Bistro 18 - Montclair

Four of us went to dinner on the weekend that everything was closing down because of the coronavirus. There were 3 other tables and we were all well separated. So it was much more quiet than normal. Food was great as always

Food was good, but nothing to rave about. I ordered escargot, which I love, and have only seen it made one way: in an escargot pan with butter and garlic. This escargot is sautéed in tomato sauce, and it says nothing about that on the menu (or I wouldn't have ordered it). I also ordered a swordfish and shrimp special: the swordfish was tough and unappealing. The rest of the dish, the shrimp and vegetables, was delicious. Other entrees and eggplant appetizer were good, but just OK. Atmosphere is nice, although layout is strange. Service was the strong suit.

The food is very good at Bistro 18. However our visit on Saturday, Feb 15th was very harried. Perhaps the restaurant was short a staff member because the service was slow and haphazard. We did not get water until well into our meal and it was not refilled until the end. The server was very curt. The special avocado salad was only 4 small pieces of avocado and a bunch of arugula for $12. The salmon entree was very good. I will return to Bistro 18 but not on a Saturday.

Good quality and great service for a birthday event

There is no alcohol at this restaurant- bring your own or order from the next door wine shop !