160 Main with My Mains

It’s about time I tell you about one of the restaurants I have been frequenting this summer.  Between this and Bistro Joe’s my outdoor dining needs have been more than met with gorgeous views, fabulous service, and wonderful food.  I’ve already told you about Bistro Joe’s, but I’ve never talked in depth about 160 Main in downtown Northville.

It’s situated near the courtyard and fountain.  If that didn’t provide enough of an exceptional view, the patio itself has been outfitted with plant life and brightly striped umbrellas.  It looks like a hidden gem somewhere in Italy, which is fitting since it’s an Italian restaurant.

I’ve been there for wine/coffee/ice cream, lunch, and dinner, and I’ve been pretty impressed each time.  I’ve also been with Mom, Dad, and Mom and Dad, as well as a friend.  The mark of a great restaurant is one that impresses over and over again, and this one definitely does.

I haven’t even been inside, which is actually one of the reasons I like it so much.  I can enter through the patio, enjoy myself, and leave through the patio.  I’m sure it’s very nice inside; I just haven’t been inside, and for now that’s the way I like it.  Although when given the opportunity to soak up some sunshine, I’ll always take it.

I’ve had several different waiters and a waitress and they have all been on their toes, accommodating, and incredibly nice.  The hostesses and manager are fabulous as well.  I haven’t encountered a single unfriendly person on staff, and in fact, a lot of the patrons have also been very nice in quick chats from afar.  The people at this restaurant are rather exceptional if you ask me.

Their Amarone and Nebbiolo wine are both exceptional and easy to drink.  They also have great port and white wine and a collection of spirits.

The coffee rivals the wine with nutty espresso that is wonderful on its own or in a cappuccino with impossibly foamy milk.  I wish I had one of their coffees in front of me right now.

But let’s talk food.  Between all of us, we’ve had pasta, sandwiches, soups, salads, risotto, scallops, and duck breast.  That’s a pretty good variety and in general the food is good, perhaps not great, but very good.  Undercooked vegetables here, overcooked duck there, but the flavors are on point.

One of my favorite things is the simplicity of the food.  I love that when I order something I know it will taste like what I ordered, instead of a bunch of salt and butter.  It’s also nice that the menu while limited has a nice variety so that everyone can find something, and they always have specials.  The stand out items we’ve had are the soups and salads.

In terms of dessert, the cherry ice cream packed a punch of deep cherry flavor, but was a little icy.  And the panna cotta was beautiful and silky smooth, but the only bland thing I’ve had at 160 Main.

The restaurant is still perhaps finding it’s footing and voice mostly in the kitchen.  But for a  restaurant trying to survive and make people happy during these INSANE times, I find it hard to believe anyone could do it better.  I can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed my times at 160 Main, how much I can’t wait to go back, and how much I hope you check it out.