I recently dined at Baru, a new restaurant in downtown Cincinnati, and I was mostly impressed with what it had to offer. Baru boasts a diverse and creative menu, with dishes that left my taste buds satisfied. The atmosphere and vibe of the place were also top-notch, making for a memorable dining experience. Unfortunately, the service we received from the bartender left a bit to be desired, which has me giving this establishment a 4-star rating.
The food at Baru is definitely one of its strong points. I particularly enjoyed the fusion of flavors in each dish, which seemed to be a delightful mix of various international cuisines. The edamame was especially delicious, perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. A must-try at Baru is their unique offering of meat that you cook on a hot stone right at your table - it's an interactive and fun experience that adds an element of excitement to your meal. The presentation was equally impressive, with each plate meticulously crafted to make a visual impact.
However, it's worth noting that they do not offer substitutions on their menu items, as we were informed during our visit. This might be a drawback for some diners with specific dietary preferences or restrictions, so be prepared to enjoy the dishes as they are crafted by the chef. Additionally, we found it odd that our food came out at irregular intervals and wasn't coursed out as one might expect in a restaurant of this caliber.
The ambiance of Baru is another highlight. Its trendy and modern decor, coupled with the lively background music, created an energetic atmosphere that was perfect for a night out with friends. The overall vibe was buzzing, making it a great spot for socializing and enjoying good food in the heart of the city.
Sadly, our experience was marred by the less-than-stellar service we received from the bartender. At first, we were greeted warmly, but as soon as another guest arrived, we seemed to become invisible. It was disappointing to feel ignored, especially when we were trying to enjoy a night out in a new place. As the saying goes, service can make or break a restaurant experience, and in this case, it definitely took away from our evening.
Despite the subpar service from the bartender, I am still considering giving Baru another chance, simply because the food and atmosphere were so enjoyable. Next time, however, I will be sure to request a different staff member to wait on us. Hopefully, Baru can address these service issues and elevate the entire experience to the level its food and ambiance deserve.
Overall, I give Baru 4 out of 5 stars. If they can improve their service and maintain their unique and delicious menu offerings, they have the potential to become a true gem in downtown Cincinnati's dining scene. read more