Meritage
| Address: | 410 St Peter St, St Paul, MN 55102, USA |
| Phone: | +1 651-222-5670 |
| Site: | meritage-stp.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | Closed 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 9
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Robert Sung
Second best restaurant in the Twin Cities (after Icehouse, but service at Meritage is definitely more professional). This place would make it if it were in Manhattan - NYC and this is not something I can say for the vast majority of the restaurants Ive eaten at in the Twin Cities. Many times I complain about restaurants in the Twin Cities not understanding how to draw out the flavor in food and the concept of flavor reinforcement. I assure you, this is NOT the case for the Meritage. Chef Klein is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute (now the International Culinary Center) and after having eaten his food, I am proud to say that I attended the same culinary school as him. He upholds the basics of good food preparation and flavor that we were taught there. The kitchen staff have a great technical ability and it shows in the dishes. All the dishes Ive tried at the Meritage are very well prepared. There was only one dish I didnt like and even then it was because I thought the elements in the dish didnt go together well and not because of any preparation issues. Strangely enough that dish was the most visually appealing and used the most interesting ingredients in my 9 course tasting menu. If its offered, get the quail sausage, it is a truly outstanding dish. I highly recommend this restaurant. 4.5 stars
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Alicia JY
My 91 year old father has had many meals cross his palate, so this venture into an unknown restaurant while on vacation was a bit of a risk. Needless to say, the faint smile of satisfaction as I drove him back to the hotel after a fine dinner is review enough for me. Normally, there is an item at dinner that is so-so (the bread or the soup or some nominal item). Not only was each item prepared to perfection, but the waitstaff was seamless in his delivery of each item (dishes disappearing in timely fashion). This restaurant takes pride in having a menu based on local providers, so we went for the duck. Tender, not too ducky, a crisp skin rendered with orange sauce, lettuce greens tossed gently with a sweet cider vinagrette....also, I enjoyed the "amusements", little samplings of things like billi bi soup (an espresso cup of a bisque like preparation). Too much to list, just make the reservation and see for yourself. Granted, it is a little loud in the restaurant, I didnt even notice once the food started arriving.
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A Private User
My husband and I recently celebrated our 2nd year anniversary at this restaurant, and it was excellent! Per our reservation, the server knew about our special occasion and brought us champagne, on the house. I requested our wedding song to be played during dinner, and the staff did the best they could to find a version of it in their play list (Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra). We did the 7-course tasting menu with wine pairing. The food was absolutely amazing. Unlike many places with tasting menus, it was a lot of food. I was full after course 4! I am pescatarian and the chef accomodated my preference with all 7 courses. The service was great, our server was very attentive and chatty, but not intrusive. Similar to other reviews, the restaurant can be a little on the loud side, but nothing to complain about. We will definitely return.
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Linda Budnicki
Highly overrated. The only outstanding item was the frittas pompes with Bearnaise. Shrimp cocktail seemed old and needed twice the sauce that was offered. New York Strip was very tough. Lamb was chewy (the 2 carrots that came with it were delicious). Artichokes unremarkable. The special, crab dipped in batter was horrible (glad it wasnt my meal). The rhubarb sauce that it came with was very good. Champagne cocktail was watery. Young love reminded me of cough syrup. Red wine that was suggested was good. Creme brulette was nice. The service was mediocre at best. Took forever for everything to come out. Not once did anyone ask us how anything was. For $330 you can do way better in the twin cities at many many places. We eat out several times a week and this is one of the few places weve been that we wont be returning to.
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Danny Dunn
I have never been treated so terribly at a restaurant in my life! Im sorry I was forced to come here, Im sorry for not liking wine all that much, and Im sorry I dont have money falling out of my nose so I buy the cheapest thing on the menu (which got great reviews) the burger. But the waitstaff and manager just were snotty. I made a joke to the sommelier that "Im more of a beer person Ha Ha" as he looked down his nose at me he says "Well, We cannot be friends" with no "ha ha." They even commented how much FREE bread I ate. Im a hungry guy and if you put food in front of me I eat it. But only go if you can pay and are willing to pay so they dont treat you like scum off the streets. It haunts me to this day.
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Ella Thayer
Slow service, rubbery, salty and watery soft scramble with salmon; inedible! The toast and salad were good. This was my second bad experience. Three weeks ago, the service was worse. I was alone, a senior female, totally invisible. After a long wait, I got the attention of a hostess who was chatting at length with and fawning over a couple with a baby. I ordered the house hamburger medium rare and the waiter asked if I would like béarnaise with the fries. I said that would be nice. The hamburger was bloody rare, again inedible, and the béarnaise showed up on my bill for $2.50. Both times were Sunday brunch; not going back for a third time.
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Anders Hopkins
Consistently great food, pleasant bright atmosphere, good to average service. The great menu makes up for the sometimes leisurely pace of the service. The service, however, is always professional and courteous. The steak is my personal favorite, for brunch on the weekends or lunch on the weekdays. Im not much of a wine afficiando, but friends and family are always satisfied. Its staple is seafood and oysters, Ive only had the mussels. And they were perfectly buttered and cooked. Also, since it is a French restaurant, you should have the pomme frites and the bernaise. Delicious!
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Dave M
Called to make a reservation and received an automated receptionist - terrible customer service. Proceeded to select the reservation line from the automated menu, and got another automated receptionist - this one told me "The Reservationist is currently busy, so leave your full name, phone number and date for your reservation and someone will return your call within 24 to 48 hours.". ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? Needles to say, I wont be dining at Meritage. If they cook like they provide "customer service", Im sure theyd clean the toilet with a steak before plating it up. YUM!
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Bryon Wheaton
Meritage has achieved Saint Paul dining royalty status. The food is consistently high quality. The service is very friendly and incredibly professional. Cocktails are competently prepared, beers are available, but this is more a place for the wine drinker. The fresh oysters and the lovely varieties are what stand out here. The staff knows about the taste of each variety, and are happy to guide you to a sweeter meat if thats your preference, or a brine laced, salty scoop. PRO TIP: the burger is actually REALLY good. Fries with Bearnaise? Yes, please.
