Birch's Restaurant

Well-worth the drive. They are very prompt seating their patrons. Romantic atmosphere with the dim lights and cozy seating, but also fun for a quiet dinner with some friends, too. The wine is great, but a little pricey. Food is fantastic. I had the prosciutto wrapped pork tenderloin and ceasar salad. My boyfriend had one of the pasta dishes, which he really liked. Very attentive waiters and we weren't rushed at all while we were eating. Would totally go back again! Pros: Ambience, Attentive Service, Good Food Cons: Wine is pricey, Long drive from the South or East Metro more

Let me start off by saying that I really wanted to enjoy this place. I had received a $75 gift card and had been waiting for the right opportunity to use it. Unfortunately, the $75 gift card was the best thing about the place, as I would've have been very disappointed if I'd have had to pay full price. First off, my date and I were literally the only people in the place, but even then our server was quite inattentive and more focused on setting up for the next wine tasting. After finally ordering, she brought out some bread, which was cold, the butter...even colder and pretty much un-spreadable. As a starter, we opted for the seared scallop with shrimp salsa and pomegranate. The scallop was vaguely memorable but I've had better shrimp in a 99-cent shrimp cocktail in Vegas. For entrees, my date had the shrimp ravioli in curry coconut sauce. She said it was okay but I think she was being polite. I agreed, it was ooookay but rubbery. My entree was actually quite good, the chicken Ravello. If you go, I would recommend it. At this point, I was giving the place a grade of C. I was ready to order the creme brulee and hoped that it would pick the place back up. It didn't. There are many simple things in life that are enjoyable, but few are more so than cracking the top of creme brulee with your spoon. My spoon had no such effect, as the creme brulee was more of a shoddy pudding with a burnt layer that provided absolutely no resistance. Very disappointing. The wine was good though, and I've heard they're wine tastings are successful. Maybe I caught them on a bad day, I don't know. What I do know is that Ravello did not live up to my expectations, even by Midwestern palate standards. Pros: Intimate setting Cons: Below average food, overpriced more

NOT worth the drive ! The food is mediocre at best, and the service was slow! It is a typical suburbia restaurant trying to showcase food that they are not good at. They cut a lot of corners, and it shows in the flavors, textures, and mismatches of the wines! Avoid the drive and go downtown, where they know food and wine, and don't rip you off for dinner thats not worth the $$$$ This is definatley for the elderly, blue plate special crowd. We were surrounded by "old money" that have terrible choice in perfume, and have worn out there taste buds in the 50's. I over heard a couple rave about a dish that I ordered, and was not impressed with. If you know food, and know wine, skip this place. If you don't care, and like to flush your money away...enjoy! Pros: We don't have to go back Cons: We went there in the first place more

This is a gem of a place. The duck is fantastic and the service is great. Would recommend this restaurant to anyone. Will for surely go back again. Pros: great service and food Cons: it is a drive but that's ok more

In a single word...amazing! My dinner date and I enjoyed one of the most delicious meals I've ever had at this tiny little gem of a restaurant. The dishes were presented in such a beautiful manner that they were almost too lovely to eat. I highly recommend the gnocchi with pancetta and asparagus, and the braised short ribs were also great (although not quite as tender as the waitress said they would be), served with an incredible Guinness glaze. The wine list was also quite impressive for such a small place. Highly recommended for a special night out. Pros: Ambience, Wine List, Service Cons: None more

I recently took my father out to dinner here to celebrate fathers day, this was his first time at Ravello, I have been several times. My 60 year old father had the tasting menu and says that it was the best meal he has ever had in his life! I too was impressed with the food. The service is outstanding and very knowledgeable. My server helped me decide on a bottle of wine, she definately knew what she was talking about, nailed the selection, I loved it! Definately a place you need to try. Pros: food, service, wine more

I've been to Ravello several times and the past few months they started doing there infamous 5 course tasting menu six nights a week! For only $40 dollars other restaurants are offering this special for $55 and up. The food in marvelous, the service is charming and unpretenious and the noise level is moderate so you can enjoy the people you are dining with. I would highly recommend eating at Ravello. Pros: Service, Menu, Wine List more

What a great place to celebrate a birthday! The sea bass was too die for - all four of us were delighted with our entree's. As for the ambiance it's amazing how the dining area manages to be busy and tranquil at once. A relaxing and delicious experience topped off by EXCELLENT service. Thank you Ravello - We will be back! Pros: FOOD, SERVICE, AMBIANCE more

I have been to Ravello several times over the last year. It is an excellent place to visit for a unique dining experience that doesnt feel like you are eating at another expensive chain restaurant. Food and service were great each time. Wonderful selection of dishes and experienced staff. more

Recently hosted a large group here - and had an excellent experience. They were more than accomodating, from the manager to the chef. Food was delicious, and definitely recommend visiting this place. It's a great place to hide from everyone else in the western suburbs. Pros: food, wine more

I thought Long Lake was so far from downtown until a co-worker suggested Ravello. She said it was a secret little place that was unbelievable. I live in Loring Park and it only took me about 15 mins. to get there.(Without traffic). What a treat. Very cozy and quaint. The server recommended the fish. He said it came in the same time he did that afternoon. And by the taste of it I knew he was right. My date had the Chicken Ravello.It was the most juicy and tender breast she said she ever had. The wines were unique, well priced and all the glasses we had were fantastic. My date said (and I agree) it was the best meal in a long time. Pros: unique and supurb foo, wines, service(very attentiv Cons: crowded on weekends more

I've been fortunate to travel to many parts of the world and dine in wonderful restaurants, and I was knocked out by Ravello's! Unbelievably great food and great service. Simply a pleasure, I highly recommend. Pros: fabulous food, great service more

Everything about Ravello was good but not great. The ambience is nice, the service amiable, but there weren't really any stand-out moments (save the scallop appetizer...wonderful!). Pros: Service, Wine List more

If your willing to spend a little extra to get the best Ravello is the place to go. The food served here is creative and cutting edge. I've had the fish specials and the Chicken Ravello and have not had a better meal in the Twin Cities. The weekends are packed so if you can get out during the week your dining experience should be enhanced. Pros: Great food, ample parking Cons: crowded weekends more