Last month, I wrote to you all about my amazing experience at Pierogi Mountain in German Village (a month already!?). That means it’s time for yet another restaurant review!
Lemongrass is an Asian fusion bistro found in the heart of the Short North. Located on the corner of Russell and High, it blends in quietly with its neighbors. I first visited this restaurant while still on the Elimination Diet, so I had way more dietary restrictions than I do now. I’m really excited to discuss Lemongrass through the lenses of the various needs I’ve had since I first encountered the place.
The Food
When I go to Lemongrass, I always go for the sushi. Not only is it insanely delicious, but it’s also a gorgeous plate. Presentation matters to these people and it shows.
My first visit to Lemongrass was with a friend of mine that also has an egg allergy. Between the two of us, we were egg free, gluten free, and pescetarian so it could’ve made for a very complicated evening. The Elimination Diet can be very difficult for wait-staff to work with. Lemongrass could not have been more accommodating if they tried! Not only did they have gluten-free soy sauce, but they also worked with all of our dietary needs.
I should definitely qualify that statement, though. An allergy friendly experience, with the sushi specifically, depends on the wait-staff with whom you are seated. I had one negative experience awhile back where I was totally shut down because “they don’t make substitutions”. While this was completely within their rights, it was definitely jarring because my previous experiences had been so lovely.
When my boyfriend brought me back to Lemongrass for my birthday, I knew I was not going to let my allergy make me miss dessert. That’s when the Mango Sticky Rice caught my eye. It’s gluten-free and vegan, so I gave it a try, and I’ll never be the same. I promise, it really is that good.
The rest of their menu is very helpful for navigating dietary restrictions – clearly marked with vegan and gluten-free options. For egg free people, that mostly means no tempura (battered and fried seafood) and no spicy mayo or sauces like that. It’s a larger menu, but still very easy to navigate.
The Bar
A trip to Lemongrass would not be complete without a signature cocktail or two! The drink menu is extensive with wine, beer, cocktails, and, of course, sake. For anyone unfamiliar, sake is a Japanese rice wine. It’s certainly a different flavor than anything else I’ve tasted, so I recommend you give it a try!
The gorgeous cocktail pictured above is a Caramel Apple Bellini. Again, you can’t help but notice the incredible attention to detail in the presentation. The glass is rimmed with caramel! I also recommend the Lemongrass martini. Honestly, though, I’ve yet to come across food or drink I didn’t enjoy.
All in all, I thoroughly recommend Lemongrass! The food is amazing and the ambiance is perfect for a night out. It’s a little on the pricier side, but it’s worth every penny.
Since this is an egg-free review, I do want to reiterate that not all of the wait-staff will work with you and your allergies. Because of that, it’s possible that you may not want to risk it. However, that’s really only if you’re hung up on the sushi. They have tons of vegan options that don’t require any substitutions to keep you safe.
If you have any recommendations for my next restaurant review, I’m all ears. Reach out with ideas or questions any time. I look forward to hearing from you soon!