(614) 621-2500

520 S Front St
Columbus, OH 43215 39.9514 -83.0003

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Neighborhoods: Brewery District, South Columbus

Price:

$$$$

Last updated 6.17.10

Category:

Restaurants, Catering

Payment Methods:

American Express, Cash, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard, Debit Card

Restaurant Special Features:

Local Favorite, Romantic Dining, Group Dining, Notable Wine List

Cuisine:

Central European, French, German

Notable Chef:

Harmut Handke

Smoking Permitted:

Yes

Reviews & Ratings for Handke's Cuisine

4 Star Rating: Recommended

26 reviews

What users are saying:

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Reviews from:
4 Star Rating: Recommended

07/09/05

Wonderful Service and atmosphere

by lizabe81 at Citysearch

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!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/10/09

Great food

by CSMobileUser2 at Citysearch

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

2 Star Rating: Below Average

12/30/08

VERY OVER RATED

by 83nicole84 at Citysearch

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
3 Star Rating: Average

11/02/08

Average!!

by davijones at Citysearch

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.

3 Star Rating: Average

10/17/08

Good food, nice ambient, HORRIBLE experience

by jpt73 at Citysearch

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.

1 Star Rating: Poor

09/07/08

Worst Service in Columbus

by Sabbi27 at Citysearch

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
4 Star Rating: Recommended

06/14/08

Worth trying the food at least once!

by asianpallette08 at Citysearch

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
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

01/09/08

Best food in the Midwest and further, yum!

by monicaj031872 at Citysearch

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.

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.
  • Cons: NONE
4 Star Rating: Recommended

08/19/06

A hidden gem

by ramsey2 at Citysearch

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.

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
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/16/06

Exquisite

by eddie5150 at Citysearch

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.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/13/05

Our Annual Romantic Spot

by ashleyosu at Citysearch

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

Showing 1-10 of 25 reviews

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