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Laurel Restaurant in Philadelphia
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Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, US
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Phone: +1 215-271-8299
Site: http://www.restaurantlaurel.com/
Site: http://www.restaurantlaurel.com/
Opening hours
- Monday:Closed
- Tuesday:Closed
- Wednesday:5:30–10PM
- Thursday:5:30–10PM
- Friday:5:30–10PM
- Saturday:5:30–10PM
- Sunday:Closed
Comments (179)
Such an amazing experience. We were able to meet Chef and the food was exquisite! Joshua, our server, mixologist, entertainer made the whole experience! Highly recommend!
Would love to give Nick another 5 stars!!! Just took my entire family (july 2022). The service is flawless. The food— also flawless. Nick even came out and said hi a few times for my mom’s 70th birthday. Kate and the rest of the crew were attentive and friendly. Really absolutely nothing negative to say. 5 stars every time (this was our 4th visit over the years).
What a wonderful experience! Service was excellent and the food as well. The salmon dish was my favorite. The wagu was top notch too. Rather expensive but this is an upscale dining experience that’s worth it. Each plate was a work of art visually and the flavors were well thought out to compliment each other. Go here for a nice fancy evening for date night or special occasion.
I have so much to say about this place but I’m going to shorten it up. Great staff, incredibly imaginative perfect cuisine, the most perfect waygu A5 EVER. Really just a majestic evening. Thank you so much to everyone involved. You really have something special here. Would grade as a Michelin 1-2 star restaurant. Cheers
Laurel provides technically strong cooking and some interesting ideas. I was delighted by the shaved frozen foie gras and the grated frozen butter with bread. Desert was a fun selection of 6 different items. Polenta with snails and mushroom jelly was a fantastic and creative concoction. Plating and actual plates are beautiful. Certainly, a meal at this price tier should amaze and Laurel succeeded at that, but no single dish was a home run. Honestly, I think part of that is that all the dishes were served at a lukewarm temperature.
Service was lovely and accommodating. The food is not on par in taste or presentation with equivalent fine dining establishments in NYC or DC, but the price is exactly the same. Was specifically disappointed by the squab which was flavorless and dry. Equally confused by the concept. French? Italian? New American? The menu is all over the place and therefore lacks consistency and understanding.
Amazing food and amazing service. Everyone pays close attention and is there to pour your wine, refill your water and make sure you have the best possible experience! The tasting menu truly provides a unique experience during our time here in Philadelphia :)
Laurel presents a phenomenal modern French prix fixe menu. In our visit, we were given six courses in addition to a small amuse bouche before the meal.The dishes overall tended more towards the lighter side, providing a more subtle tasting experience than would traditionally be expected from French cuisine. Many of the dishes were fish forward, with a final course of veal, which was perfectly prepared and one of the most tender pieces of meat I have ever had.In addition to the main menu, we were offered a 3 oz wagyu beef course for an additional $75. While pricey, it is definitely worth it and was incredibly tender and rich, a very nice addition to cap off the main portion of the meal.In addition the the food, the service was fantastic, with staff being very knowledgeable about the dishes.Critiques of the meal would be minor. There were chopsticks on the table at the start of the meal, a holdover from a previous version of the menu which ended up being a red herring. Additionally, the flavours are on the more subtle end, so if youre looking for something more punchy, you might want to check out Vetri.
Dinner was amazing! The steak knives could be sharper.
Outstanding evening of food! We got the full tasting menu. Every dish was superb!
For anyone coming here, the first thing I would note is that this is more of a food adventure than a restaurant. My husband and I did the 9 course dinner for our anniversary, and it was obvious that every course built upon itself with a summer by the sea theme. Every course was absolutely beautiful to look at and by the end, there was plenty of food for a full stomach. I will say that we found some of the dishes to be a little heavy on the salt. I would also say that I would describe each course more as interesting and beautiful than delicious.My primary criticism is that we came on a Tuesday to a primarily empty restaurant and still got stuck at the corner table by the bathroom and kitchen where the waitresses/hostesses hang out. This meant that my husband and I both felt that we couldnt converse freely about what we thought of each course, and being able to openly talk about the food we were eating on such a culinary adventure is half the fun. It definitely put a damper on our evening. While at first, I assumed that we were there because we were just a party of 2 and perhaps they had a full evening, by the end of our meal, the restaurant only had two other guests - both also parties of 2, and both of whom had better tables (with the majority of the restaurant still empty). For such high-end dining, I didnt really find that acceptable.
A place to go to feel pampered, for sure. Service top notch. The flavours were very fresh and classic, but the portions are very small so we did have to get another bite afterwards. Wine list superb and amazing cocktails. Not sure Id go again but very glad we went for a celebration meal.
The wine pairing selection with dinner was very good. A relatively light menu lacking a real solid main course. Staff was polite, but busy and unable to spend a personable amount of time at the table. Dessert and caviar courses were the highlight of the evening.
My wife and i have been coming here for the last few years for special occasions and once or twice just to treat ourselves. Its a tasting menu that changes regularly and the food is always incredible! Nick has always made it a point to come out and say hi to all of the guests, a really nice touch. I would, and often do, highly recommend this restaurant to everyone.
Absolutely amazing! Each course was better than the next. The wine pairing is completely worth the money. Joey was an absolute gem. Incredibly knowledgeable with each dish being served and very personable. The highlight of the meal was the wagu beef course. I will dream about that beef for the foreseeable future. We cannot wait to go back!!
We always have a great experience here! You can tell the ownership takes care of their employees and they actually want to be there. They might have been a little short staffed but you couldnt tell by the wait time or quality of service. The staff did multiple jobs, including making the drinks for their tables at the bar.The food was so delicious, the meals are better and better each time. We went for our 14th anniversary and even our 5 year old enjoyed herself! We highly recommend Laurel to anyone who likes a nice fancy meal once in a while. We sat in a very private location, felt safe and well taken care of. Highly recommend!
A truly fantastic experience. This restaurant is easily amongst the best Philly has to offer. The food was outstanding, and the service was knowledgeable, attentive, and friendly. I highly suggest the wine pairing to go with the tasting menu -- it is worth the price. If they offer you any extras and you can afford to splurge, do it (Im looking at you, additional course of wagyu beef!). My wife and I really hope to go back and try a different menu when the seasons change.
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.
Our thoroughly excellent meal consisted of the following tasting menu, to which we added by request a serving of their ricotta gnocchi with truffles.Rhode Island Razor Clam, Trout Roe, Cucumber, Frozen Buttermilk2014 Hexamer Weissherbst from the Nahe district of GermanyOur score for this item was 80/100 - tasty, nice cucumber taste, the coldness of the buttermilk component added real interest!Cured Foie Gras, Kohlrabi, Black WalnutEves Cidery Essence Ice Cider from New York State95/100, lets a person know COLD foie gras can be delicious, too! Nice textures, foie gras was very creamy and delicious and GENEROUS portion.Wild Burgundy Snails, Shiitake, Spring Onion, Potato2014 Ott Am Berg Grüner Veltliner, Wagram100/100 - kudos! Everything about this dish was a delight for the palate, and the foam was such a rich and delicious treat, light, but also rich and creamy.Maryland Crab, Sea Urchin Custard, Peas, Black Garlic90/100, really enjoyed the black garlic croutons, crunchy, crispy, tasty, a real treat!Black Cod, Herb Emulsion, Day Lily, Truffle Broth2014 Château de la Greffier, Macon La Roche Veneuse90/100 - nice crispy crust and properly cooked, a bit sweet, and still moist.Lamb Neck, Patience Dock, Stinging Nettle, Wood Ear Mushroom2012 Macarico Aglianico del Vulture100/100 - and we had it paired with A5 Miyazaki beef. We loved both equally, and thats a real compliment to what the kitchen did with the lamb!Ricotta Gnocche with Australian Black Truffle100/100 - soft as the softest pillows! Like little marshmallows of absolute deliciousness! With a generous shaving of winter truffle. YUM!
Gotta say that it was pretty incredible. Mainly food that I have never tried before so thankfully it was a tasting menu, otherwise, I would not have known what to order. The staff were extremely attentive and knowledgeable. We had a great time!
Amazing experience again! Service was fantastic and food was delicious. Highly recommend for a special occasion
BACK TO LAUREL LAST NIGHT (November 3, 2021). Another truly outstanding dining experience. From first course to our sixth course, it could not have gone better. Menu standouts were too tough to decide, from tuna to monkfish, to the complex sausage dish, to the magnificent veal. Of course the Arpege Egg is still in play as a staple, as well it should. Our meal ended with a change in desserts, which arguably, is their finest creation in desserts to date. Unbelievable way to end a meal. Well done, staff at Laurel.Have been coming to Laurel since its opening in 2013. It never ceases to disappoint through the attention to detail and stellar creations rendered by access to local ingredients and then some. Last nights meal was the latest great dining experience for us at Laurel. The six courses included lobster, sea bass, razor clams, the Chefs interpretation of the Arpege Egg, finishing up with a BBQ grilled squab. The accompanying sauces were so good, I wanted to literally lick the plates & bowls. We opted for one of the supplements offered last night. It was a French Tart comprised of flown in Wagyu Beef for Japan, Foie Gras, and shaved black truffles. Im missing a couple of other ingredients here, but it was unbelievable. There was also a Wagyu Beef supplement on its own. I also ordered the wine pairing, which were perfect with each course coming from the kitchen. There is street parking for $1.00hr and a small municipal lot for the same cash. By the way, you should know that Laurel is no longer a BYOB and has not been for quite some time. Cocktails, wine, and beer are readily available. Cheers!!!
I would give Laurel 6 stars if I could - this is hands-down my favorite restaurant in Philadelphia for the past decade. Laurels food is consistently creative and simply exceptional, and their servers are unbelievably professional and helpful in their advice while being entirely unobtrusive (I do not think they give their names so as not to detract from the food and the experience). This tiny Passyunk-based spot has understated ambiance in an intimate setting that is always full of genuine warmth.As a strict vegetarian, I am always disappointed by lovely prix fixe tasting menus that cater beautifully to fish and meat eaters, but Laurel has never let me down with a similarly gorgeous spread of innovative bites from start to finish. My meat/fish-enjoying husband and friends are similarly always beyond satisfied with their selections. Locavore food in all four seasons has been incredible. Please always splurge on their truffle gnocchi addition when available (or apparently the wagyu beef per my carnivorous companions) - it is ridiculously decadent - and go for the full menu if you are able. We have kindly still been allowed to BYOB with a special bottle or two of great wine from our home cellar, although Laurel has a lovely wine, beer, and cocktail menu that is definitely worthwhile if you prefer to explore some new ideas.Laurels wonderful hardback cookbook (available at the restaurant or via Amazon) also has the most beautiful photography and recipes - if only we could accomplish 1/10 of their presentation at home! Bravo to Nick and team.
Excellent tasting menu. Would highly recommend!
This was my first experience with a tasting menu, and I was not disappointed. I was in Philly for a conference and wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to check out Laurel (mainly bc I am a Top Chef fan). The servers were knowledgeable, the 6 course menu was just the right amount of food, and it was delicious. My favorite was a dish with snails, leeks, and crunchy black onions.
I am writing this review even as the restaurant is closed due to city restrictions. Always worth it. Always exceptional. The food is always so creative and more than you would anticipate. Nick puts his whole heart and soul into this gem and it shows. Crossing our fingers that this comes back (receives necessary funding!) and we love the BYOB aspect as well and hope that will come back too. Its Philadelphias finest!
Definitely a go-to for a special occasions, but also a treat yourself type experience as this is not just great food this is full on culinary performance at the highest level!Start to finish --this was a 3 star Michelin dining experience 🔔🔔🔔🔔*Service was attentive but not intrusive*Ambience was intimate and luxe-- just the right amount of fanfare 👌 but not so over the top that you feel uncomfortable -- laid back fancy-- is that a thing? It should be*The food was inventive and unique-- but also just plain delicious like I want to go into a room by myself and lick this plate its so good-- but were all civilized so we show restraint*Everything was well seasoned, flavorful and a masterful play of textures* Dont skip any of the extras/specials -- go all in baby and you wont regret it! And take advantage of the in house Sommelier! 🥂TLDR: An interesting journey for your taste buds, extra care given to each and every item on the plate and a symphony of courses and fluid choreography of serviceWould go back as often as I can afford! 😍Edit: I saw comments about portions being small and I have to completely disagree! If anything, I didnt eat anything but a light breakfast the morning of in anticipation of this gastronomic journey (as Ive been burned before on tasting menus that I cant physically complete)-- if anything I was on the verge of over satiated, so no its just the right amount of food 👌
This was my first experience with a tasting menu, and I was not disappointed. I was in Philly for a conference and wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to check out Laurel (mainly bc I am a Top Chef fan). The servers were knowledgeable, the 6 course menu was just the right amount of food, and it was delicious.
Coming in, we heard great things about Laurel from multiple sites. However, our experience did not match the rumors. The dishes were not dating or creative, and they failed to hit on the tastes that were there. At one point, one of the dishes reminded me of canned spinach.The service was akin to what you would get at an Outback Steakhouse. While the hostess was nice, the waiter and runner did not seem excited about what they do and did not have any details or input on each dish.The ambiance is very basic. It wasnt bad, just wasnt memorable either.Overall, we went in expecting to experience flavors that one does not get to taste normally, and this expectation was not met. The value just isnt there.Side note, we ordered an additional dish that was not part of the tasting menu, the gnocchi. This is not part of this review, but it was amazing. Probably the best gnocchi I have had in my life. The chef nailed the texture and flavors and was just different enough that we will remember it for a long time.
Wow, what a meal. BYOB or bar. They give you the menu afterwards so dont worry about trying to remember everything. Highly recommend! One picture of the oysters from our meal.
Laurel was incredible, the service and food were out of this world. Very creative and artistic food pairings!
Best restaurant in Philly. Perfect to the smallest detail. Felt very Covid safe as well. Dont skip the gnocchi - chef should do a master class. They are so light and fluffy you wont ever want to eat gnocchi anywhere else again.
Great friendly and attentive staff. Always had great suggestions concerning drinks. I guess coming from out of town I didnt know exactly what kind of restaurant I was walking in to. The food was delicious; I was just severely unaware of how small the serving sizes were.They were also Covid responsible.
Our first indoor dining in over a year, where better to go than Laurel. A fantastic meal and the staff is the best. Favorite restaurant in the Philly area. Great to have Chef Elmi and his team back at Laurel.
What a fantastic experience! Superb! We had the six course fixed price tasting menu. There were supplements which we did not try. Six courses was more than plenty. Everything was beautifully and artfully done. Wonderful attention to detail. This one of the only restaurants I know of that allows one to bring your own wine even though they have a full bar and a liquor license. This place is tremendous value for money. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Kudos
Why 3 stars? Service was excellent. Food was very good, I know it is a tasting menu but come-on the portions were tiny. The Kobe was excellent but for $70 for a portion for sharing was minimalist. The wine pairing at $65 pp should have featured better wines. The wine list pricing was just as bad from a pricing standpoint. Since they need to fill every seat (seats ~20), I got the chair by the basement door that is also the coat closet. Every time to door was opened I was fanned by the door and staff. Finally, for a $500 dinner for 2, I expected differently. I might feel differently if we had BYO and not chose the Kobe ( then we would be at ~200) but the portions were still pretty modest.
Loved everything bite of their 9 course tasting menu. Treat yourself.
Thank you Joey and the rest of the staff for making our wedding night special! Would totally recommend
We met the chef (Eddie) at a Top Chef dinner at Heirloom Kitchen in New Jersey. Hes a super nice guy and makes amazing food so we decided to drive down to Phila to try his restaurant, Laurel.AMAZING!There are two choices, a six or nine course tasting menu. We went for the nine course menu and I have to say, this meal was amazing. From the amuse to the last, (surprise) second dessert, each and every dish was incredible. Not only was each dish beautiful, but had so many flavors and layers....Service was super professional yet casual, (as was this entire 28 seat restaurant). Another great feature was it was a BYOB, even though they have a full bar and liquor license. We brought great wines and they paired great with the food.If you want to try a very special place run by a super talented chef (who is a humble as they come), take a drive to Phila., and go to Laurel....in one word, AMAZING!!
I love Laurel. They do a great job adding an often overlooked dimension to the food through the use of various textures, which I found particularly impressive. We ordered the 6 Course Seasonal Menu and both of the specials to share. It was perfect.
Service was top-notch. The entire wait staff was in-sync and it didnt matter who came over to your table between each of the 6+ course presentations. The food itself was delicious, with each course having a unique taste, texture, and balance of ingredients that your taste buds may not have experienced before. The lamb neck may have been my favorite. Perfect dinner option for special occasions.
We had private seating in the backyard with our friends. Did menu of 11 items. Went out very expensive but was worth it. Divine dishes, awesome service. If you want to treat yourself, worth the money.
One of the best meals of my life, although perhaps not entry level for someone who hasnt had much experience with great food. Not pretentious, the servers acted and dressed comfortably although the patrons felt slightly posh. As a fan of Top Chef I was thrilled that Eddie came out to say hello, although Nicholas Elmi wasnt working that night. My only complaint was that the server kept trying to clear beverages that werent empty, once successfully (bye bye, expensive specialty cocktail...)
Creative yet authentic seasonally driven flavors of modern French cuisine. The beautiful plates frame the exquisite food and the service is impeccable. Wine pairing is lovely, or you can BYO. I typically like to wait at ITV next door before my reservation and have a refreshing cocktail. It extends the evening in a special way. I’ve chosen to go as often as I am able and I can’t wait to go again. My food allergies are never a problem which is a relief. I recommend Laurel and any of Chef Elmi’s Restaurants. Warmest thanks and my appreciation to Chef Elmi, Chef Eddie and to each and every one of the fine chefs of Laurel over the years for your exemplary meals, each one exciting and magnificent. Until next time...
We started with 2 dozen oysters, but we also ordered 2 dozen clams for the variety. The oysters tasted fresh, and it was honestly some of the best oysters Ive had; they dont sacrifice quality. A buck a shuck was better than I ever couldve imagined.
My wife and I had the 9 course tasting last night, with the additional wagyu course. We’d been to Laurel a few years ago and it was excellent. When a place is as good as it was, you sometimes worry it will taper off. Not only did it not taper off, I’d venture to say it has improved (if that was even possible). Every course was brilliant. Perfect texture, balance, salt, sweet, savory, acid, just absolutely incredible. We left full, but not disgracefully so because the ingredients are of the highest quality without the need to hide behind extra fat and salt. Drop dead fantastic meal and equally exceptional service from a highly knowledgeable and friendly staff.
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 because 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.
Creative yet authentic seasonally driven flavors of modern French cuisine. The beautiful plates frame the exquisite food and the service is impeccable. Wine pairing is lovely, or you can BYO. I typically like to wait at ITV next door before my reservation and have a refreshing cocktail. It extends the evening in a special way. I’ve chosen to go as often as I am able and I can’t wait to go again. My food allergies are never a problem which is a relief. I recommend Laurel and any of Chef Elmi’s Restaurants. Warmest thanks and my appreciation to Chef Elmi, Chef Eddie and to each and every one of the fine chefs of Laurel over the years for your exemplary meals, each one exciting and magnificent. Until next time...
Simply impeccable. A real chef would understand the complexity of a tasting menu with small servings, and Chef Elmi was superb. Every one of our 9 courses was equal or better than the last. One of the best culinary experiences in the city
Excellent spot for french food. Great place to relax, people watch, eat good food or all the above. Looking forward to coming back with my coworkers. The prices are good for what you get. Atmosphere is like a restaurant in Fort Worth I loved.
I come to this superb place often since I like the special air that is exist in this restaurant. The staff is extremely loyal and qualified. The service is very rapid. Not to mention, the food you get is magnificent. I have been there more than once and I was always satisfied. The cost is fair. I highly suggest this restaurant to all my friends.
Dinner was good, but did not meet expectations. For a $350 meal, I expected amazing flavors. Every dish was beautifully presented, but it all just seemed a bit too precious and a bit bland. I would recommend a number of other restaurants in Passyunk.
Really great, drinks best part _ awesome menu but wasnt truly blown away
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.
Fancy and fantastic with non-pretentious care for a couple of young parents who don’t get out much!
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.
Simply amazing. One of the best meals Ive had in years. Relaxed atmosphere with French style cuisine. 7+ courses fixed price menu. A special occasion place. Terrific.
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.
The ingredients were masterfully cooked individually but didnt make sense when plated together. The salt was off on many dishes, the dessert was just bad. The service was out of sync with the patrons and the ambience had nothing special
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.
We had the 6 course tasting menu and left hungry. The food was interesting, but not of the caliber of a chef trained at Le Bec Fin. There was nothing we ate here that we havent seen or tasted elsewhere, including the amuse, and definitely expected more of a Top Chef trained at Le Bec Fin.
First, I want to state that the service was utterly amazing, which is what earned this place a one star review. Everything else was horrible. I’m not sure if the chef was tired when I was there, but the food was utterly disgusting and way overpriced. The portions were tiny and overall not worth the wait.Overall, if you want to go somewhere with the nicest waitstaff ever, this is it, but I would not and cannot recommend the food.
We brought 3 bottles of wine which helped with the meal and lower cost of the bill as we went with the 9 course menu and added the A5 wagyu which was phenomenal. The least favourite items while still decent wld of been the squid that came on toast that maybe would of been better as one bite but was left for us to eat with our hands and I individually picked and ate the squid pieces which were a little fishy lol.
6 course meal runs $125. Service was excellent. Food is great if youre a foodie and looking to explore new food combinations.
Certainly out-of-the-box cookery with some very nice highlights, but sadly overall a disappointment. Repetitive ingredients, a couple poorly chosen wine pairings and anything but fine dining service makes this potentially exciting dining experience fall flat. Sorry guys, I truly wanted to enjoy my time in your care. I was sorely disappointed.
I arrive at this marvelous restaurant from time to time since I enjoy the special atmosphere that is outline this restaurant. The staff is awfuly cordial and skilfull. The service is certainly rapid. Not to mention, the food you eat is perfect. I frequent often and I was never disappointed. The pay is fair. I suggest this place to to everybody.
We had the meal of a lifetime at the Laurel. For every course, the interplay between the ingredients, the flavors, the textures and -dare I say it- the meaning revealed a culinary story that contained unexpected twists; comforting nostalgia; elevated characters,...all delivered in a setting (and with a staff/service) that made us feel welcome.
Rather mediocre for the price. Was expecting something inventive, but it seems the chef is more interested in being able to write interesting combinations of words on the menu than creating actually interesting combinations of flavors. Most dishes were simply boring.
This place is amazing and very perfect for special occasions. Romantic, intimate and cozy ambiance. They serve French cuisine and they are very good at it( known for it too!). Service is terrific. The food and everything else. Worth recommending to friends and relatives! Will bring the whole family soon..
Had a reservation for 3 and I was on crutches after a bad spill on the mountain spraining my mcl. They were very accommodating seating us at a 4 top closer to the restroom instead of the smaller table near the entrance.Staff was very friendly and for the most part knew their stuff tho think the one girl was newer but still nice lol.
Absolutely mediocre at best and not worth the time nor the money.The service was the only redeeming factor but paired with over priced food that completely lacks origin cause its neither French nor Italian, its far from worth it.Save your money and treat yourself to a home cooked French meal for a quarter the cost AND the time spent waiting.
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.
Overall I enjoyed Laurel, but it was exactly what I expected, and I wont return any time soon. Its all relative to what you get for the price range. A so-so mid-level fine dining establishment. I would rank Laurel on the same level as Bibou, which I like and consider a go-to for foie gras in Philly. Both Nicholas Elmi & Pierre Calmels are from Le Bec Fin back in the day. My favorite restaurant in Philly from the old Le Bec Fin crew will always be Fond ❤. P.s. I give comparisons so you have a frame of reference before you spend your money, not to put any restaurant down in any way. If I posted it then I enjoyed my experience overall. The #1 best French tasting menu in Philly will always be Lacroix.
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.
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.
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!!
Lives up to the hype all around. Very romantic, great service, creative and tasty menu. I recommend splurging on the wine pairing, you will not be disappointed!
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....
Great food and great service. Definitely is a fine dining restaurant that I would recommend. I would compare it to 1 Michelin starred restaurants.
The entire experience is one I will never forget. Wonderful atmosphere, the food was the most complex/interesting/delicious food Ive ever eaten, the staff were extremely accommodating and exhibit a level of professionalism Ive not experienced with dining. You should go here.
Hands down the best food Ive ever had! Chef Nicholas Elmi crafted an AMAZING tasting menu that was truly an experience. Reservations are still booked a few months in advance, but WELL worth the wait!
Way overpriced, extremely small portions and service not what you’d expect for the $ you’ll be dropping. I don’t mind spending the $ for a special dining experience but this fell well short compared to a great tasting experience at a Vetri for instance.
A preferred site for French food. Its so appetizing. The staff was very welcoming and sociable. This place has a great feel to it. Feels similar to a restaurant in Philadelphia that I enjoyed visiting.
Some of the best French food in the city with unique sweet flavors to even salty dishes.
Great to find an Italian restaurant run by contemporary Italians. Authentic Italian products in both modern and traditional cuisine. Good idea to have regional menus that change every week. Gelato and wine pairings appreciated.
An amazing meal from start to finish. Chef Elmi deliveries something special with each course. The staff is top notch, both friendly and knowledgeable. Laurel should be on everyones must visit list.
Food is exquisitely prepared and delicious. Service impeccable. Bring your own bottles or dive into their delectable cocktail or wine list. Either way is a win.
Food was excellent, but overpriced in my opinion. I have been to many tasting restaurants, and this is definitely one of the best in the Philly area. The wine pairings are decent as well.
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.
Very good food
My preferred spot for delicious French food. Arrived at six, it was not packed. Prices were fair. Food is like a restaurant in Jacksonville I liked.
As if my review is even needed. The name and menu preceedes itself, but I’ll keep it short. This is my favorite meal in Philadelphia... and probably beyond. I’ve tried items during this meal that I’ve turned away at other restaurants, because I know there will be more attention and care to making sure it is prepped and served the best it can be
One of the best dining experiences weve had in Philadelphia. Very romantic, inventive food, exquisitely prepared and very kind staff. We will return, if we can get a reservation again!
I couldnt come up with a single complaint about Laurel if I tried. Had an absolutely stellar experience from the moment we walked in to the moment we left. Already have two dates on the calendar to go back, and Im sure more will follow.
“Great donut”Be prepared to stand in a line for one of these great donuts. The line moves fast and they are definitely worth the wait. There is a great selection to choose from and they stay well stocked into mid afternoon.
Excellent location for delicious french food. Great spot for an appetite of any size. The service was sociable and attentive. Prices were reasonable.
Amazing incredible meal - do the 6 course rating menu with wine pairing - come hungry! Incredible flavors... Awesome staff
One of the best restaurants in Philly! We loved our tasting and the wine pairings were spectacular!
My husband and I are foodies, and we went for our anniversary. I viewed this as one of the best meals I ever had. Every course was more amazing than the last.
A truly memorable experience. In the top 3 meals of my life, on par with Morimoto and Le Bec Fin. Incredibly creative, delicious, and down to earth use of local and regional ingredients.
Exceptional food and amazing experience. Kinda and considerate wait staff. Overall lovely experience
Absolutely incredible experience! Plan your night here months in advance as they get booked up. Not recommended for those who are picky eaters, this place would not be worth it for you. Best fois gras I have EVER had.
Food was amazing, but staff was rude :( Sad because they kind of ruined our experience. I feel like they didn’t want to work during Covid...but then just don’t work? Food was great though, the 2 stars are for the service.
Great food. Not generally one for this level of class and fan I was, but I felt comfortable there and enjoyed all but one thing brought out. Great service too. Definitely recommend.
I visit this place a lot since I work nearby. I must say their customer service is always great and they keep the place clean at all times. Prices are affordable and they serve sizeable portions.
One word: FABULOUS. The chefs tasting menu is a culinary adventure, but without being pretentious. And the service was great. Even with BYOB, very expensive.
Dont take the 9:15 reservation unless you want to wait around for 45 min and then have everyone act confused when you leave to eat somewhere else. There are plenty of excellent restaurants in Philadelphia that would never let something like that happen.
Wonderful chef and team prepare carefully designed dishes in a 6 or 9 course dinner with optional wine pairing.
Really different. I appreciate the skill and thought behind the food, but a little too fussy and some of the dishes I felt didnt work. Desserts werent show stopping.
The reviews of the place say it all, its cozy, foods amazing, and the atmosphere is cool (good music choices). Book super far in advanced for a nice romantic date night.
I would highly recommend going to Laurel, great food, small intimate space and excellent service. We very fortunate to have made my reservation over a month ago. Highly recommended
French food and the atmosphere at this spot is excellent. Looking forward to returning with my friends. This place has a good atmosphere.
A fav spot for tasty French food. Definitely worth going back to. The bill was appropriate for the quality.
Nice scene for French food. The staff was helpful and kind. The prices are fair for the quality of food.
Wonderful 9 course dinner, only complaint would be that some of the wait staff seemed less than enthusiastic an occasional smile couldnt hurt.
I now live 3000 miles away from here but try to get a table every time I’m back.
For the portion, it was a bit on the expensive side. However, the food was good.
Worth to come once a.season, but no more than that. I will give five stars as here is Philadelphia. If it is in New York, it only worth for three or four stars
French food... so good. really nothing but great experiences here, so i will be back. it has a great atmosphere.
Amazing food, hefty portions, friendly staff. Just dont be in a hurry when eating here for dinner...the place gets packed.
Chefs selected menu with little pre knowledge.
Expensive but amazing food, amazing service and really cool environment.
Great spot for some French food! Love everything about this restaurant: from an atmosphere to the most delicious food!
Delicious food, its a 6 or 7 course meal. I would suggest checking there website or calling for the menu.
The service is consistently efficient, great mood, welcoming employees. I will eat here again when I am in town.
French food and the setting here is above par. Dont fret if its busy, it is worth the wait.
Was expecting 5 stars based on reviews but Id say our meal/experience was on the average side.
Every single course was incredible. A relaxing, but still indulgent way to spend a Friday night.
Great great mealJust wonderful all around. Highly recommended
Food was cold but the experience was nice for a romantic date. The venue was small.
Simply amazing. One of the best meals Ive had in Philly.
Exceptional tasting menu. Ive been there a number of times and have always been super happy.
Pricey, but if your looking for a special night out with a loved one its quaint and has amazing food!
Best tasting menu I have tried
Very poor. Nothing taste as good as it should be.
Visited Fri evening I think. This place has a great atmosphere.
Outstanding restaurant. One of my favorite meals in the world!
I ate foods here that I dont even like usually and wanted more. Will be going back again!
Not worth the price. Very mediocre for what youre paying.
Perfect in every way. Wish it wasnt quite so expensive. However, its worth it.
This is definitely a restaurant and well worth a visit if only for the decor
Food was fabulous!!! Ordered the entire menu and went back for 2nds two weeks later!!!!
Excellent! Outstanding restaurant. Truly a gem in Philadelphia!
Simply amazing. What more can be said?
It’s a nice place with good ambiance, and the food are excellent.
Thank you for wonderful flavors and very polite service!
Upscale American cuisine with a strong French influence.
It was a wonderful experience, Thank you for everything!
Excellent service, great food.
Amazing service, beyond amazing food.
Worth going to. Excellent from start to finish.
Meh.
Amazing food and excellent service.
Best meal in the city. Easily.
Solid modern French cooking
Awesome tasting menu!
A truly exceptional experience!
An experience you will remember
Super atmosphere
Pricy but great food
Excellent food and wine
Rude hostess
Variety menu
The best restaurant in Philadelphia
Best ever!
Best of Philly
OUTSTANDING MEAL!
It is a place that represents the soul of its owner, excellent attention, perfection, innovation, ladies and gentlemen. World must know that this lucar is something that any mortal at any time in their lives should have the honor and pleasure of attending and expressing chef nicholas elmi thanks
Absolutely esquite and great dining !!!!
Total reviews rating 4.6
179 Reviews for Laurel Restaurant 2023:
Review №1
2021-12-12I went here with my boyfriend for my birthday and the food was exceptional. I really enjoyed each course that was brought out and you had plenty of time to enjoy the meal before the next one was brought out. I also did the wine pairing which was nice touch to go with each meal. The staff is so friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this place for special occasions you will not be disappointed.
Review №2
2022-04-20Food: 3, Service: 3, Decor: 4, TLDR: Left me wanting something they didnt offer. Cant recommend and wont be back.Went for dinner on a Friday night for my wifes birthday. We were able to get reservations at 5:45 the day before and there were empty tables at our seating. Outdoor dining was available at 7:30 on the Friday as well, so its not a sold out place, much less reserve two months in advance sort of thing.To preface this review...we paid $550 for two people. If you are going to command a premium, you need to deliver comparable food to others in the same price range - Daniel, Le Bernardin, Jean Georges, etc. Ive been to those restaurants many times and have dined all over the world, so I am pretty familiar with what a $550 dinner should be. This wasnt it. I wished it was. After moving to Delaware last year we have been looking for a great fine dining experience and we had really hoped this would be the go to place.The decor is simple and rustic. Its a small intimate place. No white tablecloths or comfy plush chairs, but its nice enough. The atmosphere is cozy although the music choice was odd.The service is mechanical. I would have given it a 2, but at the time of our dining, many macro-economic events are still causing labor shortages in the restaurant sector, so Im giving them the benefit of the doubt. They brought the dish, made a brief explanation and hurried away. Attempting to engage in further dialog about the preparation or sourcing yielded few details, so after a couple of courses I gave up. I think each course was brought by a different server. It was pretty clear that they were trying to turn the table as quickly as possible to be ready for the 7:30 seating.For drinks we had Grey Goose cosmo. It was ok. I prefer mine with white cranberry which they didnt have. At $18 each they really should be outstanding. Ive had a better cosmo at Two Stones Pub.The first dish (not on the menu) was a small chip with some sort of jam. It was the best item we tasted, but unfortunately, the only memorable morsel of the entire meal. It wasnt a traditional pallet cleanser, just sort of an introduction.We had the 6 course taking menu and added gnocchi with black truffle.Course 1 - smoked king salmon with apples. The apples were semi-tart and ok. The salmon was tasteless. Sunchoke chips were sort of like pita chips but no salt or seasoning of any kind.Course 2 - caviar egg with brioche toast. The toast was huge - maybe 2.5 inches - meaning the amount of bread you get per part of caviar was overwhelming. The caviar was just ok - Ive had better at a sushi place like Masamoto. Theres a little poached egg at the bottom which really doesnt add anything. Its cute, but I dont get the preparation.Course 3 - poached cod on a bed of rice. The rice was really good. The cod was bland. How do you make cod bland? The onions were not really caramelized, just sort of steamed or something - no texture, no flavor. I wanted more of the rice but there was just a tiny bit hiding under the fish wheel of blandness.Course 4 - turbot, nettles and some kind of sauce. Everything was boring on this plate. Zero flavor, nothing more to say.Course 5 - duck and rhubarb. The duck was tough and hard to cut. The rhubarb was ok, but really should have been more bitter. The buttermilk sauce did nothing for the plate.Course 6 - gnocchi and black truffle. The truffle was absolutely tasteless. This is totally on them. If you are going to offer black truffle, you need to sample it. There is no way this truffle should have passed their QC. No aromatic. No earthiness. Nothing. The gnocchi was tiny and drowning in a cheese sauce.Course 7 - honey curd something dessert. Another boring bland dish.Normally when you have spent $550 on a dinner, the staff might ask you hey so how did you like it?. Here - nope. Guess they just dont care if you enjoyed yourself or not. Gave us the check and said thank you.Had high hopes but totally disappointed.
Review №3
2021-08-01It was one of the top fining dining experience I’ve ever had! I am vegetarian, and i went with my wife and two others for an anniversary dinner. I reached out in advance to request a special vegetarian creations by chef. Chef Nicolas Elmi was very kind enough to create almost identical creations to those they typically prepare and every single course was one beyond the other. Every single items were such a memorable, and one of the kind French plate. The plating of each item, as seen in photos, elevated the food experience. Each plating highlighted small elements of various ingredients that one can rarely think be on such fine plating, such as basil seeds, beet, portobello mushrooms, bread, etc… It was absolutely mind blowing creation accomplished by special thanks to Chef Elmi and his staff at Laurel.To keep my lengthy detail of experience short, I highly recommend anyone in hunt of fine cuisine in Philly. This is probably the top place in Philadelphia (for vegetarian and non vegetarian alike). #VeggieAbroad
Review №4
2021-09-03Without question, one of the best restaurants I’ve ever had the pleasure to try out. The appetizers and main course were phenomenal! Can’t wait to try it again!
Review №5
2022-07-14Started of as a great menu, really enjoyed first couple of dishes, wines and service. We got premium wine offer as well as extra wagyu beef. As the night progresses, we didn’t enjoy our wines anymore. Duck was good but a little overpowering on spice. Wagyu beef was awful. Dessert was tasty but textures weren’t correct. you could see service started slacking as we were closer to the end of our meal. It was good but i would not come back
Review №6
2022-02-12My husband and I have been low key fan girls of Nick Elmi since his season on top chef, so Laurel was on our bucket list and did not disappoint, each course was outstanding and we werent disappointed by adding the reserve wine pairing. We will definitely be back and will try the other restaurants under the same management.
Review №7
2021-05-30Living in Pennsylvania means my husband and I can do a self-unionizing marriage, and what better way to have a wedding than come have dinner at the best restaurant weve ever had the pleasure of experiencing. Our menu was beyond extraordinary, meeting Nick Elmi was the coolest part of the whole night, and to top it off, they made us this tiny little chocolate ganache-covered chocolate mousse, and its the best wedding cake I could have ever had. Thank you Laurel and thank you Nick, and all the wonderful chefs, servers, hosts and sommelier, I couldnt have asked for a better wedding dinner. This truly felt like a once in a lifetime experience.
Review №8
2021-08-01Amazing. Delicious. A must!Every dish delivered to the table was a work of art-and tasted as delicious (if not more delicious) than the prior.
Review №9
2022-04-14Nick Elmi and his team consistently outdo themselves. The cohesion amongst the staff is undeniable, each person bringing the experience of Laurel to life. Nick is a creative genius who’s dishes are worth experiencing and you can rest assured in his sommelier to steer you in the right direction, as far as wine pairings or suggestions given the courses. Laurel is not to be missed but please do come ready to appreciate a different kind of culinary experience as Laurel is truly special.
Review №10
2022-07-12The menu was so amazing, meeting Nick Elmi was the coolest piece of the entire evening, and to finish it off, they made us this little chocolate ganache-covered chocolate mousse, and its the best wedding cake I might have at any point had.