When we don't want to go into Baltimore or DC, but want the kind of high quality food to be found at the finer restaurants in the cities, we go to Aida Bistro. We've been going there for several years and the food seldom disappoints. The specials generally are the best dishes, though their calamari and white chocolate creme brulee are reliable favorites. The wine list is excellent. I've discovered some terrific wines there. The service is uniformly high quality; the wait staff are attentive and knowledgeable. They use produce from local farms and they do try to keep the menu interesting and variable from season to season. It as expensive as any quality city restaurant. A meal for two can easily top $160+ with cocktails and wine, but there are few places in the Columbia/Ellicott City area that offer the same high quality food.

I've been to Aida three times now, and despite hearing my friends rave about it, I just can't help but shrug my shoulders at it. The food and wine are good, and the service has been fine. I'm just not impressed with the menu or the value. My best meal I've had there was a kobe steak that was a special (for $40 I believe), but that may never be available again. I'll go back to Aida, when I have a Groupon or Living Social deal, but I don't think it's worth going there and paying full price. For my money, I prefer Stanford Grill or maybe Greystone Grill.

My husband an I went to Aida for his birthday this past week. We always enjoy the food and wine, but it is pricey. Service was excellent. I can't say there was anything on the menu that would make me want to go back ASAP, but it was tasty, and well-prepared. The wine was excellent, but expensive.

Food was delicious and made with fresh, local ingredients. Service was good for a busy Tuesday night. They had many options of wine, which we loved! Will return!