Marie D
Happy hour at Hippo turned out to be the perfect introduction to this exceptional Italian restaurant. The carefully curated menu offers diverse and inventive dishes that showcase both traditional Italian influences and creative global inspirations.
The standout dish was undoubtedly the Indian-inspired striped sea bass – a masterful fusion that perfectly balanced bold spices with the delicate fish. The complex flavor profile created a truly memorable dining experience that would alone warrant a return visit.
Their pasta offerings showcased authentic Italian craftsmanship. The spaghetti delivered classic comfort while the Duck Ragu demonstrated their skill with richer, more complex flavors. The Brussels sprouts offered a perfect complementary side with their savory depth.
No meal is complete without dessert, and the brown butter cake provided a sophisticated sweet finale to our culinary journey.
The beverage program deserves special recognition – particularly their rosé selection which impressed even a self-professed rosé skeptic. Their cocktail menu offers equally thoughtful options.
Beyond the exceptional food, Hippo’s service and pacing elevated the entire experience. The server guided us through the menu with knowledge and enthusiasm, while the kitchen’s timing ensured each dish arrived at the perfect moment.
Hippo successfully balances sophistication with accessibility, making it ideal for everything from casual happy hours to special occasions. This restaurant has rightfully earned its place among the must-visit dining destinations in the area.
… moreN. C.G.
Parking can be difficult,only street parking either free or meter. However check street signs meter maybe free as well. Hostess was kind, professional, and helpful. We were a group of 6 with an 8:30 reservation ( reservations highly recommended) arrived approximately 30 min early, and waisted for our 8:30 seating. Table was ready by 8:30 , give +/- 10 min. Server was also kind and professional. Ordered drinks, mixed review from group regarding the cocktails ordered, one ordered Sábado Picante, too sweet, mai tai no flavor ( according guest). Food: reviewers dish- herbed ricotta tortelloni, was disappointed, no wow factor, portion was small as well ( didn’t expect a mountain of pasta, but just felt small portion)
Wife ordered the fish dish, said it was good but again nothing special, other guests ordered pastas and grilled chicken thighs dishes they commented they liked their dishes. Server, though kind was not as attentive as one would expect, we had to remind the server several times regarding missing drink order, and other items. Atmosphere was nice vibe, mai.g dinning area is noisy, if you prefer quieter dinning, they do have covered outside seating. Open kitchen concept.
May return to try different dishes, however probably not soon.
… moreRayanna Beltran
Totally enjoyed dinner with my mom last night. As much as I wanted to give a perfect rating, I must say that the inside of the resto can get very, very loud. It was somewhat difficult to have a conversation without asking them to repeat what they were saying. Regardless of that, the service was decent and the food is AMAZING. At first, my mom and I thought the pasta serving was too tiny but we got full eventually and left the place with happy bellies.
… moreWanda Wanda
Came for a Friday nite dinner with friends, 90 percent of what we got was fabulous, leaving me wanting to order the same thing over and again, great starter menu. My friend who ordered the steak has to send it back but I loved my striped bass. The cauliflower was our favorite and my 7 years old nephew licked the plate of the duck ragu…. The sea scallops were so tender and scrumptious!
… moreLauren Donahoe
I was excited to try this place and I was not disappointed. I highly encourage coming with at least three friends so you can try lots of dishes and share. We opted to get a bottle of wine and had a great server who made lots of food recommendations. I also had a vegan and vegetarian friend with me and there were clearly labeled options as well as off menu items the server shared with us. The outdoor patio had plenty of heat lamps so even in January, we were comfortable and had space to enjoy the multitude of courses. I definitely recommend this spot, just maybe carpool since parking is tough.
… moreWally
The food was delicious. The chicken plate was nice and spicy with soft potatoes, super savory. The hippo bread was made fresh with a butter cinnamon spread that made them taste like cinnamon rolls! The duck ragu was meaty and filling. The pasta was perfectly al dente and the duck was flavorful. Could use more cheese, but that’s just because I love cheese.
The dessert was mouthwatering basque style cheesecake which was thick and creamy throughout and accompanied by some blueberries and whipped cream. We also had the Kentucky butter cake which had soft moist exterior texture. Had a nice buttery salty taste and the lemon curd added the perfect amount of brightness to the dish.
… moreRYAN GRAE
I have always got food to go, but the atmosphere never misses- forever greeted with a smile. I am in love with everything they produce and cannot be swayed. Try desserts, it is a whole different playground. Side note, they even have a happy hour menu.
… moreTyler Hartt
The food here is good. The service was attentive and friendly. The pasta especially stood out as worth going for, as well as some of the cocktails.
This place would be a solid 4-5 stars and recommended, except for some unfortunate pricing practices.
There is 4% bogus fee added to the check. To their credit, it says it can be removed but that kind of thing always feels nickel and dime-y and leaves a bad taste. Sad thing is the fee doesn’t even go to the server. On a similar note, we came during happy hour but were not presented a happy hour menu or charged happy hour prices which is also kinda lame. The bread we paid $14 when advertised as $6. Chicken thigh charged $29 when advertised as $14 as examples.
… moreTom Tetrick
The hippo rolls were excellent. Our favorite item that we tried. Also had the prosciutto. For mains we had the tortellini duck ragú and broccoli rabe ravioli. The flavors in the dish were excellent. I used the bread we still had to dip it into the ravioli sauce. For dessert we tried the warm strawberry cake and the Kentucky butter cake. I enjoyed the strawberry one more. Nice anniversary dinner.
… moreAndrew Gill
Good foodie place. Sort of a refreshing take on American Italian. But also sort of a Californian restaurant. The food is rich and interesting, but sometimes with dishes like this I get a “flavor fatigue” and need to drink a lot of water to reset. I REALLY liked the shaved brussel sprouts. They were so much better than a traditional salad
… more