Pear and gorgonzola salad, peppered strip steak and banana crème brulee are just a few of the dishes offered at Sage American Bistro, located at 2653 N. High St.

Bill Glover, owner and executive chef, opened the restaurant in June. The bistro features an intimate atmosphere with artwork adorning the brick walls to create a classy atmosphere, without the pretentious attitude.

Entrée items run an average of $19. Salads are $6 and appetizers average around $8.

Entrées include dishes such as seared scallops, cheese tortelonni, duck pappadelle, braised lamb shank and Florida mahi mahi.

The most popular entrée on the menu is the pretzel crusted salmon, Glover said.

The braised lamb shank was tender and fell off the bone with little effort. It was complemented by spinach and pearl onions, creating a nice balance. My favorite part of the dinner was the banana cream crème brulee, which was creamy, light and paired with fruit such as strawberries and blueberries.

“The lamb was my favorite part of the dinner because not only was it delicious, but it was perfectly portioned,” said Diana Trolio, a senior in speech and hearing. “It was really tender and filled me up. Plus, I never get the opportunity to eat lamb at regular campus restaurants, so I was ecstatic to see it on the menu.”

Another customer, Brandon Short, enjoyed the peppered strip steak entrée.

“It was very juicy and tender,” he said. “The frizzled onions, sweet potato hash and asparagus that accompanied the dish were so good I could have eaten them alone as an appetizer.”

Appetizers include sautéed mussels, roasted parsnip and potato soup and fried calamari. Salads include the Sage house salad, the Sage caesar and spinach salad.

Sage is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Although reservations are not required, they are recommended for Friday and Saturday nights.

A $5 martini happy hour is also offered every night from 5 to 7 p.m. Though the flirtini martini was a little on the strong side, it was fruity and delicious.

Sage is closed on Monday and during Sunday evenings, but it does offer a brunch menu every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Most of the brunch items run between $7 and $8, and the most expensive dishes cost $10.

Among the most popular brunch items is the crème brulee french toast, Glover said.

This dish consists of Texas toast saturated in the traditional crème brulee mixture, baked and then completed with bananas, fresh mixed berries and syrup.

Other brunch menu items include blueberry buttermilk pancakes, chorizo, black bean and sweet potato hash, granola and yogurt parfait, among other items.

Overall, Sage puts out a great meal with a staff and chef that were welcoming and attentive, without being overbearing. It is an upscale restaurant near campus that would be the perfect spot to take parents to eat when they are visiting Columbus, a nice romantic dinner for two or even a classy place to kick off a girls night out.

Abigail Miner/The LanternCustomers enjoy the fine wine and gourmet entrées offered by the Sage American Bistro on High Street Tuesday.

Megan Laney can be reached at [email protected].