic. Only drawback is selection of wines by glass although bottles selections in good.

This place was a breath of fresh air for a jaded Columbus diner. This was my first time eating here and it certainly won’t be my last.
The food was outstanding. We started with escargot and the squash blossom, followed by salads and for the main course, the ostrich and the crab cakes. For dessert we had sorbet and the chef’s selection of cheeses paired with dessert wines. Perfection.
The place is very small and quiet, no screaming drunks or obnoxious conversations to talk over. Be prepared to relax and enjoy your dinner. We were there for about two and a half hours. We had a team of staff waiting on us, timing everything to an art.

Excellent and elegantly prepared food. Very romantic setting. Toward the high end on price, but one is paying for hi quality food with a wonderful atmosphere. In that sense, l’Antibes is always a great experience.

L’Antibes is a great place. I understand it’s been in Columbus for a long time, for good reason. I got the grass-​fed beef that basically just melted in my mouth. The presentation was gorgeous what with the butternut squash and all. My mom and brother both got scallops that rested on a bed of risotto. Those scallops melt in your mouth too. The bread comes out piping hot — crunchy and salty with the butter. My brother said that crab cake was great because it was mostly crab — there wasn’t too much breading. Anyway, the place is quiet and intimate and has its own parking lot — which is pretty nice to have in the Short North. This would be a great place to have a date too.

So lemme tell you about this f-​ing place. I’m preparing to get my rant-​on so lemme get the pros out of the way first.
Elegant décor, impeccable service, agreeable presentation. Whatevs.
So, first, go back and read my gushing review of Seattle’s Café Presse. This is the opposite. Infinitesimal portions, squeeze bottles, untucked pinkie fingers from the diners feigning interest in their meals, but really thinking about the after-​party of two with their Valentine’s Day date. The place reeks of sex. (ht: Garrett)
I’m not gonna be that guy who complains that he spent $ 50 on a small portion of food when he could have hit the Outback and had a 42oz slab o’meat for $ 14.95. I do however have a problem with spending $ 18 on 3 medallions of foie gras, each the size of a quarter, where the flavor is so mild, that I find myself panicked trying to work out the flavors before the $ 6 small bite disappears. Remi that cute epicurean rat would be pissed. There ain’t any flavor explosions here, you’re out slogging around with the engineers trying to find them.
Another thing, I was polite when I discussed my meal with the chef afterwards. However, and I know I didn’t go to culinary school, but consommé and bisque are two totally different things. I ordered lobster bisque, I got lobster broth. Don’t tell me I don’t know what I’m talking about. The image I see in the mirror says I’m an expert on eating.
The poached pear desert is nice. @#$@#% God I miss Handke’s.

How romantic! A lovely french cuisine in an intimate setting on V-​Day. As Mike said, the music was perfect, too. Low, jazzy but not cool jazz or something equally as offensive. It was pure romance. What I would imagine being in France to be like (someday!). It could only have been better if they had live music but I am asking too much…
My only possible negative was that we were there for 2 ½ hours because the courses were spread out and everyone in the restaurant was served their courses at the same time. It wasn’t at all a problem for us — in fact, it was quite nice because you could take your time and enjoy every favor of every bite without the pressure of plates coming and going. It’s just something that people need to take into consideration when you go for a 4-​course meal there.
Now, to the food which is obviously the most important part. Since it was Valentine’s Day there was a fixed menu. Typically Mike and I try to select different things but this evening we only picked two different items because they just looked too good. And there’s nothing worse than when your partner has much better food than you do and you have to look at their face full of complete satisfaction while you miserably finish your mediocre option.
There were 4 courses so I will divide my review into these parts.
First
Beet and Goat Cheese Salad, Shaved Fennel, Orange-​Thyme Vinaigrette Or Parsnip Walnut Soup — Mike ordered the salad because I was set on getting the soup. We both thought they were exceptional. We were very partial to the soup though… so creamy and just enough salt to really taste all the yumminess of the parsnips and walnuts. I thought the walnut would be overwhelming but it was a perfect subtle nutty favor. The salad was light and beautiful. A great start to the evening.
Second
Duck Ravioli Served in it’s Consommé with Brunois of Root — Mike and I both selected the duck because we are always filled with regret when we don’t select the duck! The ravioli was very delicate and the consommé was very much the perfect balance of saltiness to amplify the favors in the ravioli.
Third
Braised Beef Short Ribs, Celeriac and Potato Gratin, Black Truffle Oil, Shiitake Mushrooms — Again, Mike and I selected the same dish. How could we not especially when the other option was fish which I avoid at all cost (yes, I guess my palette is not as sophisticated as others. I just don’t dig it!). The short ribs were literally melt in your mouth perfection. I think I’ve said this about other meat in my past but this was FOR REAL! It was the most tender a meat can possibly be in this world. The potato gratin was great and a good compliment to the beed but it was definitely overshadowed by it.
Fourth
Chocolate Mousse, Caramelized Pear Sauce, Pear Chips — If there is chocolate, I will select! This was fantastic. The pear sauce to me, didn’t really taste like pear — which is good because I don’t really like pears. It was amazing though and gave the mousse a wonderful new layer of flavor. It tasted a bit like hazelnut which I love. I’m not sure if my taste buds were just confused or what. The presentation was just lovely.
Or Strawberry Cheesecake, Strawberry Compote, Chocolate Ganache — Mike loves his cheesecake and this was no exception. It was very tasty. There was a humongous strawberry dipped in chocolate on top which Mike raved about.
With the cheesecake Mike ordered a cappuccino to cap off the night. Mike also really enjoyed his little beverage and it seemed to really make it seem like we were in another world enjoying the everyday simple delights of a different culture.
Kudos to L’Antibes! Thanks for a lovely evening and a lovely rose. It was perfect.

See Blog for Full review w/​Pics.
…multiple service issues marred this review, overall 3.5 stars…
After a short wait our two appetizers arrived and the service seemed to shape up a bit as the restaurant grew more busy. The first appetizer, ordered by my sister, was the Escargots in a Lemon-​Tarragon Beurre Blanc and the dish was admittedly quite excellent. Perfectly prepared and only modestly seasoned beyond the butter and tarragon the small snails were shitake-​mushroom like in texture without the briny-​slime texture that plagues many Escargot preparations. Served shelled with crostini at only nine dollars I’d place this dish on the «must order» list and amongst the most unique appetizers in the city.
The second appetizer, Torchon of Foie Gras, Fig Jam, Balsamic Reduction, Brioche Toast was ordered by myself and somewhat of a hit-​or-​miss choice. While the Foie was certainly wonderful and possibly the best terrine/​torchon preparation in the city now that BoMA is no longer serving their remarkable «PB+J» the fig jam and balsamic were under portioned for the amount of foie and the brioche was too chewy to provide adequate foil to the fatty/​smooth liver. While I don’t consider myself an «expert» I must admit I’ve had myriad preparations of this dish (including arguably the best in the world at TFL) and the dish would definitely benefit from a textural component — whether that be a nut or fibrous vegetable. At eighteen dollars the dish was slightly more expensive than better preps in other cities, but as I stated previously, the Foie itself was superb quality.
Service issues aside, the mains finally began to arrive with the first going to my mother — the nightly special of Almond Crusted Halibut with Shitake Mushrooms, Asparagus, and Smoky Bacon. Perfectly poached and mildly seasoned, the Halibut was a joy to taste and showed that when given an adequate piece of seafood Chef Litzinger is certainly quite capable. Flawless Shitakes with a hint of garlic, tender asparagus with a great soft-​to-​snap ratio, and a lovely white sauce with some sweetness but predominantly smoke and salt from the bacon — a GREAT dish all around.
Along with my mother’s Halibut she also opted for the Grits and Gruyère side — served in its own attractive copper pan. Small in portion yet hefty in weight the grits were wonderfully cooked (albeit not quite as excellent as the grits at Banana Bean earlier in the day) while the gruyère was actually quite mild. While tasty and ‘cheap’ I can’t say I’d rave the grits and they likely would’ve benefited from a savory component or protein vs. fibrous addition.
For my sister who orders salmon almost everywhere we go, the Poached Bay of Fundy Salmon, Fennel Purée, Buttered Carrots, Potato Nest, Vin Blanc Sauce was another knockout and reminded me that although so many places are making generic salmon due to its purported health benefits nowadays — it truly can be remarkable when done well. Perfectly poached and on par with sous vide fishes I’ve had prepared elsewhere the fish was surprisingly mild and oily with an aromatic fennel purée gracing the side of the dish and contrasting starkly with the sweet white wine sauce. For texture, the potato nest served as a beautiful and tasty crunch while the carrots were akin to the asparagus in their perfect preparation.
My selection and the primary reason I’d opted for L’antibes in the first place, Crispy Sweetbreads, Baby Spinach Risotto, Cured Bacon Lardons, Roasted Veal Broth was heavenly. Flawless and creamy Risotto with superb texture, crispy/​salty bacon lardons, and an extremely mild (and non-​beefy) broth with aromatic hints of what I believe were cardamom contrasted beautifully with the sweet and succulent thymus that was only mildly pan seared. Hefty in portion the meal was nearly «comfort food» in nature, yet refined at a level deserving of the best kitchens. Better than preparations at Le Cirque, Lola, and the Refectory and on par with what Stratta is doing at Alex at the Wynn.
All told, L’Antibes features fantastic French cuisine in a fairly authentic feeling atmosphere at a fair price for the quality — approximately $ 55 per person after tax and tip. With that said, while there is no doubt that Chef Litzinger is a talented man — but certain dishes could certainly be better with a couple extra flourishes and the menu could certainly use an expansion. I do find it interesting that the day after my meal the Chef personally e-​mailed me to apologize for a less-​than-​stellar experience as it was something I certainly didn’t mention to anyone at the restaurant — if the staff was aware of their missteps I do wonder why they weren’t corrected while we were present. Another interesting note — after the meal we were presented with a hand-​printed menu of the courses ordered — a nice touch for sure — if only the bland staff could match the chef’s wonderful cuisine there is no doubt I’d return soon.