Started with the calamari for an appetizer which was excellent as always. The pizza was great and I ended up with a few pieces as leftovers. I also had a smoked old fashioned which was fantastic. The service was 5 star even though the restaurant was quite busy. The whole group had a great time and enjoyed their meals. read more

Testa Barra Kitchen & Cocktails - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Macomb, Michigan

Delish food . Good service . Even carry out is Staff super friendly . Great location but gets packed. Try to go on off times read more

2020-10-30 TestaBarra. Macomb, Mi The first time we came here was for their happy hour, tonight we came for dinner. Menu are both physical and virtual via QR code to access their website menu. There is definitely too much to talk about here so be sure to look at my pics as I've provided a quick summary in the captions. J Baldwin's famous calamari. After receiving the dish, I think I've had it before at J Baldwin's in Clinton Twp. The calamari is not your typical calamari and is sauced with his Beurre Blanc famed on the Food Network. While it's still breaded, the Beurre Blanc is enough to soften it completely while adding an explosion of flavor. The Beurre Blanc is made with olive oil, shallots, peppercorns, bay leaves, lemon juice, wine, and cream. Personally I think this dish was way too sauce heavy. There wasn't a single crispy bite. While flavorful, I was looking forward to a light and crispy texture, but didn't get it. I think this could have been accomplished with going lighter in the sauce, maybe just drizzling it on, and providing a serving of it on the side. 3,5 stars. Truffle Sausage Pizza. Tradition hand tossed dough that's not too thick and not too thin. Italian sausage, truffle oil, parsley, Gouda, Mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. The Italian sausage was not what I expected. Rather than slices or tiny meatballs, it was ground up. I kinda liked it to tell you the truth, but it wasn't evenly applied. It was more densely populated in the center, which left the perimeter sparse with toppings. While the truffle oil sounded good, it didn't work for me. Here's the thing you need to know about truffle oil, it's not made from truffles (mushrooms)! That's right, truffle oil is typically made from extract, which is why the flavor is so intense and a little goes a long way. Local Carbonara Bucatini. Made the traditional way with cuts of pork cheek (guanciale). The bucatini pasta was nicely done and not overcooked. The guanciale was also nice and crispy as it should be. It was lighter on the cheese than I would have liked and none was served on the side, but it was Pecorino Romano and it was shaved from a block. Did I ask for more on the side, of course I did! The black pepper wasn't also as prominent as it should have been, but the server did have some fresh ground at the ready when it was served. 4 stars. Overall, I would have to say that I'm still a fan of J. Baldwin's Testa Barra. The food is prepared fresh with quality ingredients, and the dishes are inspirationally classic, and sometimes with innovating or modern twist. I've consistently never been disappointed with every visit. If You would like to experience more, come dine-with-me.yelp.com I'd love to have your company... Bon Appétit! read more

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Everything is perfect here! The service, the food, and the ambience. It is a bit loud unfortunately if you are trying to keep a conversation. It was our birthday party and they did a give a beautiful rose, a chocolate cake, and a birthday candle. Nothing could've ended the dinner more perfectly. We will return again. We love the vegan and vegetarian options Trey provide. Try them out for yourself. read more

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The Food is out standing, good portions. Service is great the waiter kept checking to see if we needed or wanted anything. The Restaurant is decorated Really nice. Very clean. Plenty of Parking. Handicap accessible. I recommend this restaurant to all my friends and family. No one ever disappointed. read more

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Testa Barra is hands down my favorite restaurant right now. Every single time we go, it just hits. The food is unreal... like the kind where everyone at the table keeps saying "ok wait you HAVE to try this." Everything we ordered was packed with flavor and felt a little elevated but still comforting at the same time. And the drinks...so good. Service is always spot on too. The staff are super attentive without hovering, and they're great with families which I really appreciate. You never feel rushed, but you also never feel forgotten. And the space itself is just cool. It has this modern Italian vibe that feels stylish but not stuffy. Good music, great energy, people actually enjoying themselves. It's the kind of place you walk into and instantly feel like it's gonna be a good night. Honestly... everything just slaps here. If you haven't been yet, go. Like, tonight if you can lol. read more

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A-ok place for dinner but food/drink can be hit or miss. Our waiter was pretty good, very accommodating, and one of the owners stopped by after our meal to check in, which is always a nice touch. For drinks, I liked their espresso martini best but the Girl Next Door cocktail was also good. For food, I was recommended to try their fig pizza but maybe it was an off night because it was just ok - kind of dry. I was able to try a bite of someone else's barramundi and that was much better. My mom didn't really care for her scallops that were on special - too salty. I will say they are generous with the complimentary bread and also birthday dessert (a huge slice of chocolate cake). We also ordered a few other desserts for the table, which were delicious! All in all, a good experience but I'd just be careful what to order for my meal next time. read more

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Great food and drinks. Prompt friendly service. Cool location and decorations. Sit at the bar and order a smoked old-fashioned. You are welcome. read more

This was my husband's and my first visit to Testa Barra. We known about it for years and I wish we would have come in sooner. It was, hands down, the best experience we've had at a restaurant in a long time. We are very choosy with where we go out to eat these days because the service always seems rushed, the food quality doesn't match the price on the menu and feel like we're just a table to turn instead of a valued guest. This was most certainly NOT the case at Testa Barra. Our server, Bradley, was wonderful. He was friendly and personable, gave fantastic food/cocktail recommendations, and was extremely knowledgeable about the spirit selections and food preparations. The atmosphere was elevated and polished, yet relaxed. My husband had the smoked old fashioned (love the table side service) and I thoroughly enjoyed the dirty martini and refreshing "garden of Eden" cocktails. Calamari for starter was crispy on the outside and perfectly tender, cooked just right. The Ragu Conchiglie and Barramundi were deliciously comforting and flavorful. We truly enjoyed our evening from start to finish and will most definitely return. read more

Testa Barra Kitchen & Cocktails - Calamari, dirty martini, smoked old fashioned - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Macomb, Michigan

Moved a few years ago but still loving coming back to Macomb County, specifically Testa Barra and J Baldwins for drinks and dinner. Last night was one of those times. Started with reservations in advance and glad we did, we were seated immediately while others waited. The place was packed but organized, plenty of staff on hand. The football game was on but not distracting, later the entertainment was a singer who was not too loud and sang some good songs. Our food was over the top, Braised short ribs, some pasta and a salad. Everything was over the top ie; service food and atmosphere read more

Wonderful atmosphere. Emily, our server, was spectacular, anticipating our needs before we asked. Attentive. All the food was very, very good-Meatballs just mediocre. As always, we will keep coming back. read more

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Been to Testa fir the first time and I'm in love with the restaurant such a cool vibe and food is delicious, service is great, and sisters to Jbaldwins and definitely can tell read more

Testa Barra Kitchen & Cocktails - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Macomb, Michigan

We love Testa Barra! It's a staple of ours to go to. Been for brunch & dinner. Always a good experience! Food & service always good! read more

Testa Barra Kitchen & Cocktails - Short ribs - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Macomb, Michigan

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Testa Barra is one of.our favorite date night restaurants. We have never had a bad meal here (or their sister restaurant, J Baldwins). Chef Gabby and Chef Mike and their team are top notch from cocktails, entrees, and dessert, they do a great job. Our two favorite entrees are the ragu and the short ribs, but I am also a sucker for the girl dinner (lobster, truffle fries and ceasar salad). They always do a great job with gluten free options which means a lot to me as someone with celiac. Come further holidays and make a reservation for the Dasher Room, all decked out for the holidays! read more

Testa Barra Kitchen & Cocktails - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Macomb, Michigan

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Last night's dinner was our second year with reservations at Testa Barra's Dasher Room, and we were just as impressed as we were last year. First and foremost, we don't dine here that often, but the several times we've been, we never had a single bad experience. Any of the wait staff we've encountered have all been very personable and welcoming. Sure, it's part of the job, but here, you can tell they truly enjoy what they do because the conversations go beyond just them taking our order. I usually get the boneless short rib, but the chef's menu had the herb-crusted prime rib (medium) with zip sauce as well as roasted garlic mashed potatoes and seasoned broccolini. My fiancée had her favorite, filet mignon (medium) with caramelized onions as well as the same sides. We topped it off by sharing our favorite dessert, tiramisu As always, we enjoyed our meals, I wish I got a cocktail this time, but we truly enjoyed what we had as well as the atmosphere, and much like last year, major kudos to the decorating crew. It was very festive and really lifted our spirits. Our waitress, Sydney was very friendly and patient given how much busier it got as the evening progressed. All in all, we are looking forward to coming back to the Dasher Room next year, as husband and wife. read more

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Amazing service! Friendly bartender! Clean! And good food! Nice atmosphere! Parking was easy! There was live music! It was a nice place!

The Food, Service (Justin) & atmosphere absolutely outstanding! We were there to celebrate a 70th birthday . The extra touch of a personal card and rose a champagne taste and the manager stopping by made the evening extra special . Great Job !!! Would highly recommend read more

Spent thousands on my shower here and multiple guests told me they were underwhelmed by the food. AC was not put on. Table layout was different day of than what was agreed to with no heads up and second table was in the other room instead of making the table less wide. Guests had to ask for cocktails as they weren't asked for drink orders. Several children were not provided their meals. When I realized these concerns afterward I was ghosted and never got a response. Have also been in for dinner three times and prefer any other Italian restaurant at this point. read more

Testa Barra Kitchen & Cocktails - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Macomb, Michigan

We ended up here after another restaurant had a long wait, and it turned out to be a great change of plans. I ordered the wood-fired pizza, while my friend chose the short rib pasta, and we shared a calamari appetizer to start. Everything came out at a comfortable pace, the cocktails were well made, and the atmosphere made it easy to settle in and enjoy the evening. read more

It was ok, our server was wonderful the food didn't really stand out to me. We sat in an enclosed porch type area, the seats were not very comfortable, outside of those things I couldn't tell you much about the restaurant, like I said it didn't strike me, it felt like any other restaurant read more

Been here for birthdays a few times and their food hasn't disappointed me yet! Big fan of the Catch Me Acai drink (oldish photo, but still delicious!) read more

Testa Barra Kitchen & Cocktails - Lobster tail linguine and a Catch Me Acai - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Macomb, Michigan

Had such a nice dinner this week. The lasagna was so fluffy and creamy. The shrimp were big and the cocktail sauce - I need your recipe!!! The horseradish in it was just right! My salad was huge as well. Definitely enough for two ppl. Service was prompt. And I love the way the restaurant looks. Cozy, swanky. Always a good time! read more

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Joined testa barra for the first time at a cooking demo of Baldwin's favorites. I highly recommend signing up for the demos as they provide a four course meal and the recipes! Everything I ate was incredible and the staff were wonderful. Can't wait to return to try the full menu! read more

Great ownership. Great drinks - they have fabulous bar tenders. Food was fabulous, Apps and entrees are the only Italian I enjoy. Their pasta with the vodka sauce is solid. Their special menu is always special. However Waiter Service is hit or miss. Tonight was a miss. We had a terrible waiter. My wife and I spent an extra 60 minutes just waiting for our waiter to get back to us in our 2.5 hour time. I complained to a manager and they didn't seem to care this time. Usually though they own their mistakes. But all that said, always leave with a dessert. This is a restaurant with very good food. read more

This place doesn't miss. The atmosphere is great, staff very friendly, and the food and drinks are delicious!

Testa Barra is a VIBE! This place is so cool. It doesn't make you think you're in a semi rural part of Michigan. It's in a strip mall but they've done a wonderful job outfitting it into a swanky cool semi upscale place. The service was PHENOMENAL! From the moment I walked in the door I felt welcomed. No one was at the hostess table but a young man cleaning tables quickly acknowledged me and came over to greet me. I chose to sit at the bar and there were about three to four different bartenders of which all interacted with me in service and collaborated very well together. The menu wasn't overwhelming but certainly had seemingly intentional selections that were interesting in their composition. I ordered the Guilty Vegan Pasta adding the arrabbiata sauce which was AMAZING. There is apparently a semi Ghost kitchen of a restaurant called Orro operating in the restaurant with a separate menu. The menu also had some intriguing options like an extremely fresh made guacamole served with circular tortilla chips that added a nice flair. The final course was a coconut milk panna cotta topped with cinnamon and golden raisins and it was simply scrumptious. The restaurant brings a unique big city flair to Macomb County/Shelby township. Testa Barra is definitely worth the drive. Great place for all types of occasions. I couldn't commend the staff enough! They seem to really enjoy one another and it shows in the service they deliver. read more

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Loved it here!! Pizza portion was gigantic for a low price ($16), and tasted incredible. Fig and balsamic vinegar paired so nice with the goat cheese and greens on top. Slightly sweet but still savory enough for a filling meal. Couldn't recommend this option enough. Want something more filling? We also tried the salmon.. this was seriously the best cooked salmon I've ever had. Puts other establishments to shame. It was served with this delightful carrot based sauce... wouldn't have known it was carrots if I didn't read it on the menu. Delicious. Service was quick, friendly, all that I could ask for! Only downside I'd say is location and decor. Located up in Macomb township, this inside of a strip mall next to a vape shop and gym. Parking lot is large enough you will not have issue finding a spot. I'd recommend getting a reservation though read more

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Definitely adding to my list of go to places! What a treat! I order the ragu conchiglie, my husband ordered the shrimp scampi and a friend ordered the figa biga, all were outstanding. The prices were on the higher side but the portions were very large and the leftovers were just as good! The service was good, not great but the ambiance was spectacular. We sat at the bar while we waiting for our table and the bartender was great!Highly recommend! read more

Testa Barra Kitchen & Cocktails - Ragu Conchiglie - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Macomb, Michigan

Great place for a perfect night out. Testa Barra looked fantastic and had delicious food. The Short Rib was tender, juicy, and flavored so well. The Norcina - Fusilli was great as well, great flavor on the sauce and the sausage was a spectular add. The real highlight was the tableside Spicy Ghost, a fantastic spicy tequila cocktail that paired so well with the rest of the meal. Our service was quick, fast, and on point throughout the entire meal. Thank you so much, Testa Barra. read more

Testa Barra Kitchen & Cocktails - Spicy Ghost - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Macomb, Michigan

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We went for happy hour and sat in the bar area. Very nicely decorated and music not so loud that you can have an actual conversation with whom your are with. My only complaint was having to ask for more water several times. The food-delicious, looking forward to coming back. read more

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Visited on a late Friday night and we were quickly seated. Our server recommended the limoncello Mules which were bright and citrusy. Started the meal with an appetizer of arancini- the vodka sauce is delicious! We then opted for a pizza and settled on the Figa Bigawhich was packed with flavor. I would definitely love to come back and try their brunch menu on a weekend and explore more of their signature cocktails. read more

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Loved it! The food was amazing, service was friendly and fast, and the atmosphere was perfect. We'll definitely be back to try more from the menu! read more

Testa Barra Kitchen & Cocktails - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Macomb, Michigan

Wow! I cannot describe how good this meal was to have. Service: Nick with the service was absolutely amazing. He was attentive, quick, informed and continually checked in on my wife and myself. Chef Michael brought our food out and checked in on us. Service - 10/10 Cocktails: my wife ordered a lemon drop martini and said it was so good. I had a chocolate espresso martini and it was impeccable. Cocktails 10/10 Food: By far was the HIGHLIGHT of the meal. The arancini really set the tempo for the meal; flaky, crispy and all around perfect made me want more. House made pasta was to die for. Nick and Chef really added to the experience by explaining the food to us and how it was prepared. The chicken was perfectly cooked and the pasta was amazing. Food - 10/10 Value for money: Amazingly priced and would highly recommend anyone looking for new places to eat to come here. Value for money - 10/10 This is truly what taking your wife out on a date for dinner should be. Kudos to Testa Barra for truly bringing an experience worth spending money on. We will definitely be back. read more

Dined here twice this week! The Michael Agnello wine dinner event was 5 stars. We were greeted with Champagne, browsed jewelry, nice spring side salad, tasty chicken puttanesca, and delicious chocolate crème brûlée pot. Also paired with the Scrooge drink and Bononza Cab. Service was attentive. Event room was cozy and decorated for the holidays. It was lovely hearing from the entire Baldwin family and their history. A step above would've been if they walked around to ask how everything was. Last night we tried our luck to dine in the dasher room with our toddler. We got a floor table, which was fine for us. We got the kids pizza but were super disappointed that he never got the bombolino. I forgot to remind the waitress so I'm hoping they'll make up for it and give him 2 next time. We got the Scrooge drink again - it tasted different than at the wine dinner. Not as good but served in a bulb which was cute but I think it ruins the effervescence of the Champagne. I questioned if Champagne was in it at all. We also ordered an Old Fashion. For dinner we ordered the Chicken Saltimbocco dish. It was not as good as the wine dinner chicken dish I had days earlier. It was also missing mushrooms which the waitress had corrected. The wine dinner version had nice large flakes of Parmesan. This evening's chicken had none. I'm not sure what to expect if I order this again in the future. Waitress was really busy and checked in frequently. Only downside was that missed bombolino which I'm hoping we'll get double if we decide to come back! read more

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Still dreaming about the meal that we had at Testa Barra Kitchen & Cocktails on Saturday... Dan went with the lasagna. It was amazing as usual. I tried something new for me here- Rigatoni ala Vodka. It was sooo good and I'll definitely be ordering it again. We ordered some wine and the spicy ghost cocktail (I love that they put fresh jalapeño in the ice cube) Our server was the best and gave us recommendations for next time. The manager came over to check on us. The service is always above and beyond here and the food is incredible. We still need to make it in for pizza sometime! read more

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We will always recommend the bar cart service at Testa Barra. The rotating speciality cocktails that are on the Bar Cart menu are extremely creative and delicious. Make sure you try the House speciality Gin, Hard Head, it's a collab between Testa Barra and Detroit distillery and you can only get it at Testa Barra. The service is always spot on with Great recommendations if you don't already know what you might want. read more

I feel like I am being very generous giving Testa Barra 3 stars... The food is nothing special. The sweet potato fries looked good, but had so many huge chunks of brown sugar stuck to them, they were basically inedible. The waiter took it back to the chef and the owner came out making a big deal about it, but then still charged us for them. Another time, I ordered a pizza that they delivered to our table basically raw. Even the waitress was mortified that someone had brought it out to us in the condition it was in. They did remake it this time and took it off the bill, which was nice. I really wanted to like this place but after multiple visits, in which I have been disappointed every time, I do not feel the need to ever go back. read more

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Came with a group of friends on a Saturday night. What a nice place. Very clean and well kept. Service is wonderful. Food was delicious. The interior design is quite unique. The live music was a perfect touch. Such a cool atmosphere. read more

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The Testa Barra burger is AMAZING! But the other items are always inconsistent fo taste and presentation on the menu especially Nocina. I am sad my favorite bartender is no longer there and I hope the burger quality stays strong as the server staff as changed over the years and the restaurant atmosphere isn't the same, service has went down and other food outside of the burger is inconsistent on taste. I hope things get better!!! read more

Honestly always a great experience. The ambiance is great, great staff & the food is always up to par & consistent. One of me and my families favorite places to go. read more