Vernick Food & Drink (Philadelphia, PA)

Vernick Food & Drink
2031 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Dining date: 6/23/17

Vernick Food & Drink is high on many lists of best restaurants in Philadelphia. It’s been one of the most highly regarded upscale restaurants since opening in 2012, from being named one of the best new restaurants in America by Bon Appetit to its chef, Gregory Vernick, being named ‘Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic’ this year by the James Beard Foundation. As expected, the restaurant is very popular but we were able to squeeze in on a late Friday seating.

potato leek vichyssois dill oil and espelette cornbread

striped jack avocado & grilled jalapeno oil

beef tartare fresh horseradish on toast

sea urchin warm scrambled eggs

baby carrots tahini vinaigrette

charcoal-grilled octopus niçoise

pappardelle tender rabbit, morels, fava beans & lavender

petite brownie à la mode

I really enjoyed the meal here. The ingredients were allowed to shine and dishes were well-executed. The beef tartare was very well-balanced; often I find it to be too acidic, but this one was spot on with plenty of beefy flavor accented by horseradish. Striped jack and creamy avocado were brightened up by slivers of scallion, while pappardelle was hearty and delicious with tender chunks of sweet rabbit, morels and fava. The petit brownie a la mode, at just $3, was just the sweet touch to complete the meal. I would come back here if I were a regular visit to Philadelphia.