Bon Kif Grill - Review - South Street - Philadelphia - The Infatuation

"If you find yourself on South Street and want to catch up with your friends for at least 30 minutes before diving into a feast of Tunisian dishes, there’s Bon Kif Grill. The casual Tunisian restaurant feels like someone’s living room, and it takes hospitality as seriously as its kabobs, shawarma, and luscious garlic spread. The warm and welcoming owner greets every table with just-from-the-oven bread, is happy for you to linger over your shish kofta, and insists you drink his freshly brewed mint tea before heading out. Come with a casual date, or bring your entire family (they even have a toddler-sized Mercedes for tiny diners to tool around in), and relax with a spread of Middle Eastern comfort food. photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo Pause Unmute Food Rundown Mishwia Salad We know this borders on sacrilege, but skip the just-okay hummus at Bon Kif, and start with this dip-like salad instead. A pool of blended grilled peppers, sauteed onions, tomatoes, and garlic is topped with tuna. It’s a little spicy, a little sweet, and all balanced by fresh lemon. Get an order of warm pita to dip. photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo Chicken Shawarma Platter The spiced rice that comes with this platter is (almost) as delicious as the garlicky, earthy chicken shawarma it’s served with. The shredded chicken has deliciously crispy skin, juicy meat, and notes of cumin, cardamom, and paprika. Combined with the refreshing cucumber and tomato salad, it all makes for one great bite. Order it. photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo Grilled Branzino If you’re not in the mood for meat, this is one of the better fish options. The branzino is light and flaky, but a touch too heavy on the char. Ask for extra lemons to even it out. photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo Grilled Lamb Chops They’re tender, juicy, and well-cooked. Order them with a side of the spiced rice. It’s excellent. photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo Garlic Spread Yes, this is the complimentary spread that comes with every meal. But it’s also incredible. The garlic flavor is so pungent it stays in your mouth well into the next day, and you’ll be sad when it finally disappears. Spread it on the warm rolls it's served with, or the shrimp kabobs, or the shish kofta. It makes everything better. photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo" - Alison B. Kessler