Laurel - Philadelphia

Food- it's prob well know that this places food is pretty solid. I didn't know that until now. But now I know and I'll come back to have more of it. Bartenders Charlie and Shannon (I hope I got that right) were very professional and courteous. Thank you. It's a Nice, quaint spot that fits the refreshing theme of a bunch o spots and restaurants down on the strip. Was my first, most certainly won't be my last trip there.

Spur of the moment visit this past Saturday, without reservations., showing up at opening time. Laurel was offering a tasting menu this night and it was my wife 's idea to it and it was a great idea. Everything I 've written in our previous visits still holds true and every course that came to our table was perfectly executed. We enjoyed oysters, tuna crudo, eggplant, a portobello mushroom supplement, scallops, sliced duck breast, and a very unique dessert that mirrored both a cheese course and a sweet dessert. It was stellar. Service, cocktails, and wines at Laurel are always top shelf. Read a previous review that a couple was not pleased at the renovation in the dining room that has been done. I can tell you since we 've dined at Laurel from its birth, the transformation into this dining space is warm, welcoming, sultry and elegant. Ambient lighting enhances the mood of the room, immeasurably. It is a beautiful space in which to dine. The bar and window seating are great spaces as well. Enjoy. WOW!!! Hard to believe it 's been two years since I 've been back to Laurel. There have been changes here and all for the good. In place now is a combination of small plate offerings as well as dinner entrees. The Chef 's Tasting Menu is something they might run on occasion. You can always inquire about it upon your arrival. The other HUGE change is the physical appearance with respect to the interior. Laurel 's former space and to some degree, that of its former sister space next door (ITV Wine Bistro), have been transformed into a really spectacular dining experience. I did not want to leave the restaurant last night. It is pure eye candy from what it was. Enough of the space; the staff, the kitchen, and the food simply excel. Our choices, on this night, included PEI oysters on the half shell sprinkled with Thai Chili pickled Serrano I loved them but my wife who is an oyster purist, who prefers the oysters au naturale, thought the spice was a little too much for her), the kitchen will accommodate your wishes with repect to anything coming out, so if you 're are also a purist and love oysters, get em ' how you like em ', Parisian style Gnocchi, the Hamachi Crudo (there were two other crudos on the menu (fluke and tuna); there is a Celery Salad on the menu, yea; a Celery Salad. I raised my eyebrows too when I saw it online, but my wife had had it recently dining with her girlfriends and loved it. We ordered it and it was outstanding given the dates, hazelnuts, and ricotta salata that topped it. It is a portion of size, easily shared by two. We opted for a special of the night which was a slightly peppercorned sliced breast of duck dressed in a plum sauce glaze, The combination of those ingredients were simply sublime. It 's the only word to describe the duck. Laurel, on this night, offered three made in house desserts. We had two of the three. My wife 's was like a chocolate mousse but not, dressed with huckleberries and some other goodies. I was permitted one little spoonful. I opted for a vanilla ice cream driven dessert with a little caramel, a large meringue wafer affixed to the top of the ice cream by some decadent element, along with a couple other ingredients. I realize this is a long review but Laurel and the team responsible deserve these accolades and also a visit from you. Walk-ins are welcome for the beautiful bar, banquette and window seat areas with reservations accepted for the dining room, along with walk-ins. It is a beautiful dining room and bar area enhancements. Well Done Team Laurel

Perfect place for awesome food and a relaxed cocktail

It was a delightful evening out. The door and service were wonderful.

My husband and I reserved a table at Laurel to celebrate our anniversary. The service was INCREDIBLE. We each enjoyed cocktails from the bar and decided to select our own courses. We loved each one. Do not overlook the celery salad, with surprising textures and exciting flavor variations. My husband loved the Maitake mushroom dish. I’ll return for the Parisian gnocchi and impeccable service.