The Laurel
Condominium complex · Rittenhouse
1911 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Highlights
Modern French dining with inventive dishes and a chic mirror-lined space
Modern French dining with inventive dishes and a chic mirror-lined space
"What makes this modern French spot in East Passyunk one of the best restaurants in Philly? Well, it’s like a chameleon. The mirror-lined space works for a big-deal date, but it’s still casual enough to sit at the bar by yourself and blend in. The real reason Laurel is at the top of the list, though, is that we’re always blown away by the originality of the dishes, which are now offered a la carte instead of strictly via tasting menu. Try the mussels hiding under shiso leaves and scallops in an oyster cream that you’ll want to bottle and take home. It'll feel Iike eating the ingredients again for the first time." - candis mclean, alison kessler
"What makes this French place on East Passyunk the highest-rated restaurant in Philly? Well, it’s a chameleon. The mirror-lined space is polished enough for a special night, but it’ll also make your rich uncle feel cool for wearing expensive jeans and Ferragamo sneakers on a Thursday. Dishes are original and surprising, like mussels hiding under shiso leaves, and monkfish in a jet-black lobster veloute that we want to dip grilled cheese into. Go for the six-course, $98 carte blanche tasting. It'll let you give up decision-making for the first time all week." - candis mclean, alison kessler
"Laurel comes from Chef Nicholas Elmi, who formerly ran the kitchen at Le Bec-Fin. Ergo, Laurel is fantastic in lots of ways that LBF was (and even better in others). The intimate East Passyunk restaurant has stellar but never stiff service, a chic interior, and French-ish dishes we can’t get enough of. The menu changes fairly often, but things like mussels with a paprika aioli and scallops in an oyster cream sauce always feel original. Come for a date in the dining room or sit by yourself at the bar." - alison kessler
"T-Pain. The Golden Bachelor. Beyonce’s "Jolene." No matter the category, we love a creative renaissance, and the same goes for Laurel on East Passyunk, an intimate French restaurant that went from a high-end tasting menu to a la carte. They still have the same elements: stellar (but never stiff) service, a chic interior, and inventive French dishes we can’t get enough of. The mirror-lined space is appropriate for a big deal date, but it’s still casual enough to sit at the bar by yourself and blend in. We’re always impressed by the originality of the ever-changing menu, but some of our all-time favorites include the boquerones on sourdough brioche, mussels with a paprika aioli, and scallops in an oyster cream sauce you’ll want to bottle." - alison kessler
"This upscale French spot on East Passyunk takes dishes you've eaten 50 times before and makes them feel fresh. Oysters wear pickled serrano and gelée party hats, monkfish sits in a kiddie pool of jet-black lobster velouté, and duck breast is cooked so precisely you'll want to read it a bedtime story and kiss its forehead. Come here to celebrate an anniversary or a fancy birthday—in addition to a la carte service, the restaurant still offers a tasting menu for around $100—but the mirror-lined space is also casual enough to walk in with a few friends." - alison kessler, candis mclean
