Michael G's
Dine with the fishes at this comfortable, upscale seafood spot
TABARI MCCOY | CIN WEEKLY
Please note Michael G's has since closed.
Michael G's namesake and owner Michael Guilfoyle takes great pride in what his restaurant has accomplished since it opened in 1996.
"We have won best new restaurant, best seafood restaurant, best outdoor dining, best appetizer," Guilfoyle says. "I don't think we've ever had a negative review." Thanks to the relaxing fish tanks, a punctual, informed staff and enjoyable (although expensive) cuisine, this one won't be the first.
THE LIFE AQUATIC
The interior of Michael G's does its best to let you know you are eating at a popular, upscale establishment. Awards and articles from various publications adorn the left side of the main hallway while the right side has pictures of assorted celebrities and notable Cincinnatians who have dined at the restaurant.
More noticeable and enthralling, however, are the fireplace located behind the hostess stand and the three aquariums spread throughout Michael G's. Providing a comfortable level of welcomed heat during winter, the fireplace is a "cool" feature. The aquariums are equally impressive and relaxing. Watching the collection of sea creatures found inside the 180- and 300-gallon tanks in the bar and restaurant is a great ways to pass the time. (If you order fish, it's hard to look at the aquarium without feeling a bit guilty.)
SIMPLE SEAFOOD
For a Sunday evening, the restaurant was surprisingly sparse. We were seated quickly, and our server Alice promptly informed us the restaurant would not have halibut again until March since it is out of season.
We had no need to worry about finding something to eat, though, thanks to the restaurant's stout (in both selections and prices) menu. Michael G's sports a "raw bar" with choices such as oysters on the half shell ($12 a half dozen, $22 a dozen) in addition to several appetizers including its award-winning smoked Norwegian salmon rolls ($8 for four).
Fancying myself a crab cake aficionado, I ordered Michael G's crab cakes ($9.50 for two) only to be slightly disappointed. They were smaller - imagine two donut holes - than I hoped, although the tasty remoulade sauce that accompanied them helped make up for my disappointment.
Both of us ordered mahi mahi ($18) for the main course, though my dining partner opted for less oil on her blackened fish. We both found the fish and the side of garlic mashed potatoes to be well-cooked and filling. Still, I thought about what could have been if I had the $34 for the filet mignon ...
SERENE, NOT SUPREME
Though Michael G's is a quality and friendly restaurant, I just couldn't help think there was something missing that would truly make it an elite place to dine. Maybe it was our decision to visit on a Sunday in December; we missed out on Friday and Saturday's free valet parking and live music. And in the summertime, outdoor diners can enjoy the marina view.
Michael G's is a nice place to visit, especially if you have a taste for seafood. If you can afford it, you might just find a catch of the day.
