Restaurant Review: Mandrake
Sometimes you find yourself in Columbus, Ohio and it turns out you need to eat. If you’ve got a nice wad of cash burning a hole in your wallet, and you’re wanting a full relaxing experience, an excuse to wear fancier clothes (peep that dress code), that gives you good food, a chill atmosphere, and decent views for a city without the skyscrapers of New York City or Dubai, then think about going to the 10 stories up Mandrake.
Let’s hear it in their own words:
Mandrake Rooftop is changing the way Columbus will view a rooftop restaurant and lounge concept.
Located in the heart of the Short North, Mandrake offers a bevy of delectable tapa-style food, the healthiest sushi in the world, and an elevated beverage program with the most diverse wine list in the city and craft cocktails.
I was lucky enough to visit Mandrake for a bachelorette party and we had dinner and drinks. This visit starts when you figure out which of the double doors let you into the building. There is more than one correct answer. You walk into a vestibule with high ceilings and an artistic chandelier. The elevators are waiting and already setting up your experience. Decorated with a full wall of flowers and greenery, the experience starts here.
When the elevator opens on the tenth floor, you have a short walk to get a glimpse of the Columbus skyline, and another flower wall with changing decorations and phrases to lead you on your way. We reserved our spot in advance, but they do allow walk ins as well. You can choose to sit on the decorated lounge style balcony or under the open air rooftop around the bar which has more traditional tables and chairs. The seating in the balcony is themed with different sized tables for different lounging options, and all surrounded by beautiful flower beds that envelop you in atmosphere and whimsy. The music was modern and fun and not overly loud, so we could talk and relax while we sipped on wine and ate.
Mandrake puts a premium on their food being healthy and good for you. To hear it from them:
Your health matters here. We exclusively feature 100% non-gmo, chef-inspired shareable plates, small bites, and the only truly healthy sushi in the world. We use organic produce, cook in non-toxic + clean cooking oils, and feature zero-refined sugars. Exactly like nothing and no one else.
Served as sharables and tapas style, their menu was split between sharables, small bites, and sushi. The beverage menu takes four pages on their website even with the sushi options filtered in. Don’t worry if sushi isn’t your thing, there were options outside the cuisine.
My table shared the Lobster Mac and Cheese, the elote (street corn), bang bang shrimp, and a few sushi rolls. Everything comes out as it’s ready with a continued stream to the table. The food was hot and cooked through. Everything had a clear taste that, as promised, burst with the flavors of fresh ingredients that was not overpowering or used complicated recipes. Everything was easily shared.
The lobster mac is made with gruyére and this Swiss cheese paired well with the fresh caught lobster. It’s known for it’s salty and creamy textures with a bit of a nutty flavor that wrapped the lobster brilliantly. As someone so used to butter and garlic for lobster, this was a great combination and well mixed as the lobster was not overpowering but complimenting the mac and cheese.
The street corn was served off the cob and a pleasing mixture of those Latin flavors and a cotija cheese. This was a good example of spices for flavor, not for heat and something anyone can enjoy.
The bang bang shrimp was a standout for me, as I had never had some before, and I don’t always go for things with ginger. I find ginger an overpowering spice in many desserts and avoid it often. This spicy mayo and ginger combination packed a punch and smooth combination. It was hard not to order more amidst everything else we already had on our table.
The sushi was simple and delightful with each ingredient having it’s moments in each bite. Mandrake definitely does its best to keep their promise for the quality of ingredients used and this is especially obvious in a meal item that doesn’t allow quality to be hidden in sauces and cooking methods.
I want to end this positive review of the Mandrake with love in my heart for the staff members that we worked with. They showed absolute hospitality when it came to walking us through ordering, allowing us to get some party photos while not disturbing other clients, and friendly, fast service that made us feel well taken care of. Mandrake standards for excellence is in their food and their staff and the experience easily is one I won’t forget in a long time.
