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Located at 2031 Walnut Street in the Rittenhouse Square area of Philadelphia, Vernick Food & Drink is an inviting neighborhood bistro. Chef Gregory Vernick, a Cherry Hill, NJ native, focuses on using extraordinary regional products to create a menu of approachable, globally-inspired dishes. The Drink side of Vernick Food & Drink features homemade sodas, as well as a carefully crafted selection of domestic and imported wines and beers and perfectly poured cocktails.
New American eatery in a Rittenhouse brownstone serving upscale large & small plates plus cocktails.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 2031 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (267) 639-6644
Website: https://www.vernickphilly.com/vernick-food-and-drink
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: resy.com
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Reviews
Ariana Lucidonio
Vernick Food & Drink became one of my top restaurants in Philly after my first visit! The experience from beginning to end was delightful.
We were immediately greeted by a host who opened the front door for us. We arrived a few minutes early for our resy, so they sat us at a table downstairs. We had water and menus at our temporary table in less than a minute. I’ve never had a restaurant be so accommodating, usually we just stand until the table is ready.
The upstairs was intimate and cozy, with probably about 15 tables or so. Our servers, Brandon and Elijah, were SO helpful and informative about the menu and allergy information. They made a lot of great suggestions, and coursed out the whole meal perfectly.
We started with the king salmon. It was an interesting dish because of the texture – buttery salmon, crunchy asian pear in a yuzu kosho sauce that provided some more sweetness and the slightest kick. Delicious!
We then had the tuna tartare. My favorite dish of the night and top 3 bite in Philly. The toast had crispy edges but the softest center, and the tuna was high quality. It was on a bed of bonito mayo, which provided a perfect smoky/umami aftertaste.
For our entree, we got the grilled sea bass. It was flaky and cooked perfectly, but just a bit unmemorable. The veggies were slightly bland, in no way was it bad though. We would get the 1/2 roasted chicken next time.
I’m so glad we saved room for dessert, the chocolate tart blew us away. The rich dark chocolate combined with the creamy vanilla ice cream was a perfect bite. We couldn’t get enough of it.
Vernick is a perfect fancy date night spot, birthday/celebrations, etc. as it is on the pricier side but the service and ambiance is immaculate. I am so looking forward to coming back in the future!
… moreWe were immediately greeted by a host who opened the front door for us. We arrived a few minutes early for our resy, so they sat us at a table downstairs. We had water and menus at our temporary table in less than a minute. I’ve never had a restaurant be so accommodating, usually we just stand until the table is ready.
The upstairs was intimate and cozy, with probably about 15 tables or so. Our servers, Brandon and Elijah, were SO helpful and informative about the menu and allergy information. They made a lot of great suggestions, and coursed out the whole meal perfectly.
We started with the king salmon. It was an interesting dish because of the texture – buttery salmon, crunchy asian pear in a yuzu kosho sauce that provided some more sweetness and the slightest kick. Delicious!
We then had the tuna tartare. My favorite dish of the night and top 3 bite in Philly. The toast had crispy edges but the softest center, and the tuna was high quality. It was on a bed of bonito mayo, which provided a perfect smoky/umami aftertaste.
For our entree, we got the grilled sea bass. It was flaky and cooked perfectly, but just a bit unmemorable. The veggies were slightly bland, in no way was it bad though. We would get the 1/2 roasted chicken next time.
I’m so glad we saved room for dessert, the chocolate tart blew us away. The rich dark chocolate combined with the creamy vanilla ice cream was a perfect bite. We couldn’t get enough of it.
Vernick is a perfect fancy date night spot, birthday/celebrations, etc. as it is on the pricier side but the service and ambiance is immaculate. I am so looking forward to coming back in the future!
Braxton Harris
10 OUT OF 10. As someone who’s tried many different upscale and modern restaurants, I haven’t had my expectations exceeded THIS much by a restaurant. My friend and I came here for my birthday and the food, drinks and service were amazing. We had oysters, grilled sea bass, braised lamb and a complimentary shot of a soup. I’m not exaggerating when I say every bite was amazing! Highly recommend.
… moreKamal D
We had one of our best dining experiences here.
The snapper ceviche and lamb chops were some of our favorite. The sweet potato dish was amazing.
I give the service 7/5 but it didn’t let me select more than 5 stars
… moreThe snapper ceviche and lamb chops were some of our favorite. The sweet potato dish was amazing.
I give the service 7/5 but it didn’t let me select more than 5 stars
Brandon Fry
Vernick is probably the most conflicted 4-star review I’ve ever given. There is absolutely no doubt that they serve great food with impeccable service in a wonderful space. However, for a special occasion dinner where we spent a lot of money, there were many small details in nearly every course that added up over the evening that frustrated us, especially considering that most dishes were on the verge of greatness. Despite some incredible moments that we loved, it did fall a bit short.
Our cocktails were fine, I enjoyed the “iris” as a walnut forward manhattan riff, though my wife’s “jade tiger” tasted like a daquiri I could have easily made at home. We are also treated to an amuse-bouche of a tiny shot of butternut squash soup and a gougere. It was actually very baffling, as the soup was unremarkable and the gougere was dry and hollow/empty. It was fine, but we both agreed the meal would have been better if they simply had omitted it.
Fortunately things picked up nicely for the appetizers. Nearly every toast on the menu sounded amazing, and we ended up going with the foie gras which was beautifully rich and the grapes complemented the dish well. It was a bit clunky in its presentation as there was too much of each component overflowing and constantly falling off when trying to take a bite, but it was elevated and pleasant. The king salmon was solid with pear, lime crema, and basil, though again came across clunky with awkwardly torn herbs and odd cube chunks of pear.
The best, and simultaneously most frustrating app was the octopus. It was magnificently charred, and when you had a bite of the octopus with the pickled lemon and olive it was a perfect dish. Unfortunately, there not even remotely enough of the pickled component on the plate, meaning that two out of three bites were just lacked any acid and was just the octopus, which wasn’t great on its own. It was somewhat emblematic of the entire experience – so close to being great if there had been just 15% more care and thought taken.
For the mains, I had the smoked duck breast, which was absolutely perfect in every way and is one of the top entrees I’ve had in the entire city. The duck was beautifully tender and the incredible rich pear mostarda was tangy and zesty. Underneath some nicely pickled cabbage were charred tropea onions that tied everything so well together. I strongly recommend this dish! Unfortunately, my wife’s entree was a completely different story. The grilled sea bass’s skin was so excessively charred that it completely overpowered any other flavor. Despite the fish itself being tender and flavorful, it was close to ruined and difficult to enjoy. We also ordered the roasted beets with ham and fig which my wife enjoyed.
Service was excellent and helpful, making recommendations and being attentive throughout the evening. Though we didn’t end up ordering dessert beyond a glass of port, they were kind enough to bring over a tiny jelly candy with a candle on the plate to mark our special occasion which was thoughtful and appreciated.
In summary we certainly enjoyed our meal and I have no doubts that others may have had a “best in the city” type experience. The duck dish in particular made it worth it! But for the premium we paid, it would be difficult to justify returning soon when there are other similar-quality experiences with a smaller price and lower expectations.
… moreOur cocktails were fine, I enjoyed the “iris” as a walnut forward manhattan riff, though my wife’s “jade tiger” tasted like a daquiri I could have easily made at home. We are also treated to an amuse-bouche of a tiny shot of butternut squash soup and a gougere. It was actually very baffling, as the soup was unremarkable and the gougere was dry and hollow/empty. It was fine, but we both agreed the meal would have been better if they simply had omitted it.
Fortunately things picked up nicely for the appetizers. Nearly every toast on the menu sounded amazing, and we ended up going with the foie gras which was beautifully rich and the grapes complemented the dish well. It was a bit clunky in its presentation as there was too much of each component overflowing and constantly falling off when trying to take a bite, but it was elevated and pleasant. The king salmon was solid with pear, lime crema, and basil, though again came across clunky with awkwardly torn herbs and odd cube chunks of pear.
The best, and simultaneously most frustrating app was the octopus. It was magnificently charred, and when you had a bite of the octopus with the pickled lemon and olive it was a perfect dish. Unfortunately, there not even remotely enough of the pickled component on the plate, meaning that two out of three bites were just lacked any acid and was just the octopus, which wasn’t great on its own. It was somewhat emblematic of the entire experience – so close to being great if there had been just 15% more care and thought taken.
For the mains, I had the smoked duck breast, which was absolutely perfect in every way and is one of the top entrees I’ve had in the entire city. The duck was beautifully tender and the incredible rich pear mostarda was tangy and zesty. Underneath some nicely pickled cabbage were charred tropea onions that tied everything so well together. I strongly recommend this dish! Unfortunately, my wife’s entree was a completely different story. The grilled sea bass’s skin was so excessively charred that it completely overpowered any other flavor. Despite the fish itself being tender and flavorful, it was close to ruined and difficult to enjoy. We also ordered the roasted beets with ham and fig which my wife enjoyed.
Service was excellent and helpful, making recommendations and being attentive throughout the evening. Though we didn’t end up ordering dessert beyond a glass of port, they were kind enough to bring over a tiny jelly candy with a candle on the plate to mark our special occasion which was thoughtful and appreciated.
In summary we certainly enjoyed our meal and I have no doubts that others may have had a “best in the city” type experience. The duck dish in particular made it worth it! But for the premium we paid, it would be difficult to justify returning soon when there are other similar-quality experiences with a smaller price and lower expectations.
Justin Yee
An exceptional dining experience from start to finish. Sitting at the counter was a highlight — watching the chefs work with precision and grace was a show in itself. The service was warm, attentive, and thoughtful. Every dish impressed, from the oysters and blue crab to the thai spiced lamb chops and pasta special. We were even surprised with a complimentary serving of the grilled shrimp. The blueberry pie was the perfect ending — just sweet enough with a beautifully flaky crust and basil ice cream on top. A standout meal in every way.
… moreColton Simmons
Came here solo per a recommendation from the bartended at Friday Saturday Sunday. Had SUCH a good time! The salmon, sweet potatoe, chicken, Sazerac, and chocolate bitters cocktail were amazing! They also made me an off menu affogato for desert. Can’t recommend this place enough! Amanda the bartender was so great.
… moreBernie Seinberg
An excellent first time experience at Vernick Food & Drink. Our server was pleasant, knowledgeable, and friendly.
From drinks to dessert, we had a great time, not rushed out the door like some restaurants. The lamb chops, sea bass, and halibut were perfectly prepared. The desserts capped off a perfect evening.
… moreFrom drinks to dessert, we had a great time, not rushed out the door like some restaurants. The lamb chops, sea bass, and halibut were perfectly prepared. The desserts capped off a perfect evening.
Tycho Speaker
There are always a few “reference” points that exemplify what an experience should be. Vernick has been that reference point for me since it opened more than a decade ago. Somehow they have managed to maintain “peak” experience over time. I am seriously never disappointed. I cannot recommend the kitchen bar seating more highly. This is where you get the vibe and the show. It’s like The Bear without the yelling and dysfunction. Chef de Cuisine Billy is breathtaking in his confident but exacting presence. This is where you will see the great chefs of the next 50 years refining their skills.
I exhort you to Pay Attention. Put your phone down and soak this up as the extraordinary experience that it is. Alex, who was my attentive server tonight, and every single part of the staff will show you what peak performance looks like.
… moreI exhort you to Pay Attention. Put your phone down and soak this up as the extraordinary experience that it is. Alex, who was my attentive server tonight, and every single part of the staff will show you what peak performance looks like.
Tim Wisniewski (timwis)
This was our second time at Vernick and we were just as impressed. Their food was incredible and their service was top notch. Talia and Genet (spelling?) did an excellent job making us feel right at home.
… moreBrooks Jones
Vernick was simply delicious. I had a business dinner with a couple of colleagues and we ordered at least seven different dishes. I am not exaggerating when I write that each dish we tried was wonderful. There was a tremendous amount of flavor as well as beautiful preparation. The entire menu seemed to have nothing but Great choices. I would certainly recommend this to anyone traveling to Philly or coming into downtown and I very much look forward to my next visit.
… more