Vernick Food & Drink

2031 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States
$$$ New American restaurant
(997 Reviews)
Price Range $100+

Located in the heart of Philadelphia at 2031 Walnut St, Vernick Food & Drink is a premier New American restaurant that offers an exquisite dining experience. This gem is not just about food; it’s about immersing yourself in a vibrant atmosphere where culinary creativity flourishes.

The moment you step into Vernick, you're greeted by an inviting ambiance that strikes a balance between casual comfort and upscale elegance. The warm lighting and sleek design create a cozy yet sophisticated setting, perfect for both romantic dates and lively gatherings with friends. As you settle in, the friendly staff, who consistently receive praise for their attentiveness and knowledge, are eager to guide you through the menu, ensuring every choice feels personal and curated.

One of the standout features of Vernick is its diverse menu, which emphasizes innovative dishes crafted with the finest ingredients. For those with an adventurous palate, the small plates offer an array of delightful options such as the shaved fennel caesar with grapes ($13) or the fire roasted prawns with charred eggplant ($20), each bursting with flavor and expertly presented. The large plates come with equally enticing offerings; the grilled black sea bass with tender leeks ($38) is a masterpiece of delicate flavors, while the bison strip loin ($42) promises a hearty, indulgent experience. If you're in for a grand treat, the wood fire oven dishes, like the bone-in "porcelet" chop ($82), are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Beyond the menu, the magic unfolds at the chef’s kitchen counter, a feature that has captivated diners who seek not just a meal, but an immersive culinary experience. As you watch skilled chefs execute each dish with precision, it’s hard not to feel a sense of excitement and appreciation for the art of cooking. According to customers, this seat provides a front-row view to the kitchen theatrics, reminiscent of popular culinary shows, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your dining experience.

Every dish is met with accolades from patrons who rave about their experiences. Jean Ng exclaims, "No bad food and no wrong choices!" while Zachary Brown appreciated the seamless execution of their meal, noting that every small plate they tried was "excellent." Meanwhile, Justin Yee highlights the warmth and attentiveness of the service, making it clear that Vernick is dedicated to creating a holistic and memorable dining experience.

In addition to its incredible menu and atmosphere, Vernick Food & Drink is recognized for its attention to detail and commitment to hospitality, as captured in customer reviews. Whether it's a friendly server who makes you feel right at home or the thoughtful surprises like a complimentary dish, the personal touches add a wonderful dimension to the experience.

Whether you're a local or just visiting Philadelphia, making a reservation at Vernick Food & Drink is a decision you won't regret. The combination of exceptional cuisine, an inviting atmosphere, and top-notch service guarantees a dining experience that is nothing short of remarkable. Make your way to Vernick and indulge in an epicurean adventure that tantalizes all your senses.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
On-site services available
Serves dine-in
No delivery
No takeaway
Highlights
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves food
Serves organic dishes
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Popular with tourists
Planning
Reservations required
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually has a wait
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Parking
Paid multi-storey car park
Paid street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

5:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Wednesday

5:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Thursday

5:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Friday

5:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Saturday

5:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Sunday

Closed

997 Reviews
Jean Ng

24 Sep 2025

No bad food and no wrong choices !! The food and drinks were just phenomenal. The chef’s complimentary was such a nice generous touch of hospitality. If you are a couple / dates that have few words to each other, I recommend a seat at the chef’s kitchen counter (only 6 available). Just like the tv show “The Bear” you get to see, to feel the intensity in prepping every dishes PERFECTLY before it landed on your table. And a shout out to the Old Fashion concoction. One of the best OF I had and I meant it ( the other was from JUA new york) Well done to everyone from BOH to FOH !! Highly recommend X2 !!

Zachary Brown

13 Sep 2025

Wow. Amazing food, great drinks, lovely atmosphere. Book here over Vernick Fish. My partner and I split four small plates and one large plate to get the most out of the menu, and everything was excellent. The highlights for us were the fromage blanc toast, and the tilefish, but none of the dishes were a miss. The cocktails were also well-done, and the service was top-notch. Would very much recommend for anyone looking for an upscale, seafood-forward, dinner in Philly.

Justin Yee

31 Aug 2025

An exceptional dining experience from start to finish. Sitting at the counter was a highlight — watching the chefs work with precision and grace was a show in itself. The service was warm, attentive, and thoughtful. Every dish impressed, from the oysters and blue crab to the thai spiced lamb chops and pasta special. We were even surprised with a complimentary serving of the grilled shrimp. The blueberry pie was the perfect ending — just sweet enough with a beautifully flaky crust and basil ice cream on top. A standout meal in every way.

Nephele Agrafiotis

27 Aug 2025

Hands down one of the best restaurants in Philly. HIGHLY recommend. Our server (Adam, if I remember correctly) was extremely friendly, gave great recommendations, and provided excellent service overall. The rest of the waitstaff were all awesome as well and had a high attention to detail. The food at Vernick is phenomenal! We had the carbonara on toast, king salmon, half rack of lamb, and pork collar steak. Everything was great, but I especially loved the lamb. The crush crush crush cocktail was also wonderful, and I appreciated that they offer non-alcoholic beer. The first time I sat upstairs which was a more classic dining experience, the second time downstairs with a view of the kitchen. I am very interested in cooking, so I liked being able to see into the kitchen but if that is not your thing, I recommend requesting the upstairs seating. Overall, Vernick provides the best dining experience and I absolutely love it.

Tycho Speaker

14 Aug 2025

There are always a few “reference” points that exemplify what an experience should be. Vernick has been that reference point for me since it opened more than a decade ago. Somehow they have managed to maintain “peak” experience over time. I am seriously never disappointed. I cannot recommend the kitchen bar seating more highly. This is where you get the vibe and the show. It’s like The Bear without the yelling and dysfunction. Chef de Cuisine Billy is breathtaking in his confident but exacting presence. This is where you will see the great chefs of the next 50 years refining their skills. I exhort you to Pay Attention. Put your phone down and soak this up as the extraordinary experience that it is. Alex, who was my attentive server tonight, and every single part of the staff will show you what peak performance looks like.

Candace Whaley

25 Jul 2025

I enjoyed my experience with Vernick last night. It was my first time dinning there and I must say the food was delish! The hospitality was on point . Even with a mix up regarding the food order/communication. Our lovely host/server was very accommodating to say the least. Thank you Vernick for the hospitality! I’d love to come back again!

Scott Goldstein

22 Jun 2025

Everything you want from an upscale restaurant and more. Great staff, great space and fantastic food!! The layers of complimentary flavors and execution of every plate left me wanting more. Of everything!

Brooks Jones

04 Jun 2025

Vernick was simply delicious. I had a business dinner with a couple of colleagues and we ordered at least seven different dishes. I am not exaggerating when I write that each dish we tried was wonderful. There was a tremendous amount of flavor as well as beautiful preparation. The entire menu seemed to have nothing but Great choices. I would certainly recommend this to anyone traveling to Philly or coming into downtown and I very much look forward to my next visit.

Join the Vernick Food & Drink Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.