Cafe Via, the latest hot spot in Birmingham, is an American bistro that reminds one of the elegant cafes of Europe. The restaurant is located behind an alleyway off Maple near Woodward. While reservations are accepted for lunch and dinner, reservations are available only on a limited basis.

Share this review on Facebook.

The elegant interior of Café Via gives one a Ralph Lauren feel the moment you step inside. The restaurant has three dining areas, a bar and a courtyard patio seating. The hallway that joins these dining areas is lined with shelves containing faux library books and glass cases that display museum-type pieces. Ornate crystal chandeliers adorn the high ceilings. The mirrored bar has a seating of 10 and is decorated with sparkling glassware and porcelain urns holding faux flowers.

Café Via has 15 tables and seats 65 diners. An additional 30 seats are available in the patio outside the restaurant during warm weather. Set under a large olive green canopy, this patio has wicker and wrought-iron furnishings along with a large granite faux fireplace with heat lamps for chilly evenings.

Café Via’s cuisine is simple and straightforward with its fresh and familiar bistro fare. Tucked into a plastic sleeve, the menu offers elegantly simple food such as crab cakes, grilled salmon, lamb chops and roasted chicken. The appetizers are the same for both lunch and dinner, with the exception of the beef tartare which is available only at dinner.

My partner and I were served warm crusty bread dotted with olives while we waited for our meal to arrive. The appetizers and entrées that we tried were all superb. Strawberry shortcake and apple pie are the popular desserts here. However, the clear favourite in this Birmingham restaurant is the burger made out of a brioche bun with a touch of mayonnaise flavoured with truffle oil and oven-roasted tomatoes.

The bar is well stocked with a variety of fine wine and liquor. The service at Café Via is smooth with our waiter greeting us the moment we were seated. There were multiple servers to cover the dining rooms and the patio. The attentive staff provided top notch service. The prices are quite reasonable considering the exceptional food and service.

Café Via is the perfect spot to dine, be it on a lovely summer day or on a night out in Birmingham. Overall, our rating of Café Via is Bombastic.

What I liked: Everything, from the urban elegance to the wonderful food and service

What I didn’t like: Nothing much

Rating: Bombastic

Address and Telephone Number:
Café Via
310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, MI
Phone: (248) 644-8800 (248) 644-8800
Join us on Facebook!

5 Star and Luxury Hotel, Resort,
Restaurant, Airline and Travel Reviews,
Advice and Information - Independent and Unbiased