Handke's Cuisine

I went to this restaurant on valentines day so they had a preplanned menu. All of our dishes were excellent and our service was good. It is quite expensive but it is worth treating youself to more

Very overpriced, our meal for 2 came to $160 and we didn't order drinks. Waited several minutes to be seated even though the restaurant was empty and we had a reservation. Food was mediocre at best. It was like they were trying too hard to be gourmet, but really the dishes were not very creative or tasty. Many better restaurants around C-bus that serve more delicious food at a fraction of the price. Pros: Famous name Cons: expensive, food is average more

I had heard some great things about this place. The atmosphere is great the place was packed on a Saturday. Our reservations were for 9:45 pm and it was still packed. Great waitstaff but not overly impressed with the food. I expected much more. Thats not to say the food was bad it was very good, I guess with all the hype my expectations were higher. more

I took my girlfriend there for a valentines celebration. Very romantic, great food, and nice music. BUT, and the BUT is huge. I mean if it wasn't because it was Valentines and I made reservations late I would've canceled. I called the day before and a German lady answered, I asked for a table and she asked the usual, after setting up she asked my name, I said Jose ( I am hispanic) and her next question was, you do know our prices are high right?? I said, I didn't ask for prices just a table. She booked it finally but I found this to be extremely rude and discriminatory. more

I have eaten at many top restaurants around the world, and I have always valued both the food and service equally - especially at a restaurant where you pay top-dollar. When we first arrived, we waited for 10 minutes before a maitre'd even showed up to take us to our table. It then took 30 minutes before the waiter even took our drink order. To be fair, he did bring out our amuse-bouche, water, and some butter (but no bread) during that time. When we asked to place our order several times, he actually said ""no"" twice. Columbus must not have much competition for pricey restaurants. In most cities, Handke's would have disappeared long ago. Pros: Food, ambience Cons: Service, service, service more

The food at this place is just superb! I fortunate to be treated at this restaurant and had a blast from appetizers to dessert and the wine selection was just ok. The ambiance is very old and unique from other city restaurants. The food selection is just phenomenal and they taste really well. Two thumbs up Master Chef Handke! Pros: ambiance and food more

Best in town! The atmosphere is romantic and unique, old stone walls with dimmed lighting, candles at every table. The service is outstanding - friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. And ah, the food. My husband has tried every dish on the menu, each time leaving more pleased than the last. I, being a little on the pickier side, have only tried a few things, repeatedly - everything is not only presented like a work of art, the taste is delactable. From appetizers to drinks to desserts and everything in between, Handke's is by far my husband and my favorite restaurant, not just in Columbus. We've travelled all the major cities, but now our standard has been set by Handke's, and so far - none have even compared.\r Try the ceasar salad, any soup, the lamb or duck for dinner - and the dessert symphony (a sampler for those who cannot decide) or my favorite, the house made chocolate terrine. For us, Handke's has become an almost weekly event. The price is comparable with many Columbus restaruants, the quality though, is unmatchable. I prefer weeknight dining, very busy on the weekends - reservations a must on the weekend. Pros: The best all around dining experience - delicious food, impeccable service. more

I question the palate of anyone who doesn't recognize the genius of this chef. As for the waitstaff, I've never been remotely disappointed; I get the feeling Handke would not suffer fools gladly. \r \r If you've never been to this restaurant, you're missing out. Pros: Delectable food Cons: Not a place to "see and be seen"--sometimes diners are dressed in casual attire more

We have never had a bad meal here. Best time to go is weeknites though. Avoid crowded weekend evenings. The only negative experience we've had is an over boisterous patron who wanted everyone to know he was with some semi-famous artist. The Chef took care of the situation professionally and quietly. This is an upscale, well-run run establishment. Any complaints need to go to Chef Handke immediately. Pros: Ambiance and Cuisine Cons: Avoid peak times. more

My boyfriend and I have been coming here for our anniversaries every year. We love the service and the great menu. Handke's is an all around romantic setting and a place to get great food. Pros: Quiet, Great Food Cons: Sometimes cold more

I took my fiance to Handke's Cusine for his 30th birthday. I have no regrets. The food was terrific, followed by the outstanding service. It is located in the basement of a building, wonderfully located in downtown Columbus....within walking distance to a wonderful Jazz Bar or Piano Bar. The ceilings are rounded and vaulted, and gives the place a cozy feeling. HIGHLY Recommended! more

Everything about my experience at Handke's was perfect. I loved the setting and the food is even more. My sig. other and I had the sea bass and veal respectively and both were among the best dishes I've ever tasted. The ceasar salad in a parmesean basket was a fantastic appetizer. You can definately eat three courses comfortably; the service was phenomenal....I'll be going back to Handke's again and again. Such a cute place. Pros: great food, great service, great ambience more

Though I only rated the atmosphere and the service as average, I would highly recommend this restaurant. The cost of a 3 course meal is a bit lower than The Refectory, which is where I would go when I expected superb service and atmosphere. Despite these two drawbacks, the food is fabulous--the sake marinated sea bass and accompanying shiso broth is absolutely divine! The duck is also good. I found the dressing with the mozarella and tomato salad the best of any I've had yet. As for desserts, the poached pear is a nice change for someone like me, who typically heads straight for the creme brulee or cheesecake. If I were to compare Handke's to Lindey's, I think Handke's would come out on top, primarily because though I find fault with the atmosphere of both, Lindey's is much louder--at least you can hear your dining partner at Handke's! Pros: sea bass! Cons: , atmosphere more

Prior to dining at Handke's, I was excited to experience the cuisine of a ""Master Chef,"" and after I read some of his reviews, I felt very comfortable in my decision. Unfortunately, from appetizer through dinner, our items were below average. I was hesitant to eat my Salmon appetizer because it was unexpectedly room temperature. Also, the Scallops were overpowered by the alcohol used in the dish which made that entree unpalatable. Compliments on the buffalo tenderloin dish topped with foie gras. The Plastic water glasses where an unexpected touch in a white table-cloth restaurant, and our server was unaccustomed to the wine list. All in all, I beleive that a restaurant of this calliber could be so mush more. Pros: Building Character Cons: , Acoustics, Outdated more

Every moment of this dining experience is pure drama from the rathskeller setting to the theater of the plate. Portions are perfect to allow for multiple courses. Desserts are large enough to allow for a bit of romantic sharing. The wine list has a nice variety to choose from and the staff is both knowledgeable about the food and very gracious in making diners comfortable and happy. Pros: Romantic, Drama!, Valet parking more

I have dined at Handke's several times and have only had wonderful experiences. The servers are professional and very knowledgable, the food is outstanding, and the portion sizes are excellent, as the dishes can be rich and are only prepared with the best fresh ingredients. While the restaurant can be loud on a weekend night, on week nights it is conducive for a business meeting. I have thoroughly enjoyed each dining experience there, and believe me, it is an experience! The wine list pairs well with the food, but I wish there was a greater breadth of vintages. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Pros: Great service, Great food, Beautiful ambience more

Big expectations were met with dissapointment. After indicating it was my wife and I's first anniversary when I made reservations, we were seated in the overcrowded, and loud tunnel room. Cool room, too many tables. Business casual attire turned into jeans and sweatshirts which didnt add to the atmosphere. THe food was good, buffalo steak was excellent, wine list average, and service average for the price. Lindeys is definitely the better value. Pros: Good Food Cons: Crowded, Loud, Average Service more

Handke's was truly amazing. The food was incredible, allowing my friend and I to expand our culinary horizons and be thoroughly impressed. The atmosphere was also very different, but in a relaxed, cozy way. The service was fine, not exceptional, but quite knowledgeable about the details of the various dishes. Overall, with great food, nice atmosphere, and great company it was an experience not to be forgotten. Pros: Wonderful Menu!! more

After hearing much hype about the restaurant and learning that Handke won the right to respresent the USA at the Bocuse d'Or, my wife and I couldn't wait to celebrate a special occasion at Handke's. After dining here the first time, it was clear that Handke's attention was placed elsewhere- he clearly wasn't paying attention to the restaurant. The service was awful, the wine list unimpressive (far too many Alsace wines), the food well below the levels of cuisine found at L'Antibes, the Refectory, and others. The ambiance is excellent, but this point clearly defines this restaurant: All form an no substance. Pros: Ambiance Cons: Unfriendly Hostess, Service, Food Quality more

The food is delicious and the sauces are incredible. The atmosphere is enjoyable and a welcomed change to the traditional restaurant architecture. As far as service goes, it was more than adequate and the only non-authentic aspect to this restaurant. If you have ever lived in France, you know the expectations for servers in the states are much higher than the standard in Europe. Prices are also reasonable. The wine menu is respectable but lacks some of the best French wines. Pros: Delicious, romantic, satisfying Cons: wine menu more