Royal Boucherie Reviews

Came here for business dinner and heard some great reviews from people about it so I was exctied to try. The cocktails were carefully crafted and the 3 course dinner we were served was incredibly tasty.

we just walked into this restuarant after a long flight from Europe. hungry and jet lagged, we had no idea what to expect. food and service turned out to be excellant. This was a one night stopover in Philadelphia or else we may have gone back for a 2nd try.

Quaint French bistro that reminded me of Paris. A delicious French omelet, with a proper cup of tea. I enjoyed a little table by the open window at the front. The apple strudel dessert was well worth the splurge: excellent pastry! The waitstaff was attentive, polite, and knowledgeable when asked questions about the menu. I only regret that I did not go there for dinner. I would have loved to sit in the rooftop garden on a warm night. Next time.

Loved the outdoor seating. Terrific oysters, fish dishes (halibut and fluke), burger and v good drinks

The cocktails and food courses were fabulous, vibrant executed perfectly. No misses at this beautiful restaurant with hit after hit-spot on.

Dined at Royal Boucherie recently when on a biz trip to Philadelphia. Great spot! We grabbed a drink at the bar and waited for our table. The restaurant was crowded by not surging on a Friday evening. We had a GREAT waiter who knew the menu thoroughly. The food was outstanding and the drinks were excellent. Great place to meet folks for a meal out. Quaint space with handsome antique bar. Will definitely go back! They were doing a special flight of wines the night we were there and we very much enjoyed the tasting options presented by that great value for excellent wines!

I wanted to try this place but didn't want to spend over 10.00 so I ordered the homemade bread which I found hard and the butter seemed salty if that makes sense....the star of the show was the fried olives which were good and saved this from getting a 1 or 2 stars but they didn't blow me away...I only ordered 2 appetizer so take it for what it's worth but these were the biggest bang for your buck if you want to only spend 10 bucks...I also found the place to be incredibly dark....and it was strange to see a restaurant so dark...photos to be uploaded later

We were here for a holiday treat, and it served that purpose. My husband had the steak au poivre, which he found very good. I prefer to eat vegetarian, but there is little available (unless you count fish as vegetables) - mostly meats and seafood. I ended up ordering the pate (yes, I do understand this is meat, but, as I said, I prefer vegetarian - I am not A vegetarian) and the salad lyonnaise. I have had more flavorful pates, but the salad was quite nice, and these two dishes were enough for a meal. We didn't have room for dessert, and we were loking forward to a cappucino or espresso - but they serve neither, just plain coffee. I'm not sure I've ever been in a French restaurant that didn't offer espresso! Service was fine, wines were pricey (as expected), and ambiance was pleasant.

As visitors from Europe we tend to look slightly different at things.For instance, dark restaurants where it is difficult to see the food have largely disappeared there. At the second place, we are struck by the fact that everywhere in the US the winelist and the mineral water are European. That said( or rather written): the food was good, portions generous. The only exceptions was the orechiette, where sugary taste, popcornlike, spoiled the crabmeat. The combination of crab, truffle and corn seemed strange but so fascinatingly strange we decided to try it. Don’t. Friendly service, good beer too.

Update. Ate here yesterday for a late lunch. It was ridiculously hot. I asked if their AC was broken, and they said that they had opened their windows earlier and then when it got warm, they didn't want to close them and turn on the AC because they didn't want to bother the patrons. And that they hadn't anticipated the heat. Huh? First, it was all over the news that the temps were going up to 86. Second, just don't sit people there by the windows when they come in and when eventually the front clears out, close the windows and turn on the AC. Our server was very nice, but it took 50 minutes to get our food. It was not that full BTW. Asked for salt and pepper and finally had to get up and get them ourselves, as well as a second beer for our group. My favorite hamburger was not as I remembered. It used to be the best in town. Someone in the kitchen was off his/her game yesterday. I go here a lot and I've noticed that it is very hit and miss. Sometimes it is really great, other times not so much.

The outdoor table we reserved was ready for us. The four of us chose different entrees. I think my hamburger was the best. The cod was excellent and served with a flavorful lentil -dal- bed. Order the olives, they are so good. A steak offering and the large portion of mussels added to a memorable dinner for each of us. Our server kept dinner moving at a comfortable pace and deserves credit for making the entire dining experience worthy of a excellent review.

A nice unpretentious but upscale restaurant - great for a special occasion or when you are in celebratory mood: Highlights: Cocktails: the menu is great and creative, the execution even better. The Tequila/snap pea drink was fantastic and the highlight of the meal. Terrines: Three terrines on a menu is cool enough, but the one we had was also very good. Wine List by glass: really nice by the glass choices in 9-13 range Oysters: 4-6 really nice variety. Fun to have them all in a mixed dozen. Lobster Pasta dish: great rich full flavor. Our favorite entree. Recommendations to do better: Wine tastes: With your price point, allow your customers to taste a wine or 2 by the glass before ordering - it will cost you little. Timing of waiters: wine didn't come with course it was ordered for, everything was a bit inconsistent. Tenderloin: At the price point, do a better job of cutting fat and cartalidge off the steak,

Quiet and friendly atmosphere. Great seasonal outdoor dining. Good drink and meal choices. Halibut was done nicely.

But I might have chosen the wrong food, I'll admit. The other people I was with seemed to like the food better than I did. I had a baked oyster appetizer (too many bread crumbs), and pork schnitzel (also lots of bread crumbs). The schnitzel was huge, filling the plate, really too much meat. I would have preferred a better balance with veggies and starch. We split a dessert, which was OK. The wine was good. But for the price, would have.expected more.

We started with the small charcuterie board, which was extremely generous and sufficient for the 4 of us. Everything is made on-site, so couldn't be fresher. I really enjoyed the pork terrine and diversity of cured meats, not to mention the delicious homemade bread. I selected the scallop entree which was seared with polenta and veggies - yummy! But there is no lack of other mouth-watering options. We finished it off with lemon pannacotta which I also highly recommend. The entire evening had a very romantic touch with the open air French doors on the main floor and upstairs patio in Philadelphia Old City.

The food here is excellent, but steer clear if you have a food sensitivity. After a great lunch here I returned with my family, including a daughter with celiac. The staff had assured me they could accommodate someone with severe gluten intolerance. Well, the meal tasted great, but within minutes of leaving the restaurant my daughter was vomiting. It was obvious she didn’t just get a little cross-contamination. Some of the staff clearly did not know what dishes contain gluten.

I have been here many times and realize I need to share how amazing the Old City gem is. I was just there last night and the new summer menu is fabulous. The salmon is so light and fresh with an amazing citrus glaze. The scallops are so tender and light. And my other friend had the lobster roll with huge fresh chunks of lobster. The Nutella chocolate cheesecake was divine! It was so fun to have chef Nick stop at the table to talk food with us. All the while in a beautiful setting with lots of fun folks at the long mahogany bar. The bar tender makes a mean Manhattan and I love the wine selection which has a lot of original well priced wine choices. There is a deck upstairs which is perfect for fun summer dining.

First time at this restaurant. Had their fabulous liver pate and the BEST Burger ever! Lots of charm here... will definitely return & look forward to sitting in their outdoor terrace upstairs.

Four of us met at Royal Boucherie for a catch-up lunch. It is located in the part of the city is surrounded by many other eating and drinking establishments. One of our party was previously here for lunch and recommended it for our get-together. It was not busy when we arrived with a few people at the bar and some seated in the banquettes. The setting is quite comfortable in a brasserie like atmosphere with wood paneling, tin ceiling, and dim lighting. Our friend reported that during good weather there is outdoor seating on the second level. The pleasant hostess greeted us and guided us to a banquette for seating. Our server brought our menus and left us time to look over the lunch menu. The choices were somewhat limited yet with several innovative and interesting items. I would rather have a smaller menu with fresh ingredients than a tome that makes one wonder how fresh the ingredients could be. I noticed on the menu that they offered a few $2 cocktails paired with an entrée...…..can't beat that! So, instead of asking for my same ol' same ol' Makers Manhattan, I requested their French Martini. It was superb, not too sweet and not tart, wanting me to go back for another. Bloody Marys and Malbec were enjoyed by the others at the table. When we ordered fresh oysters our server saw to it that we received a few extra to be shared. She was professional yet appropriately friendly throughout our visit, readily available when we needed her. Three of us liked the description of the house 'burger served on a brioche bun. Our outsider, sticking to his New Year's diet, went for the shrimp cocktail (and a second Bloody Mary). The burger was prepared as requested, with the ingredients blending together for delightful flavor, accompanied by a plentiful portion of potatoes. No room for dessert, coffee only. We left totally satisfied with our meal and the camaraderie.

What a wonderful experience. Foodies delight. Although the portions are small, the meal was perfect with nicely poached lobster, nicely balanced red sauce in the mussels dish, and foie gras done just so delicately. Service was ehhhh. Beautiful settings. Nicely done. Thank you.

Went here for lunch, we had a dozen oysters followed by the $60.00 Charcuterie Board. Drinks were great, Leah, the bartender on duty really knows her craft and makes cocktails in classic way. The service just fine. Went back a couple of days later before leaving Philadelphia and had the burger, a double patty stomach filler. Dinner reservation a must on a weekend.

I went here solo for dinner and then again a few days later for a Sunday brunch with family. This is casual spot and had a range of choices for both meals. The regular menu is also available for brunch as well. I enjoyed both of my meals here.

We were here with friends last night. First, the positive. The food was very good. Guys had burgers which they pronounced superior and I had the steak au poivre, which was very, very good. GF had scallops which she pronounced good. The not so positive. We arrived for a 6:30 pm reservation and left at 9 pm. Two and a half hours for ONE entree a piece. Seriously? The service was glacial and disorganized and we repeatedly had to ask servers for attention -- ketchup, another drink etc. Also, we wanted to order a bottle of wine to have with dinner. After 15 minutes of searching, they pronounced that they did not have it. Nor did they have the second choice. So by the glass it was. Finally, the design of the restaurant is such that the front room has a long bar that is horizontally parallel to the booths/tables in that room. This means that with a full happy hour group at the bar, the noise level in that room is deafening. It is better in the back room, where we asked to sit, but still pretty loud when full. The usual Philadelphia hard surfaces design did not help the decibel level. Food good, suggest going very early and sitting in the back and check the menu before you go so that you can order right away when you get there. Otherwise pass this one up.

If you are in search of a delicious cheeseburger, look no further than Royal Boucherie. The Boucherie Burger is the best beef burger I’ve had in my life. The half sour pickles, truffle mayo, and bacon are super-well balanced and the brioche bun is fantastic. During lunch, if you get an entree, you can get $2 martinis which are excellent (I recommend the French Martini). Royal Boucherie also has a raw bar and excellent charcuterie options. The bartenders are great and there is always some local beer on tap. Definitely give this place a try, it’s wonderful!

Considering it was only lunch & we had between only 3 courses I m not qualified 2 provide n depth insites nut....the pate was excellent, the open faced lamb sandwich was creative & delicious & the summer veggie salad was good looking, original & satisfying. Nice pace to service tho I'd have been fine w/o server's need for a review each course. The by-the-glass wine list had interesting whites & reds, tho not modestly priced. The main wine list was equally interesting. All n all the need 2 not be Frencher than French is another highlight. Will return 4 dinner!

All the food we ordered was faultless and the staff were exceptionally friendly, taking into consideration special requests etc

This restaurant is incorrectly listed as $$-$$$ when it should be $$$-$$$$. Small-medium Oysters are $32/dozen; entrees $27-37, hamburger $17. Ambience is wonderful. Wood booths, nice old lighting fixtures, pressed tin ceiling, and warm and happy bar extends from the front of the restaurant to halfway back. Delicious.

While visiting the Revolutionary War Museum we took a break for lunch and found this great venue around the corner. I really wanted oysters and a light lunch so we were drawn to this establishment. It was relatively empty for a Saturday afternoon so we sat at the bar. I had an array of oysters, my daughter ordered the burger and we shared a charcuterie pancetta plate. All were great choices. The draft beer selection was great if you are into local brews and IPA’s. Enjoyed conversing with the bar manager who was well versed on the Philadelphia restaurant scene. This place may be a little pricey but well worth the stop.

We rarely go out on Valentine’s Day (or any holiday or Restaurant Week) due to past experiences with bad food and service but we took a chance on Royal Boucherie on Valentine’s Day. We had an early reservation, 5:15, so we ordered a drink at the bar before being seated. The interior is beautiful, dark, moody and the strains of Francoise Hardy’s 1962 hit “Le temps de l’amour” created a great ambiance. There is a great selection of interesting cocktails and after dinner aperitifs. The Philadelphia Fish House Punch (The State of Schuykill, 1731) was a heady mix of rums, cognac, peach vignette, lemon and sugar. We started with the Country Pate, Pork Stuffed Olives and the Merguez en croute (in crispy feuille de brik) and all were delicious, the merguez was sublime and the pate was perfection. Delicious. I chose to have 2 small plates as my entrée and chose the Salad Lyonnaise and the Steak Tartare. The salad was also great with a perfectly made poached egg and vinaigrette. The brunoises of potato sprinkled throughout in every bite was great. The steak tartare was delicious, wonderfully seasoned and is my second favorite steak tartare in a Philadelphia restaurant. My dining partner had the Armagnac-braise pork cheek and that was just sublime, unctuous deliciousness. He literally declared that he could return the very next day to order the exact same dish of Armagnac-braised pork cheek. I ended my dinner with a pot of Earl Grey tea and the Meyer Lemon Tart. The tart was truly fantastic. Creamy, light, tart-sweet but not overly so and so flavorful. Perfect with my tea. He finished with another vintage cocktail, the Bamboo from 1880, Japan – a mix of amontillado sherry, blanc vermouth and bitters. It tasted (to me) as exotic as its name. Superb. Dinner was 5 star and we will definitely return for the food and the ambiance. As great as the food was, the service was that often attributed to ‘les serveurs Parisiens’ in Paris; which is to say, not very good. Megan M. and Royal Boucherie would be better served if she brought her lackluster, inattentive and often tardy service to the level of the food and drink. 5 Star Food, 2 Star Service.

On a whim I stopped in for lunch and had a meal so good it felt like a mini-vacation. I had the pork terrine with preserved pear, blue crab Louis, and the panna cotta with streusel. Amazing!!!!

4.5 stars, but unfortunately I can't do that. Came here with a party of 6 to celebrate a special event. We made reservations ahead of time and there is a convenient parking lot across the street from the restaurant. Upon coming in the downstair was very noise, but I was glad that we were taken upstairs to dine. The upstairs had a quieter ambiance when we arrived and the music was softer upstairs, however, once 8:00 pm rolled around and it filled up with larger parties the noise level definitely increased to the level of the music downstairs. There is also a small outdoor seating area for smaller parties. The establishment has old charm to its decor with dark wood interior and original floors that used to be a butcher shop. There is an upstairs and a downstairs bar so you won't have to wait for your drink too long or for the waiter/waitress to make it up and down the stairs. After looking over the menu several times we ordered a variety of appetizers: the duck meatballs, sourdough boule, steak tartare, smoked trout croquettes, and escargot. The duck meat in the meatballs is mixed with pork meat and served with fresh herbs and dijon mustard. The waitress did not mention that pork meat is mixed with the duck meat when we ordered it, nor was it stated in the menu, but when I specifically asked she checked (as I do not eat pork) and it is a mixture. The meatballs were juicy on the inside and cooked to a medium. The steak tartare was served with smoked cheddar tuile served, a raw quail egg on top with mustard greens, and grilled rye bread. The meat itself was fresh and raw as can be, besides being on the animal itself. The smoke trout croquettes were fried in pork fat served with Calabrian chile that added a nice heat to the fish. The escargot was braised with champagne and served with chartreuse-hazelnut butter that I had not tasted in any other escargot that I had ordered previously at other establishments and a crispy baguette. The sourdough boule was hot, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and served with sea salt and butter. It went quickly. From the appetizers that I did try they were flavorful and fantastic and I am glad that we got a variety to try. I was told that the appetizers that I did not try were just as good. For the main course I ordered the whole poached lobster, which was served over ice with a tartar like sauce. I had to wait and look droolingly while other people's main course came before mine arrived. Between all of their food arriving and my lobster it was probably 10-15 minutes of waiting time. The lobster was succulent and juicy, I could definitely eat it all day if my stomach had the space for it. Two people ordered scallops that was served with winter squash, trumpet mushrooms, and pumpkin seed granola. It was cooked perfectly and the trumpet mushrooms were a big hit with their meats mild flavor, they just wished there was more of them on the plate. The roasted lamb top sirloin was flavorful and juice at its medium rare cook and was served with barley, spring onions, and confit potato. The seared duck breast had a perfectly slit crispy skin on top of the tender meat served with a spiced jus, white sweet potato, and turnips. This restaurant has delicious food and a great environment. If you are looking for a not too fancy place to eat with great food, I would highly recommend this place.

We came for lunch on a weekday- had a salad and a burger- the latter was lathered in truffle mayo and accompanied by pork fat french fries. Double Yum. We also tasted an inventive appetizer -pork stuffed deep fried olives. All in all a solid menu and excellent bar and winelist.

This location is in the historic district, within walking distance of the waterfront, in a classy interior. We had an upstairs table, and got drinks and and appetizer to go with our entrees (duck and steak). In total, the service was good and the food was tasty. The crowd in the restaurant trended on the 20's and 30's set, but this is a good restaurant for anyone seeking a nice dinner out.

We were here for dinner with a group of six friends. This is a lively, packed restaurant that is also quite intimate. The six of us shared a large rectangular table along one wall towards the rear of the main dining room. The lighting design is awesome: dark, but not so dark that you need to open the flashlight on your phone to read the menu, and a nice glow. A great place to take a first date, perhaps, as you will both be gorgeously lit! We could hear each other without shouting, as well. The in-house cocktails were inventive and delicious and the wine list was very nice, if pricey (but that's the way it goes these days). We are a group of very close friends and we all share our dishes so I was able to taste a lot of the menu. Everything was well-prepared and tasty. Service was excellent. When visiting the second floor to use the men's room (clean, bright) I noticed that there is a lovely, walled outdoor space on the roof. Made me think that on our next trip my husband and i will go back for a more romantic meal. We all had a great time that night!

If you want a pleasant lunch in the old part of the city you can't go far wrong than stopping at the Royal Boucherie. The fit out of the restaurant makes for comfort. The food won't knock you over but it is very good. Do try the offerings on the raw bar. The barramundi was quite good as was my crab salad. My friends burger was also a hit. It is not cheap but not really outrageous for the quality.

I always get Sticker Shock when we go to a Philly restaurant that isn't a BYO and that's what happened here. We got a $63 bottle of wine, which was one of the less expensive selections. Next time, and most likely there will be a next time, we may just opt for a cocktail or beer to keep the price more within reason. But I digress . . . We opted for sharing small plates, with only one full size entrée being ordered. It was more than enough food for the 2 of us. The Fried Olives were amazing as was the "Petite Sale" which was Shaved Veal and Pork Belly served over a piece of toasted crusty bread. Those 2 items alone are enough for a return visit. The Barramundi Crudo was also delicious as was the Skate Wing. Two small plates that we found in the "just ok" category were the Beet Salad and the surprisingly blah Rabbit Terrine with grain mustard, Frisee and Toast. So before tip, the bill came to around $162. There are still enough items on the menu that sound interesting enough to warrant another visit.

We ate here last night as a birthday celebration and really enjoyed our dinner. We started with the warm sourdough bread which was delicious and the large seafood appetizer which included shrimp, lobster, crab claws, oysters, lox and scallops. It was wonderful and perfect for the three of us. We also had the salmon entree and the chicken entree, both very good. The chicken had a crispy skin, and was moist and the portion was large. Our server helped us select a very good wine. Our only disappointment was that there were only three desserts on the menu and none of them looked appealing so we went out for ice cream. We would recommend this restaurant.

Our entire family (12 in all) came here to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. We had an amazing appetizers: charcuterie board and cheese plate. Fresh and delicious. Some of us got the scallops--we have had fresh "off the boat" scallops in New England--and these were absolutely the best we have ever had. The Steak Au Poivre was perfectly done. So good. The Herb Marinated Salmon was exceptional. The Roasted Pennsylvania Duck was superb. The Lobster Roll was piled high, and rivaled New England's lobster roll, and those who ordered it said it was very satisfying. The attentiveness of the servers was amazing. My husband decided to get the boucherie burger...he said it was among the best he's ever had. We all can't wait to go back!

A touch of Paris in a bustling neighborhood lined with interesting bistros, we sat at the handsome dimly lit bar, listening to French melodies & surrounded by attractive art, while--for a change of pace--sipping a state of the art midday gin martini with a spicy towering breakfast sandwich, along with a mound of hot perfectly roasted potatoes. Service was attentive & cordial; the menu creative & enticing & a platter of giant mouth-watering fresh oysters on ice delivered to a nearby table were a preview of our next visit.

We had the good fortune of visiting this restaurant last evening. We spent time enjoying craft cocktails at the bar and then onto a delicious selection of appetizers and dinner in the back dining room. The ambiance and service were only exceeded by the opportunity to speak with Chef Elmi in person when he stopped by our table. We have been wanting to visit this newest restaurant since we enjoyed another fabulous evening at Chef's first restaurant Laurel and ITV. We have already begun making plans for our next evening to Royal Boucherie and would recommend you do the same. You will NOT be dissapointed.

reservations for both bar and seating appear necessary. Noise level is highest we have encountered in the area. Prices are high. A glass of so so chardonnay poured to absolute minimum levels was $13. Chardonnay was an ordinary type. Food was good but just beyond normally high prices. A shelled pasta dish with lobster was 32. Wait staff were very good. Bill for four including tip was $300 - with 6 drinks.

A charming staff, a beautifully decorated room with flattering low lights makes this an ideal spot for an afternoon getaway. Our group of four friends split an order of light crudo with pistachios and a plate of pea & leek barbajawns served with a delightful condiment finished with herb oil. Both were excellent & the portions were perfectly sized to provide each of us with a sufficient taste. Mains including the lamb sandwich, a mortadella grilled cheese on sourdough, a lyonnaise salad and a very good vegetable salad with apricot & grains. Service is affable, professional with just the right amount of warm attention. Questions were answered with forethought & good humor. Once again, a definite recommend for this Society Hill gem.

Four of us returned here after a pandemic hiatus. The atmosphere was as we found it during our last visit. Our cocktails were well prepared with a decent pour. Again, the menu was limited. Therefore three of us odered the special burgers. When the server was asked to have them prepared medium rare we were politetly advised that they were all prepared the same and came in "two thin patties." Turns out they did have some pink to them when they arrived. The outlyer of us requested the mussels. The broth was delightful, rich and flavorful. Yet the mussels were the smallest you can imagine, not anywhere near the scrumptious oysters we ordered as an appetizer, briny and wonderfully meaty. Our server was personable and helpful with choices. She told it like it was without glossing over any limitations. The prices were not commensurate with the experience.

Believe the hype. The lobster roll was indeed excellent — just as a good true New England lobster roll should be — all lobster meat in a toasted buttered roll that was fantastic. The contrast of the warm buttered roll with the cold lobster was perfect. And my wife’s burger also lived up to the hype - melt in your mouth good. The tuna crudo to start with the watermelon was equally fantastic.

We had a special New Year's Eve food tasting, and wine pairing. The food was amazing and so was the service. The Chefs out did themselves. I always enjoy the atmosphere at this restaurant, this was no exception.

Lovely lunch experience - felt like a Parisian Bistro - I visited at a very quiet time - only one or two other diners - food was good - service was good - atmosphere was excellent - loved it!

Beautiful restaurant well detailed. Food was amazing. We had stuffed fried olives, crispy and spicy. Also Duck Frites with foie gras sauce were perfect

Two of us for Sunday brunch. PROS: charming cups and saucers for our tea; lovely decor; few customers, so it wasn't noisy. CONS: poached eggs were cold; no salt & pepper on table; waitress said the fresh seasonal fruit stated on the menu with pancakes was blackberries - yet pancakes came with a large dollop of frozen blueberries - thawed but certainly not fresh. We asked for separate checks after being seated, yet received a single check and had to have it revised. Overall, waitress seemed to be functioning on another planet. Hard to say if we would return, but perhaps give it a second chance.

Went to restaurant pre-theater. Three of us had steak poivre and the meat was tough and grisly and difficult to eat. One of us had the burger which was very good but for the high price, you can a good burger at many other restaurants. So noisy that the four of us could hardly have a conversation and we were there at 6 before the crowds came. Room echoes, and once more people arrived, it was even harder to talk and hear. All in all, we were very disappointed especially since the restaurant has had such good reviews. We will not return.

Wow!!!! Top 5 best meals we’ve had in philly the oysters are phenomenal! The lobster farfadelle - perfectly al dente with hints of truffle... amazing. Braised Pork cheek - hands down, best thing on the menu. great drinks! And amazing attentive and helpful staff. We will 100% be back!!

I ordered the duck as the main course. It was a very stingy portion and was so overcooked it tasted like sawdust. One of the worst meals I have ever been served and completely unacceptable given the $38 price tag

We walked in at around 2 in the afternoon on Sunday-when they were still serving brunch! It was a big surprise, and we were really glad to have the brunch menu as it was delicious. We both tried the mortadella grilled cheese sandwich and it was definitely a prize. It was a nice meaty, cheesy sandwich and it had delicious thick bread that made it extra tasty. Great coffee too. Nice prices for what you might consider finer foods. Loved it!

This restaurant was brand new when we visited. Some of the people in our group were more food adventurous than others, so we enjoyed the charcuterie platter and the escargot appetizer which was amazing. I was disappointed that a French restaurant wouldn't offer a cheeseboard on their menu, but they don't. I ordered the quail, which was the special of the day. It was so tiny that I maybe had about 4 bites of meat off it. Some of my friends enjoyed their meals more. It's very dark inside. It's a French restaurant but something about it didn't give off the French vibe to me (in spite of the awesome escargot). Worth a visit,

Very nice restaurant, you can go there solo, as a couple or with few friends. The menu as a lot to offer. Great energy and atmosphere. The food was good, you will definitely need to order the charcuterie platter, nice presentation and big enough for 2 or 3 people. I would recommend this restaurant to friends, either for drinks and small bites or a full dinner....

We were lucky enough to get a table in the very front of the restaurant which opens up to 2nd St. It was a beautiful summer night and so much fun to people watch. The restaurant has a long bar on the first floor and the ambiance has a casual, noisy feel but there is a second floor with an additional dining room plus another area that seems to be outside. If you are looking for something a little quieter, I would suggest requesting one of these areas. The food was delicious. We started off with the mussels. They are served in a brothy chardonnay base with stewed tomatoes and baguettes. Very tasty. We also got the beets with whipped goat cheese which was awesome. The menu has changed a bit in case you are not seeing some of these things on the online menu. For dinner I had scallops encrusted in polenta with asparagus in a wonderful savory sauce and my husband had the lobster farfalle which was also delicious. We did not have dessert, but the drinks were really good too. The service was surprisingly good for as busy as it was. The staff was courteous and knowledgeable.

I was rather looking forward to this dinner, and Boucherie did not disappoint. Hoping to miss weekend crowds, I came with a friend on a Tuesday. It was busier than expected but we were grateful - the interior is so stunning and intimate I felt I was part of some bustling secret dinner society. I could go on but I recommend you explore the space yourself. I ordered an incredible gin old fashioned (I think that’s what it was called) and we started with a dozen dollar oysters. So good. Everything I ate felt decadent but nothing about the experience was too stuffy- sure, I had unforgettable escargot and perfectly seared duck breast, but my friend had an ipa and a burger and I swear it’s the burger that I couldn’t stop thinking about the next day. We weren’t rushed, either. Service was friendly and professional as courses came out in a timely fashion. There’s so much more to try I can’t wait to come back, but I recommend bringing someone you can share with. You’ll want to taste everything.

A great new restaurant in Old City. Lots of great “small plates”. We were there for dinner with friends. The small sausage selection was excellent. Loved the chicken liver pate. We also had several great entrees including soft shell crab (special), grouper, and ribeye.

Started off with an OLd Fashioned and it was excellent. Moved onto the food and had an Escargot appetizer that was delicious. Had the chicken cassolet for my main course and it was hot and delicious. I would recommend this place highly.

Expected a fabulous meal. It was okay. Nothing to write home about. Not bad, not great. A bit greasy. A bit of a snobby waitress for no reason at all.

The reason why Royal Boucherie earns 4 not a 5 stars from me is because I cannot remember what I had for an entree. The food is delicious, the beignet dessert is to die for and I enjoyed my entree it just wasn't memorable enough to be retained in my brain for a week. The tables were also a little too close for comfort. Please note that while the title of this review is "impromptu" I did make a last minute reservation through open table and had about 6 minutes to get to the restaurant. The next reservation was 3 hours later. This restaurant is doing a bang up job and it can be difficult to get a reservation. I do recommend this restaurant but if I only had one or two meals to eat in Philadelphia this probably wouldn't make the cut.

We went with my family for my husband's birthday. There is no children's menu, but they were willing to accommodate and make butter noodles or plain burger for my four yr old nephew. My husband is obsessed with oysters, and we could try a wide variety there. We only eat fish, so my husband tried skate which was a pleasantly light fish. I had the trout which was terrific. My mother in law and sister in law had the pasta with lobster that had a kick but was good. My father in law and brother in law both had the burger they were pleased with, and the fries were yummy. We had the mini donuts for dessert which was perfect. The prices are $$, but that is to be expected in the area for a restaurant with a bar. We did walk out a bit hungry, but everything we had was excellent. The upstairs is super cute and wish it wasn't raining so we could have sat in their outside section.

Found this place one evening while the city was freezing in early January. We had a lovely steak and great wine. Staff were really attentive and moved our table with no questions. I believe our server was Kristina?? Really lovely and so helpful. The ambience is lovely and the place is so clean. Would highly recommend this place. Only criticism would be the wine selection could include something a bit less pricey for people on a budget.

Exceptional food, great service and super cool atmosphere. We tried many dishes and everything was fantastic. Great job, would definitely go back

Went to Royal Boucherie for my Anniversary and enjoyed a fantastic meal with some excellent appetizers. The whole staff was really attentive and provided great service. The atmosphere of the restaurant made the evening most enjoyable for me and my wife. I would strongly recommend Boucherie for night out.

Very bad « rapport qualité/prix »…! À french Tartare with no taste, a « Os à moelle » with no bread to eat with, a Shrimp Cocktail not generous at all… Bref, it is, not at all, like a french place you might eat tasty simple dishes.. Très déçue…!

Very loud restaurant. Hard to talk with someone 2 feet away. Strongly advise going early or late to avoid the volume. Food was good but not as spectacular as reviews suggested. I'm a bit disappointed. Again: NOISE!

My wife and I stopped in for cocktails with friends. The first floor was loud and crowded. The very friendly hostess noticed we were looking around for a spot to sit and let us know there was an upstairs bar which was quieter. Not only did she tell us about it, she walked us up to it which was a very nice thing to do. The upstairs was very quaint with an additional dining area too. Service was very prompt at the bar with a friendly bartender. We will return for dinner as we loved the atmosphere especially the second floor.

Great find for a night out in Philadelphia. I had the burger, as one of the cheapest items on the menu. Was delicious. Service was attentive, without being over-bearing.

My wife, nephew, his fiancé, and I just finished a pretty good meal at RB, BUT my wife and I shared a special menu item, Branzino for two. For $48. It’s not clear to me how two people are supposed to share one filet of branzino and a bunch of sliced potatoes as a meal for two. This was especially disappointing as the dish was repeatedly described as a WHOLE FISH. That is not what was served to us. Everything else was delicious, and the service was good (20 percent good). Unfortunately, when I mentioned that we did not receive a whole fish as the menu described, we were rebuffed twice. Lesson learned: never order the special.

I was expecting a great french dinner for date night but was disappointed. The cheese charcuterie board was good. The french white wine was good but not cold which took away from the taste. We dined on the lamb entree that was very little in portion and gamey in taste. I had the Trout entree that lacked flavor but was ok. I found this restaurant very very expensive for below par food. I do not recommend.

Newly opened this attractive bistro exudes a pleasant vibe with its dark wood and low lighting. We sampled a number of dishes but disappointingly none were plates we would recommend or order again. The Pate Foie Gras was too salty and had a odd aftertaste. It was served with a side of blueberry compote which totally overwhelmed the pate. There was also a platter of thinly sliced ham which was good but nothing exceptional. Main course Lobster with pasta found the pasta far too undercooked and the whole dish served cold ( supposed to be a hot entree) Upon reporting this to our server she commented that we seem to have eaten most of it regardless! No apologies were offered for the poor preparation. A number of reviews have commented on the Escargot being exceptional The three of us found it good but certainly lacking the delicious traditional preparation with garlic butter. They do not provide complimentary bread but instead sell a bread basket consisting of a loaf of bread cut into sections. This should have been gratis as in most other French bistros. Perhaps it will improve but we’ll wait a while before returning.

Easter was such a treat on this superb Old City gem. Charcuterie Board (small, $24) has a bounty of various meats, pate and toasted bread, perfect way to start our brunch. Sumptuous Malted Waffle topped with a slice of Foie Gras! That is one outstanding breakfast fare, highly recommended. Steak Au Poivre is cooked heavenly and darn good! Cocktails are legendary, Corpse Reviver No.2 is plain refreshing, smooth with a kick. Entente Cordiale, gin based drink with a bit of attitude...loved it. Nougat Glace, not too excited but still good. Royal Beignets are small fun sized pillow of love which you dip in chocolate. Overall, this is one fun place. We are definitely coming back to try their dinner course

Made reservations after reading an article touting this spot as the place to be. 730 on Thursday before Labor Day and there were 6 tables seated, place was nearly empty. Cocktails were average. I had the cured scallops which my boyfriend insisted were on the verge of going bad. While I didnt taste that, I didnt taste much else either...roast beets were similar- not bad, nothing outstanding. Steak au poive flavor was good but meat wasn't quality we expected. Both it and my lamb arrived barely warm. The potato puffs with the lamb were soggy not crisp. If the restaurant had been the hot spot it was described as, the food temp would have been a bit more understandable, but with plenty.of time between our order of appetizers and main courses, it was more indicative of why the place was empty.

Cocktails were interesting and delicious. Menu had a lot of options to choose from. The charcuterie board was excellent and plentiful. My wife enjoyed her large plate of roasted lamb. My favorite French dish is steak au poivre. I was disappointed with it here. Peppercorns were barely noticeable both in flavor and quantity. I have a sneaking suspicion that the mashed potatoes that came with the steak were instant. Sure tasted like instant to me, and if so, yet another disappointment in this dish. However, the steak itself was pretty good. Service was excellent, our server was on top of everything. We will probably visit again, but I will try something different next time.

Great atmosphere, delicious food and phenomenal service!! The bartender knows what he’s doing. Ordered the Wham Bam cocktail, gnocchi and duck confit. AMAZING!!

From the fried olives to the green escargo gravy, they were jewels amongst the Queen's kitchen, delighting all that enter. Philadelphia has its beautiful array of dining spots, but this little hideaway is a romantically lit, chic, french restaurant full of delectable surprises. The tartar sauce that accompanies the fried olives is enough to order two plates. We did. Nice wines, good service, class, and of course, ... royal.

Warm cosy dark restaurant that has a feeling of warmth. Terrific bloody Mary. Wonderful homemade to order omelette and great duck fried french fries!!

A really nice restaurant with very good seafood, outstanding service in a lively environment. A little bit pricey, but the food was very good.

Delicious meal in a nice French restaurant. Quick, friendly service. My steak tartare & oxtail poutine could not have been better. In historic Olde City

Lovely choice of 4 meals for our Wedding Rehearsal Dinner. Good choice of wines and beers were available. They made a pasta bowl for our 4 year old. Within walking distance of Penn's Landing.

Amazing little gem in the heart of old city, from the amazing warmth, professionalism and friendly staff to the tasteful presentation of the dishes it didn’t disappoint… highly recommended to me it’s definitely a must stop spot in Philadelphia, their second floor patio is cute and cozy, the food is phenomenal and the staff smiley and very professional ..

Located on South 2nd Street, Royal Boucherie is an excellent addition to the neighborhood's dining scene. This would be one of my go-to spots for pre-theatre dining if going to an event at The Arden Theatre or before/after a movie at the Ritz East. A+ for ambiance: Beautifully simple dark dining room with wood floors, high ceilings, banquettes and a decidedly cozy feel. A great space for a date with an old fashioned feel. I loved the long bar with flattering lighting and the music played at a reasonable volume - thank you. A for food and drink. We were a hungry cranky group of four so we immediately ordered cocktails, whiskey and beer. Palomas were fabulous,well balanced and not too heavy on the lime. Also made with their own homemade grapefruit soda kissed with grenadine atop for a beautiful presentation. Seven beers on tap with a nice selection from lighter Belgians to very hoppy IPAs. The menu focuses on meat & fish so this would not be the place for a strict vegan. My friends who love oysters shared 8 raw (4 from the East coast and 4 from the west) and declared them a-mazing with an exclamation point. While they were slurping their shellfish we feasted on snack size portions of duck meatballs, trout croquettes and panisse (chickpea fries) all delicious with nice sauces to compliment each dish. My petit chicken served on a bed of savory farro was excellent as was the hefty cheeseburger. My friend had the pork armagnac terrine and endive salad as her main course and was pleased with both choices. Portions were substantial and we shared a simple apple tart and a comforting chocolate pudding for dessert. Excellent coffee served in disconcertingly out of place mugs. Even my non-visual husband remarked how the coffee mugs didn't match the room's ambiance. But all in all - a delightful meal from start to finish. B+ - Service was earnest, sincere and just needs to be tightened up a bit. There was confusion with placement of drinks, plates, flatware etc. Plates were cleared in a haphazard fasihon but these are easily correctable problems. Basic warm hospitality and attention was there so with a little more fine tuning I expect my next visit will be worthy of a five star review. With moderate alcohol consumption, figure about $80 per person for everything including tax & tip.

A dark pub like place with average food but good service. We "split" two entrees and two appetizers. A bottle of wine was decent. It is more of a South Street "place" than a fine restaurant.

I was very surprised with how good my meal was. I had the 72 hour slow roasted short rib and my boyfriend had the duck. The waitress was great about my gluten allergy as well. I was not a fan of the steak tar tar as it was ground versus sliced like I am used to, but I am new to French food. My boyfriend devoured it and said it was amazing. The ambience is dark inside and great for a romantic evening or a place with friends.

Chef Elmis more casual dine this place was amazing! We had the oysters, terrine and short rib and duck and everything was to die for!

Came here twice, since we enjoyed our first experience so much. Portions of food, particularly the small Charcuterie board, were huge. Drink and wine selection were noteworthy. Great cozy spot in Olde city.

I came here for lunch after some recommendations from other people I was with. The food did not disappoint. I ordered a Steak frites salad-- it was steak, fries and a salad. It was delicious and the perfect amount of food for lunch. The service was excellent and all the employees were friendly and attentive. If I were to return to this part of Philly in the future, I would definitely visit Royal Boucherie again!

Royal Boucherie is a lively American brasserie from award-winning chef Nicholas Elmi. The best way to experience a restaurant you have not been to is to do a number of appetizers and small plates we did the following: COUNTRY PATE Bacon, Green Peppercorn, Cognac, Seasonal Jam STEAK TARTARE Smoked Cheddar Tuile, Mustard Greens, Grilled SHAVED VEAL & PORK BELLY Rye, Garlic Aioli, Anchovy, Cornichon PORK-STUFFED FRIED OLIVES PORK CHIPS Sour Cream & Scallion ROASTED HALF CHICKEN Braised Celery, Cardons, Fermented Ramps, Wholegrain-Honey Glaze I know this seems like a lot but portions are small. Everything was wonderful and very creative. Nothing was as expected. A new twist on everything

Creative menu, great ambiance that stays just under the annoying sound threshold, high end service and cooking. Also perfect bar for interesting cocktails and apps. So good and interesting that it deserves several visits.

Quite a mixed bag really. Its a lovely dining room and the waiting staff were friendly and attentive. We had issues with a couple of things. The 'Pina Colada' cocktail was unbearably sweet and when we sent it back we were told by the bar staff that Pina Colada's are always sweet. This isn't actually true, except for the natural pineapple juice sugar there is no sugar added. Then I ordered the roast chicken, which was raw. We sent it back to be told by the chef that it was how they cooked it. I wouldn't go back but I do think the concept and dining room are good - if only they could get the quality of food and drink right.

I love to find bars that actually serve crafted and delicious mocktails which Royal Boucherie did! My bartender always took my order with a smile and she confirmed that the Creme Brûlée was indeed delicious when I inquired. The night I went there was also live jazz music on the top floor. Overall all of the mocktails and desserts were fairly priced and the ambience was excellent. I will definitely be back.

We had a delicious after-movie dinner at Royal Boucherie on a Friday night. Our server was attentive and friendly, the interior of the restaurant was attractive, and the French 75 I ordered with cognac instead of gin was mixed just right. (When I asked our server to have the cocktail made with “not too much cognac, please”, she didn’t roll her eyes, and obviously relayed the request to the bartender. My husband had the cheeseburger with pork fat fries (delicious) and I enjoyed the sweetbread terrine and the endive salad. (Although I would have preferred just a tad. Ore flavor in the salad dressing.) For dessert we shared chocolate pudding, which was dense and chocolatey like a pots de creme. Overall a very enjoyable experience. Glad to see a new, good restaurant near the Ritz theaters! One note - my coffee was lukewarm. Tasty, but not hot.

Cozy, inviting space. Friendly staff. Very tasty cocktails & good wine list. Escargot and crusty bread were delicious! Chicken liver on toast was also good. Creme brûlée was the best!

With the reviews on trip advisor, I was anticipating a pretty good meal and wonderful service. Was way too overpriced for what you got and the service was so so. the hamburger was nothing special and the bouillabaisse was okay with two pieces of Crostini breads. The alcoholic beverages where also overpriced. We asked for some bread and it was three dollars for a small little loaf of sourdough bread. And there is no children’s menu. You have to order off the regular menu. Would definitely not recommend this place or come back. I have to say, the patio and ambiance is lovely though. Go somewhere else.

We arrived close to 10pm on a Friday night and were able to get a full meal. We shared a charcuterie board, then ordered small plates. My husband had champagne braised escargot and salad lyonnaise. I had cured scallops and baby kale salad. Everything was delicious. Wood floors, historic woodwork/brickwork, comfortable seating (didn't feel too close to others even though it was banquette seating for us). Service was fantastic - attentive but not too intrusive. Would definitely eat here again!