FRIEDA Reviews

For a family of four we spent $78 for some excellent coffee and breakfast. Expensive? You're in a big city.....you'll love the food and the atmosphere. I'd go back!

So many things to like about this place. Wonderful friendly waitstaff, interesting options on the menu, delicious food plated beautifully, bright space, and a sense of mission, purpose, and values. You just like supporting places like this. The space has a minimalistic, industrial vibe but it works. It may not be for everyone but we would definitely go back and recommend. Note - although we didn’t order them, the omelets looking kind of flat and dry. Go with other options.

Great coffee, great fresh OJ, nice staff, and a good city breakfast (avocado toast and eggs). Very popular. Unless you get here when it opens, expect a bit of a line on weekends.

The menu is somewhat limited, but very healthy oriented. We were Happy with our quiche. While not a fan of herb tea, it was ok.

Nestled mid block near Independence Hall this cafe offers excellent fresh options. Great outdoor space along the side wall. The menu was just enough to stumbled into delight. We had the cranberry scone, brioche French toast, prosciutto/Brie croissant and some coffees. The staff were spectacular and attentive. The tables well spaced and clean. The vibe is positive, food is fresh and Freida is highly recommended.

I spent a week solo in the city (we are suburbanites) while my son attended art camp. One day while walking around Old City & the historic district, I noticed interesting flowers above the doorway to the Polish community center and went to investigate. It looked like a sort of art studio, community center, cafe combo so I made it a point to return the next day for lunch. What a hidden gem! This place was bustling with camaraderie! I was welcomed and treated so warmly by the host & staff during my entire time there. The place is bright and clean and the food.....amazing! I had an iced chai (my first ever and have tried them at every other cafe in the city since and none compare). And the croque-monsieur - I’m a Francophile and have had my share of croque-messieurs, and I would go back specifically for this one. This place feels like what a neighborhood cafe should feel like.

Hard to describe, one has to visit, taste it, see it, smell and enjoy the company! Love everything about this place, I can have a wonderful coffee, freshly baked goodies from their patisserie, delicious meals and the service absolutely wonderful, the smiles even better!!!

I can't believe this place has this many rave reviews. My entire experience was terrible. First of all, it's a giant cow pen, cafeteria style, all white, one big room. I felt like I was in a strange medical display case. There's no privacy or coziness and it's incredibly loud. It's hard to tell, when you walk in, if it's cafe style order-at-the-counter or if there's table service, and every member of the staff that I interacted with seemed unsure of him/herself - not really either willing or able to answer direct questions. I had an omelet that was actually a frittata (read: bone dry). It had a variety of vegetables in it, and while the eggs were way overdone, the squash was barely cooked. I can make a better omelet than that myself in five minutes at home. This is not haute cuisine. It came with super basic white toast and a spicy peach jam. The jam was the best thing about the meal - quite good! The staff, though artificially pleasant (think creepy cult smiles), never checked to see how my food was (I would've loved to add some butter to those dry as the Sahara eggs) and took forever to bring the bill and then didn't seem too sure how to handle it. I wouldn't go back here. Restrooms are locked, requiring you to use a key... which is sitting right outside the door of the restroom. Completely nonsensical.

Very open and relaxed atmosphere. Staff was extremely patient and polite. I had a wonderful experience and my latte was perfect!

This is a very good restaurant with an even better story. Was part of a group that went for lunch. I had the Quiche Lorraine - very tasty. Staff was incredibly helpful and friendly!

Great breakfast options at this friendly place . Lovely staff, welcoming and with a nice vibe. Went several times during my days in Philadelphia and look forward to being back.

This was an amazing breakfast spot in old city. They accommodated our baby and stroller well in a corner not near others and noise. The fresh baked pastries permeated throughout the space. Service was amazing. The setting was subtle yet chic. Our food came out promptly and was all great as well as priced reasonably. Not crowded yet full. Fruit was freshly cut and our breads baked that day. Great find overall.

Frieda is a great find. For those of you traveling to Philadelphia, pick this spot for a weekend brunch or lunch to eat like locals. it is close to tourist sites in Old City, but just far enough away, and hidden enough, to be primarily local people enjoying a great dining spot. Fantastic service, everything is made fresh daily. I had the banana walnut french toast and it was incredible. Staff is friendly and fun, service is great. Seriously, you're not going to go wrong. Food is sourced each day to ensure freshness.

I love the openness of this space, the high ceilings, the art, the paper flowers that the community contributed that now decorates the walls. They make all their own pastries, have a high tea, and I enjoyed a delicious salad. Love this place. Visited April 2016 https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60795-d10157393-r361293043-Freida-Philadelphia_Pennsylvania.html#

This is, quite simply, a remarkable place. The food is very good, the prices fair, the staff very accommodating (and it's for real, not that they're trying to be nice!!!), the clients diverse in age and background and interests, and the philosophy inclusive, community-conscious, and with respect for all. Even the gifts for purchase are unusual and carefully chosen.Going there lifts my mood and makes me feel part of something special. I was there this morning to buy some baked goods, which are equal to and often superior to many of Philadelphia's expensive bakeries. The choice was so large that I barely knew when to stop!

Fantastic breakfast. We took our family (with elementary/middle school age children) as part of a family vacation. One of our goals was to expose our kids to good foods in different cuisines. Amada (spanish tapas) the night before. Frieda (French breakfast) the next day. We ordered several dishes and shared family style, and the chef sent out something additional for us to try. Everything was good, but the sweets/pastries were probably better than the savory. The chocolate almond scone was our favorite, but the French toast was also amazing.

Delicious breakfast yesterday. French through and through and some of the best croissant you will have in the city. The omelets and other egg dishes were delicious and our group enjoyed the friendly vibe. This will now be my new go to spot for coffee.

A cross between a community center and a coffee/light food place. Coffee was ok. Breakfast omelet and soft boiled egg (they made it twice because the first time it was 1/4 cooked) were decent. The light-filled/industrial vice decor is great and looks like it's well used by the community. For better coffee, I'd head down to OX coffee on 3rd, which is also dog firendly!

We stopped in for coffee while staying in the area. The staff was very friendly and the coffee was delicious. All we had was the coffee so I can't comment on the pastries except to say that they looked delicious and very tempting. No WiFi to encourage a real life experience and I loved that they had paper newspapers!

Simple menu of soups quiches and salads, but each one is wonderfully flavorful and artfully prepared on the plate. Excellent coffee and cappuccino. Picture perfect french pastries and luscious cakes that taste every bit as good as they look. Changing art exhibits, community events and classes, small selection of jams, chutneys and cookies. Stop by for breakfast or lunch, take out or plan a Saturday or Sunday afternoon High Tea. This will easily become your go-to place!

We enjoyed a substantial breakfast with high-quality products beautifully served in a lovely space. We were not as excited about the coffee, but as the food was good we would recommend this place as good for breakfast. We look forward to returning to try their afternoon tea. We enjoyed the small touches like photographs of people who had made some of the products for example the jams. It’s nice to take time to see the backstory and how the local community has been involved in the execution of this café. The staff were very friendly, it’s very clean and airy and we appreciated their suggestion to limit the use of technology.

Found Frieda's by accident! We were walking past when we saw the meals people were having on the pavement tables. Instantly decided that we wanted a piece of this. We were not disappointed - venue is really light and airy, staff could not have been more helpful and the food was delicious. My wife and I are only sorry that we discovered Frieda's on the last day of our stay in Philly. Make the effort to find it, it is well worth it.

While I get it, this very stark & trendy cafe with French music & even a few French books to peruse feels like a hospital clinic to me & since it purports to be an artist's studio, it wouldn't hurt to have some color on the walls. Still it's an adequate stopping place for a latte in an otherwise sparsely populated neighborhood. Gourmet jams, etc. are available for sale as well.

This place has a very warm vibe-- the staff is always very friendly and customers all seem to be having a good time. Their food is also great-- I really like the quinoa bowl.

I stopped into Frieda on a Wednesday afternoon with my friend who is a Philly local. We were warmly greeted and had a small chat with the man at the counter (who I believe was one of the owners). We had coffees and shared a rather scrumptous apple turnover. The atmosphere is friendly, relaxing, and laid back. The furnishings are minimal which leave the space open for artistic options. It seems to be a highly community oriented place with notices up for laguage evenings, a Mahjong evening and even a community Thanksgiving Dinner event. Friendly, welcoming and confortable... If I were local, I'd be sure to pop in on the regular! Very, very nice.

Best mocha I have ever had it was like the barista had somehow poured a tiramisu in to a mug of hot chocolate, amazing! Great selections of tea, fresh wonderful pastries and coffee, lots of great selections for a very good brunch. Attentive staff and owners make this place special.

With great owners, David and Thomas, Frieda has become a great addition to the neighborhood. The food is great and we love the atmosphere.

Convenient location. Clean, spacious, bright, eclectic interior. Best of all - fabulous breakfast food! We had quiche and an omelet, croissants, brewed coffee. Everything was fresh and delicious. The salad was a perfect accompaniment to the quiche. Brioche toast and jam with the omelet rounded out my husband's meal. Service was friendly, attentive (but not intrusive). Would highly recommend!

In Philly on business, I asked a friend to join me at Frieda for breakfast. We each had exceptional egg dishes. Very pleasant ambiance with excellent food.

We loved everything we ate here and then had them cater our bridesmaid's breakfast across the park at the Kimpton. The food was plentiful and delicious. Highly recommend.

By far, it was the worst cafe experience I have had in my many trips to Philadelphia. We came in around 8:45 AM on a Thursday. The staff immediately acts confused about our arrival. The website and Google stats say they open at 8 AM for breakfast. They explain that the kitchen won't be open until 9 AM. We say sure we will have coffee first and then order. They seat us and then virtually ignore us for the next 10 minutes even though there's no one else seated. They finally bring coffee. We ask for sugar and Splenda. They bring us a tray with sugar and other artificial sweeteners, but no Splenda. We ask if they have it. The woman says curtly, if it's not in the sugar holder, they don't have it. No apology and almost suggesting we were wrong for asking. The coffee is bland and lacks richness. They water glasses are of a ridiculous near thimble size, and they barely came back to refill. Why not leave a water pitcher if you are going to use such dumb water glasses? When they did come to fill up the water glasses, they picked up the glass by the rim with bare, unsanitized hands. That's a very poor and unhygienic way to handle a customer's drinkware. They did similarly with coffee refills. This is an unnecessary and careless germ transmission. The food was mediocre, and even the almond croissant was uninspired. The salad was actually the tastiest of what we ordered. The ambiance is cold and industrial with cheap Ikea chairs and tables, which are placed too close together. The bowls are similarly foolishly small and hard to eat from. It's all artistic minded but no disciplined execution or little functional value. Cheap paper placements complete the lameness. The owner should probably stick to doing her art. She doesn't belong in the food service industry. Or if she does miraculously stay in business, she needs to bring in a food service manager to overhaul and retrain her staff in acceptable food hygiene practices and customer service.

It is rare to find a place that has so much heart and soul as FRIEDA. The place is magical, full of vibrating intentionality and inclusive energy. The wonderful team treats each guest with kindness and respect, truly seeing them and doing the integral work of connecting humanity. The food is thoughtfully and masterfully prepared, and the cafe's decor is soothing, inspiring, and cleansing. I have worked with the owner, David, in organizing a private event at FRIEDA, and everything about our dinner was perfect. The staff's calmness, care, and attention to detail creates a dining and hosting environment that is unparalleled. I am so grateful to have met these wonderful souls and have experienced FRIEDA, and cannot wait to work with them in the future. Please experience this delightful place and support their beautiful mission.

Hard to stay away, We just love this so special and unique place that offers so much more than delightful food and drink and one of a kind ambiance that is nothing but a breath of Fresh Air. I was tempted not to re write a critique as I do not want to see it filling up, at the same time it does deserve recognition. A place where the community comes together and feels at home! Oh Yes, there is a problem each time we go: Choosing which wonderfully prepared and beautifully presented dish to order!!!

Coffee, roasted taters, and eggs benedict were quite good. Fruit on the side was delicious & fresh. Service was excellent. Plenty of natural light. Omelet could have been a bit better, but it was still good.

This is an amazing place, difficult to call it a cafe, a breakfast or brunch place or a lunch place or all of the above. When you enter, you immediately feel that it is a different place. My wife and I, have been going to Frieda since it opened in 2015. We enjoy the friendly service, especially when Chef David comes and asks you if you like the food, was it to your liking? For lunch, I like all their quiches, especially the quiche with salmon or the soup and wrap combination. When you eat a Frieda. you feel that you have eaten at your mother's kitchen. Some of the cooks are volunteers with special background, all under the supervision of chef David and under the watchful eyes of Thomas. The waiters are super serious and friendly, each one talented, Nair the photographer, Christina, the painter or Tina the dancer and many more volunteers. The atmosphere requires getting used to it. Everyone is friendly, no one (maybe 99.5 %!) have their computers open. They are busy, discussing this or that subject. You might find a big table, having a conversation in French, or Spanish, maybe playing bridge or discussing a book or learning a new skill. We are blessed that Frieda came to our neighborhood. If you are passing by or you are a neighbor, give it a try. This is a genuine place, a little gem, a great addition to Philadelphia. You will have your own experience and a great coffee.

An incredible treat awaits you at Frieda Cafe Atelier. The other day I was running errands and needed a moment to catch my breathe. Upon entering the cafe I was immersed into calm, open space in a light filled room with aromas of freshly baked pastries. The counter displayed other sweet options as well as a full espresso bar including a house-made chocolate syrup, vanilla soon to be added, and a full range of flavorful teas. Even some Gluten free options. The Macarons are made with seasonal flavors and home-made jams. Scones with home made lemon curd….yum!!!!! The Rugelach —nuts, raisins, and other ingredients rolled into a cookie— are a MUST! The Winter menu offers varieties of patisserie, soups, quiche, salads, and sandwiches. Afternoon Tea is offered on Thursdays 3-5pm. Weekend Brunch includes omelets. Lots of tables to sit at and linger over some delectables and conversation. Hmmmmm…what to try..…the possibilities all looked tempting. Pastry chef, Emily Holtz, suggested Apple Pie Verrine…. An Incredible edible of the senses!!!!!! While watching owner/partner David Wong — Le Cordon Bleu for Cuisine and Ecole Gregoire Ferrandi for Boulangerie trained— instruct his team of seniors how to make each dark chocolate button cookie individually, I chatted with other owner/partner Thomas Steinburn about the concept behind the Atelier. “At FRIEDA, we believe our lives are enriched by connecting with people of all generations. We’ve designed a space where sharing our time, talents, and life experiences happen over tea, coffee and homemade foods.” Whether for a quickie of taste on your way to work in the morning or after wandering the Philadelphia local attractions or shopping or a movie at the Ritz or just in the mood to sit quietly….. Stop by and enjoy a piece of delight.

My first time at this restaurant and was very pleasantly surprised. Main drawback was we were next in line and had to wait over 10 minutes before someone addressed us. Very busy. However, after that, everything went smoothly. Sat outside and service was warm and friendly. Ordered the continental breakfast (very large) with lots of different items including fresh fruit, muesli, cheeses, prosciutto, smoked salmon, brioche, etc. Very enjoyable. My husband got the croque madame which he said was one of the best ones he has had. We also ordered the bread basket and as the manager who brought it over said "too much food". It was! We took that home. Service was a little slow (what restaurant isn't nowadays with staff shortages). He also said that they enjoy socializing with customers but it is difficult on weekends and can do this on weekdays. Check out their website for Freidacommunity with all the local connections they offer (art, literature, language, etc).

This was my first visit but not my last! We went there for lunch and the food is very tasty and fresh. The mushroom soup and the squash soup were incredible, as was the chicken curry wrap. My glass of water was constantly being refilled. The waiter was attentive and excellent and the space is very bright and airy. The charm of this establishment is the community building aspect. They offer a multitude of classes and opportunities for folks to gather and create and eat. You will get a wonderful vibe when you walk in the door. And you must go when you are in old city Philadelphia. Truly.

My wife and I stopped here both mornings we were in Philly for breakfast. Love this place. Great atmosphere. Great Service. Friendly Staff.

Returning to Cafe Frieda I immediately feel ‘at home’. The aroma of sweet baked goodies fills the air. The din of conversation between friends and strangers mixed with soft music in the the background is calming, and because of the vaulted ceilings one can still sit in the quietly. Today Argentine tango, Spanish guitar, French torch songs, and Pink Martini create an international ambience. Sipping a green tea latte .... wishing I was more hungry for the soup and sandwich platters that are whisked by my table. A dessert definitely awaits my decision...... Everything on the menu is enticing. Owners David and Tomas, as well as the staff, are all delightfully helpful. Their concept of creating a community environment is indeed successful. Bravo Brava Bravi!!!

I planned to go here for breakfast (admittedly, I was a little late for that, but their breakfast menu looked really good, I went for an early lunch instead) and had an amazing croque monsieur! The service is quick without it feeling pushy, and very polite and professional. A great compliment to how attention is payed to seating guests, taking into account how different tables are set within the space and how this will make different guests feel. The space is beautifully designed with a minimalist design, but without feeling cold or uncomfortable. Background music that is exactly that, on the background as it’s supposed to be, not invasive as it so often is. The open kitchen and the little shop in front break up the space and creates a more dynamic feeling. Their website states all the good work they do to bring generations closer together, which was perfectly reflected among my fellow guests. Oh, and they have tea pots, which I truly enjoy, because, do you ever have enough tea?

Cute little spot to grab a bite or a coffee in this area. Cafe and shop is clean and funky artsy little space and they're open pretty early.

This is a very special place for those who enjoy community and the arts. Food is very good, service excellent and a nice clean white atmosphere. They offer special afternoon tea with reservation as well as lessons and events. Visit their website for more information.

We didn't want to eat at our hotel so we looked for something fairly close to the historical sites. We headed to Frieda's for breakfast/brunch. It's a bright place with a young vibe. We had french toast, avocado toast with poached eggs. The kids had soft boiled eggs with chocolate croissants. The food was good and the staff was very attentive. Frieda came by the table to check in on us which was nice as well.

We had coffee here every morning of our Philly visit, and had brunch here too. Such a friendly place with a truly European Cafe style atmosphere. There are some lovely things here to see and buy - from cards to jams and porcelain to art. The coffee (and tea) is great, the pastries very tasty and the food excellent. A real gem and very close to the historic area of the city for a well deserved break.

Went in to this cafe after recommendation by a local. In quaint historical area of Philadelphia. Were finding it difficult to get e good cup of espresso and so were delighted with this friendly spot.

Went here with friends when we visited Philly, based on TripAdvisor reviews. Nice quirky vibe, nothing fancy, with very good food at very fair prices. Nice philosophy behind the place. Deserves all the support that it gets.

I like to eat at breakfast places that serve foods I don't make at home and Frieda is that place. The first morning we were in town we shared a continental breakfast but I could have eaten it myself. It consisted of 3 cheeses, prosciutto and salmon along with boiled egg, capers, brioche toast, a croissant and 2 wonderful homemade jellies. Wonderful!!! The second morning I had roasted vegetables with poached eggs and pesto on top in a bowl with brioche toast and jelly. The brioche was the lightest I have ever tasted. The coffee was also delicious!

Funky, artsy, creative, white space, did i say white? Yes very white interior. Big Tables, a social vibe come restaurant, come who would have thought this up, but hey the food is good and its a totally...ya... lets hang here kind of place. Not fancy, not pricey, go with friends, chill, eat and bring your own. In the heart of the heart of the historic district, you can bring the family for lunch or more. Just GO! DJ

My sister and I enjoyed breakfast in this delightful and charming restaurant. I had an omelet with Gruyère inside and chopped chives on top. It seriously was the most decadently delicious omelet I have ever had—melt-in-your-mouth tastiness. We both had cappuccinos, and they were a cup of creamy goodness with just the right balance of espresso, steamed milk and foam. The ambiance matched the food in perfection, created by French cafe music playing lightly in the background and paper butterflies hanging from the ceiling. Great service as well!

My family and I had a lovely lunch in this restaurant. The staff was most welcoming explaining their philosophy of education, giving back to the community and inclusion of all ages in their work force. The coffee was delicious. The avocado and salmon sandwich fresh and filling. I also had a cup of split pea soup that was well flavored with herbs and carrots. The space had a cool art gallery vibe. There were shelves with items to buy like jam and t-shirts as well as a bakery section too.

Another fantastic brunch at Frieda's. I had avocado toast and poached eggs; my husband had the muesli with two poached eggs on the side. Really fantastic. One of the owners, David (also the chef), was there to greet and seat. There was a new exhibit in the main room: Toltecatl Manuel by Mexican-American artist Manuel Hernandez focusing on indigenous art.

Tucked away in plain sight, you could walk right past and never know it is there. And you'd be worse for doing so. Inside, the decor is always changing thanks to the owners support of local artists. The staff are friendly, baked goods delicious, and the vibe cool. What more could you ask for?

I love this restaurant; I felt comfortable the minute I walked in the door. What a great atmosphere. Yes, it has a warehouse look to it, but there is a warmth that is difficult to describe. I don’t know if it is the people, art work or the music. Perhaps all three and more. I had a delicious soup and a vegetarian sandwich that was incredibly fresh. My waiter, Nahir, was gracious and extremely helpful. If I lived in Philadelphia, I would be a regular customer.

In town for a wedding, staying down the street at the Sheraton. The hotel staff recommended Frieda's for breakfast and we were not disappointed. It is a modern looking space with a very attentive waitstaff. Coffee is very good, which t me is always a sign of a good restaurant. I had the avocado toast with poached eggs. It was quite a large portion and delicious. The combination of the crusty bread, the earthy arugula, and the silky perfectly cooked eggs was a party in my mouth. The only tiny criticism I would have was there was A LOT of avocado. It would have been a bit better with about half the amount. They also have some nice pastries but we were stuffed. Even the herbal tea was good. The prices were a bit high but for an occasional extravagance, it is perfect.

This cafe had great selections for our breakfast fare. The quiche of the day was very good and the pastries were delicious. We enjoyed sitting outside as we had a puppy with us. However, we were surprised no one came out to check on us once food was brought out which meant we did not have any refill on our coffee which would have been nice to have just a bit more of their great coffee. The inside atmosphere looked really neat as well and it was a great place to lay out our game plan for the day.

Delicious food and wonderful baked goods in an interesting and co,forts or open environment. You will find lots of scrumptious choices and a diverse crowd at Freida's. Always a treat.

We loved Frieda Café! The space was HUGE, the staff super friendly, the food looked amazing and we loved our iced coffees. We planned to go back for breakfast but learned that it was closed on Mondays. My boyfriend purchased two of their jams and I purchased two of their pins for a keepsake for my boyfriend and I. I loved the bare warehouse feel. The ducts were exposed, the floors were cool, the walls were half exposed and the lighting ultra modern. If I lived in the neighborhood, this would surely be my spot!! They host dinners, poetry readings, private events and a lot of other cool gatherings. I wish we had a spot like this in NYC. I can't wait to go back!!!

Restaurant is part of the Polish House and apparently has artwork from different artists from time to time. This time they had a young artist, with very colorful paintings. Liked them very much. The place for breakfast is really laid back, comfortable. The avocado toast didn't come with eggs, so I asked to add at least one. It was OK. The French toast on the other hand, was pretty amazing. Best one I've had in a while. Good coffee. Recommended.

A winner the whole way around! Great Covid protocol. Fun and friendly staff! 5 star coffee, especially the “Black Eye”. Delicious food! Nice changing art exhibit! Very philanthropic in the community. Nice shop of local arts and their own in-house baked and preserved items.

When I travel I like to find quirky creative places to eat and explore. Eating in a sort of art gallery, sort of restaurant, sort of shop fulfilled my desire. The food was great and I loved the information on their menu which describes their mission to be a positive force in their neighborhood. It definitely felt that way. So in addition to eating great food amongst friendly people I enjoyed the added pleasure of supporting a good cause.

Aside from the good food and freshly baked pastries, this place offers a community center feeling. A schedule that includes an occasional dinner, music, films, and art classes...all part of this eclectic place. I had Chicken Pot Pie and it was delicious. My friend had the avocado mash sandwich and it was also very good. the location is near many historic sights in Philadelphia. I wish I lived nearby.

Neighborhood favorite! Lots of interesting people especially David and Thomas, the owners. Wonderful space.

Frieda is a great spot in Philadelphia, especially for breakfast and lunch. I went for the gluten-free options mentioned in reviews, and the food didn’t disappoint. The exhibitions add a unique, authentic feel to the space. Best of all, the staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming. Definitely worth a visit!