Best Fine Dining Restaurant Springfield Near Me

Robert Bennett: This was the first time we had ever been to Char Steakhouse, and it was absolutely awesome. It was my wife and I anniversary. We didn't even notice that there was a delay with our order, it took them a little longer than expected to bring us our food. It didn't even bother us because we were enjoying each other's company. The manager came out and apologized, and our waitress was awesome as well. Thank you all for an amazing meal.

Bob Admire: Food was delicious and cooked to perfection, and the wait staff was very attentive. My only complaints are with the presentation. For the price, I would like to see more than just a steak slapped onto a plate. Also, the table I was seated at had seating for four, but the way the legs on the table were arranged made it impossible to sit close to the table.

Samantha Dean: Very friendly staff and amazing food. Worth the price.Food: 4/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 4/5Recommended dishes Bone in Ribeye, Oysters on the Half Shell …More

Dwaine Goodwin: Once again the finest Springfield has to offer. Our fourth time at Char and it was as stupendous as the previous visits. Our waiter, Brent, is one of the finest that we have had over the many years and locations in which we have dined. Char is on equal footing with some of the finest restaurants and that cover over 50 years of travel from west coast to east coast during our working career. Congratulations to Char on their selection of Brent to their wait staff. Thank You once again!

Kristin Michel: Everything was exceptional! From the staff to the food, it was great! Our server was wonderful and kind, and even gave us a complimentary anniversary glass of champagne. It was lovely.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More

John Thaemlitz: Food: 4/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 3/5More

Steve Livingston: First time visiting Char, my wife and I were hungry for a bite. It was the middle of the afternoon on a Saturday so we didn't expect much in the way of service or food. We were greeted immediately at the door even though we were the only ones in the restaurant. With smiles the hostess escorted us to the patio where we enjoyed a plate of BBQ nachos and oysters with and excellent old fashion. The setting was pleasant, the food was great and our waitress was very attentive.

Rafailia Vogiatzis: Char was a great time! Our server was the ultimate server! We had to wait a little bit of extra time for our food, but everything was yummy none the less.Food: 4/5|Service: 4/5|Atmosphere: 4/5 …More

j miller: One of the best meals we've ever had!!

Alden Wiltse: Oysters!!!! AmazingFood: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More

lauren birlew: My partner and I had a great time. The service was fantastic, and we enjoyed the evening. No surprise, I knew we would. Thanks, staff! I encourage anyone who has a positive experience to take the time to post and let people know. Much too often, only dissatisfied guests feel the need to review. Keep up the great work!

Ken Christensen: Great dinner and atmosphere.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Oysters Rockefeller, Wedge Salad …More

Travis Cobb: Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Wagyu, Lobster Bisque, Bone in RibeyeMore

BRYAN PENA: Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5More

Jordan Hicks: Char is fabulous! We love to come here for a celebration as well as just a relaxing dinner. Tonight we enjoyed the bacon wrapped dates, salads, French onion soup, the steak nachos, hamburger, the steak sandwich, and shrimp cocktail. The service was fantastic. Reece did an excellent job. Chef came to check on us, which is very nice. All the food tasted great and came out quickly. We’ll definitely be back!

Steven Sparks: Our server Reece was fantastic. They allowed us to order My wwwwifffeee (think borat voice) and I ordered a burger and steak sandwich. Which a man named Hunter apparently was gracious enough to cut in half. The head Chef came out and told us he would make us a vegetarian pasta that wasn’t on the menu. Everything was fantastic. The food was great, the presentation was 10/10 (which growing up poor and hungry food is food to me the way it looks is of little consequence to me). It was my first time eating m

Mary Kevin Stockwell: From start to finish the dining experience at Char was fantastic. The ambiance, service and food were world class. Bravo to Char!

Abigail Pierce: my husband and i’s absolute favorite restaurant we’ve ever been to & we’ve lived in so many different cities. we’ll come back to springfield just for char! amazing service & amazing food!

Joe C: The Bone-in filet was outstanding and the escargot appetizer was great as well. Service was spot on. Very clean and well organized restaurant. One of the best steakhouses in Springfield.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Wedge Salad …More

Tyler Watterson: Food: 5/5|Service: 4/5|Atmosphere: 4/5Recommended dishes French Onion Soup, Bacon Wrapped Dates, WagyuMore

Diana fravig: Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Calamari Fritti, TiramisuMore

John Lillibridge: Pasta fresh & Roy C took care of us!Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Caesar Salad …More

Roger Matthews: Best ever.

Michael Dalton: Foods ok..its very loud n takes a while but not many other options.Food: 3/5|Service: 4/5|Atmosphere: 2/5 …More

Vanessa Alegre: I had like a seafood pasta shrimp scallops… it was ok not a lot of flavor. My husband had a rack of lamb . Now that was delicious, my sister in law had steak that was also very delicious.

Meredith Linder: I am very disappointed in this restaurant. In January 2023, I called to make reservations for 12 people for my parents 50th wedding anniversary dinner for May 12, 2023 at 6:30 pm. The reservation was taken and we were looking forward to the meal. In April 2023, I spoke with them again to change the time and confirm our reservation for their private room. It was confirmed and again, we were looking forward to the experience. When we arrived on May 12 at 7:20 pm for a 7:30 pm dinner, I was told they had no reservation and the private room was in use. Upon checking a SECOND reservation book, my reservation was found and I was told they had forgotten to "move our reservation to the main book". When I asked to speak with the manager, the hostess told me the manager wouldn't tell me anything different than what she had told me. I still wanted to see the manager. After her arrival she said she would speak to the front of house at their next meeting. That is unacceptable. She then proceeded to tell us she could "piece meal" tables together in the private room with another party. Again, unacceptable. Then she took us to the "owners room" and tried to tell me that the table there would seat 12 people. That room was messy, cold, and up a very narrow, dark staircase. Again, unacceptable. I stepped outside to discuss our options with my family and it was decided we would move our dinner to another establishment. When I went back in to tell the manager we would be accommodated at another restaurant, she had miraculously made it work in the private room. I declined her half hearted attempt and we were able to have a fantastic meal and experience at Nicola's restaurant. I do not recommend Avanzare and I hope they have an overhaul of their front of house staff.

tyler burks: Haven’t been here in a few years. Wife’s food was on point, more than she needed so had some of hers. My pasta was extremely bland and no sauce whatsoever. Will try again just will be a bit.

Saliia Brown: If you’re not going to be open on certain days, take this sign out of your window.

Anita Caplinger: Wonderful people and exceptional foodFood: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More

Rebecca Carr: Fabulous meal!!! Service great it was guite crowded by 6:30. I had the filet mignon w butter & sage , shrimp on top. My friend had the homemade lasagna , salad. The bread was awesome best meal in Springfield!!!

Tami Stone: Seriously, the best experience all the way around! I would recommend this place to everyone.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Antipasto, Risotto …More

Robbie Anderson: Been here 3 times in 18 months and it's become a special date night for us. I got the special last time and it surprised me. We will be back!Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Antipasto, Red Snapper, Caesar Salad, Calamari Fritti …More

Robert Shiver: The food here is to die for! My husband and I love coming and trying new places. This little gem is hidden away and somehow we went by this place for a couple years when we came to town but happened to find it one day after a friend recommended we try it next time we come to town. Our staff was top notch as well!!Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Rigatoni Buttera, Tarte Tatin, Fettuccine Alfredo w Chicken, Risotto, Pollo Balsamico, Veal Chop …More

Cindy Cope: Very delicious! Waitress was great. We had the specials tonight. Malbec wine. DessertRecommended dishes Risotto, Tiramisu, Rigatoni Alla Tony Dietary restrictions accommodated Not sure …More

Joseph Williams: Best kept secret, from the outside you would never guess. Then also Springfield, MO??? I have traveled a lot East coast, Europe and what a surprise to find this quality of food here. We had the Sea Bass special and it was fantastic. Service was great. I will be back.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More

Aaron Evans: Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 3/5Recommended dishes Scampi Al LorenzoMore

Austin Stigall: You're gonna absolutely be BLOWN away with the level of cuisine Chef Tony puts out of this kitchen. I had the chef special for the evening. Black squid ink pasta, jumbo shrimp, large scallops, and a light creme lemon sauce. O and I can't leave out the freshly bought in oysters too. This place is a MUST try if you're seeking a fine dining experience with the emphasis on the food.

Parker Krut: Food was great, the service like no other and the oysters spectacularFood: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More

Turbo Jett: You don't mind the higher price when the food is as good as it is at AvanzareFood: 5/5 …More

Russell Rosenburg: Chicken parmigiana was over cooked.Nice upscale atmosphere but average food.

Rafailia Vogiatzis: I had such a nice evening celebrating with friends our end of program! We had drinks, apps, salads, entrees, dessert and so much fun! Our server Jordan was amazing!Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Tiramisu …More

Ivory Lybrand: What can I even begin to say about this establishment? My 1st word would probably be outstanding. Every single detail about our whole time there was just perfect. If you ever want to experience a one of a kind dinner, then this is the place of your dreams . Hats off to the chef for personally checking on us & our meal. Stunning plating, mouth-watering food & a desert that was over the top lovely. Will 100% be back every time I go back home to visit.

Scott Miller: I made a last-minute reservation here after we were turned down at nonnas. They were extremely accommodating over the phone and when we arrived we were blown away with the atmosphere, very intimate setting, the food was phenomenal and the service matched, the owner and head chef at the time we were there went out to the store specifically to get my nephew who is 4 french fries and bread for a grilled cheese (neither of which are on the menu) and everything we had from appetizers to dessert was house made and locally sourced, (the ingredients in my salad came straight from the garden outside the restaurant), the whole time we were here we were made to feel like family and by the end of the meal we were so happy that we had been turned down at nonnas, this place is phenomenal and I highly recommend giving it a try.

deja Sandoval: 10/10 recommendation! Most of my family & I have not only worked in the service industry, but are also well traveled across the country & globe. We have been blessed to experience some amazing places, but Gilardi’s made it to the top of our list tonight. We loved it here! We went here for the first time tonight to celebrate my graduation from OTC with a party of 7. The food was fantastic, I personally had the tortellini with mushrooms, prosciutto, & chicken. SO GOOD! I HAVE to mention that owner went out of his way to go out & buy my 4 year old son bread & fries to make him a grilled cheese & fries because my son is a picky eater & they don’t have a kids menu per say. I’ve never met such a considerate business owner, coming from someone who has worked as a bartender/server for the last 13 years! Ashlyn was so helpful & knowledgeable as our server! I hope to have her again on our next visit! The house made tiramisu is what dreams are made from. Please make sure to come experience Gilardi’s next time you are in the Springfield area!

Katie Mahabir: The owner was so kind!! Went out of his way for Child who’s 5!! Even though they didn’t have a child’s menu the owner? I think went and got him his own bread for a grilled cheese!! And excellent service!!! The waitress was so kind!! And the food was absolutely the best we’ve ever had!! Love this place! Kindest people!! Best experience at a restaurant ever!

Jordan Rueter: Wonderful experience, amazing service, and delicious food!Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More

Karen Misemer: We just had the most amazing dinner. Everything was so good. Chicken parm, Alfredo was the best I've ever had. Girardi pasta was fantastic. We are gonna tell all of our friends and family about this gem. Can't wait for our next visit.

K C: This was our first time here and won’t be our last! Food was so good and fresh. Our server Ashley was tentative to every detail and so kind. The prices are more than fair for the experience you get and the taste of food. Romantic, quiet and cozy. Can’t wait to come back!

Keith Smallfoot: Everything tasted very fresh and delicious. Highly suggest making a reservation and also our waiter Micheal was fantastic

P31 Collective, LLC: We loved the quiet atmosphere & very cozy vibe that we experienced with our visit for dinner. The service was wonderful, the menu offered a traditional style as well as some new flavors that are outside of traditional Italian. The owner was on site and present on the floor with the team. Would highly recommend an evening out here!

Chelsea Dillard: Recommended dishes Chicken ParmesanMore

Adam Atkins: Always happy with gilardis. I will say there recent valentines service was disappointing. I feel like they just tried ro squeeze every dollar out of it versus making it the intimate place it usually is. The servers where overwhelmed I ordered a drink and never received it and they still tried to charge me for it.Food: 3/5|Service: 3/5|Atmosphere: 3/5 …More

Cc Brooks: Upon arriving my husband and I were extremely confused with the parking situationthere is no clear designated driveway to this restaurant. it is located behind a house it almost feels like a guest house that has been renovated into a ristorante lol we finally found a space to park and had to cross a ditch to get to the restaurant. As we go inside we are immediately were escorted to our table where ice Waters awaited us. our server came over after a few minutes and asked us if we would like anything to drink and we ordered wines. we also asked if we could get bread and oil our server told us "sure" and left the table 20 mins passed and it it felt like everyone around us was being served (12 other people) so my husband approach the front of the restaurant and asked a server That was making a table if we could have a basket of bread and then the waitress came back and said that if we wanted bread it would be five minutes and that she would bring it to us when it was ready with an attitude. we then ordered the oysters Rockefeller(which were delicious) however it was a bit pricey for 4 oysters it was $16. We had still not gotten our bread. Our drinks were empty so my husband suggested that we flag our server down and ask about the bread and inquire about a refill on our drinks. The waitress said sure she finally eventually came out with a basket of bread which we assumed would be an entire loaf since it took over a half an hour to get. It consisted of six crouton sized pieces of bread (delicious but a bit stingy) our meals came out I got the galardi's pasta which was an extreme disgrace. The pasta looks like worms. I can't believe this is their signature pasta. shame on them for the disgusting dish I was served. My husband got the tortellini and it was delicious we both loved it and thoroughly enjoyed it it was filling and it was sublime for the fact that it contained bacon and ham cheese sauce peas mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes with spinach and parsley it was delicious the cheese really kicked up everything. The Asiago stood out. We got a whole entire bowl full of Parmesan on top and it was spectacular. The prawns were the best part of the entire meal they were juicy and meaty and perfectly cooked. We ended our night with the tiramisu which was good by itself however it was more like a triple layer or dry vanilla cake with a coffee flavored creme in between it did not contain any camel or coffee like a typical tiramisu would. We had of boxex up and took it home so that we could add coffee to engage the flavor. No regrets. If you're looking for a mediocre date night this is your good food shity service sketchy environment but quaint private and romantic at the same time place. I would give it a four-star if our waitress wasnt such a rude person she literally slammed our appetizer onto the table in the corner and put it far away to where I had to stand up to physically reach our food. It was not attentive to our needs. We didn't get our bread for 30 minutes. We asked multiple times for refills and we were not satisfied with the service that we received however we still tipped 30% which my husband had to remind her he was going to do from the moment he started getting frustrated all of a sudden we were receiving mediocre service in comparison to the shity service we got for the first 45 minutes of our date. Honestly not sure if we're returning the food was decent but it wasn't worth 220$ and a bad memory.She did come back at the end of the night and take pictures for us because we had just gotten engaged that was the nicest thing she had done all night.

jim lacamp: The owners were nightmares. Rude and aggressive. They changed our time slot and we were able to accommodate that only to be told when we got there that we came at the wrong time. We had twelve people and tipped generously, but when our party turned out to be 12 instead of 18, the owner said “fine, now our waitress can’t pay her rent”. We ordered 5 bottles of wine, and tipped our waitress 40pct. She was great but was so shaken by her owners attitude she was almost crying by the time we started ordering. These two have no understanding of the service business and don’t belong there. I also heard her chastise another couple for getting there too early. Food was good but I will never go there again and neither will any of the other 11. I’ll be surprised if they last too long. Don’t deserve it

peggy vandiver: My dear friend, who was born and raised and lived her whole life in Springfield, chose Gilardi’s for her 95th birthday celebration. Family flew in from all around the country to be with her. She also invited some of her friends who are also in their 90s. We arrived when the restaurant told us to be there and we decorated our area. We told the owner that three of the elderly people were unable to make it, and she went off on us. She was angry that we had reduced the size of our party by three (3!!), and said that it was possible that our server, who had planned on a larger crowd, would now not be able to pay her rent because her tip would be smaller. We all stood there in shock at how she was treating us. We are paying customers!! Then her husband proceeded to loudly proclaim that we should not have planned this on the busiest day of the year. We were there on February 10, so I’m not exactly sure what he was talking about. It was awkward annd so shocking. Anyway, we considered leaving, but undecorating everything and moving around those elderly people would have been problematic so we stayed in spite of the unbelievable treatment by the owners. They are people who have no place in the service industry. They do not know how to treat customers or speak to people in a civil manner.However, there was one bright spot! Our server was absolutely wonderful and professional, and did a great job. She could not have been more attentive or informative, and answered all of our questions with grace. She was lovely and could work anywhere because she is very good at her job. The food was great but I would NEVER recommend this place to anyone.

Greg Costello: A husband and wife own this place. After our experience the other night, here is how I describe both of them: belligerent, rude, aggressive, wholly unprofessional. From the word go there was hostility directed at us because the owners thought we had arrived too early. They are the ones who told us to come when we came. Then both the wife and her husband complained that our party was too small, it had dropped from about 15 to 11, and consisted of 4 very elderly people. The wife made a rude statement to all of us out loud and in front of her staff, “the waitress will not be able to pay her rent.” I guess she was implying that old people don’t tip well. Then the husband said out loud and in front of his staff that they shouldn’t have booked our party on “the busiest night of the year.” This is just an outrageous lie. I am 30 years in the restaurant business. Feb 10 is not the busiest night of the year anywhere in America. The only reason we didn’t walk out with our middle finger extended is that it was too late and difficult to yank around our elderly folks. So we endured the verbal abuse. Here is the only good news about this hostile environment: The food was good and our waitress was amazing. Superb performance by her. We tipped her generously, as it was well-deserved and had nothing to do with her boss’s crude childish remark earlier. Our waitress could work at a Michelin Four Star if she wanted. Hopefully she will soon pack her bags and go work for decent hospitable owners instead of the rude bullies who own Gilardi’s.Sent from my iPad

Kim Carter: Delicious food and great service. Our waiter was very attentive. The tiramisu was fantastic!

Blant Money: Took my wife out for a dinner date. I was willing to pay whatever for our date, but the food was overpriced for what we received. The salad was not worth 9 dollars...at most it was worth 5 dollars. Really didn't make me want to brag about my dine in here which is what I look for in nice restaurants. We had a fantastic server and she knew what she was talking about. I don't think I will return. I will say maybe try them out to see if I could be wrong about my experience.

Will E.: Not an expansive menu, but what they do have on there they do very well.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 4/5Recommended dishes Wedge Salad Chopped Up …More

Steve P: Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 4/5More

LB Whip7: Great food, great service!Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More

Meredith Linder: I can not recommend Nicola's enough! Our party of 12 dined at Nicola's for my parents 50th wedding anniversary dinner after another restaurant (Avanzare) "didn't have our reservation". We called Nicola's and they were able to accommodate us within minutes. The ambience was absolutely wonderful and the food was impeccable. The front of house was kind and immediately seated us in the beautiful, quiet dining room. Katie, our server, went above and beyond to make our experience outstanding. It was better than we could have imagined! Thank you for a wonderful night- we will definitely be back!Kid-friendliness: We had children ranging from 8-16 and they made food to order for all of them!

John Supplee: Food: 5/5|Service: 4/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Chicken ParmesanMore

Bonnie Guier: food was fabulous, nice atmosphere. Too bad our waitress was too busy running her mouth with the next table and not her feet to do her job, otherwise this would be a 5 star review. Multiple times we were sitting and waiting when she only had 3 tables for things we should not have had to including getting water glasses filled when we first arrived and paying our check which we finally just paid at the bar after watching her yack and yack 2 tables away with a customer. She constantly was at their table and dragging out conversation about personal relationships and high school memories. Our first visit and we were very disappointed with the lack of service which our tip hopefully reflected. My boyfriend was far more generous than I would have opted to be. We will attempt 1 more future visit and hope to have a better server at that time.

Alesya Kolesnikova: Delicious food great service!!! Highly recommended! The chef is amazing!!!!Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Parking space Plenty of parking Parking options Free parking lot …More

Justme: Great restaurant, delicious food, excellent service! Owner is very friendly and funny.

Bobby Steinshouer: Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Duck ConfitMore

rob Ian: One of the best dining experiences in Springfield. Bar seating is a must. Nicola usually comes around and checks on tables to make sure everything is just right. Reminds me a place back in NY.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Cannoli …More

chip wagoner: Always a great experience at Nicola's. The after dinner espresso Martini is to die for.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Filet Gorgonzola …More

Kim DeLuce: Nicolas was fabulous as always. Lauren is an Amazing bartender / server!!Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More

Ike Plemons: Food: 4/5|Service: 4/5|Atmosphere: 3/5More

jennifer weiner: My husband and I recently moved to Springfield from NYC. We went to Nicola's last night and I have to say that this is the best dining experience we have had since moving here. From the exceptional service to high quality food options, we were very impressed. We sat at a high top in the bar and the owner came out and had a long, fun conversation with us. We cannot wait to go back.

David Sterk: Filet with peppercorn sauces. Incredible tasted juicy, tender, loaded with flavor, and minimum amount of fat.Veggie medley had an incredible sauce.Ok enough, I left very happy!!!

Andy Willoughby: My favorite place for upscale dining in Springfield. Great atmosphere and food! Lora Lee is a great server. Owner came by and said hi! He has a cool European accent. Classy place reasonable prices.Recommended dishes Wedge Salad Chopped Up …More

Sandy Golden: Wonderful food, superb serviceFood: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More

Lauren Lindsay: Had dinner here the other night and was really pleased with our experience!! Got the meatballs as an appetizer and they were great. I had the salmon and my boyfriend had the filet Gorgonzola. Both were exceptional and service was great even though they were busy— highly recommend!Recommended dishes Filet Gorgonzola …More