As I walked into the somewhat plain exterior of Fourteen Sixteen, I entered into a warm, inviting, industrial feel. We did not have to wait for our table, but it was also a Tuesday night so I was not surprised. If you are, however, worried about getting a table you can call for a reservation or you can even easily place your reservation on their website.

We were seated on the first floor but they also have an upper level for extra seating. I looked around where I was sitting and with pipes and lights on one wall, and plants on the other, I was ready for a great night with great food; and by the end of the night, I was not disappointed.

They have a variety of choices on their menu, including a fair amount of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options that can be prepared upon request. I began with a somewhat adventurous starter: lamb “nachos” at $12. This rather odd combination was confusing to me at first, but as I took my first bite, I was pleasantly surprised. The pita-like chips were perfectly warm and soft and mixed with feta cheese, onions, and tomatoes. This cheesy combination was amazing; however, after a few bites I soon put down the fork because it was very rich. The price of this was a little high for an appetizer, especially if you plan on eating a three course meal, but it was well worth it.

For the entree, I went with the classic three beef burger at $15, which was anything but typical. With bordelaise on a brioche bun, and caramelized onions, I sunk my teeth in and immediately wanted more. I typically do not like onions but these onions made the burger even more perfect. When I finished, there was not a crumb left on my plate. I also tried the zucchini cannelloni at $14 and was somewhat disappointed with the portion size. While the wood fired tomato puree and crusted zucchini were both very savory, it would have not been enough to fill me up.

Finally, for the dessert, I went with the apple pie for $7. The presentation on the plate made it look almost too beautiful for me to eat, but I am glad I did. The flaky and warm crust on the outside with the gooey apples in the middle were a match made in heaven. The caramel gelato on top added to this love affair and I could not get enough.

Bottom line: Fourteen Sixteen is a great new restaurant in LaGrange with wonderful food and a welcoming atmosphere. However, some of the portion sizes were a little too small and the prices a little too high. I would definitely recommend it for a night on the town or date night, but not for weekly dining.

4 out of 5 paws