Divani

The experience I had here was EXTREMELY subpar. My roommate and I went out to have a fun dinner on Valentine’s Day and were disappointed. Our waiter only had a few tables, but provided us with awful service. Not only were two of our courses incorrect on a special, LIMITED menu, the «chocolate torte» we received for dessert had curdled frosting. We sat at our table for two hours with extensive time between courses because our waiter was too awkward to speak to us unless spoken to. I sat with my glass of wine empty for the majority of the time and my waiter did not even acknowledge it until we were clearly unhappy and asked for our checks. Though I would have loved another glass, I was too irritated to wait foOther tables who clearly ordered after us received their food and drinks before us. These tables also received far superior service from the same server, though he was still noticeably awkward. I have heard great things about this place and had reasonable expectations, but was severely disappointed.

I’d just wish they stopped asking if I want a double when i order my drink… I find that a little rude!

(Friday, 2÷5÷15 @ 9:00 pm) Walked in with my date and the hostess was no where to be found. Had to walk in aimlessly until we were approached by a women to escorted us to our seats. Not being much of a wine connoisseur I asked our waiter what he preferred and his response was, «Well, I don’t know what you like» in a condescending attitude. After brushing that off we ordered our small plate (Calamari) and entrées (Sea Scallops for her & Bistro Filet for me). My opinion of the Calamari doesn’t hold much value seeing as I’ve probably ordered it a handful a times, so I’m not going to address it. Once we were finished with the small plate our entrees came. The Scallops were delicious, but my filet was served without a steak knife. When I asked our host for a proper cutting utensil I was told «Oh, you don’t need it, it cuts like butter» (–_​-​). After requesting for it again, he finally brought it over. The steak was wonderful, cooked medium rare, with tasteful sides. Being a small business owner I understand the impact Unilocal reviews have and how difficult it can be to ensure your business is being ran to the standards which you expect. The food, for the most part, was on par with the $ 140 I spent (including the 20% tip I left solely because my date insisted. The service earned less than half that), but the service provided was a joke and I hope ownership addresses these issues.

This review is late, but the great service received by my friends and me several months ago is still on my mind. My friends and I celebrated my birthday back in August, 2015. I am wheelchair-​bound and wasn’t sure Divani could accommodate me. We ended up talking with Molly ahead of time, and she assured us Divani was completely handicap accessible. Moreover, she said she would personally make sure that the table seating was roomy, and access to washroom facilities and all other amenities were close and «handy.» Molly was true to her word.
The accommodations, for all of us, could not have been more perfect! Further, our waiter was excellent. We almost felt like we were his only table, given the attention we received. However, the restaurant was relatively full. He spent a lot of time, before we ordered, asking us (individually) our likes and dislikes with respect to both food and drink. I had the best pork chop I have ever tasted!.. A number of my friends also commented about the tremendous quality of their dinners. Our water glasses were always full, and someone was always there for drink reorders and to clear plates. HOWEVER, HERE’S THE REAL KICKER… I am completely allergic to all seafood. Not only did the waiter ask us ahead of time about any allergies, but the staff separately pan-​fried and cooked my food so as to ensure no mixing with seafood juices or the like! Unbelievable! Finally, although she was very busy, Molly stopped several times to check on us. IN SUMMARY, THE BEST DINING EXPERIENCE I HAVE HAD DURING MY 36 YEARS IN WEST MICHIGAN! Tom Lockhart

We had a hard time finding a place to eat before a concert last night. Divani was packed too but we got 4 seats at the bar. My wife had the risotto and loved it. I had the burger that is probably in my top three of all time. Seriously it was amazing. Red wine onions, arugula, Gorgonzola and a brioche bun with homemade catsup. Even the pickle was made in house and really good. Will be back here again for sure.

Have not been to. Davani in a few years. In the past it was ok. I have to admit my Scallops were the best I have had in years, the service was impeccable and it was nice to. see the owner out helping on the floor. She really cares about her customers
You have to try this place.

Stopped in for a cocktail after dinner while in Grand Rapids on a Saturday night and really enjoyed our visit. Divani’s has a great atmosphere. The bar was fairly full, had a good buzz, and there were excellent, jazzy tunes playing in the background. We sat at the bar and there was a television showing college football, but it was by no means the focus of the place. Nice selection of cocktails, etc. Service was good — efficient and friendly. I can’t speak for the food, but Divani’s is a great place to have a drink and hang out.

My first visit here was wonderful! A friend of mine recommended it and I was not disappointed.
Anneli was our server, with a bit of help from the owner, Molly.
My boyfriend had the Divani burger (ground brisket, arugula, bacon, cheese), which was excellent, and came with very delicious frites. I had the Polynesian shrimp (fried, coconut breaded, and large!) and a side of cornbread — THAT alone was worth the trip, too good.
Currently they are playing one of my favorite songs, Breathe Me by Sia, so extra points tonight! I also had the Polynesian girl cocktail, and I don’t drink much or often, but it was so good. Guava purée!

Chris the bartender took great care of my friend and I when we came in for a glass of wine and dessert. The wine he recommended was perfect and the mousse was smooth! Thank you Chris for taking good care of us!!!

I was just told that I do not know how to order an old fashioned. I was told I should specify if I want a 1990s old fashioned. Unreal. This place is not the same as it used to be.
Kudos to the bartender for coming over and apologizing for the misunderstanding about the drink. I originally rated this one star, because of his balls I upped it. Too bad the manager didn’t address my concern.

I stopped in on a Friday night around 6 for a drink with my boyfriend before I had a dinner reservation with a friend. We sat at the bar and the bartender introduced himself, which I liked. He asked what flavor profiles we were looking for and I told him I wanted a cocktail that was refreshing and «not too sweet.» To which he curtly replied, «cocktails aren’t supposed to be sweet.» Okay then. He made me a cocktail that he «won an award for», with tequila, cucumber and watermelon. It was pretty good. I was just not impressed with the way the bartender spoke to me. I appreciate being able to learn about craft cocktails, but it came off in the wrong tone.
After our drinks, my friend and I sat down for dinner. It was restaurant week, so we did three courses for $ 28. Our server was– interesting to say the least. He kept making semi inappropriate comments that made us feel slightly uncomfortable. For example. My friend commented that she wasn’t sure what she wanted. He said, «oh, I’ll tell you what you want.» Okaaaay. We were able to enjoy our meals but I was definitely turned off by the server’s attention to us.
We both ordered lamb chops for an appetizer. They were delicious. Perfectly cooked (rare), they came with pickled red cabbage and a sweet coulis. I could have eaten two more servings! For my entrée, I got fried chicken and waffles. The flavors were amazing! The chicken was Panko crusted and it reminded me of Japanese katsu. The waffles were very good and there was a sauce on them. Together the components reminded me of chicken pot pie (in terms of flavor). My friend had the pork tenderloin which was a huge portion but not super flavorful. For dessert I had white chocolate crème brûlée which was so good! My friend had a cherry turnover which she enjoyed.
Overall, I was very happy with the food. I would definitely go back for that. The service left a bad taste in my mouth though. The bartenders attitude and the inappropriate comments from our server made me feel uncomfortable. I would hope and assume that that’s not typical of the staff at Divani.

Wow! This place has taken a nose dive. We used to go here for our anniversary dinners, and it was an amazing place. After taking a few years off we returned for dinner last night and couldn’t believe the decline. Our food was very mediocre, the wine was stale and the restaurant is in need of a major cleaning. Once one of my favorites, this place is now very far from my mind as a possible option. Very sad.

Found this gem while attending a meeting in Grand Rapids. Great atmosphere and décor. Staff and owner were very friendly. Food was good and interesting. Quinoa salad and burger were delicious

Last week, we had the luck to spend two evenings at Bar Divani. Both nights we sat at the bar, just to watch Chris craft cocktails. Chris isn’t trying to be cool. He just is cool.
The two cocktails he designed for the 2015 Grand Cocktail Competition (A Midsummer Night’s Shrub and Emerald City Julep) are scrumptious. Our group is usually a challenge as each person prefers a different liquor (rum, vodka, bourbon). His ability to mix, shake, and stir is just spot on. From the Rum Sour to the Strawberry Quick to the Old-​Fashioned Sanders Coffee drink. Each made us feel like kids again.

There is a mood created when you walk in to Bar Divani that seems different than most other places I have been to here in Grand Rapids. Quiet, ellegant, tastefull all describe the feeling but there is also the smiling faces of the emplyees who seem to genuinly know they work some place special and unique.
Great food, great service and reasonalble prices.
You are waiting for???

I had been to Bar Divani several years ago for an event, but had never gone there for a meal. So this past week, we decided to check out the menu on a Tuesday night. Arriving for an early dinner, we were promptly greeted and seated. A jazz singer was prepping for the evening and we were delighted to hear that she was going to be entertaining guests during the evening.
The service was very attentitive, and the food was excellent. Some of the best peroggies I have ever had. My husband had ribs which were so succulent that they melted off the fork. My chicken dish was also full of flavor. Although we passed on dessert, I am glad that we didn’t pass on making a long overdue visit to Bar Divani.

We had a wonderful time laughing at how bad the food was. The Drinks were terrible to. Nearly undrinkable.
We should have known when there wasn’t a table available anywhere in the area but they had plenty of seats. Don’t go. Don’t waste your money or torture your taste buds like that. Really. Don’t.
I would like to mention parking was not an issue, we parked in a nearby lot for $ 5. The walk was short. Also, the food came out quickly and was hot. Everything just tasted bad. My husband sent an email about our experience. He prefers to handle things privately, but he has yet to receive a response.

I booked a Paint Nite event with coworkers here & grabbed a bite to eat before we painted. The server was a tad bit funny, got my sense of humor which was cool but I don’t think he was used to dealing with large groups.
I got the wilted spinach salad and added chicken. It was really sub par. The menu said the salad included cranberries & cashews. There were maybe 3 cashews & 5 cranberries in the salad. The chicken I added was just ok.
The white peach sangria was tasty — too bad each glass was only filled about ¾ of the way.
Some of my coworkers had the Korean BBQ ribs, hamburger, goat cheese, crab cakes & sweet potato croquettes. From what they all said the food was decent except for the goat cheese.
I won’t go out of my way to go back here. Just doesn’t seem worth it to me.

Let me start by saying I’m not a wine guy. Our group went to Bar Divani on a recent Saturday evening while in town for our annual brewery fest and some in the group wanted a break and enjoy wine.
The shrimp and grits dish was quite good-​grits were more of a polenta mix of cheese and jalapeño, while the shrimp were grilled and the sauce was well-​proportioned. The pieces of bacon throughout were the highlight-​these were not bits; rather, were sliced pieces of thick glazed bacon.
Their menu for food is not huge but everything the table had was well done, while my party said the wine choices were good and weren’t too marked up, so there you go. Desserts were also interesting, a chocolate mousse in particular.

Bar Divani has just switched its menu over with a new Chef team at the helm and I must say I am a fan. With any switch-​over it can take time for the kitchen teams to be able to gel properly and create real consistency in their dishes but my girlfriend and I decided to stop in and try things. I’m glad we did!
We tried about six of the new dishes. Each dish was tasty and a very American Rustic feel with European roots. The Pulled Pork Won-​tons were our amuse and hit home with the flavors. Asian presentation but deeply American South flavor. The pork was tender and delicious with the sauce just bright enough to keep the dish balanced.
The two starters we tried were the Duck Pierogis and the Quinoa Salad. While the pierogi is normally accepted to be a bland Polish hot pocket, these were stuffed with duck confit and balanced with a bright and exciting chutney. The Quinoa was light and delicious, the salad was so refreshing.
For our mains we tried two dishes. The Nicoise Stuffed Pasta was ingenuitive and playful with the French classic salad, reimagined and served as an entrée. The Duck 2 Ways was definitely our favorite. A seared duck breast is served alongside a confit duck leg, breaded in panko and deep fried. Served over rice and kale the dish was simply delicious.
We also had the chocolate mousse for dessert but I did not get the photo. It was rich and decadent, dark chocolate and port wine each interplaying with the fresh diced strawberries. Very good way to end a delicious meal.
In general I am very happy with how the kitchen is performing now. I won’t lie about how questionable the past year and a half have been but their future can be very bright if they continue along the path they’ve begun now. I look forward to the menu improving as they continue to grow and will return often.