Address and Contact Information
Address: 261 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 398-5555
Website: http://fiaphilly.com/
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Reviews
Our server, Joshua, was a standout—attentive, knowledgeable, and on point with both food and drink recommendations.
And the food? Delicious and perfectly seasoned. We didn’t have to add anything to enhance the flavor. From appetizers to entrées, everything came out executed with real skill. Not one miss. My wife and I genuinely loved it.
If you’re looking for a spot that nails service, vibe, and flavor, FIA is a must-try.
The restaurant itself is very small inside, so seating feels a little tight. Many menu items are described as “spicy” or “spiced,” so keep that in mind when ordering and use your own discretion.
One disappointment was that they didn’t have 151 rum available for one of their signature drinks, which was especially surprising on Valentine’s Day when it’s featured on the menu.
We were also informed there’s a 90-minute seating limit due to reservations. Valet parking was crowded and costs $30 through the hotel, which is something to plan for.
Overall, great food and presentation, but the service and logistics could be improved.
However, my first visit to Fia this past Saturday was extremely disappointing. Although I had a 6:15 p.m. reservation and was seated relatively quickly—after waiting some time to be acknowledged—our table was positioned directly facing an open door that appeared to lead to the concierge desk of the apartment complex connected to the restaurant. The constant flow of people walking back and forth, with clear visibility into the dining area, created an uncomfortable and distracting atmosphere. I would strongly suggest keeping that door closed to ensure a more private and enjoyable experience for guests.
Additionally, the wait times for our drinks, appetizers, and entrées were excessively long—well over an hour. It appeared the restaurant may have been short-staffed; however, I was informed that this was not the case and that the evening was operating as normal. I found this particularly surprising, as it did not reflect the standard of service I have come to expect from their sister restaurants.
Unfortunately, the most positive aspect of the evening was the quality of the drinks, which were excellent besidesnot hsving the 151 forvthe signatures drink. However, I ultimately had to go to the bar to order them myself after waiting an extended period without service.
Overall, the experience fell far short of expectations, especially given the high standards associated with the Amina Hospitality brand.
The meal began with small bites that set the tone. The empanadas arrived golden and perfectly crisp, perched over a swipe of creamy sauce that begged to be dragged through with each bite. Inside, the filling carried both depth and comfort, making it clear the kitchen respects the craft of appetizers. The short rib tacos were another highlight: tender meat, rich with slow-cooked flavor, tucked into crisp shells, finished with just enough onion and herbs to keep things fresh. Each bite landed between indulgence and balance, the kind of dish that vanishes before you even realize it.
Then came the spectacle: a whole fried fish presented upright on a skewer, as though swimming mid-air. It’s the sort of dish that turns heads across the room. Beyond presentation, the execution was precise—skin crackling crisp, flesh moist and cleanly flavored. The accompaniments of seasoned rice, sautéed greens, and a bright dipping sauce played their part, letting the fish remain the star. It’s a dish that demands both a camera and a fork.
For the carnivore, the lamb chops were grilled with a smoky char that gave way to tender, juicy interiors. Resting on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes and dressed with a light jus, it’s a plate that satisfies on every level. The garnish of greens wasn’t just decorative—it added a peppery lift that balanced the richness of the lamb.
Dessert didn’t disappoint. A warm cake arrived topped with a dollop of cinnamon-spiced butter that melted luxuriously into the crumb. Sweet but not cloying, it closed the meal with the kind of comfort that makes you lean back in your chair and smile.
The service mirrored the food: attentive without intruding, leaving space for you to enjoy but never far if you needed guidance.
Final verdict: Fia isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a performance. From dramatic presentations like the standing fish to thoughtfully composed small plates, it delivers both on flavor and experience. It’s the kind of spot where you can impress guests, celebrate, or simply remind yourself that dining out should feel like a little event.
It is on the pricier side,and smaller but the quality fit the cost mostly somethings had really small portion though like the lump crab lollipops. We kept it simple with a few appetizers and skipped the fancy drinks, and everything we ordered was really good. Overall, it was a great experience and we’d definitely come back for another special occasion.
The food was subpar and lacked the quality and flavor I expected. On top of that, the service was incredibly slow — with only two waiters on the floor on a Saturday night. We were seated fast due to having reservations, but that was the only thing fast about our service. We waited far too long for drinks, to receive our meals, and even to settle the bill. The entire operation felt disorganized and poorly managed, which was frustrating to witness.
One moment that really stood out was when a older gentleman came in for a pickup order shortly after we were seated at 6:15 p.m. We watched him wait and wait, and he didn’t receive his to-go order until we were about to leave — which was after 8:00 p.m. Seeing someone wait nearly two hours for a pickup order was shocking and reinforced how unorganized the restaurant seemed to be.
I will say, the drinks were actually really good. However, even that experience was frustrating because at one point my sister had to walk up to the bar herself to grab our drinks, which had been sitting there ready, because our waiter and other staff members were too busy to bring them to the table. That should never happen in a well-run establishment.
We were seated at a high-top — a very small table with just two chairs — and no one ever came to clear the dishes we had finished using. Plates, glasses, and utensils just kept piling up, taking up the limited space we had. It became so cluttered and uncomfortable that when it was time to pack our own food to go, we barely had room to do so. Having to navigate around stacks of dirty dishes at such a small table only added to the frustration.
What made this experience even more disappointing is that I had recently visited Amina, where the food was excellent, the vibes were welcoming, and the ambiance was truly enjoyable. After such a positive experience there, I was genuinely excited to try FIA. Unfortunately, it turned out to be the complete opposite.
I had high hopes, but instead left feeling let down and dissatisfied. I sincerely hope improvements are made, because the current level of service, attentiveness, and organization does not reflect what customers should expect.