Plat8 serves diverse sophistication

BLT ($12) with freid green tomatoes on pita at Plat8 in Ottawa Hills.

THE BLADE
Buy This Image

The only thing Plat8 (plat-eight) is missing is the hotel attached to it.

Its menu spans cuisines of Southern (“Frenched Yardbird” $10, Fried Green Tomatoes $8), Lebanese (Kafta Burger $14, Tabouli $5), seaside (Parmesan Crusted Sole $21, Garlic & Chorizo Mussels $16), European (Lamb Lollipops $21, French Onion Soup $5), American diner cuisine (BLT $12, Farmhouse Burger $13), and haute foodie (Scottish Salmon Quinoa Bowl $13).

Each is pulled off, if not exceptionally (the sole and the lamb), certainly enjoyably. 

Which is exactly the kind of experience you have with any sort of big city, independent four-star hotel.

We assure you there is no room and board here, but there is a Charcuterie Board ($18) and Cobb Salad ($12) so true to hotel form they almost come with the sound of elevator doors closing. 

This is intriguing as a diner who wants variety. You may be tempted to ask what exactly Plat8 is though. In a good way, we think it is what it is; just go with its odd companions. 

Sriracha-Soy Deviled Eggs ($6) were universally loved. Plat8 delivers on its New York Strip ($32) with superb marks.

The Kafta Dinner ($18) was the most passed plate, an almost chic take on the Lebanese family dinner entrée.

The desserts we had of Lemon Cream Cake ($8) and Bread Pudding ($6) were outstanding, and it must be said a truly fine cup of espresso ($4) can be had at Plat8. 

Plat8 uses top local ingredients where available, but has chosen quite a diverse palette to work with. Like the name itself — in Ottawa Hills, the final plat was PLAT-7, so the restaurant was named Plat8 — it’s not quite as clear as it seems it should be. 

The service overall is quite friendly and appreciative. But on three separate visits, the staff was at times inattentive even for the privacy long meals sometimes deserve.

It needs to be noted those with dietary restrictions may tread lightly. Some consideration was misunderstood, mostly through lack of certainty by the staff.

Bartenders also were sometimes out of the depth that the extensive drinks menu carries, but they were charming and welcoming.

The smartly appointed, cozy dining room is tucked into a shopping plaza and sealed off in a way that feels exclusive and lively.

It is a good time in there, no doubt, almost like people visiting from other cities who are in town for a — oh, you all live here? 

Try Plat8, it doesn’t matter where you’re from. Especially if it’s here, you’ll find something you’ll like. But you can’t stay overnight. 

Contact Bill of Fare at: fare@theblade.com.