KingVegan
Google
On this particular day, we made the decision to venture slightly outside of the bustling downtown area of Philadelphia, heading towards the East Falls neighborhood just a short distance away from Manyunk Philadelphia. I have been frequenting this area since the 1980s and have always held a deep admiration for it. Finally, I had the opportunity to explore a place that had been frequently mentioned but never visited - Le Bus Restaurant. Le Bus Bakery, a true Philadelphia institution since the late 1970s, had always been familiar to me with its outstanding bread that could be found in every nook and cranny of Pennsylvania.
To my surprise, upon entering the restaurant, I was taken aback by its beauty. It was far more exquisite than I had initially imagined. We were promptly seated, as it was lunch hour, and our friendly server Dani took our drink orders in a timely manner. Dani truly stood out with her vast knowledge of the menu, attentiveness, and overall presence. We opted to start with the wild mushroom bisque made with oat milk. While tasty, it did not quite meet our expectations. A touch of truffle oil or more intensely cooked mushrooms could have elevated the dish. Moving on to our main courses, I chose the veggie burger which was an absolute delight. Prepared with bulgar mushrooms, eggplant, red beans, vegetables, nuts, salsa, avocado greens, and a spicy cashew vinaigrette on a focaccia roll, it was one of the best veggie burgers I've had in the city.
My dining companion opted for the roasted beet salad, which, although beautifully presented, fell short in terms of flavor. The roasted beets lacked that distinct taste, the cashew dressing was unremarkable, and the quinoa salad was rather plain. Despite the minor setbacks with the dishes, the restaurant itself exudes beauty. With charming local art, cozy seating arrangements, and lush greenery scattered throughout, one can enjoy a picturesque view of the bustling area through the open windows. The bar offers an array of delightful drink options, including cocktails, while the bakery section showcases an assortment of bread and other delectable treats for purchase.
It is worth noting Dani's exceptional service once more. Despite her young age, she possesses a rare skill set and genuine dedication to her work that truly sets her apart.