Bistro 491 opened its doors in March of 1999 as an intimate neighborhood eatery serving a menu inspired by the seasons. We strive to serve simple, elegant food, paired with a stellar wine list and professional service. Our goal is to treat all of our patrons as we would guests in our home.

The decor of warm browns and greens lend to an intimate dining experience. Beautiful flower arrangements, luxurious carpets, long banquettes and unique lighting highlight the simple, almost retro feel of the bistro. Our staff is informed and personable, yet relaxed and sincere. We go to great lengths to train our staff on all that is food and wine, with weekly wine and food tastings.

Our Menu

As far as the food, Chef Todd Schafer uses specialty purveyors from all over the nation to get the best quality ingredients, whether it's oysters from Seattle, foie gras from the Hudson Valley or fresh seafood flown in from the M.F. Foley Fish Co. in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

All of our steaks are hand cut Certified Angus or higher, and we use heirloom pork from Niman Ranch, a co-op of farms producing hormone- and antibiotic-free pork.

All of our desserts, from the chocolate gateau to the lavender ice cream, are made on premise.

Our wine list offers many food-friendly, reasonably-priced selections. We also have a proprietor's list chock full of first growths and hard to find classics.

Dining

We have seating for 70 in the main dining room, as well as two private rooms - one that accommodates up to 60 people, and the other, for smaller, more intimate gatherings, seats 10 to 15. We also offer a full bar, serving exotic concoctions, old standards and soothing libations for even the most discerning palate.

Reservations are not required, but recommended. Our dress code is business casual, but hey, jeans are okay too. When we started, we wanted a place where an elegantly dressed couple out for a special occasion would feel as comfortable as guests dressed in jeans. We hope we've made that place in the Bistro, elegant yet simple, refined yet relaxed. Private corporate functions, rehearsal dinners and other special events are always welcome, and elegant in-home catering is available.

It gives us great satisfaction that we have found our niche here in Augusta. Its always been home, and to come back and have the impact we've had has been wonderful.

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