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Restaurant Reviews List > Michigan Restaurant Reviews > Detroit Restaurant Reviews > Birmingham Restaurant Reviews > American Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Reviews for Forte

Forte reservations Forte

201 S Old Woodward
Birmingham, MI 48009

Welcome to Forte.. Comfortable, Casual, Creative and Memorable. Relax and enjoy an enticing meal, expertly prepared by our award winning culinary team, served by seasoned professionals in an award winning setting. Forte proves that creative cuisine isn't confusing, and quality service isn't stuffy. Breakfast, Lunch Dinner, Cocktails... Welcome to Forte.

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Price: $30 and under
Parking: Public Lot
Cross Street: Merrill
See more Forte details
Average Diner Rating
Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 4.0 out of 5 (64 Reviews)
Food 4.1 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.9 out of 3 (Moderate)
Summary of Special Features

Diners classify this restaurant as:

  • special occasion (19)
  • neighborhood gem (17)
  • fit for foodies (14)
  • notable wine list (11)
  • good for groups (10)
  • romantic (10)
  • hot spot (9)
  • vibrant bar scene (9)
  • great for lunch (7)
  • great for brunch (6)
  • late-night find (1)

Forte Reviews List
Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Great food, great service, well priced."

Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, scenic view

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 03/10/2010
(review submitted 03/12/2010)
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Review 2 for Forte

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Our second visit here and everything was GREAT. Food was excellent, try the Veal Marsala.
Service was outstanding and all the staff were very friendly and knowledgable. There was quite a crowd at the bar so it was noisy, but in a good way.We hear that the new Chef will be starting a new menu soon, can't wait to come back."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 03/08/2010
(review submitted 03/10/2010)
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Review 3 for Forte

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Service makes Forte' exceptional. With fine dining you expect outstanding food and wine, but it is rarely accompanied by attentive, professional, knowledgeable service like you get from the Forte' staff."

Special Features: special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 03/01/2010
(review submitted 03/03/2010)
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Review 4 for Forte

Overall Rating 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
"We attended Forte during the 'Taste of Birmingham' weeks and ordered off their price fixed menu that was designed for the event. Although the entrees were tasty, we were very disappointed with the design and presentation of the meals. Each of the four meals was presented exactly the same no matter what the meat selection was. The same sauce was also used on 2 different entrees. We had hoped to get a taste of the 'Best' of the menu, but instead we were given a mass produced special selection which didn't really highlight what the restrauant is known for. As much as we enjoyed the ambiance, we would not recommend this restrauant based on the poor showing during the 'Taste of Birmaingham'."

Special Features: notable wine list, special occasion

Food 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/12/2010
(review submitted 02/25/2010)
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Review 5 for Forte

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"We visited Forte during Birmingham Restaurant Week. They serve a 3 course meal for $25.00 which is a great buy! Two of us had the laqured white fish which was a nice portion with great flavor. Two had the 12 ounce pork chop which proved delicious. Two had the petite veal marsala. The portion was so small it was gone in a couple of bites. In my estimation, the veal should not have been offered if it did not meet the standards of the other menu options. We think Forte is a great restaurant and we will continue to dine there but I don't think we will go for restaurant week. The regular dinner menu offers fine dining with excellent service."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/12/2010
(review submitted 02/24/2010)
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Review 6 for Forte

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"Very nice atomosphere in an upscale neighborhood and yet nicely priced and not over the top."

Special Features: romantic, special occasion

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/13/2010
(review submitted 02/21/2010)
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Review 7 for Forte

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"I have been to Forte several times for dinner and have never had a bad meal."

Special Features: good for groups

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/04/2010
(review submitted 02/19/2010)
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Review 8 for Forte

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Our dining experience was wonderful. The people there were terrific, from the hostess to the server. Forte is definitely a place we will go to again!"

Special Features: good for groups, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/14/2010
(review submitted 02/19/2010)
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Review 9 for Forte

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"I enjoyed the meal, the food was very good. The service was also ver good. The restaurant was kind of open and not real big so there was a lot of ambient noise making conversation slightly difficult."

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/13/2010
(review submitted 02/16/2010)
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Review 10 for Forte

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Friends and husbands had breakfast on Valentine's Day. We had a wonderful time. The breakfast food was very good. I have been to Forte for dinner. I recommend this restaurant. It has nice ambience."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, great for lunch, hot spot

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/14/2010
(review submitted 02/16/2010)
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Review 11 for Forte

Overall Rating 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
"Suprisingly good food, very good value. Service was pleasant, but erratic."

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/14/2010
(review submitted 02/16/2010)
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Review 12 for Forte

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"I really enjoyed myself at this restaurant. The food as well as ambience was great."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/13/2010
(review submitted 02/15/2010)
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Review 13 for Forte

Overall Rating 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
"We went for lunch during "Birmingham Week", and were disappointed with the appetizer and dessert. The Caesar salad was a little dry and the apple crisp tasted like cardboard. It had only a teaspoon of vanilla ice-cream over it.
The entree was superb, it was the best part of the meal.
The place was extremely noisy. Service was excellent even though the place was very busy."

Special Features: good for groups, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot

Food 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/12/2010
(review submitted 02/14/2010)
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Review 14 for Forte

Overall Rating 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
"Service was very good with good food and wine recommendations. The entrees were well prepared, the creme brulee was not. It was cold and dry and not what was expected."

Food 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/06/2010
(review submitted 02/09/2010)
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Review 15 for Forte

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Had dinner here on a very busy Saturday, food was amazing- the pork Chop was superb,tender and moist and ooh that sauce!Our server was Brent and he was great, very helpful with our wine selection and his Pork Chop recomendation was spot on.Hostess was very friendly and the manager stopped by to say hello and check on our visit ( first time here)We will definitely come back."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/06/2010
(review submitted 02/08/2010)
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Review 16 for Forte

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"The food was fantastic. It was very noisy & hard to hear across our table for conversation. We asked for non-smoking & they seated us next to the bar that was smoking. The server kindof rushed us through each course, I'm sure he was trying to keep us from staying longer than our alloted reservation. But saying all that the restaurant served great food. Just wish they wouldn't have tried to remove our plates 3 times while we were still eating. Finally, we let the third person take our food as they didn't ask they just swooped in to take the meal from us. We hadn't even been there for an hour. A little disappointing that we couldn't relax when we spent so much money!"

Special Features: hot spot

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/05/2010
(review submitted 02/08/2010)
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Review 17 for Forte

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"Food, as always, was superb; Restaurant Week menu was a great buy. Server must have been new. She knew nothing about the wines, mixed up our entrees, forgot dessert and then had the gall to charge $2 for a cup of hot water. Ouch!"

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 1.0 out of 5 (Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/03/2010
(review submitted 02/05/2010)
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Review 18 for Forte

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"It's a very nice restaurant offers us good food in a comfortable atmosphere."

Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion

Food 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/01/2010
(review submitted 02/03/2010)
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Review 19 for Forte

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"It was very good. The atmosphere was nice anf the food was ok. Really comfortable scene and the drinks were good."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem

Food 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/29/2010
(review submitted 02/02/2010)
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Review 20 for Forte

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"The veal marsala was wonderful!"

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/16/2010
(review submitted 01/21/2010)
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Review 21 for Forte

Overall Rating 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
"My wife's scallops were extremely salty; this was confirmed by me, and I was dipping shrimp into soy sauce. Then her beef entree entree was dry and again over-salted. My shrimp appetizer and fish entree were fine. Service was good; the scallops were replaced; didn't bother with the beef. My wife mumbled at least three times, "It's not Tribute," confirming that Epoch shut the wrong restaurant, since the check was not much less than a visit to Tribute, where every meal was a value meal AND world-class! There are no more world-class restaurants in Michigan; yes, there are still some expensive restaurants, but no world-class restaurants (and Epoch knows how to operate one)."

Food 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/16/2010
(review submitted 01/18/2010)
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Review 22 for Forte

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Really enjoyed the menu, the cocktails and the service. The only bad part of our experience was the heat was out so it was a tad chilly for a while. Everything was great...the short rib hash was awesome!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for lunch

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/02/2010
(review submitted 01/04/2010)
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Review 23 for Forte

Overall Rating 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
"When a patron asks which entree is better, you can tell him what the cook has told you to push that evening, or you can tell him which is better.
Who leaves your tip, the cook, or the diner?
Service was attentive, food was a little uneven. Get the scallops (heavenly); skip the lamb (yes, there is a difference between mutton and lamb, and customers can tell).
We've come to expect really good things from this restaurant, and though we're a little brought down, we'll be back."

Food 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/31/2009
(review submitted 01/03/2010)
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Review 24 for Forte

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Great night. Walked in 10 minutes before the reservation and was seated promptly. Waiter was great, food was excellent, couldn't have been more perfect."

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/31/2009
(review submitted 01/02/2010)
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Review 25 for Forte

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Thsi restaurant is consistently on my short list of Birmingham Restaurants, and it never fails to provide great food and service. The manager even sent somebody to buy our Movie Tickets. Now that's service."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, notable wine list, great for lunch

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/06/2009
(review submitted 12/08/2009)
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Review 26 for Forte

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"My husband and I were very pleased with the atmosphere, menu and service. Forte in Birmingham has a very professional yet friendly atmosphere. We would highly recommend this restaurant.

Linda and Bill"

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/05/2009
(review submitted 12/08/2009)
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Review 27 for Forte

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"We went to Forte for Thanksgiving dinner. They offered a traditional turkey dinner. The salad, turkey with trimmings, and dessert were all excellent! Service was attentive. It was a wonderful evening."

Special Features: special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 11/26/2009
(review submitted 12/05/2009)
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Review 28 for Forte

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"Very nice way to spend Thanksgiving and I didn't have to wash one dish. Vunderbar."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, romantic

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 11/26/2009
(review submitted 12/05/2009)
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Review 29 for Forte

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Thanks for making our Thanksgiving Dinner Special, Dinner was fantastic!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 11/26/2009
(review submitted 12/04/2009)
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Forte Based on the average of (35) ratings-only reviews
Overall Rating 3.7 out of 5 (Very Good)
Food 3.9 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 3.7 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.7 out of 3 (Moderate)
160*600 Advertising Space