Venture to UPenn territory for an unforgettable meal at this French café-like bistro that’s beloved for its fresh seafood, stellar steaks, and inventive cocktails. Whether you sit inside to take in the vibrant greenery, gold accoutrements, and sleek bar or ask for an outdoor table for a prime people-watching seat, this spot is well worth the splurge.
The menu rotates seasonally, but you can always expect to see items like chilled lobster cocktail with remoulade, onion soup gratinée, pear and endive salad, and beef carpaccio. The house-made brioche is also a must for first-timers, complete with everything spice, sesame seeds, and seasonal butters. French mains, like duck confit cassoulet, trout meunière, and moules frites, are all game-changers. But if you ask me, the beef gives the shellfish and poultry a run for its money.
Consider the filet au poivre, which comes impeccably cooked and buttery-soft with fingerling potatoes, spring peas, and brandy cream. (Alternatively, there’s the ribeye in red wine shallot butter with truffle pommes frites.) The braised beef short ribs, complete with bacon lardons, mushrooms, onion, carrot, potato purée, and red wine jus are also plain revelatory.
To wash it all down, try one of the fancy old-fashioned drinks, like the Earl Grey iteration with lavender bitters or the Smoking Oaxacan, which is made with tequila and mezcal and smoked at the table. If you’re drinking with like-minded friends, spring for the espresso martini tower, which comes with five libations for clinking and sipping.
The vibe: European bistro meets raw bar
The food: French-inspired lunch, dinner, and brunch
The drink: luxe cocktails, craft beer, wine
Time Out tip: If you’re a charcuterie stan, the artisan cheese plate won’t disappoint. It comes with three top-tier cheeses, which change based on seasonality and availability, and assorted accompaniments. Think honeycomb, crackers, and jam.