We've been to Lark several times and, as I told one managers (Mike), they NEVER disappoint. We love great food but recognize that a place can have an off night. That never happens at Lark. Ever. And the wine list-- it's exceptional. City quality without the trek into the city. As I told Mike tonight, it's a hard reservation to get at the last minute but it's still a well-kept secret. So do yourselves a favor, go to Lark. It's a meal you won't soon forget. read more

Dined here for a very special birthday dinner and have to say that the service and food was even better than the first time we came. We had a bottle of champagne, a starter, a pasta and two of the main entrees (one of them was a special). While we had a later reservation (830pm), it was pretty loud at first and then died down as the 7pm reservations finished their meals. I have to commend the staff for the excellent service all evening and allowing us to finish our meal without rushing and attentiveness to our glasses, ensuring they weren't empty until our bottle was finished. Lark has truly stepped up their game and I'm happy to have such a great establishment, outside of the City. read more

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Lark is one fantastic experience. That's a good place to start this review. Bottom line: High-End dining experience at a restaurant known for their celebrity chef, and ultra professional staff add to a treat yourself night. I arrived with a group of ten professional women of color for a meetup dinner. We were greeted by very tall, handsome, polite gentlemen who offered to take check our coat, and show us to our table. They pulled out chairs and we were seated. This isn't a gendered activity. I watched the hosts greet all the patrons in this way, regardless of gender. That felt refreshing to me. We ordered a variety of starters but my favorite were the Tuna Crudo, the Beef Tartare and Sumac Glazed Octopus. With the octopus dish, you must spread all of crème and sauce onto your octopus to get the full flavored intention of the chef. The Gnocco Fritto is hard to describe but it is almost like a Nan. It is so lightweight and delicious, I could have eaten tray after tray of this dish. For dinner, I had the Fennel Glazed Pork Collar. If you look at the picture, you will see an ample sized entree with delectable vegetables. It was delicious and I would recommend. However, the shared plates were extremely flavorful, making my entree feel underwhelming. Did I leave anything on the plate? Not at all. IMPORTANT NOTE: Don't skip dessert! The desserts have the strangest names and descriptions. We ordered all three and shared. For example, what's a Chocolate Polenta Torte?! Chocolate cake with dark chocolate Carmel and whipped crème! Delicious! Have all the desserts! Would I return? I would but for the total experience. I would also bring someone special here and have a special night here. But I might order the shared plates for myself and forgo the entree. On our way out, the hosts met us at coat check and helped me put on my coat. Chivalry! I loved it . read more

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Tuna Crudo - Light, refreshing, and gently sweet. The tangy white sauce and cherry tomatoes added a bright, crunchy pop. Artichoke - Rich but not heavy, with a deep, sweet flavor. Nicely cooked and satisfying without being overwhelming. Tartare - On the tangier side and not super traditional. The Fiore Sardo goat cheese brought a smoky, nutty twist--interesting but not your favorite style. Ragù Pasta - A little spicy with a flavorful red sauce, though the meat was a bit tough and the pasta felt a bit basic. Service & Vibe - Great service all around, and the space felt warm and welcoming. Plus, the fun view overlooking the Schuylkill River made the whole experience even better. read more

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This is a cool and beautiful place to have dinner or a drink. Came here with a local friend. The menu has alot of small plates to share. We startes with the octopus, birata, salad and tuna crudo. For mains we had the scallops and tortinini. Our waiter was amazing and very helpful. Would definatly come back. read more

Lark - salad - New American Near Me - Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania

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We celebrated a special birthday at Lark, and it couldn't have been a better experience. They went out of their way to make it memorable! Griffin was absolutely wonderful and genuinely kind. He made our meal a fantastic experience. The birthday card signed by so many staff members also made our day -- what a lovely and thoughtful gesture! We were treated with exceptional kindness and absolutely excellent service. Our food was amazing, and Lark made it a perfect dinner for a special day. Thank you so much! read more

This place is a hidden gem! The food was seriously incredible. We got the caviar, octopus, burrata, tortellini (which i highly recommend) and the special steak. Everything was incredible! The service was very good and was so happy we chose to try this place. I will definitely be coming back here and recommending friends to come here. read more

Lark - Caviar - New American Near Me - Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania

We ate at Lark while staying at the Residence and were shocked at how busy this place was on a weeknight. We walked in at around 6 pm as a table of four, and were told they wouldn't have any availability until 8:30 that night. We were there to see a concert, so time was of the essence. We opted to eat at the bar -- luckily four seats became available with in 15 minutes or so of us ordering cocktails. The ambiance here was very upscale -- its easy to forget you're at a hotel restaurant upon entering. Bartenders here were busy but did their best to accommodate us. We did have to flag them down to place orders, but they were happy to answer any questions we had about the menu or the cocktails which we appreciated. I ordered a cosmo which was well made and strong. For appetizers, we got the oysters and the fried gnocchi. The oysters come as a half dozen and are already topped with peppers and some kind of cheese, which I wasn't a fan of though they were fresh. The fried gnocchi was delicious, made as a kind of DIY hot pocket where you put the cheese inside yourself. I decided to branch out and try the pasta ricotta with escargot and bone marrow in it which was just okay, the bone marrow flavor and ricotta doesn't really come through. Not a bad option if you're staying in the hotel and don't feel like traveling that far. read more

Lark - Parsley and Ricotta Cavatelli - New American Near Me - Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania

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I had dinner here for my birthday, 2nd time here. Great upscale yet relaxed vibe. The menu is small plates, geared towards sharing and sampling of many things. It is upscale however with a relaxed vibe. The service started out great, we have 4 courses but as it got busier the service suffered, took about 40 minutes for our entree to come out and our server became less attentive. I would still go back but try to go earlier when not had crowded. read more

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Such an incredible dinner while family was in town and staying at the Residence Inn! Overall vibe of the restaurant was great. Bar was beautiful and can see the outside area being a huge hit with nice weather, especially around the fire pits. We were here for a bigger group so I don't remember everything we ordered, as it was recommended to do it family style but I'll touch on the highlights! The focaccia was insanely good! We ended up getting a second round to be served with the pasta course so we could soak up all the sauce. The octopus was also out of this word. Very tender! For pastas, the agnolotti was my favorite but all three we ordered were so good and you could tell it was fresh pasta. For entrees, the steak was the highlight. Just melted in your mouth! I'm so happy we have an amazing place like this near Manayunk. Will definitely be back, especially for happy hour. read more

I've been dying to try Lark since it's only about 10 minutes from work. Lucky me- I got to attend a bridal shower there yesterday! Boy is it a GORGEOUS restaurant. The area is very cool...I'm not familiar with the "old ironworks" but the area is clearly hip! Lark sits 7 floors above the Marriott Bala Cynwyd with stunning views of Manayunk across the way. The staff is extremely welcoming and accommodating. Now for the food- it's truly hard to be the judge of the menu, because the catering menu does not quick mimic the dine-in menu, but what I can say is: IT'S DELICIOUS! I can only imagine how great their food is if their brunch was as delightful as it was. I don't even like French toast and I'm still talking about it today. The scrambled eggs were creamy and smooth, and the pesto pasta was chefs kiss. And may I add, they make a superb espresso martini. One star off because finding the restaurant was not the easiest. Pro tip- try to park to the right side of the hotel where there is a designated elevator (on the right) to go to the restaurant (unless you are a guest of the hotel- then you can access both elevators). I hope to visit soon to try some of the daily menu items! read more

Lark - New American Near Me - Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania

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Very busy night, lots of guests at the hotel. Great decor and ambiance, good service. Salmon crudo with passion fruit and yuzu vinaigrette was pretty good, I do believe white fish would have worked better with the sauce though. The Long Island duck was an absolute perfection- medium rare, blood orange and endive combo gave the dish that extra depth of flavor. Bucatini was okay- nothing special. Buckwheat tart for dessert was quite an interesting concept. I personally did not like the wine selection, perhaps a cocktail would have been a better option for me. Overall, it was a good meal. read more

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Another amazing Nicholas Elmi spot! Everything was delicious and prices are reasonable for the quality. Some fun, whimsical dishes like the gnocco fritto mixed with elevated creations like the red snapper crudo (favorite of the night). Love the vibes and can't wait to try the outside dining. read more

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This place is pretty good. I went there for a conference and their private room was pretty big. I wasn't expecting it to be that large. It is a James Beard winner's concept. It is suppose to be Mediterranean themed but honestly seemed like American food. Their mocktail was probably the best one I've had in my life. It was called the Alchemist. It is basically mint tea, orange blossom, honey, and club soda. I also got a nice green tea for after my meal. I started with a salad. It was a baby lettuce salad with vinaigrette, radish, and candied sunflower. It was so light and delicious. Then I got a grilled branzino. I really liked the topping that coated the branzino. The coating was caponata, chili, fennel, and raisins. The meal ended with a tray of desserts like chocolate chip and macarons. I really liked the pistachio macarons. read more

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We loved it here! We were thinking the veggie options may not be enough but they really did have some great options and also portions! It's located in the same building as the hotel but the vibe is vibing! They have a full dining room, rooftop, happy hours, and even an event space for larger gatherings - so definitely something everyone! We got their focaccia and ricotta as our app and then ordered some veggie friendly pastas! Everything came out with great timing and so well done! Thank you to our waiter for walking us through the menu and making sure whatever we were interested in was going to be ok per our diet. Oh also there's free parking on site! This place has it all - enjoy!! read more

Lark - New American Near Me - Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania

Truly a great experience. The server was knowledgeable and all the food, drinks, and wine were excellent! The server recommended the coffee ice cream dessert which was not expected but delicious. Would definitely go back again. read more

Lark - New American Near Me - Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania

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Had a lovely birthday dinner at Lark. The food was divine, so complex, well balanced, and well executed down to the last detail. My husband and I savored every last bite of the oysters (loved the slice of bird's eye chili for just a touch of heat), the seared octopus (so tender!), the baby romaine salad (the crunchy topping was lovely), scallops (soooo perfectly seared and soft), and the bucatini, which was my favorite dish because of the perfect texture of the pasta noodles and the wonderful marriage of flavors among fennel, jalapeno, and clam. The dessert was another highlight--the Basque cheesecake was fluffy, not too sweet, and nestled among a lovely combo of pistachio and raspberry. I ended up ordering one to-go for my parents! Service was very friendly, attentive, and relatively fast. The interior is beautiful, great for a date night. Prices are honestly pretty reasonable for what you get. Will definitely be back! read more

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What a great experience! Food was very delicious and well balanced, staff was attentive and knowledgable, and ambiance warm and spacious! Came for our 10 year anniversary and Valentine's Day and this was a home run. Best bite of the night was the Wagyu Steak - cooked to medium rare, melt in your mouth perfection - and the double fried potatoes were perfectly crisp. Also really enjoyed the pastas (we got the lobster & scallop ravioli and pork cheek agnolotti). The scallop really came through and the truffles weren't overpowering. The caramelized onions on the pork cheek is exactly as desired although the pork got a little lost. My wife really loved the escargot- the buttery herb sauce it came with was rich but not overpowering and the escargot itself was cooked perfectly tender. We got the house made focaccia and it paired wonderfully. Also really enjoyed the bluefin tuna crudo. Shout out to the Mallard cocktail, which is sous vide with duck fat... reminded me of pechuga (carcass-washed Mezcal). Loved the vibes here as well- our waitress was so welcoming and helpful. And the views from the loft were beautiful. read more

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Highly recommend going for happy hour. Better prices for the same food. Sunday all day happy hour available at the bar and outdoor seating. Cocktails were very good. Gold rush- very refreshing with bright lemon flavor. Rosemary Old Fashioned- good but don't taste the rosemary Gostosa- smooth and full bodied with a slight spice at the end. At the table- takes the order all at the same time. Burrata- sooo good. Fresh and good Fritto- ok Foccia is good. Greasy but light and fluffy Special pasta- very creamy and decadent. Sweet corn flavor Artichoke middle food- very food. The mint is a subtle touch. Good creamy and sweet but savory and slight crunch. Slight bitter Halibut- the carrot and zucchini is good. You can taste the flavor of the lobster in the sauce. Tender and fresh. Slight spice. The sourdough crust is fabulous. Buttery Dessert was my FAVORITE part of the meal. Both were INCREDIBLE. Budino- strong alcohol flavor. Whipped cream is good and can taste the rum. Velvety. Pudding with good crunchies Soft serve- amazing. I would come here just for that. Creamy and decadent with good pretzel salted caramel crunch read more

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Next time you are in Philadelphia, go to Lark. The food was delicious. The ciabatta was tender inside and crispy on top . The oysters were fresh and topped with green apple-weird and wonderful. The tortellini was fabulous. The lemon meringue budino was sooooo yummy. It was a cool night and the fire outside was welcome. The view of the Schuylkill and Manyunk was..... interesting. It was a little noisy but not crazy. For two appetizers, two glasses of wine, sparkling water, two mains, and a dessert it was $208 with tip. Worth every penny. And our waiter, Tom, was terrific. read more

Really incredible food, a beautiful, and perfect decor. This place is one of my new favorites in the Philly area. The plates are a little small and would be best shared, plus then you get to taste more of their delicious food. The menus also rotate seasonally, giving me the perfect excuse to visit again and again! read more

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Food, drinks, and happy hour options were exceptional. Something for everyone on the menu. It's definitely a hidden gem in the Manayunk/Bala area. We park in the movie theater lot and then take a stroll over the bridge to get here. The ambiance is great - lots of greenery and the outdoor patio/fire pit is a great end to the evening. Service was meh. We ate at the bar and if the goal is to have "cool" bartenders...they nailed it...but it seems like they could have cared less about any conversation with patrons. They weren't friendly (at all) but I can't fully complain because our glasses were never empty. All and all, an enjoyable experience. The food carried! read more

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i truly had a wonderful experience dining at this place. We were seated by 8pm and it was the perfect timing for golden hour. Even better since I requested for an outdoor seating. Everything from the service, views, and food were top notch. Octopus: fresh texture with sweet sauce and a hit of mint. Grilled artichoke: charred artichoke with amazing sauce that's not overpowering and complements well together. Gnocco Fritto: not too impressed. Sauce could have better flavor and prosciutto doesn't enhance anything in my opinion Tallegio: cooked perfectly with enough sweetness and worked well with the crunch from grilled onion Truffle gnocci: fresh gnocchi with shaved truffle. A bit too salty for my liking Crusted halibut: this is MY fav by far. Crispy skin on top, tender meat with summer veggies and delicious broth. Duck breast: not a fan of the after taste/smell. Sauce was good. Steak, tbone (not on the menu) cooked to perfection; medium rare is the only way to go. I wished they compliment it with a better sauce but it's not horrible. Sauce was more meh. I will come back and def recommend this place. 8.8/10 read more

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Went for dinner there Sunday night with my wife. Easily one of the best places we've been to for awhile. Food was excellent and the waitress and her comments / suggestions were very well received. We ordered two shared plates and two pastas with one main to share, which probably was a little too much but the food was great... and we couldn't resist trying one dessert ... dishes were seasoned very well, cooked well with a bit of special flair. Some places I think tend to be overly salty or spicy but that was not the case here. Ambience was also spot on. I would definitely go back and bring my kids during the holidays. read more

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Everything about this place was spectacular! I have a group of foodie friends and we had been doing a lot of fine dining elsewhere to only be disappointed by the food. Well Lark surely did NOT disappoint. From the apps, to the pasta and main courses. Still drooling over the oyster and octopus apps, bucatini, crusted halibut, and creamy basque cheesecake. Customer service was stellar! read more

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Legit some of the best food around. Mainly caters to the "business" crowd as it was observed a lot of client dinners happening in the dining room. Loved the happy hour although the website didn't correctly reflect the days and times and it wasn't applicable on Sunday. The food was top notch and drinks were great. read more

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The food is superb and the service is excellent, but the noise level is so high that it's difficult to converse or enjoy the food. The high noise level is due to the large expanse of window glass and the absence of any sound deadening anywhere. The poor design of the space in this regard is really a shame, given the excellence of the cuisine, but the noise level seriously detracts from the overall dining experience. We won't be back, nor will we recommend Lark to anyone else. read more

Outstanding experience with beautifully presented dishes bold flavors and exceptional service creating a memorable meal that exceeded expectations and left everyone excited to return again soon for future visits here. read more

Lark was a true 5 star experience. I really wanted to wait to actually go for a special occasion. We walked in and promptly the hostess greeted us, we were a bit early so we sat at the bar and ordered drinks. A women was basically blinding us with the light from her phone (it was a bit dark for some I imagine) the bartender noticed and brought her over a small lamp, to me this was extremely thoughtful and done without prompting. The space is lovely, high ceilings and amazing decor. When we were seated our waiter was great and helpful with the menu. The food was incredible and we received many table touches not only from our waiter but also the manager and other employees but it was not over bearing at all. I did not eat really any of my meal(not because it was not good but because I was full from the appetizers) so someone offered to box it, it was really busy so my food was lost. The manager was great about the whole situation, he not only apologized profusely but also had a new dish made. Overall it was great, I can't wait to go back and have dinner on the rooftop! read more

We really enjoyed spending our anniversary at Lark! Food, ambiance, and service were all amazing! Our server was very knowledgeable about the menu. We took all of her recommendations and were very pleased with the plates. Our favorite dish was the Sumac glazed octopus, it was perfectly tender and had a complex flavor profile that worked so well. They also gave us an anniversary card signed by all the staff, very thoughtful. Highly recommend Lark for special occasions or just a nice dinner! (bonus points for their large parking lot, the restaurant was packed but we had no issue finding a spot to park) read more

We enjoyed a wonderful (but not perfect!) birthday dinner on a cold January weeknight. Our main server, Shannon G., was fabulous: knowledgeable, attentive, and helpful. Five stars and more! The dining room setting was terrific, too. We were able to converse in an inside voice, the tables were nicely spaced, and the room was warm and comfortable. Cocktails and wines by the glass were very good -- and kudos for including a lovely Lehigh Valley gruner veltliner on the list. However, charging $25 for a thimbleful of sauternes at dessert was cheeky. All the food was beautifully plated and truly delicious -- with the exception of the red snapper crudo, which was a dud. I couldn't taste the delicate fish, as the grapefruit emulsion completely overwhelmed it. Otherwise, the halibut, lamb loin, amazingly tasty focaccia, and Basque cheesecake were wonderful. I highly recommend Lark for a special-occasion dinner. With just a few tweaks, it could be perfect. read more

My son just had his wedding at the Lark. I have to say, he and his wife did a wonderful job. Finding this quiet and peaceful place in a busy city. The food were very good. The venue was wonderful. The service was wonderful. Their service is what I would call real service. You ask for something and they bring it without asking second time and they continue to check on your as well. All staffs were courteous and friendly. read more

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect wedding weekend, and much of that is thanks to the incredible experiences we had at The Lark Restaurant and The Landing Kitchen. Our rehearsal dinner and welcome drinks at The Lark were truly unforgettable. The service was exemplary--every staff member made our guests feel welcome and cared for. The food was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented, with every bite receiving compliments. The atmosphere was warm, stylish, and celebratory--exactly what we were hoping for. A heartfelt thank you to Jennifer and Rachel, who were fantastic to work with from start to finish. They were responsive, attentive, and ensured every detail ran smoothly the entire evening. It was the perfect kickoff to our wedding weekend! To round out the celebration, we hosted a farewell brunch at The Landing Kitchen the morning after the wedding. It was the perfect way for our guests to unwind before heading home. The outdoor setting was beautiful and relaxed, allowing everyone--especially the bride and groom--to enjoy meaningful conversations in a more informal, peaceful environment. The brunch offerings were fresh, satisfying, and thoroughly enjoyed by all. From start to finish, both venues helped create moments we will cherish forever. We highly recommend The Lark and The Landing Kitchen to anyone looking to host memorable, well-orchestrated events with heart and style. read more

Delicious food!! We loved everything thing we ate. Only complaint is that we did make a reservation for the main dining room for 8pm on a Friday night but we weren't seated until probably 8:25 and it was in the lounge area not the main dining room. Would definitely come back and would love to sit outside! read more

I would give The Lark a 6/5 if I could! Food is awesome! Vibes are great - good music and great style! Servers, hostesses and bartenders are fantastic! Can't wait to go back! read more

Lark - New American Near Me - Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania

I visited Lark for the first time a few weeks ago, and it was a lovely surprise from start to finish. My date and I took the elevator up to the restaurant, which is perched higher than expected--adding a fun, unexpected twist to the evening. We arrived early for our reservation, so we enjoyed a cocktail at the bar while we waited. Once seated, I had a chance to unwind and take in the space. The interior was stunning, with tasteful décor and a warm, inviting ambiance. We had a fantastic time sampling a few appetizers, and our entrées were absolutely delicious. The entire experience felt relaxed yet elevated--perfect for a date night. read more

Lark is among my favorite places in Philly to visit whether it's for a special occasion, casual catchups, introducing a friend to one of Philly's, in my opinion, finest restaurants, or even to just have a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located beautifully along the Schuylkill River and right across the bridge from Main Street / Manayunk, Lark stands as the owner of Laurel's, Chef Elmi, take on contemporary American with Italian and Mediterranean influences. To start, this restaurant is beautiful. The low light combined with the warm undertones, fresh greenery, and moonlight / sunlight hitting the space in just the right way is magical. Interior designers really deserve a round of applause. Another round of applause goes to the staff. They are super attentive, know the menu like the back of their hand, clean and set the table in between each course, and are all very approachable. I've been here at least 4-5 times and each time I get consistency and hospitality. A definite plus to me coming back. Now of course the food. Excellent excellent excellent. Savory, salty, sweet, fatty, all balanced beautifully in each dish. For a table of 3, we ordered 3 appetizers, 2 pastas,, 2 entrees, and 1 dessert. We were SO full. If you want, you could also replace an entree with a pasta and ask the entree to come out with the pastas. Focaccia: exactly how you would expect. Soft and fluffy on the inside, crisp on the outside. The olive oil butter light and balanced, adding a nice touch to each bite. Roasted Spanish Artichoke: a mouthful of flavor. A little sour, sweet, and savory. Excellent! Sumac Glazed Octopus: if the previous was excellent, this is superb. I'm pretty sure this is a staple that never leaves the menu because every time I've come to Lark, I've gotten their Octopus and it's always consistently the best appetizer I order. The pop of flavor from the pomegranate, texture from the crumble, and slight kick from the complimenting sauce, and of course the super tender octopus will always be a bite I look forward to. Bucatini with Cherrystone Clams: I was told this is a fairly new addition to the menu and it did not disappoint. Be sure to mix it up because the creaminess of the sauce, clam, and kick from the jalapeno was excellent. A bite of flavor packed on an al dente pasta is definitely a way to make this dish fun and exciting. Taleggio Agnolotti: this was a whoa moment for me. The layer of sweetness from the onions and honey, then warm bite of the taleggio filling was amazing. I could not stop eating this. Halibut with Lobster-Carrot Emulsion: another stellar dish. I read lobster-carrot emulsion and immediately ordered it. The aroma was as you would expect: lobster, fresh vegetables, and a nice sear on fish. A very refreshing bite full of fresh ingredients. Glazed Lamb Ribs: this dish was a very good dish, but as our waiter cautioned us, it was a fattier protein. Pretty savory and heavy in general, but a great bite. I think I would have liked something to cut through the fat a little more. The small tomatoes (?) were amazing, but there wasn't enough to balance it for me. Still a very good dish. Orange Blossom Cheesecake: very aromatic and leaning on the slightly floral side. A great way to finish of the evening! Lark has consistently been my go to ever since it opened. I've taken my girlfriend, friends, and family here knowing that Chef Elmi will not disappoint. From table service to culinary expertise, Lark has it all. I would consider this as casual fine dining. Not as intimidating as a white table cloth service, but with all the service of a Michelin. Actually, table service and attendance reminds me a lot of Laurel, which makes sense. If anyone asks me for a Philly rec, Lark is my first answer. You have ambience, approachability, flavor, table service, and excellence packed into a location tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Bravo! read more

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One of the best meals we have had ever. Everything was a 10 out of 10. Drinks are too expensive but we were fine with water. The way they take reservations is little wonky. They have over 30 seats more than what can be reserved so if resy says full call them. read more

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Was here over the past week with my family. Unfortunately the Lark continues to miss on many fronts, surprising considering the beautiful space and well known chef/owner. The positive - the space, energy and service is very good. The menu lacks a theme, a bit all over the map. My partner and I skipped appetizers because nothing appealed to us. The menu is heavy on the bread and cheese - focaccia, gnocco fritto, Burrata coupled with raw items - crudo, tartar, oysters. One salad, mediocre. Focaccia was excellent. The pastas were mediocre to poor. Mushroom cavatelli had a runny sauce, poor flavor and not presented well. The ragu was warm at best, tasted reheated. Again, not presented well. The branzino, usually a good go to was presented on a salad plate/bowl. Stacked high on roasted fennel with a heavy red sauce. The grill marks leave an off burnt taste. The dish was prepared and presented well a year ago, google has some photos. They don't have a pasty chef. The soft serve was blueberry- we are in mid November. Great potential but for the price not on point. read more

We've done Lark NYE the past three years and always had wonderful experiences. This year, we were excited for the $145 per person Great Gatsby experience, but we were underwhelmed by the ambiance (prom night vibes), the service (PumpHouse's management overestimated their ability to serve walk-ins & reservations simultaneously), and unfortunately some of the food was lacking as well. Two friends visited from NYC, since we raved about Lark. Our 9:30 reservation didn't get seated until 10:35 PM. When we were finally seated, it was right by the corner (next to exit/entrance), making the atmosphere very cold & uncomfortable. My wife kept her winter jacket on. We noticed our table didn't have flowers or a candle as a centerpiece, like the other tables in the dining room had. We requested that our server get us one. Food: The food was a mixed bag. About 50% of the dishes were delicious, with standouts including the shrimp cocktail, the squid ink burrata, the mushroom lasagna, and the dessert, which were creative and full of flavor. However, the rest of the meal didn't live up to expectations. My wife and her friend ordered the beef (course 4) medium well, my wife added the truffle supplement. However, the beef arrived rare. They returned it, and when the server came to inquire, we explained that it was still too pink. She acknowledged the mistake, but importantly, our course 4 didn't arrive until 11:50 PM--just 10 minutes before midnight. Each course seemed to take about 30-45 minutes, which created a long, drawn-out dining experience. Additionally, when the beef was returned, the truffle supplement was missing. After the server checked in a few minutes later, my wife had to remind her to remove the truffle charge from the bill. My wife has worked in Food & Beverage for many years. As a former server herself, she was surprised that the server didn't notice the oversight on her own. A simple review of the plate would have caught that, and it left us feeling that our needs were not being anticipated. The inconsistency in service extended to the food runners as well. Some described the dishes, while others simply dropped them off without any explanation (ex: King's Cake dessert food runner told my friend the metal crown on top was not edible, but my wife's food runner didn't mention it). If my friend hadn't informed her, she would have unknowingly attempted to eat the little crown. The music was loud, competing with the dining room & the speakeasy. I found it odd the crown was placed on the dessert at all--according to proper food presentation etiquette, anything placed on a plate should be edible. Service & Fine Dining Experience: It wasn't the fine dining experience we've come to expect from Lark. Many times, our courses were brought out without the proper mise en place, such as silverware. We waited to eat until the server came back with the necessary utensils. Only once did a food runner notice we had no silverware, and he made a lap around the dining room carrying the food until the server came over with silverware. This kind of oversight was surprising for a restaurant of this caliber. We were surprised the manager didn't come over to check in on us after all of the mishaps, especially considering we waited an hour for service with a reservation. The only time we saw the manager was when he briefly came over to say "Happy New Year" and offer a toast, but that was the extent of his interaction with our table. Instead, he stepped on top of the bar to express appreciation for all the guests being there. Given the extended wait, the cold seating, and the various service oversights, we felt it would have been a kind and necessary gesture for someone to check-in more thoroughly. Ambiance: The speakeasy experience was located in the basement directly underneath the dining experience. We hoped for live music, but instead, there was a 90s / early 2000s pop hits playlist (N*SYNC, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, etc.). While I enjoy that music, it didn't match the mood of a "Great Gatsby" or any speakeasy we've been to. The competing loud music from the dining room and speakeasy made it difficult to hear our four person conversation, which detracted from the overall experience. While I understand this was the first time The Pump House was open for dinner (as the server mentioned when she came over with the bill), it didn't come close to meeting the usual standard we've come to expect from Lark. We truly missed the charm and attention to detail that made Lark such a standout for us in previous years--the storytelling through the food & drinks, the seamless service, and the overall thoughtful atmosphere. This year, it felt like we didn't get that same exceptional experience we've come to love. We've always enjoyed Lark in the past for birthdays, holiday brunches, and post-work nightcaps, and we hope this can be used to improve future experiences for both the restaurant and its guests. read more

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