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Bistro 161 Reviews List

Bistro 161

Since the doors were first opened in 1969, Bistro 161 of Flemington, New Jersey has employed a strong passion for life and the culture and cuisine of Italy. Salvatore Mannino, the founder of Bistro 161 wanted a restaurant that provided excellent food with a classic atmosphere. Today, Fred Mannino, graduate of the The Culinary Institute of America (1974), now leads the staff as head chef and current owner of Bistro 161.Since 1969, our reputation for fine Italian cuisine, relaxed atmosphere and our courteous staff has remained strong. Great service, a classic ambiance, and fine Italian food are what we at Bistro 161 offer to our patrons. We hope you come and share our passion for food, life, family and friends at Bistro 161.
See more Bistro 161 details
17 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
(17 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 17 reviews
5 stars
(3)
4 stars
(8)
3 stars
(4)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Service 
3.6 / 5
(Very Good) 3.6 / 5
Ambiance 
3.3 / 5
(Very Good) 3.3 / 5
Noise Level
1.5 / 3
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • neighborhood gem(5)
  • good for groups(4)
  • great for outdoor dining(4)
  • special occasion(3)
  • fit for foodies(2)
  • great for lunch(1)
Bistro 161 Reviews List
Review 1 for Bistro 161
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/18/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Food was fresh, but nothing special. Overall, very ok'd school with a limited manual. Nice outdoor space."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
0points
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Review 2 for Bistro 161
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Not a good night

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"One waitress working the Saturday night we went. Had half the sauce from my appetizer spilled down my arm when served to me
One person ordered penne w/ vodka, another ordered penne no peas add chicken, and a third ordered rigatoni bolognese. One penne had peas and chicken and the other had neither. The rigatoni had the same exact sauce as the penne. Same exact taste, color, look. The kitchen confirmed that is the bolognese sauce. We politely refused the dish.
The owner offered to make another dish but at this point everyone had finished eating and it was too late. He offered free desert. When the bill arrived, the rigatoni was not on there but the desert was, contrary to his offer."
Dined on 5/11/2013
0points
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Review 3 for Bistro 161
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Very much enjoyed the food

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Very much enjoyed the food and evening there. Will dine there again."
Dined on 04/04/2013
 2012
0points
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Review 4 for Bistro 161
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good local restaurant.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Nice food and atmosphere. Looks like they have a nice outdoor area so will return when it's warmer."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 5 for Bistro 161
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food is fresh, simple

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food is fresh, simple and very, very good, bordering on excellent. We liked the friendly service and nicely paced dinner, never felt rushed. The gorgonzola-fig appetizer would make a stellar dessert, minus the crostini and greens. The tapenade-oil dip was so delicious that we took some home. Portions are generous, almost to a fault, so share starters and desserts to fully enjoy your meal."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 6 for Bistro 161
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

GREAT FIND

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This was truly a great neighborhood find, the food was amazing and the presentation was unreal. The only thing was the chairs were not so comfortable other than that I say go and see for yourself . Cant wait to go back."
Dined on 02/17/2013
 2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
0points
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Review 7 for Bistro 161
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great local restaurant with

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Great local restaurant with friendly service and romantic ambience. It's BYOB, if that's a concern, but I look forward to returning."
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
0points
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Bistro 161
Based on the average of (10) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
1 out of 1 recommend this product
Food 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Service 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Ambiance 
3.4 / 5
(Very Good) 3.4 / 5
Noise Level
1.5 / 3
Moderate