The Dandelion

"Open for: Lunch and dinnerPrice range: $$The bird song and many trees in this quiet, tidy corner of the 20th Arrondissement give the unexpectedly pleasant aura of a small town. This new bistro by chef Antoine Villard, ex-sous-chef of Betrand Grebaut at Septime, and his partner Morgane Souris, the restaurant’s sommelier, reflects this intemporal Gallic vibe with a decor of white walls, opaline suspension lamps, and a buffed cement floor. The menu runs a bit more modern, with French classics like foie gras and bouillabaisse alongside more contemporary Asian-accented dishes like black mullet sashimi with stracciatella and Vadouvan-spiced oil; soy sauce-lacquered veal sweetbreads with an anchoiade (anchovy dip); and a choux Tropezienne for dessert. Located in the 20th Arrondissement.Best for: A sophisticated meal with a trusted confidant, tucked away at an insider’s address." - Alexander Lobrano

"Cozy is the name of the game at Stephen Starr’s Dandelion in Rittenhouse, where it’s easy to warm up by the fire, pint in hand, and forget this is Philly, not a hunting lodge somewhere in the British Isles." - Ernest Owens, Sarah Maiellano

"The Dandelion, a British pub in the middle of Rittenhouse, is the one spot in Philly that says, “I want to do business with you, but first, I’d like to drink a pint.” This place certainly feels British, with photos of Elizabeth II, English Bulldogs, and union jacks hanging on the wall. You can start your lunch with beers at the bar, and then make your way back to the more upscale dining room for a burger (one of our favorites in the city), fish and chips, or a lamb shepherd’s pie." - candis mclean

"Although they only spent one week in London, they have to get used to driving on the right side of the road again. You can listen to their list of Wimbledon celebrity sightings at home, or you can head to The Dandelion. The UK-themed pub is full of tartan bar seats, old paintings of hounds, and other details that will encourage them to casually drop “quid” and “cuppa” into conversation. With a menu that includes fish and chips and a lamb shepherd’s pie that’s oozing with cheddar cheese, they should feel right at home.  " - candis mclean

"When the snow starts falling, an encyclopedic knowledge of the local bars that have fireplaces is pretty much invaluable. But The Dandelion works any time of year. They’ve committed to the British pub theme, and you’ll see this not only in design elements like tartan stools and silver trays brought out for tea service, but in a lengthy menu full of English staples like Sunday roast and rabbit pie. Bring your work friends, bring a date, or just bring yourself for a pint during Happy Hour." - candis mclean, alison kessler