Walk into the Alten House on Detroit Road and the first thing you notice isn't the smell of searing beef. It’s the floors. They creak. They’ve been creaking since 1850. This building was a private home before it was an antique shop, and before Bob Nemo turned it into a culinary landmark back in 2001. Honestly, it still feels like a home. You’re basically eating dinner in someone’s living room, provided that someone has a world-class chef and a serious wine cellar.
When people search for the Nemo Grille Avon menu, they’re usually looking for two things: the price of the filet and whether that famous duck is still there.
Yes, it is.
But there’s a nuance to this menu that a quick glance at a PDF won't tell you. It's a "Globally Influenced American" vibe, which is just a fancy way of saying Bob Nemo and his head chef, Jen Reed, cook whatever they think tastes amazing. They don't let a specific cuisine trap them. You’ll see Thai chili aioli right next to a classic Italian Bolognese. It works because the kitchen has spent over twenty years obsessing over the details.
The Heavy Hitters: Signature Entrees
If it’s your first time, you’re likely going for the Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast. It’s the dish that arguably put this place on the map in Lorain County. It comes with caramelized onion mashed potatoes—which are as heavy and delicious as they sound—and a black mission fig-marsala sauce that cuts through the fat of the duck perfectly.
✨ Don't miss: Why T. Pepin’s Hospitality Centre Still Dominates the Tampa Event Scene
Then there’s the Chilean Sea Bass.
Most places serve sea bass with a simple rice pilaf. Nemo Grille serves it with truffle cheese sachetti pasta. It’s indulgent. The marcona almond brown butter sauce adds a crunch that most people don't expect. If you’re looking for something more "Earth-bound," the Braised Short Ribs are the move. They’re served with bacon and blue cheese mashed potatoes. It’s aggressive, salty, and basically a hug on a plate.
Current Pricing Snapshots (approximate for 2026):
- 8 oz Center Cut Filet Mignon: $51.00
- Maple Leaf Duck Breast: $34.00
- Chilean Sea Bass: $46.00
- Nemo Lasagna: $25.00
Wait, $25 for lasagna? Yeah. It’s layered with a Bolognese that takes hours to prep. It isn't your standard Olive Garden slab. It's refined, structural, and usually sells out on busy Friday nights.
🔗 Read more: Human DNA Found in Hot Dogs: What Really Happened and Why You Shouldn’t Panic
The Secret "Small" Plates
You've gotta look at the appetizers, or you're doing it wrong. The Stuffed Banana Peppers are a staple—hot Italian sausage, basil-tomato sauce, and a blend of smoked mozzarella and provolone. They have a kick.
Actually, let's talk about the Mushroom Gnocchi. It’s $12. It’s sautéed with wild mushrooms and truffled brown butter. Most regulars order it as a middle course.
If you want something lighter, the Ahi Tuna Poke Nachos use crispy wontons instead of corn chips. It’s a nice break from the heavier, butter-forward dishes on the rest of the menu.
The Bar and the Vibes
The wine list is surprisingly deep for a spot in Avon. You’ll find The Prisoner by the glass ($19), which tells you everything you need to know about the demographic here. It’s upscale but not stuffy. You can sit at the bar—which has a cool hammered-tin ceiling—and grab a Kobe Cheeseburger for $21 if you aren't feeling the full white-tablecloth experience.
💡 You might also like: The Gospel of Matthew: What Most People Get Wrong About the First Book of the New Testament
Martinis you should actually try:
- The Cucumber Martini: Effen Cucumber vodka and St. Germain. It’s dangerously easy to drink.
- Tart Cherry Manhattan: They use Bulleit bourbon and Luxardo cherries. No neon-red maraschinos here.
- French 75: Hendrick’s Gin and Prosecco. Classic for a reason.
What Most People Get Wrong
A big misconception is that Nemo Grille is only for "special occasions." While the $50 steaks suggest an anniversary vibe, the addition of the 750-square-foot outdoor patio a few years back changed things. It’s become a spot for a random Tuesday night drink and a flatbread. The Lobster Flatbread ($14) with truffle honey is a sleeper hit.
Also, don't just show up. The place only seats about 55 people in the main dining rooms. On a weekend, they’ll flip those tables two or three times. Without a reservation, you’re basically hovering by the bar hoping someone leaves early.
The building itself is part of the "Olde Avon Village" charm. It survived the Civil War era, found its way through a period as a vacant shell, and now serves some of the best scallops in Ohio. When you're looking through the Nemo Grille Avon menu, remember you’re paying for the consistency of a kitchen that has been doing this since 2001. That’s an eternity in the restaurant world.
Pro-Tips for Your Visit
- The Bread: It’s fresh. Don't fill up on it, even though you’ll want to.
- Steak Toppings: Get the Roasted Garlic Blue Cheese Butter. It’s $4 and changes the entire profile of the New York Strip.
- Parking: It can get hairy at the intersection of Detroit and 611. Arrive 10 minutes early just to find a spot in the village lots.
- Dietary Stuff: They’re surprisingly good with gluten-free swaps, but you have to ask. The kitchen isn't huge, but they're nimble.
If you’re heading there this week, start with the Lobster Bisque. It’s $11 and loaded with actual sherry cream and lobster meat. It’s the benchmark for a reason.
Your Next Steps for a Perfect Evening:
- Check the Seasonal Rotation: While the classics like the duck and sea bass stay, the "Seasonal Vegetables" side changes monthly based on what’s actually fresh.
- Book Early: Use their direct line (440-934-0061) rather than relying on third-party apps which sometimes lag on real-time table availability.
- Explore the Village: If you have a later reservation, grab a coffee or window shop at the surrounding French Creek District stores first to soak in the 19th-century history.