Laurel
| Address: | 1617 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA |
| Phone: | +1 215-271-8299 |
| Site: | restaurantlaurel.com |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | Closed 5:30–9:15PM 5:30–9:15PM 5:30–9:15PM 5:30–9:15PM 5:30–9:15PM Closed |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 13
BE
Bernard Ciongoli
Absolutely AWLFUL! No Air Conditioning! This tiny room was boiling! No exaggerating it had to be 90 degrees. When I asked the waitress if the air was on she said "yes, but its an old building" and that she "could get us a fan." She offered to set up a floor fan to blow on our table!! We all did the tasting menu and wine pairing... The food was terrible. I really dont understand what everyone else is raving about? The portions were tiny with very awkward ingredients (freeze dried beets, frozen granola Foie gras...). Then the main course comes, and it squab. Whats squab you ask...? Its a tiny red meat chicken like bird.... Look it up! The wines were good..., if you consider saki as a wine starter. My glass was empty more than 50% of the time always waiting for the next small pour. When the waitress asked how I liked each course, I told her that it did not agree with my pallet at all; then on came the long wait for the next small pour and small sour entree. HUGE bill (no menu), left Hungry and Nauseous.... Literally threw up when we got home....
AL
Alexander Khan
Reservations needed well in advance for something mediocre at best. Very expensive, look to spend about $150-$250/ person. No menu, just preset courses with optional preset wine pairings.Innovative plating and twists on food yet still lacking the flavors of a true French restuarant. If youre looking for something intimate, look elsewhere, youll unintentionally share conversations with the stranger next to you becaude your table is inches away from the next. Try other French restaurants in town. They exceed the expectations of fine French cuisine. They possess the knowledge of how wine should be paired with certain dishes without a script. And most importantly, avoids the hassle of looking for a reservation for great food. Laurel has been named top restaurant in Philadelphia for the past few years, yet their ego has far exceeded the prices and true taste of what real French cuisine should possess. They are lost with the title of "Best French" and have lost something that they were once heralded for. Until they realize this, go elsewhere.
JA
Jay Abe
Last time I go to place based on critic reviews/ratings on Phillymag (sticking with word of mouth from people I know) and I definitely dont understand all the hype/how this place rated #1. The pros: The service was OK, Chef is very creative with the dishes and presentation & each course had a variety of different flavors and textures, if that is what you are looking for. The Cons: The restaurant is incredibly small; Food is very expensive/ unjustified for the amount of food served. Not all the courses went together/complemented each other to make great meal in my opinion, parking is very tough. Overall summary: I like being able to select what I want, so I do not care for the fixed price/taste menu. Food quantity & combinations was not up to par with the amount paid in my opinion. I would not go back.
PE
Peter Bachman
Imagine your sense of taste and smell was divided into major areas like sweet, sour, bitter, salt and umami and that most food was one thing, or two things, along with a couple of textures. Then imagine a cabinet of culinary curiosities, where each small plate itself was broken down into multiple delicious subtle flavors. Freezing butter in nitrogen, and then shaving it, paired with a brioche bread. This is where you dont choose and thus simply enjoy the chefs tasting menu. Laurel is one of most creative, and arguably one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia. Our third visit and the tasting menu approach adopted is the right approach. Its not about what one likes or what one chooses. Its about experiencing the art produced.
MA
martin cesar
Es un lugar q representa el alma de su dueño excelente atención perfección innovación señores señoras el. Mundo debe saber q este lucar es algo q cualquier mortal en algún momento de sus vidas debería tener el honor y el placer de concurrir y exprimentar chef nicholas elmi gracias
RO
Rohenne Lee
Its amazing that this place is BYOB! Makes it much more affordable than other pre fixe menu restaurants that force you to do wine pairings or buy an expensive bottle of wine. Every dish we had was innovative but satisfying. The chef uses a lot of ingredients that you dont normally find in dishes and mixes tastes that you wouldnt think actually goes well together. Cozy ambiance, perfect date spot. Though hard to snag a reservation but put your name down on the wait list! Thats how I got my reservation. Service was impeccable and Id definitely come back for a different seasonal menu.
TH
Theodore Lewis
Having traveled all over the world, our dinner at Laurel was easily among the best, if not the best, weve ever had. Le Bec Fin comes to mind in terms of the food, wine pairing, and exceptional service. Each dish was a triumph of creativity and complex flavors. The wines beautifully complimented the food, and should not be missed. Also, Chef Nicholas Elmi frequently checked on his guests, which made the experience even more memorable. Reservations are very hard to get, so try calling in case there are cancellations.
AN
Anh Renner
The modern architecture is stunning and the situation, with its panoramic views, is quite superb. Apart from the interesting collections held within the buildings, it is just wonderful to stroll around the grounds. The fact that this is free to enter is the most remarkable thing of all. I have travelled extensively and have been fortunate enough to visit many lovely places but this one is right up there with the very best. Believe all the good reviews and go and enjoy.
KI
Kim Vernick
Laurel is the most coveted reservation in Philadelphia. It is like going to an art museum for food. If you are into that then this is the place for you. The restaurant is small and comfortable. The food is small and uncomfortable. The service is great and the chef takes great pride is all preparations. Nothing was exceptional but the presentation was great. My husband and I love to cook so we realize what we were paying for was pure labor. We will not be going back.
LI
Lily de la Torre
The food was excellent. I was miffed by the service during my meal, because my party was asked to leave the table less than 5 minutes after receiving the bill because the next party was waiting. It was not our fault that the pacing of the meal resulted in dessert being served at the time that the next table was already waiting. It was uncomfortable, and put a bad taste in my mouth after having anticipated the reservation for two months.
AN
Andrea Lopez
In my view, this is one of the real gems in downtown Philadelphia. Consistently excellent and often underrated by the "experts". Yes, the rate it high - I think it should be higher!! Treat yourself - do the tasting menu with the wine pairing and be prepared for a great evening!! You will not be dissapointed!!
EM
Emily Forte
If theres a dish on the menu that you think you may not like, or something you normally dont eat, try it anyway. Chef Nick Elmi has a true gift, and can make anything taste unique, in a way that causes your tastebuds to dance with delight. If I could afford to, I would eat here once a week, at least.
BR
Bruce Segal
This is definitely a restaurant for adventurous eaters. The menu is avant guard. So, if fois grois, or steak tar tar, or sushi is on the adventurous side for you, then be sure to check the menu before making a reservation. Beyond that, the service and staff is superb, and the ambiance cozy.
