Overall, we really enjoyed it there. Atmosphere is vibrant and food is tasty, interesting and well thought out as well. Pros: *Cool place, not stuffy yet elegant *Imaginative and interesting cooking especially with vegetables * Great service * Easy parking * Very reasonable prices/ great value Cons: * Food was at times VERY salty. Not inedible but enough to take away from otherwise well prepared dishes. Thee were 6 of us who thought this. * The thing with the menus on the wall: it's cute a la Little Fish. But so inconvenient. The dishes are complex and the poor waiters have to recite the entire menu which is a time killer and somewhat awkward. From where we were sitting, we had to keep getting up to read. Just print out menus, maybe? * Loud - some ceiling cushions would go a long way especially...when your waiter has to talk a lot ^^ read more

Helm - Smoked carrots and goat cheese - New American Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Helm is a wonderful neighborhood BYOB. The menu is written on a chalk board so you know they update it regularly with local, seasonal food. We went in early October and sat inside. It's a cozy place but we were kept well-distanced from other guests. Staff wore face shields. We will definitely be coming back in the future. read more

This BYO is worth the visit Great staff and food Pricing is good Parking can be challenging Highly recommend for any occasion Had been away for most of winter and returned this Saturday Food outstanding Service outstanding Madelyn our server remembered things about my wife's allergies that floored us A must go for everyone read more

When I first got to Helm, I was a bit skeptical that they could accommodate a vegetarian as I had read they could on other Yelp reviews and called the restaurant directly to confirm. Nearly every item on the menu had meat, and when I asked my server if and what could be done vegetarian he listed off a few options. I ordered the cabbage appetizer (one of the only veggie options on the actual menu that didn't need to be altered), broccoli ravioli, and a bowl of mixed vegetables. When the cabbage appetizer came - all doubt went away. I've never had cabbage made so deliciously. It was the perfect texture and had the perfect combination of flavors. The following ravioli and veggie bowl were also very well done. The veggie bowl especially - like the cabbage everything was cooked just right with complimentary flavors. It was one of the best meals I have had in Philly. In addition to the great, chef-driven menu that can accommodate a vegetarian without sacrificing quality, I was also happy with the ambiance of the restaurant. It was small, intimate, and cozy. And of course, it is a BYO so that's always a plus! read more

The servers are so kind and explain everything so well on the menu! I loved everything in my 3 course meal. BYOB is A big plus. Will be back, thanks for a great dining experience! read more

YUM! yum yum yum yum YUMMY! With Modo Mio Closing last week I was on the hunt for another neihborhood BYOB that would offer me extraordinary plates that would be always exciting, and sometimes weird. Found it! There were four of us and we ordered 2 entrees, six appetizers, 2 desserts and shared everything. This is the way to go folks!! We split our bill and it ended up being $50 per person including tax and a 25% tip. Even our least favorite dish was amazing. And yo, the carrots are no joke! read more

The ambiance and service is 5/5. Menu is creative. Dessert was delicious. Starter was ok. Not amazing. Not awful. But entree (chicken and lamb) tasted like overly salted wedding food. Kind of disappointing if you are anticipating a mind blowing culinary experience. Still good though. read more

Helm is def a must if you love the Farm to Table concept. The ingredients in each dish were well executed and very thoughtfully put together. For starters we had the pineapple tomato special with mozzarella and this pistachio mixture that resembled the consistency of guacamole and the smoked carrots with chèvre. Both were delicious. For our entree, I had the Arctic char which was spectacular. The way it's prepared gives it a very silky texture, it was accompanied with eggplants and fingerling potatoes. Would highly recommend this dish. My husband had the lamb which was also wonderful. We also shared the side of cabbage cabbage and yogurt. My second favorite dish of the night was most certainly the peach tart. It came out warm, with a peach compote and fresh whipped cream. The whipped cream is what really made this dish, it had toasted apricots seeds folded in and gave the dish a savory component to it which balances the dish remarkably well. We were both very impressed. Would definitely recommend this place. read more

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I came to Helm with like 10 of my girl friends for a birthday//going away//graduation// celebration, and it was revolutionary! Helm takes the dining experience to a new level, while making you feel like you're right at home. Each dish was well constructed with intention, which showed in the presentation and flavor. We were fortunate to try a little bit of everything, starting with the carrots. They were so tender and sweet, while really honoring the flavor of root vegetables, my mouth is still watering over them. I seriously didn't know a carrot could taste that amazing. Thank you! We also tried a crab dish, beets, asparagus.... some meats, and more and more, and ribs and dessert! Oh and they accommodate those with gluten allergies! It was a The experience was phenomenal. A whirl wind of plates being passed around the busy table. Each plate topped with its own dish, its own recipe, its own story, its own intention. Even the most simple. Can't wait to come back! read more

Great food and experience! The place is a little bit small so I wouldn't recommend it for a large group but the the flavors were spot on and we liked the fact it was a BYOB! read more

Recently had dinner for 4 at Helm on a Saturday evening. We had reservations for 630 and arrived on time. The food was good. We ordered 5 different appetizers to share and 3 entrees, also to share. Again, the food was good. But while we were still eating, the waitress started asking if we were done with one plate. We also ordered desserts. And after we finished the desserts, i asked if the waitress could get me another beer that we had brought. Then she comes back, asking if we could take the beer "to go", because we've been there for 2 hours and that they have another reservation waiting!!?? This is the first time ever I have actually been asked to leave a restaurant!!?? Weirdest experience ever!!! Total let down after a lovely dinner. read more

I'm probably somewhere between 2 and 3 stars but overall I was underwhelmed by my experience at Helm. About a year before I had an outstanding meal at South Helm so maybe I came on an off night even though it was a Friday? One starter dish with cabbage, romesco and feta was memorable but both main dishes I tried (lamb/grits/gouda and monk/squash/mussels) didn't have as much flavor as I hoped. Boring dessert options weren't able to save the meal so next time I think I will be heading back to the south spot. read more

I had heard great things, but was still skeptical. It's impossible to look at their menu, compare it to other restaurants and then decide to come here. You just need to go. From start to finish, this was one of the best meals I have had in Philadelphia. Ever. Each dish was perfectly portioned and more delicious than the last. Just make a reservation, grab a good bottle of wine or beer and try something different. Don't be afraid to try a new dish. This is the place to do it. They absolutely nailed everything. read more

Simply awesome. Such a chill spot with great food, great service, and wonderful ambiance. The lamb bolo is legit and the gateau basque is orgasmic. *tip: bring of bottle of champagne and celebrate this meal. read more

Banging . Stellar. They know what they're doing. Unpretentious, knowledgeable and charming service! Each dish has layered tones of flavor and texture. Slow cooked and innovative --- the love is alive in the food! The vibe is warm. Love the open big windows. Simple decor that is rustic and elegant. Gotta love a restaurant that's got bookcases of records and cookbooks in the dining room. Keep up the great work guys and gals! read more

Helm - The love is in the food and in the shelves! - New American Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Incredibly disappointed and grossed out doesn't begin to cover it. We went to Helm last week and the meal started off fantastic - service was great and the food was incredible.... but I'm writing this review about what we witnessed from the kitchen throughout the meal but mainly as our desserts were being made. Helm has an open kitchen so you can see the chefs cooking the food. When they weren't cooking we saw them standing around on their phones, and they did not wash their hands in between being on their phones and handling food. Then when they were preparing our desserts, we watched a chef dip a spoon into the whipped cream tub, lick the spoon, dip it back into the tub, put the whipped cream on one of our desserts, then put the spoon back in his mouth. Needless to say I was unable to eat the dessert and passed it off as being full, but wish I had said something about what we witnessed. We did not observe anything like this the rest of the meal, but maybe we weren't paying as close of attention. Not that this should happen in any kitchen, but you have an open kitchen concept restaurant, you should absolutely not being practicing hygiene practices like this for your guests to see. read more

Helm may be my new favorite BYO in Philly (perhaps only with the exception of Laurel!). My boyfriend and I had a wonderful dinner there last Friday evening for just a few cents less than $65.00 before tax and tip, and we were both wholly impressed with the experience from start to finish. As others have mentioned, Helm's seasonal menu rotates every few weeks and is listed on chalkboards rather than presented on paper. After being seated, our waitress opened our bottle of wine and gave us a few minutes to look over the chalkboard before explaining each dish in more detail, which served to increase our appetites in a good way prior to receiving any food. We first opted to share a farro appetizer that was among the most memorable appetizers we've had in a while. I ordered the lamb entrée, which included not only a perfectly cooked piece of lamb itself, but also a side of lamb ragout over a creamy risotto that was excellent. Although we don't normally order chicken while we are out (on the theory that it's relatively cheap and easy to cook at home), my boyfriend chose the chicken entrée here and was very glad he did -- chicken and a confit this moist and flavorful would be tough to recreate at home! The only complaint we had was that the restaurant itself is small but has a relatively large number of tables, so it was a bit noisy and the unusually cold weather outside made the restaurant feel somewhat chilly/drafty as people kept opening the door every few minutes to walk in and out. Relatedly, Helm's location is a bit less than ideal as the neighborhood is not the most scenic and not particularly convenient to other bars for pre- or post-dinner drinks. Nevertheless, I am giving it five stars because Helm served perhaps the best lamb entrée I've ever had -- and the farro merits at least a couple extra bonus points! read more

Cozy spot and delicious food! The menu is drawn on a chalkboard and the servers are very knowledgeable and walked us through the ENTIRE menu. Although the food is on the more interesting and adventurous side, even picky eaters would enjoy this place. Try the smoked carrots if available (better than Vedge!). While you can't go wrong with any of the apps or entrees, dessert was not memorable. A few of the reviews mentioned the noise level and perhaps we were just lucky where we were seated but we had no issues even though the restaurant was packed. One slight nit: for some reason the floor was incredibly slippery as if it was just sprayed with furniture polish. Overall great BYO and I'll certainly be back. read more

I was visiting a friend in Philadelphia and he insisted we try out this small BYOB outside of center city. Everyone I've been to Philly, I've never ventured too far off from center city. We barely got seats thanks to a last minute cancellation, but boy was I thankful that we got in. The food was excellent. We order two appetizers and two entrees for two people and the food was enough to satisfy us. The pricing is reasonable for the quality of food they provide. I LOVE the farm to table concept and how this restaurant supports local farms with their cycling blackboard menu! The service was great too! She carefully explained every item on their menu and was kind of to chill our wine and pour our glasses when we were running low. Definitely check this place out and definitely bring a bottle of wine. read more

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A stand out restaurant outside center city. Definitely worth a trip to. Innovative and tasty dishes. Would consider coming back for sure. read more

My fiancée and I ate at Helm this past Saturday and had a great experience. We had a reservation for 9 pm and unfortunately arrived a bit late (it was my fault this time). When we got to the location around 9:20, we were immediately assured that it was no problem. That great service continued through the night. The menu is on 2 large chalkboards at either side of the room and consists of entrees and appetizers labeled by their 3 featured ingredients, ex: lamb, polenta, bolognese. The server then comes through and explains in great detail everything on the menu. While I certainly appreciated it - it was a little hard to remember everything she said and I ended up relying on the 3 ingredient menu anyway. Most importantly, the food: we ordered the skirt steak and sweet potato ravioli appetizers. The steak was bit to heavily salted for me, but my fiancée loved it. The ravioli was fresh, and had really well balanced layers of flavor. For entrees we ordered the tortellini and lamb. The herbed polenta under bolognese was the standout for me. SO GOOD! Another thing worth mentioning - the place is small. So when the table directly to my left was fought the entire meal it was hard to ignore. The volume of the restaurant was loud causing them to yell louder. It was really distracting and unpleasant. I imagine this was exacerbated because it was Saturday night as well. All in all - great experience! read more

I adore the vibe and the attentive care of this amazing, homey place! Now let's get to the food. I'm vegan and dined with someone who is not. We were both given equal attention to our preferences and, for me in particular, the server and kitchen staff went out of their way to ensure I could have most veggie selections "veganized". This was incredible customer service ! I had incredible roasted heirloom carrots in a pepper purée/sauce that I wanted to lick off the plate - vibrant and bright flavors. 2nd harvest asparagus on a bed of veggies made into a "risotto" like dish was equally incredible. The STAR of all of my dishes were the Maitake mushrooms ... just the right roasting/caramelization that made them sweet and toasty and tender. HEAVEN. Desserts all were dairy based (my dining partner was very happy with a shortbread type cake, cream cheese, figs) and yet again, they offered me a vegan option on the fly ... poached pears being used with another dessert, made with an almond/olive oil crumble and it was perfection. Thank you Helm crew for an incredible evening. I feel so taken care of ! read more

Just went out to dinner here with my Pastors. Ordered a variety of items, and our server mentioned portions are good sized. That was a lie, portions were tiny. And the hen was recommended and it was terrible. The food all was extremely salty, and we waited for over an hour for our food. Would not be going back. read more

Never thought I'd say this, but helm makes up for the loss of Matyson. Book a table way in advance, because a two-top on a Friday evening at 8:30 is running about a month out. Rest easy in knowing that it is so worth the wait. We each ordered an appetizer and entree and shared everything. The apps are are quite large, and one is more than enough for two people if you also each want an entree. First up we went with the smoked carrots, which were fantastically smoky, sweet, and delicious. Carrots are having a moment and I like it. The other app selection was decidedly unusual - roasted beets with a duck heart ragu. We got more bread (which was very good) so we could wipe the bowl clean. It was earthy and savory and incredibly hearty. Some kind of serious culinary genius thought that one up. For entrees, we took other reviewers' advice and got a pasta, which on this night was a duck and nettle tortellini. Delicate, balanced, inventive, and very comforting. One of the best pasta dishes I've had in quite some time. The other entree was a lamb loin, served with mushrooms and a vibrant chimichurri-esque sauce. If pressed, I think I'd say I favoured the lamb, but both were exceptional and F gave the pasta a slight edge. We were very full, but are loathe to pass up dessert. The gateau is a perrenial reviewer's favourite and was served that night with fresh local strawberries, yogurt, and a sweet/sour whipped cream. We fought each other for the last bite. The strawberries baked into the gateau were perfectly jammy and tart-sweet, surrounded by a soft rich cake that crisped slightly on the edges. It was magical. The most insane part of this insanely good meal was the bill. $87 before tip. WHAT. HOW? It was as satisfying and special as our Serpico feast in December, for half the price. It rivals Matyson for quality, execution, and value, and has helped to fill that void in our lives. We did not BYO but I would recommend it! read more

Welcome to the 5 Star Club, helm! This is one of the best restaurants I've been to in a while. The location of the restaurant isn't too ideal, but they're really doing something right to draw people there. The only thing they need to change is the signage out front. I drove by it twice before finding it. Hint to those reading this: it's right next door to the Mexican restaurant. This BYOB has a limited menu, but they've managed to pack it with creativity and a certain distinction for anyone who loves dining out. All of the food tastes fresh and the best part is it's very reasonably priced for the quality of food. The most expensive item was $25. For an appetizer I had the Carrots, Chevre, Basquaise. I like carrots, but helm gave me a reason to love them here. They were smoked that gave it a completely different taste to them. They were complimented nicely with the melted chevre cheese and the peppery basquaise sauce. As for my entree, I had the NY Strip Steak, Broccoli, Jalapeno. It was a large piece of steak that came out already sliced. I usually get a steak medium, but they prepare it medium rare. I might have found a reason to change my ways! Besides the food being amazing, the service was just as good. They don't have menus, but rather a chalkboard. Instead of just reading it, the gentleman who took the orders came over and gave an extensive and detailed description of each of the dishes making it a lot easier in making a decision. This place definitely makes the list of ones to return to. My one last piece of advice is to make a reservation as it's not an entirely big restaurant. read more

The food is fresh and seasonal at this charming BYO. The space reminds me of eating dinner in someone's living room. It's got a homey feel to it - some call this cramped, but I call it quaint. My husband made reservations on a Sunday for the following Saturday and even that far in advance the only times that were available were 5:00 and 9:30. Moral - if you want to eat at Helm (and you definitely should), plan in advance. The service was fantastic and I want to give a gold star to our server, who rattled off appetizer and entrée descriptions flawlessly. The food is probably some of the best I've ever eaten at a restaurant in Philly. Their menu changes based on what they retrieve from the farmers, so you never know what they're going to serve up, but it will most certainly be tasty. We specifically enjoyed the potato saffron ravioli appetizer. I got the lamb entree and the lamb sausage was exquisite. I can definitely see us coming back here, given the service and menu variety. read more

There are few times in my life that I can remember having a meal as good as the meal I had tonight at Helm. Everything we ordered was 5 star and the service was excellent. We started off with a bang! The carrot and goat cheese appetizer set the bar high and is a must for every visit at Helm. For our main courses we went with one tortellini, one flank steak and one Arctic char. Every single one of the dishes were cooked to perfection. My only regret is that I didn't order all 3 for myself. For their last trick, they served us up the cherry tart and chocolate custard. Each dish was masterfully done and tasted delicious. Upon delivery of each dish, chef Matt would explain how they were made and answer any question that came to mind with the utmost patience. MARK MY WORDS, this restaurant is TOP 10 in the state of Pennsylvania and perhaps the best meal for your money in the entire nation. When I die, I hope to be buried in Helm and have chef Matt explain how I died of an overdose in a decidedly timely death. If you are on the fence about where to eat, look no further! Call Helm and when they tell you that they're booked for the night, beg them to put you on the waiting list! read more

Helm is the first restaurant I have visited where it seems that they respect and encourage the heavy use of vegetables in almost every dish without turning the whole place into a vegetarian or vegan experience. Everyone else seems to cater to EITHER a protein/meat/fish lover OR a vegetarian. Can't we diners can be taught to respect a meal that is say, 80% vegetables and 20% meat? Looks like it judging by the popularity of Helm. I actually felt healthier after leaving here, but also full and not the kind of full where you know you will be hungry again in an hour, but honestly full. Do they advertise this strength of vegetables? No, you have to figure it out for yourself and maybe you won't even notice, you will just be transformed. But enough of all this, was it a great dinner? Yes. You have probably already read that the menus are on the wall and the server goes through each item. Others have also said, tell no one about this place. Agreed on both. The carrot chèvre had about 7 heirloom roasted carrots that were incredibly flavorful, the cheese was great for dipping each bit of carrot and the sauce was sublime, crispy bits great! Best to share... Escargots and brussels sprouts were interesting because there were probably twice as many brussels as snails, and because they looked very similar to each other, I just grabbed wherever my fork took me and was surprised with every bite. Sneaky vegetable trick again! The hazelnut sauce was a great compliment, adding complexity to the dish. Again the vegetable trick, you saw duck confit with gouda and kale on the menu. But most of the dish was the kale stuffed ravioli with a gouda sauce and some duck sprinkled on top. I was concerned that it would be heavy but didn't know that the kale would be prominent without being... well, kale-y? Impeccable but casual service with young staff that made you feel comfortable. The crowd here ranges from 20-somethings to 80-somethings. They are obviously pleasing people from all backgrounds. Absolutely super. read more

Another overdue review. We love to come down to Philly on Impromptu Saturdays! This was on my list to try and so we did! Space here is not big at all. There are only a handful of tables typical of a lot of cute good spots in Philly. Kitchen is tiny bit they turn out some amazing farm to table dishes! The Rhode Island squid with fennel and preserved lemon was off the charts. Squid was so tender and when paired with the fennel and preserved lemon, simply amazing! The mussels with sweet potatoes and pistachio was another amazing combination. The restaurant is BYOB so it's worth it to bring some nice booked to have for dinner! We paired our dinner with a nice crisp sauvignon blanc! Staff was super knowledgeable, informative, friendly and accommodating. Will def be back! read more

Helm - Mussels. Sweet potatoes. Pistachio - New American Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Helm, a one-word name for a restaurant that is shockingly not located on E. Passyunk Avenue. It is, as others have noted, in an odd location but it seems like this area is up-and-coming. My mom and I were seated at 5:30 on a Friday and by the time we left at 7 almost all the tables were full but the room was also getting a bit deafening. The server seemed to race through the menu, going as fast as possible it seemed in describing the options, which were written on the chalkboard behind us. I mentioned that I was following a really strict diet and she told me it wouldn't be a problem to omit certain ingredients. I ordered the Brussel sprouts with chevre and asked for the bread crumbs to be omitted only to get them with the bread crumbs. No biggy, but it would have been nice to get the extra follow-through. My mom had the mussels with cauliflower. For the main I had the roast chicken, with collard greens, squash and some other accoutrements, all of which was delicious but by the time we were done we were absolutely stuffed. Perhaps offering lighter appetizers would have been helpful. Helm is definitely inventive but I don't see myself going back anytime soon. read more

Pre-fix, party of 7. They served us the entire menu from start to finish, $55 per person. The food was delicious and very interesting (creative). Our waiter was very nice and knowledgable, service overall was wonderful. Would definitely return when the season changes to try their updated menu. Great place for any occasion. read more

My first foray in Philadelphia was almost 10 years ago... Many a date were had at quaint little byos that the city was known for... 10 years later, it seems that the phl byo scene isn't quite as flourishing and I'm puzzled by how I can eat great food and drink too much wine at a decent price again. Enter helm. It reminds of the days of yore. The food is written on chalkboards. Tables are close together. The staff reads your tweets about your #oldladydinner and ask you about your life. The food is amazing to the point where I asked for more bread to dunk into my sauce. Each course was better than the last and the dessert was big enough to share for 2 (although the weakest part of the meal I think). Happily I'll be back with my bottle of wine to enjoy a lovely dinner. read more

Helm was delicious and its BYO! While we were not thrilled with waiting 40 minutes after arriving on time for our reservation, we were given a free carrot appetizer, which was amazing! One of the best dishes of the night. The service was actually wonderful. They really take the time to go through each menu item with you. The chicken dish was amazing. So juicy and tender. Wow. Definitely get this. The pork dish was just okay. Very good. The lamb dish was cooked well and flavorful. There was this crab and potatoes appetizer that was awesome too! Honestly everything was delicious, I would return and get the carrots and chicken again. Overall, would return. Great food and service. read more

We don't give out many 5 star reviews, but we had an amazing meal at Helm!! I HIGHLY recommend you try this restaurant in Philly! We started with a carrot app as well as a mussel and cauliflower dish. I was hesitant about the carrot app because how good can carrots be!? I was wrong because it was amazing!!!! It didn't even taste like carrots. The mussel appetizer was different and delicious as well. The mussels were already out of their shell in a delicious sauce/broth. We got the strip steak and pork tenderloin for our meals. The strip steak melted in your mouth and the sides were phenomenal. The pork tenderloin was so flavorful! The only weaker part of the meal was dessert. I think they can improve their options as the dessert we had was not a great representative of the meal we had. I am still giving 5 stars because the meal was that good. We need more of these quality restaurants in Philly. There aren't a lot of tables because the place is small so make sure to have a reservation. It is BYOB. The waiter and waitress seemed a little overwhelmed though. read more

Helm - Menu - New American Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

There is a lot to like. Helm still feels like an undiscovered gem filled with mostly locals. According to our dining partners the dining demographic now includes older "foodies" in addition to young locals as word gets out. I know: I'm doing no favors fighting this trend with a favorable review. Topping my list is the creative menu presentation. No paper menus. They post the night's entire selection on a giant chalkboard. We had a few moments to peruse offerings before the servers came and recites the entire menu in detail. She described each ingredient, how it was prepared, and often from where it was sourced. For some this may be TMI, but like-minded nut cases hearing dish details described forms a picture fully developed in the mind's eye- an indulgent imaginative exercise. Anyway, I liked it. Another nice touch is the chef along with a kitchen staff person brings and explains each dish to the table. Should I even bother saying this place gets loud? Giving the loudness inflation over the past few years, Helm does a good job moderating the noise. Food Highlights: Collar greens with garlic Apple salad with fried bacon lardons. Caramelized butter/apple tart Roasted heirloom carots Pork with "18 hour roasted cabbage". Cabbage didn't do anything for me, but the pork has the pope-like power to forgive any sins. Sud vie steak. Came to the table cooked perfectly medium rare with some tasty potato pave and cauliflower. Interestingly, and this applies to the cod dish, was slightly warmer than room temp. Recommend read more

Service, quality, taste. All top-notch. Eat everything on the menu. Sometimes twice, which is what we did with the coffee and coriander pork tenderloin. Perfection on a plate. 1st: Mussels with potato and shishito; yolk with root vegetables and duck ragu; Squid. All A+++. 2nd: Strip with jalapeño (slightly over salted for my taste but cooked just right); Pork Tenderloin with coriander and coffee - ordered a second round of this; Duck and Kale 3rd: Gateau; Custard Wines: 2012 Chimney Rock Stags Leap Cabernet (decanted 3+ hrs) - excellent. 2014 Mas de Libian Khayyam Cotes Du Rhone (decanted 1 hr, had this first) Overall, this is an extremely good dining experience. One of the keys here is that their dessert was just as good as the appetizers and entrées. There are many restaurants in Philadelphia make a wonderful dishes but always come up short on dessert which is extremely disappointing. Thank you for refreshing my mind and palate. It takes a special kind of restaurant and highly-skilled chefs to make meals that you will not forget and the Helm is nothing short of this. Bravo. read more

Having known Chef D'Egideo's work at Stateside and as a mentor to my own chef daughter, I knew I wanted to dine here. Nab: hopping NoLibs/Fishtown area, easy to find on street parking, felt safe Atmosphere: unassuming signage on the door leading into a very homey, comfy, casual yet well appointed small dining area. Very inviting. Service: extremely competent and friendly male server (forget his name), top notch Apps: excellent, well prepared, very flavorful Mid: chef sent out a small portion of the Brussels sprouts tortellini, instantly made me a fan of grilled spouts Entrees: daughter's artic char was excellent, cooked perfectly, tender and flavorful. My entrée (skirt steak rubbed with jalapeno) was the only so-so dish we were served. On the slightly tough/chewy side and not as flavorful as I would have liked, I found it average. Dessert: Gateau Basque, Tonka, Grapefruit. Fantastic, light, citrusy and nice ending to an excellent meal. Helm just misses 5 stars (because of the skirt steak), I will definitely be back as this is a place to be reckoned with! read more

Helm is an excellent BYO. The food quality is very high, and the menu makes it tough to decide. I was very impressed with the homemade pasta options, but overall everything we tried was very good. Our waiter was very knowledgable, service overall was a little inattentive, but in their defense the place was very busy. While the food tasted great, my only gripe was the presentation was somewhat lacking. read more

What a strange location for a fantastic new BYO! I'm guessing the neighbors are thrilled by this new opening. Helm is set back a block or so from Girard on 5th and is easy to miss if you're not looking. Once you enter into the space, the location is quickly forgotten. It's a warm, inviting setting with friendly service, a lively buzz from the other tables, and plenty of great scents coming from the corner kitchen. The service experience was interesting and a bit unique: no menus and everyone pitches in. It felt like a pop-up type of arrangement, and I liked that. The menu is like a rotating draft beer list on the chalkboards with items coming in and out all the time based on seasonality and availability. Our appetizer courses were the cucumbers, carrots, and aged cabbage. All three were good, but the carrots stood well above the others. They were deep in flavor and had wonderful sauces that were not overpowering, but very distinct. The cabbage was interesting and nearly meaty in texture, but I would have liked a bit more flavor profile in addition to the small amount of sauce underneath it. It needed something (maybe a little saltiness or crunch?). The cucumbers, while interesting and well-prepared, were our least favorite. I think it was all in the construction: too pretty and spread out without enough of each component to get all the flavors together (aka too deconstructed). The mains were showstoppers, particularly the olive oil poached arctic char. I've eaten a lot of fish, but that preparation ranks right up at the top. I highly recommend trying this. The pea tortellini was also excellent and it is a perfect vehicle to highlight peas. Pea filling, pea sauce, pea garnishes, and it managed to be a great summer dish without being pea overkill. Stick with the pastry dessert, and don't worry about whatever fruit they decide to mix it up with on that evening. Our sour cherry variety was fantastic. Overall, it's not an inexpensive BYO and I would have liked to see a little better portion sizes on the apps for what they were charging (vegetarian apps in the $10-13 range at this size is pushing it). Well worth a try and easy to find parking if you're not from the city or if there's miserable weather. read more

Appetizer Sweet potato + mussels Dinner pork + noodle Brussel sprouts Dessert Grapefruit dessert Everything was 5 stars. Brussel sprouts was our favorite. read more