The Dandelion Reviews

4.5

18 of 4,874 Restaurants in Philadelphia


Reviews

Good to be in a restaurant again

By norskies |

This is the first real restaurant we've eaten in in over a year. How nice it was to walk in and be seated in a lovely restaurant. It was nicely decorated in kind of an old English style. Service was very good. My husband really liked his mussels. I wasn't quite so happy with my fish and chips. They have good Covid rules in place, felt very safe. A bit expensive, my glass of wine was $15

Great food, comfortable vibe

By robert c |

My wife and I are foodies and big Stephen Starr restaurant fans. We've been to many, but this is was our first time in Dandelion. As the pleasant hostesses greeted us and took us to the 3rd floor, we didn't realize this was the design based on the outside. Once seated in the Mans Best Friend room, this comfortable, cozy set up has a European vibe written all over it. Our server just graduated from Temple(Go owls!) and provided us with professional and excellent service. My wife had the Lamb Shepherd's Pie and I had the classic Fish and Chips. Both were delicious for what they were. My wife loved the meat and potato ratio and my food was coated perfectly with flaky fish and excellent sauce. I believe this is one of Starr's under the radar gems and can't wait to go back.

Best fish and chips in 30 years

By Steve |

I love fish and chips. I have not had fish and chips this good in 30 years. The fish was thick and cooked perfectly. My sister had the salmon, it looked fabulous. My friend liked the Lamb Shepherd’s Pie.

Good dinner and good service

By zozopy |

We were here on a family dinner. We had a delicious chicken and duck liver patè as appetizer. As main course I had a very well cooked steak with salad and fried potatoes and the others had a pan-fried salmon steak, which was a little bit too spicy. Service was very good. Price reasonable for quality served

We found a new place for brunch in Philadelphia!

By MRMEDERK |

I have been to Dandelion many times for dinner and was always satisfied, but this was the first time for brunch as I was not aware that they served brunch until that visit. It was the same wonderful atmosphere and service with some nice additions to their menu for breakfast/brunch. Portions were probably a little larger than necessary. The food and coffee were not disappointing, same high quality as the many dinners there.

Gorgeous food

By rodthornley |

My girl and I stopped in for food late last night, the butter lettuce salad was to die for, so tasty. And the Mac and cheese wasn’t far behind. Being an Englishman, it was nice to see a little bit of home. We didn’t plan on a big meal just a quick nite but got pleasantly surprised. Will 100% be going back!!!!

Excellent

By ShirleyWilloughbyOH |

Had a great dinner and drinks. Several different themed rooms adds to the enjoyment. Great service, accommodated my allergies. Had fish and chips and bangers and mash and A LOT of dark and stormies and gimlets.

A perennial favorite!

By GradingMachine |

My wife and I have never had a bad meal or less than an adequate dinning experience here. It's our fav brunch place in Philly. My wife's Eggs Benedict and my spinach and goat cheese omelette were perfection. We started with our usual scones. Delish! Our server (Michael) was delightful.

Pleasant surprise

By raymondo29 |

We dived into the Dandelion as the rain poured down and were lucky to be shown to a nice table as they had a few people not turning up. The Salad with berries as a starter was delicious - subtle flavours and enough for the two of us to share. We followed that with Lamb Shepherds Pie. I enjoyed this it had a subtle spice to it and was perfectly prepared, my wife had the Salmon and was very pleased with it. The service was friendly helpful and not intrusively attentive, and overall for a city centre restaurant in USA the price for this quality was good value.

Must do if you'd like some oysters.

By Monica M |

The food was excellent and their happy hour is well worth it. Great customer service and great location. Oysters are fresh, tasty, and a must do. Fish and chips are perfectly done. Crispy, not oily and great portion size.

A little kitsch, but the food is better than you'd expect

By scott r |

Per title, this place does not inspire great confidence - mind does go 'pub far' and not much more. Yet, for dinner at least there are a number of good options - not 'fine dining' but much better than pub food. Cheese plate as an app very nicely done, the pork terrine, a little less so, but not bad. Several at the table ordered either bronzino or salmon - I had the latter and it was nicely prepared on the rare side, as requested. Silky. The burger got a very approving nod, fish and chips good as well. Cantaloupe dessert very light - needed after rich apps and 'bready' (good) ale. Reasonable prices. Shortcoming - very (very) slow service.

One of our favorite restaurants in Philly!

By katsusanna |

I absolutely loved The Dandelion! I loved everything about it -- the food, the ambience, the service -- it hit the perfect trifecta! We did make a reservation, and I'm glad we did, because it was very busy on a Friday night, and I'm sure we would have had quite a wait if we hadn't booked in advance. As it was, we were immediately shown to a cozy table for two that was tucked into a corner beside the fireplace -- perfect! I love the layout of the restaurant -- it's divided into a series of small rooms on various floors, with lots of nooks and crannies, so you feel cozy no matter which room you're in. It truly resembles a British pub (in the best sense -- the way you imagine a British pub being). Service was friendly and attentive. The food was great! I started with a creamy carrot bisque, which was absolutely divine! Some of the best soup I've ever had. Comfort in a bowl! And the complimentary bread they bring to the table was perfect for dunking in my soup! For my entree, I had the macaroni and cheese (minus the ham hocks), and it was outstanding!! I'm kind of a mac & cheese connoisseur, and I'm very picky about it, but this was genuinely awesome mac & cheese. It was creamy, cheesy, and most importantly, flavorful. I can't stand bland mac & cheese, which is what many restaurants serve (and, even scarier, what many adults actually seem to prefer). But in this mac & cheese, the individual flavors of the cheese really shone through. It was yummy!!! My husband ordered the Bangers & Mash, which is his go-to dish in British or Irish pubs. He liked it, but honestly did not think it was the best he'd ever had. Next time he will order something different. There are certainly plenty of other things to try on the menu! It all sounded good! For dessert, we shared the Sticky Toffee Pudding, which is a rare treat for us. It was really delicious! Warm and moist -- so tasty! I might order my own next time, so I don't have to share. :) We really enjoyed The Dandelion. It might even be my favorite restaurant in Philadelphia! We'll definitely be back next time we're in town!

Great food, great service.

By Cesar Pablo |

I was here for lunch, this location came on the top of the restaurants in the city and decided to give it a try. I started with the scones and a glass of champagne, witch it ended up being just sparkling wine but whatever, I wouldn't have mind paying extra for the good stuff but I understand that's what they use. The scones were so good, freshly made and cooked to perfection. Then I ordered the fish and chips and they were great, my only opinion is that chips are pretty much fries, don't laugh I know it's the same but I was expecting the potatos to be sliced like the authentic chips, no big deal they taste just as good but I think it would be a nice touch to make them look more authentic. Their house cabernet was so good, I can't remember the name but is the one from Australia. At the end I got the toffee cake and it was really good, again just being a little picky I would have preferred it without the ice cream, it kind of takes away the authenticity. Overall I really liked it and will totally recommend it.

Pretty good pub

By alyxzandreaphoenix |

The food was good. Nothing special, just ordinary pub food. I ordered the shepherds pie and the banoffe for dessert. The banoffe was really good.

Classic and Delicious!

By cnn73 |

This pub is very busy and appears to be a favorite of the locals in the area. We were able to get a reservation on a busy Thursday evening. Service was very friendly, quick , and accommodating. A member of our party changed their order at the last minute and they were able to make the change. The chicken and duck liver parfait was a large portion and creamy and very tasty. The oysters were a bit pricey but well chilled and succulent. The rabbit pie had a delicious crust and was outstanding. The steak and chips was cooked perfectly and topped with bearnaise butter made this meal mouth watering! Fish in the fish and chips was light and flaky but breading was a bit heavy for my liking. Ended our meal with caramel custard tart which could have used a bit more pear sorbet. They have a great offering of beers, wine, and liquor.

Best meal of the trip

By Slgray56 |

Great atmosphere in an historic )looks like it anyway) former three story downtown home. Fantastic food. My wife went crazy over the beet salad. The deviled eggs and Tandoori Chicken were the best! Steak & Chips superb.

Getaway weekend

By Peter J |

Great atmosphere and food. Service was excellent. Feels like something out of Harry Potter. We had the house made ricotta aa a appetizer at the suggestion of our server Iain. . It was a great choice. The cider steamed mussels were the best mussels I ever had. The fish and chips my wife had were excellent. Let’s not forget beer selection. At the suggestion of Iain I tried an English beer and again it was spot on. Love this place. Will definitely come back next time we are in Philly.

Great atmosphere!

By Shelley Rae |

We had a large group meet here for a birthday celebration and we couldn't be more pleased! We were seated upstairs in a very cozy room. The service was excellent and food delicious!

Service inconsistent

By kskdmad |

The food was very good. We had an appetizer of Welsh rarebit which was nicely broiled. I had the steak and fries (chips) which were nice and hot and properly cooked. The steak was delicious, though not hot when it was served. My husband had the chicken tandoori which was good and the sticky toffee pudding was delicious. We booked for an anniversary (which was noted in the booking) and not only got no mention of it, we were seated in the middle of a long bench with tables on each side. About 9" on each side. The woman next to me had to shift her shopping bag over. Just seemed like a not-very-romantic seating to be practically in other people's lap (especially with three floors of seating and a reservation ahead of time). The waitress was efficient but not warm. When asked if they had certain things (like a side of ranch for the fries) she just said "no, we don't have that" instead of offering other things. The runners and bus people were much friendlier. We came in the door on the corner which opens right into the bar. After ignoring us a few minutes, one of the bartenders told us to go up a set of steps at the back of the bar (basically through the edge of the kitchen) to find the hostess stand. Maybe a sign? A hostess/guide on that floor? There were a zillion managers and servers on the top floor...possibly spare one?

What a lucky find! Highly recommend!

By AnaAndBellasMom |

What a lucky find! I booked The Dandelion on a whim while looking for a spot to take an out-of-town friend, and I couldn’t have chosen better. The restaurant’s cozy ambiance, complete with the charm of a former family dwelling, made it feel warm and inviting — especially as we were seated right by the fireplace. We started with East Coast oysters, which are always my go-to in good restaurants, but their cucumber mignonette was a first for me — and it was absolutely delicious! Next came the Cider Steamed Mussels, which turned out to be a delightful surprise for someone who never used to order mussels. The béarnaise, butter, and garlic sauce was (yes, cliché but true) to die for! I was seriously tempted to ask if I could take the leftover sauce home :) For our entrées, we had the Grilled Salmon — the watercress salad that came with it was so fresh I could eat it forever — and the Tandoori Chicken, which was just phenomenal. We finished with the Eton Mess: light meringue, bright mango sorbet — what a perfect ending to an incredible meal. The cherry on top of the entire experience was our server, Dean. Friendly, attentive, and somehow always appearing just when we needed him without ever feeling intrusive. He made the experience even more special. I can’t wait to come back to The Dandelion. Highly recommend!

Delicious food and wonderful staff

By Mojy2013 |

Had dinner here based on recommendation from friend that used to live in Philadelphia. We shared the dandelion salad and the tandoori chicken which was absolutely delicious. Our server, Nathan, was excellent and just added to the wonderful dinner experience we had. All the staff that interacted with our table were so pleasant and cheerful which again adds to the great experience.

Sunday brunch

By rupert m |

Visited sunday am for a full breakfast. Having seen the menu, was tempted into the chicken liver pate which was very good. Washed down with 2 mimosa Followed up with a sausage and egg sandwich. Both dishes were good. Service was prompt and friendly. Was 80 bucks for 2, so isnt cheap but would go back..menu attached.

A Terrific Sunday Brunch

By LSS100NewYork |

Brunch is served at the Dandelion only on weekends, from 10-3, and it's terrific. Having survived the stairs to get to our table (there were a LOT of stairs) we relaxed and soaked up the dark but cheerful and buzzing ambiance of the place - aided by some adult beverages. The brunch menu is extensive and has something for everyone, from bagels at smoked salmon (sadly, having only plain bagels is a miss), to a great oyster bar, a cheese board, and both an extensive lunch and breakfast menu with everyone one could want. The aged cheddar and spinach omelet was a hit and perfectly prepared, the oysters were terrific, and everything we didn't eat looked great and there were a lot of smiling and happy customers. Service was efficient and professional, though not particularly warm. Our party would happily return.

Missing a tea from menu during “ tea time”

By livinginPA |

Beautiful and eclectic spot for tea. Servers were professional and attentive. We weren’t rushed, and we really enjoyed the food and tea. Only black mark was failure to have a tea listed on menu.

Everything was perfect

By urbanrenewal |

We went to Dandelion before an event at the Merriam. We were quite early for our reservation but we were seated in the second floor bar right awzy. The hostess even pointed out the toilets as we passed. Everything was veddy London pub-ish, even our excellent server. We shared a starter of warm bar olives - more than enough for two, better for 4. The bread and butter was delicious. My steak frites was wonderful although it was more done than medium. My husband had mussels which he enjoyed. We split luscious huckleberry crumble with ice cream for dessert and had a fine cup of coffee to set us up for our show. Atmosphere, service, drink, food and even the British invasion playlist were all top notch.

Great place

By Claire G |

My husband had booked this restaurant before we left the UK for our trip to the States, and so it was based on proximity to our accommodation and online reviews that he chose it. We were not disappointed, the staff were amazing, taking us to a quiet spot for our meal rather than the noisier areas which are more popular with the younger clientele. We had a cocktail, London Fog which we had never tasted before but really enjoyed, and all the food we selected was delicious. One of the best meals we had of our two week trip visiting three different cities.

Great British food and service!

By Katherine M |

Real British pub! We came in the pub entrance (the corner one), as probably everybody does. It was very loud for my daughter. But we were immediately greeted by the host, who took us upstairs. The atmosphere is great! Old-style architecture, old wood tables and chairs. Our waiter was amazing, we asked to change table (because is was right under the A/C), he immediately moved us to a different one. We decided to have the "most british meal" - fish and chips and shepherd's pie. I also had the dandelion salad. Everything was absolutely delicious. I'd recommend this place to anybody who appreciate old style and good atmosphere.

Great Lunch

By JLA225 |

Had the lamb shepherds pie and it was wonderful. Fish and chips were great also. Service was very good and the setting was unique. I was worried about parking but there is a garage on Sansome street on the corner. Highly recommend this place!

Great atmosphere!

By Aprilmcarroll |

We had reservations about 3 weeks out. The place was extremely full, so I’d definitely recommend reservations. The service. Cocktails and entrees were fantastic. My husband had the Shepherds Pie and I had the Fish and Chips, it was cod, and they were both delish!

Very nice dinner

By Pierre L |

We had a very nice experience at the Dandelion, staff is super friendly and the food is very tasty! We had the trout crudo with a lot of flavors, the burger that tasted very nice, and an eton mess. Definitely recommend!!

Great spot for classic british pub food

By Pheonix7284 |

Great british pub food! The tables were a bit small but the seating is in a very unique and interesting space. They were very accomodating on checking for allergies as well. Great selection of drinks. The food was delicious.

Exceptional tapas

By Roz57_13 |

I’m usually skeptical about tapas as I tend to find them to be small portions over priced. Not here. Flavorful dishes of a sensible to generous size were the order of the day. We enjoyed a kale salad with wonderful flavors, beautifully prepared tuna, lamb lollipops and a dish of broccolini. 4 dishes is a good meal for two. Definitely worth a return visit.

this place needs to pick better staff

By PK102017 |

Alas, I wish I could have reviewed the food. The problem is with the staff responsible for seating guests. We walked in at 2:30pm and one look at our family of 4 and immediately we were told that "the wait time is at least 1 hr", and that "its very busy" and that they had a "lot of reservations". That seemed like a way to tell us we weren't wanted as customers. I saw at least 1 open table right up front. We even asked if we could split up, with adults sitting in the bar area and kids (not little ones btw) at a table for 2, and were told it wasn't possible. All this was done in a rather rude standoffish manner. Do not recommend, especially if you don't "blend in" ethnically.

Terrible for Happy Hour

By Mike Mac |

We went into this place for happy hour, walked into the bar, asked the host if we could sit at a high-top and began to look through the menu. Then a disgusting waiter came over to us, slapped a "reserved" on our table, and barked "are you eating"? To which we responded that we had come for the happy hour. He then barked that the tables were for dinner and we must move to the bar where there was no room. All the while, multiple multiple vacant tables. Terrible place. We left.

Cozy restaurant, good English pub-style food

By LeCharlesbourgeois |

We had high expectations for this restaurant. It started very well with the House Made Ricotta with toasted sourdough bread. Since it came with six slices of bread (we should have left two slices), the main course was a bit difficult to get through. Their signature Dandy Burger was tasty, but the fries were too thick to our taste.

Don’t pass this one by

By Brandalynn312 |

Five out of five. Don’t pass this place up. It’s good for everyone. The drinks were fantastic, the service was superb and the food was incredible.

Enchanting & Gracious

By BASTripper |

Enchanting and gracious, are the words I would use to describe the decor and service. The restaurant was decorated for the holiday. Each of their small dining rooms were decorated with beautiful festive greens and bows. The fireplaces were humming. Our waitress was gracious and caring. Lovely...lovely and I am going back. The was a vibe of warmth, calmness and caring. What more could you want.

Friendly Folks

By skychaserCalgary |

We popped in here for a quick bite to eat but will definitely return for a meal. Very nice atmosphere and very accommodating staff. It seemed like a very welcoming place.

Cozy

By NYC2VT |

Loved the ambiance in this place! So charming and cozy with fireplaces burning. Had excellent steak and chips! Great service and staff was all very pleasant.

A little bit of Britain in the most wonderful city of Philadelphia!

By lpb1966 |

We made a last minute call to grab an Uber and shoot over to this place. Not the cheapest place in town but the food is quite simply divine. We had some bread (stunning) and then had shepherds pie and bangers and mash. Both spectacular. I then had Shrewsbury pie for pudding and my son had stick pudding! Oh and I had a cocktail. Not the biggest cocktail in the world but tasted beautiful. If I was staying longer I would be back!

Favorite Spot in Philly

By Ashley R |

I just love this place. Lots of cozy nooks to enjoy a wonderful pint (or half pt) of beer from the UK amongst the handsome dark wood. The food is as good as the best I had across the pond. My favorites include the trout pâté, cheese board, or anything off the Classics. Be sure to ask for malt vinegar with your chips and enjoy!

Good service and food

By Jens K |

We went in spontaneously and didn't regret it. The food was delicious and the service attentive. For $80, we'd go back again.

Cozy, delicious and friendly staff

By Laura |

We had outstanding food in a warm, cozy pub on our 4-day visit to Phila. We went back two more times because we loved it so much. The ambiance is cozy pub, the music was 90s-current and not too louc. The drinks were fantastic, classic whiskey cocktails.

It’s missing something

By M B |

we ordered the cheese board and the presentation was lacking there was not enough crackers so you’re not gonna get to actually eat the cheese with it for $20 I think it was not proper. Customer Service was good. The glass of wine was less than half empty for the price.

An Excellent Find!

By Phoebe & Adam |

I made a reservation for lunch with a friend in-between appointments to take her wedding dress shopping (yay!) and this place went above and beyond! I mentioned in our reservation that it was a special day and the bride-to-be has food allergies, and when we arrived, our server (Alexandra) brought out 2 glasses of bubbly for us to celebrate! The chef came out and talked to her about her food allergies, so I am confident that they took it very seriously, which I greatly appreciate. We ordered the Hot Scottie and Pirates of Penzance cocktails and enjoyed both (the smoky scotch flavor wasn't too strong in the Hot Scottie, for anyone who is concerned). The House Made Ricotta appetizer was WONDERFUL and filling - it would be a great option for a bar snack if you're feeling peckish while you drink. My friend ordered the Smoked Salmon & Trout Pate so she wouldn't feel overly full at her next dress appointment, and I ordered the Cider-Steamed Mussels. The mussels came out in a big pot with a huge baguette and they were SO good! We ordered tea afterwards and it came out in a small teapot with a proper teacup... adorable The service was on point and the atmosphere was cozy with character; there was even a real wood-burning fireplace next to our small table. This would be a lovely place for a date IMO. Our server was very friendly and attentive and I would be happy to request her again. I'm really looking forward to bringing my partner here the next time we are in Philadelphia!

A British Pub Experience

By Central217 |

Wonderful to find a British Pub in Center City Philadelphia. We grazed - three cheese plate, with quince paste, honey, interesting crackers and a duck pate. Had a bitter and a stout. Was disappointed that they didn’t have a porter - either on tap or bottle. Then we had large salads. Plenty of food. But difficult to have a conversation! Very noisy and you will need the light on your smartphone to be able to read the menu.

The service was good but, beyond that, not much, unfortunately

By Lawson D |

I ordered what is their primary "pub" dish (after all, it's advertised on their marquee): English-style fish & chips, and was really disappointed. The taste was exceptionally bland at best and the overall presentation was far short of what I expected. Plus, the French fries (the chips) simply weren't very good. And, as noted by others, my chair seat too was exceptionally uncomfortable. More: My wife's margarita was undrinkable and she returned same--and she very rarely does anything like that, anywhere. I also would not recommend the desert plate, which allegedly contained a lot of fresh goodies but certainly fell short in quality and taste evaluations in my opinion. The beer list, however, is extraordinary and that and the fact our server was friendly and very responsive elevates the rating from "Terrible" to "Average." Bottom line is, we won't return.

Drinks on Point

By vhaas887 |

Unfortunately we did not order any food here but it's anything like the drinks then it must be smashing. While bar hopping in Philly, this place should definitely be on your list. The Big Ben cocktail was exceptional as was my friend's drink that was made with earl grey tea.

Pub experience in Philly

By Poipuvisitor |

Enjoyed a group meal in the upstairs dining room. The menu is eclectic, and our group had many different options: deviled eggs, tandoori chicken, salmon, fish and chips, spotted dick among them. Good service and good food.

Amazing Amazing!

By BradleyRi |

Set up very English like. The staff is friendly and the breakfast was amazing. I got the Poached Eggs With Bubble & Squeak. The best breakfast I have had in a long time. The drinks were great. Water could use ice but not a big deal. Definitely recommend trying if you are visiting Philadelphia. I definitely will be back.

We love The Dandelion!!!

By wdctraver |

Second visit. We love this place. Delicious modern English pub food. Cool modern upscale pub vibe. Attentive service. We just love it. Special place.

Lovely British style pub

By Questa321 |

Lovely British style pub in Philly. The menu was lovely and the happy hour menu well worth it if you go early. We were seated by the door which was a bit breezy when people came in but the rest of the experience, atmosphere and food were lovely. The staff were friendly and the burger outstanding.

Good pub with reasonable food

By DavidWMcCulloch |

Came here by myself, when traveling for business on a Sunday night. The dandelion has a great atmosphere which is a hybrid, pub restaurant vibe. I enjoyed a beer and the vegetable soup and then bangers and mash. The Cumberland sausages were slightly disappointing… Not very much flavor, but the meal was still enjoyable overall.

Superb Choice for "When in Britain...Eat as the British Do"

By markbnc |

The Dandelion's large wooden front door caught my attention as my friend and I were walking through the neighborhood. It was quite a find. The atmosphere is great, the food is well-prepared traditional British fare, and the service is top notch. You cannot go wrong having a meal here. I recommend the carrot soup and shepherds pie. Another great find was their selection of British beer. The Sly Fox Brown Ale on draft was excellent.

My Husband’s Favorite Meal Ever

By Sarah J |

I was born in England and have been wanting to try The Dandelion for ages. It was worth the wait. The food was outstanding from starters to desserts and the service was unobtrusive yet attentive.

Pass

By Veronica S |

Not exceptional. Forums the wording on the menu for the tea towers to be confused and got charged double. No fun. Would not recommend.

Rabbit Pie Under Churchill's Gaze

By Jim B |

Party of six. Walk-in. Friday night at 8pm. No reservation. These are chilling words to most restaurants. The Dandelion took it in stride. We had an hour wait. Finally got seats at the bar after waiting about twenty minutes. The bartenders couldn't have been more friendly and knowledgeable. The locals at the bar were friendly. After two cocktails, our table was ready. Our table split the East Coast oysters (the best), Wellfleets and PEIs, and the House Made Ricotta. The oysters were perfectly presented and the ricotta was not too sharp. Entree, for me, was Rabbit Pie. It was amazing. Everyone else at the table had fish and chips, burgers, etc. The atmosphere was perfect British pub. The food was amazing.

The Dandelion is dandy indeed!

By Maria |

Went for a family dinner and enjoyed our experience immensely at this Stephen Starr nod to British pub fare. The ambiance was quaint too!

An inviting place

By Joric M |

The Dandelion offers some great cocktail starters. I would recommend a Pimms Cup for sure. The Malbec wine paired with the Sheperd's Pie was right on the money. I do like a good Sheperd's Pie and The Dandelion has nailed it. Really good service and good price for Downtown Philly fare.

This is the spot

By Pennsypete |

I am not a big fan of the food of the British Isles, but yet I ended up here, I love this restaurant now! Service if fast but friendly and not rushed. The decor is elegant. Loved the fish and chips. Now to close the deal: I know nowhere else in Philadelphia that is as classy as this restaurant were you can have a dinner for two for such a low price!

Birthday afternoon tea with some appetizers.

By lginnane |

We went there for an afternoon tea for my Birthday. I am Irish so I had many Afternoon teas but this one was not good. Some of the sandwiches were not the usual ones and were not very good. The scones were nice but the desserts were not good. they were tiny and they were not fresh and they had one that was like a granola bar. for the price we paid 60 dollars it was not worth it. The rest of my family had some kind of crab cake which tasted weird and one had a tiny trout appetizer and my son had the sausages with mashed potatoes. It tasted okay but again a very small portion. I asked the Waiter for an extra cup as it came with four cups of tea but I never got the cup. All in all a very disappointing meal. WE went there a few years ago and it was good but unfortunately it has gone downhill.

Ambience, quality, and service = happy customers

By Commenter |

Celebrating my birthday, we had drinks and dinner and more drinks here. Seated at a corner nook next to a fireplace, it was the most romantic dining experience. The food and drink was top notch and the service was above and beyond what we expected from a place with pub in the name. This is NOT pub food, but a very upscale English pub atmosphere. The diversity of the happy hour and dining crowd showed Philadelphia at its best and said a lot about this establishment. We lingered so long, but never felt rushed. I would have liked more gluten-free offerings, but my enormous dandelion salad and amazing mushroom polenta dish paired perfectly with an Australian cabernet.

Cozy atmosphere

By Cheryl C |

We stopped in for a drink at the bar (the dog themed room). It has a cozy and creative vibe. My cocktail was delicious but 80% ice- would not recommend. The bathroom was dingy and dirty - more fitting for a diner than a Starr restaurant. Not sure we'll be back.

Brilliant

By Amanda |

Huge Anglophile here and this restaurant nails the experience of dining in a British pub. We even had a roughly 7 foot tall waiter named Chris who was from the UK. Incredibly crowded now that COVID restrictions have relaxed, a reservation is a must. Families were being turned away when we arrived. Excellent, authentic food. Great drinks. Relaxed atmosphere. Would absolutely visit again.

Great Food!

By Lyn D |

We had the Fish and Chips and the Burger. Fish and chips was delicious but let me tell you about the burger . Its the BEST BURGER I've ever had . The place is nice its like you're having tea time in England. Service was good and the restrooms are clean. We will definitely come back to try the bangers and mash and I also want to try the pancakes.

Absolutely fantastic

By Lucy bee |

I actually signed up to tripadvisor just to write this review. The service was the best I’ve had in America and as an English person living here I haven’t had anything as close to a good English meal as I did here. The roast was exceptional as was the cheeseboard. Finally somewhere with enough gravy too. 10/10

Delicious food, wonderful service, value pricing -- awesome!

By KJA3 |

My dinner at The Dandelion was awesome! THE BEST rabbit pie -- soooo good! I started with an incredibly generous salad named after the restaurant, served with two different wonderful breads. Service was friendly and responsive, and the prices -- less than I expected given the quality of food and service. HIGHLY recommended.

Cozy restaurant with old world charm, delicious food and excellent service

By mpollardgonzalez |

The Dandelion really does remind you of an English pub. The historical elements of the building have been preserved, including the tin ceiling, and the wood burning fireplace, resulting in a cozy old world atmosphere. I met a friend there at 4:30 pm which falls between afternoon tea (yes they actually serve afternoon tea!) and dinner. We decided to share a dozen raw oysters, a Dandelion salad, the Chicken & duck liver parfait and the Pint of prawns. Everything was absolutely delicious and the service was excellent. An added perk was the parking garage located just steps away from the restaurant. I was also able to make a reservation using OpenTable. This is a charming restaurant that I will definitely visit again.

Back For More

By musictraveler40 |

This place is amazing to me. If they had places like this in Texas, I'd never go anywhere else. But they don't, so every time I am in Philly I eat here as much as I can. The burgers and fries are incredible. The house malbec is off the chain. The service is great. The atmosphere is killer. The soundtrack is bumping. It's a scene without trying to BE a scene. You feel me. You Phillies know. The rest of us just get to have a taste every now and then - but like every great seller says, a taste is all you need to get hooked. Caveat: You may have some long waits. But you just deal with it, kids.

Great Brunch on the Weekend

By CVCC |

Sunday brunch was exceptional. Start with excellent tea, and progress through your choice of biscuits, then breakfast of lunch food. Benedict looked great, and ac n cheese was memorable!

Great atmosphere!

By Audrey |

My visit to dandelion was great! I ordered the warm roast beef sandwich which was great! Super tender and nicely toasted bread, the horseradish sauce was nice but not overpowering. I also ordered a side of Mac and cheese with my meal which was also great, good quality cheese and had same ham as well. My dad has the bangers and mash which he said was great also. The tea cups were also super cute and the tea was authentic too! I would totally recommend The Dandelion!

Do this!

By Dave C |

Service, food quality, atmosphere, ambience, 5*s! Sensational experience, and a wonderful location and one of a kind restuarant.

Nice little bar

By Lori G |

Nice little bar and very appropriate for the older crowd (meaning it's not super loud and pretty chill). Drinks were good. I had a Basil Punnet which was super good.

Real London Pub offerings in Philly!

By PeterAL10 |

My wife and I joined 3 other family members for dinner on a Saturday evening, a challenge for any restaurant to provide good food, good service, and an acceptable noise level. The Dandelion met those challenges very well. However, if you want to have a dinner conversation then book a table on the top floor as we had. It's lots of stairs but worth the climb. When you see "Bangers and Mash", "Shepherd's Pie" and "Spotted Dick" on a menu you know you are in a good replica of an English Pub.

Wonderful Atmosphere and Heart Warming Food

By skichick3 |

You can't find rabbit dishes in many places in the U.S. and The Dandelion's rabbit pie was perfect for a cool October evening. The crust was so flaky and the filling so creamy and flavorful. Their toffee pudding tasted just like what I have had in England but maybe better since it was topped with sour cream ice cream. Yum! We also loved dining in the outdoor "streetery". It created a romantic and private atmosphere. The only thing I didn't love about The Dandelion was we felt a bit rushed by our server. We probably would have had another drink or course if the food hadn't come out so fast.

Delicious, lively, consistent

By Darren W |

It's always crowded, but the service is always great, expedient but not pushy. The food is always excellent -- one of the best burgers in town, and the thick cut fries (chips) are a delight. Never disappointed with my food or experience here.

Obvious obsession with quality ingredients

By PaulySales |

So as a Brit, I would never normally eat at a british style pub in the US - but I needed somewhere very close to my hotel and available at short notice, so with fairly modest expectations, I ended up here. Well! Talk about over delivery. The place is cute, the staff are friendly and the vibe is good. I had the mussels. I eat a LOT of mussels in good restaurants all over the world, and these were as fresh as I've ever had - and cooked to perfection by the talented chef, served in a rich, buttery, garlicky, cidery sauce that was so lovely I ended up drinking it after the mussels were gone 🤣 I don't normally eat dessert, and wasn't intending to, but after such a lovely entree, I couldn't resist. I was torn between the very different options of sticky toffee pudding and Eton mess, so asked the waiter his opinion. He said Eton mess every time for him, so that was good enough for me! Again, if wad faultless, just the right balance of flavours, and I loved the twist of it being a mango version, with cool, smooth mango sorbet. Finally, honourable mention to the bread! Prior to the entree, they brought out some bread and butter in the house. 2 types, a sourdough and a crusty whole wheat. A generous 2 slices of each. Bread is usually a bit of an Achilles heel for otherwise good restaurants in the US - but not for the dandelion. It was fresh, fluffy, and with that lovely glutinous pull that you get from well- proved dough made with quality strong flour. The butter, adorned with a sprinkling of sea salt, was also the good stuff. These things probably go unnoticed to most, but if you are a foodie the attention to detail really makes the difference between "very good" and "top drawer". I'll be recommending the Dandelion to fellow travelers in my network, and I'll no doubt be back again - this was a great find, and the owners and the chefs deserve to be very proud of themselves indeed!

Dinner and unwanted show

By cuinthemoon |

The atmosphere is quaint. We were seated upstairs next to the bar, which was fine however the patrons at were at bar were having a smidge too much fun and PDA that is was imo offensive. While everyone was trying to enjoy their meals, these people were singing and fondling each other like it was the Club. Thankfully my husband had his back to the show so he didn’t have the pleasure of witnessing. Food was good Fish and chips Large piece of battered fish, great tasting tartar sauce. So much food I could put a dent into the chips. Sticky toffee pudding was on point. Service was decent, thankfully we were not in a rush.

This is what a pub should be

By John W |

This is what a pub should be. Traditional food, served quickly and perfectly prepared in a warm welcoming setting. On a very busy day cold day we were seated by the fire near a large group. Everyone worried if we were happy and comfy-near the large family. It was nice to be cared about. Families welcome, no big screens to distract from the setting. Other cities are losing this kind of place, this is too good to lose

Great upscale British pub

By SarahNYC-NOLA |

Beautiful wood-paneled rooms, a real fire place, excellent service, and delicious food: What's not to love? Caveats: Not good for people with disabilities, and it gets crowded, even to dine at the bar, so RSVP if possible.And if they have huckleberry crumble for dessert, order it!

Nook by the fireplace

By Florida |

Arrived after long flight and all the hassle arriving in a new city. Got a nice quiet table upstairs by a fireplace. Such interesting rooms and dividers. A couple drinks, rabbit stew, and a fine night was had. Within walking distance of our hotel and safe walking by east coast standards.

Great food fabulous decor

By ninamaxd |

This is a really special place. Room upon room with incredible detail paid to the decor. Feels like a real British pub, but nicer. The food and drinks are excellent as well. We didn't get to see the whole place but the man's best friend dog-themed room kept us looking all evening. Enjoy!

London in Philadelphia

By g0ngj00liz |

The atmosphere is perfect. Upon entering it immediately feels like a British restaurant and pub but not in a kitschy way. The food was delicious. I highly recommend the pastry platter for brunch.

Steven Starr knows how to

By Ron J |

Steven Starr knows how to do it right. Had a great meal at Dandelion this evening. Out door dining in an area with multiple restaurants sharing the streets, creating a party atmosphere. There was even a surprise strolling band. Food was great, service was excellent. Fun evening.

Diner with colleague

By Joske |

Nice restaurant with British style food. Good quality and friendly and quick service. Only minus point was small size of the table.

Everything Was Just Dandy

By isabill |

The Dandelion was just around the corner from our hotel and we walked by it a few times on our way to here and there, admiring the building’s exterior. I’m not a fan of typical British pub food, so I wasn’t too keen on dining there. But after seeing the menu online, I gave in to my husband’s suggestions to try it. We had a reservation (recommended) and were seated at a tiny second floor table. Our server was very nice and attentive throughout the meal. We started out with their stout bread which had a soft pillow of yumminess on the inside, and a delicious crust on the outside. A shared Waldorf salad was really good, and plenty for two. The romaine lettuce was super fresh, and combined with the other ingredients’ flavors, it was fantastic. For our mains, I had the mussels and my husband had the tandoori chicken. Some of the mussels (all a large size) were a bit sandy, and overall could have used a pinch of salt, but the broth was light and refreshing. The bread that came with the bucket was perfect for soaking up the sauce. I tried a bite of the generous portion of chicken and it was quite tender and very good. For dessert we shared a sticky pudding, but for me it was just OK. The atmosphere upstairs is crowded, but very cozy. We felt like we were in an old London pub. There is a third floor for diners which we didn’t see. I’d definitely return to The Dandelion if I were visiting Philly again. The building itself is worth a stop, with the added bonus of terrific food.

Virtuoso-level English pub!

By DirtyJerzTravel |

You've never been to an English pub that features this level of culinary excellence! Liver pate, smoked salmon, mussels - all 1st rate at very reasonable prices. Not to mention the excellent service and beyond charming decor!

Great place

By Potomac_11 |

All of our dishes were excellent, with the signature salad being the best, or maybe the like-you-are-in-London fish and chips. Great atmosphere and friendly service.

Outstanding fish and chips!

By RMTCA |

Dined at the bar on a wet and windy night. Service was excellent and a good selection of local and English beers. I had the fish cakes as an appetizer and fish and chips as a main course. Fish cakes were outstanding, not greasy and full of flavor. The fish and chips where so good...chips were really crisp and again, not greasy. Didn’t have room for dessert...would dine here again!

Great pub but must be off the beaten track

By Liz D |

Came to Lincoln today from Rotherham. Popped in this bar for a drink before sightseeing. It was a shame that they was only us in. The pub & inside is amazing. The ladies toilets are clean with a lovely decor. The selection of drinks is good. Price reasonable. The young man who served us was friendly. Before going back to car Popped back for another drink. Unfortunately it was still only us in. What a Shame as a fabulous pub!!

Old World Charm

By Julie M |

We stumbled in this restaurant for lunch. The menu is quirky, but the food is delicious! The entire experience was very fun and memorable. Would definitely recommend this gem!

Tasty brunch with friends

By Nancy R |

A group of five had a thoroughly enjoyable brunch. The menu was varied and our selections reflected that. Everyone enjoyed their meals. Our server was excellent and took great care of us.

Cozy atmosphere, friendly staff and delicious

By Venis3 |

My breakdown below... Atmosphere: Sat indoors on the second floor. Very cozy atmosphere -- like an old fashioned home, tables spaced so you arent sitting on top of each other. Staff: Very friendly and personable. We werent rushed and our server was able to explain food/drinks well. Food: Started with the Smoked Salmon and Trout Pâté -- a large serving with warm bread (bread service was also provided with soft, salted butter). Entrees were: Rabbit Pie -- nice and creamy, with good chunks of rabbit and onions with just enough mustard for a great flavor Lamb Shepherd’s Pie -- again nice and creamy, the cheese was just enough not to be overpowering with chunks of well prepared lamb and veggies For dessert we shared Sticky Toffee Pudding which was out of this world -- the sour cream ice cream was a great balance for the incredible sweetness of the toffee sauce and candied walnuts while the date cake was moist and delicious. Drinks: We both had a couple of cocktails which were also well prepared (i.e. they tasted like a cocktail, not alcohol and a mix). Overall we both had a very nice evening at Dandelion. Food was good, service was great and the atmosphere was relaxing and gave an overall sense of ease. No cons here.

Fries were underdone in the middle

By Wander |

Good beer, but the fries I got with my burger were underdone I assume because they were really thick.

A Lovely spot for Afternoon Tea !!

By deweydell52 |

I had a wonderful experience at this comfortable, homey restaurant I went for Afternoon Tea and it was perfect . I loved the variety of sandwiches and spreads and mini pastries. The Tea was hearty and well brewed. The scones were delicious as well. This was truly a lovely repast after a day of shopping and sightseeing.

It's all so good

By mdalrym2 |

Every single thing we tried was incredible. The cheese board, the fish & chips, the shepherd's pie, the banoffee trifle - all delicious. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu!

Enjoyed tea with my mother at The Dandelion!

By MSW |

Enjoyed tea with my mother at The Dandelion! the tea menu features a plethora of little sandwiches and desserts that perfectly complimented our happy hour!

Delicious food and nice staff

By ebernauer |

Delicious food and very nice staff! The menu offers a wide range of English pub food of high quality ! The restaurant is located very centrally close to Rittenhouse square and easy to reach.

Make a better choice near Rittenhouse Square.

By PIDSDoc |

Located near Rittenhouse Square. No parking or valet parking. “Vertical” restaurant with multiple levels and side rooms. Many stairs to climb to our table. No elevator so stair-climbing needed. Lighting so dark seeing your food or reading a menu requires smart phone lighting. Service very slow on Sunday night of Memorial Day weekend. Mostly English pub choices. Appetizers were better (cheese plate and patr) than entrees - fish and chips, Mac and cheese, tandoori chicken, duck bolognese. Would not recommend based on atmosphere and service.

One of the best teas in the city!!

By Audrey |

We have visited the Dandelion for afternoon tea three times and each time it is great! They serve tea daily from 3-5 pm. Their selection of teas is great with many different varieties and flavors. In addition, their tea sandwiches are delicious! Some of my favorites are the cucumber and cream cheese sandwich, the tuna salad sandwich, and the chicken curry sandwich. The scones are also fresh and warm when served! They are dusted with sugar which gives a great crunch! The desserts served with the tea are also great! My absolute favorite is the chocolate pudding cake. The seasonal fruit tart it also great! I would highly recommend the dandelion for afternoon tea!!! Always a great experience!

Cozy British pub, great service, delicious classic dishes

By LovesFrance2010 |

On a cold, rainy afternoon in Philly, I stopped in at The Dandelion, having seen their online menu for "Afternoon Tea" also included heartier fare such as Bangers and Mash, and also a fave dessert, Sticky Toffee pudding, which I discovered on a trip to the UK a year ago. It's a must-try! KInd of like a date bread without nuts, but sweeter, in what we would call a creamy caramel sauce (not like crunchy toffee). The server said the STP is made on site by the pastry chef. The bangers & mash were great, too -- the sausage wasn't a bit rubbery or greasy, which is how it often is here stateside; the potatoes were fluffy and tasted homemade, and the onion gravy was perfection. There is a nice selection of beverages as well, both alcoholic and alcohol-free. The main difference between this and a British pub is that the TV was broadcasting American NFL football instead of soccer or rugby.

Top Notch Food

By Debbie1757 |

LOVED THIS PLACE! Stopped here for a late lunch. Was seated right away. Service was prompt and attentive. You MUST order the house made ricotta with sourdough toast as an appetizer. One of the best foods I have ever eaten. Also ordered the grilled chicken sandwich. Again, another culinary delight. For a dessert to die for, order the sticky toffee pudding cake with sweet cream ice cream. So good I didn’t want it to end! Will be back.

Not Impressed

By Marj |

First caveat is that I ordered take-out so am only speaking to that experience. Ordered the fish and chips for $27 which I thought pricey but when only one piece of fish was delivered, I was very disappointed. Fish was tasty but not fabulous. Not a fan of the thick fries included but that's on me. Did not include utensils I requested either. Just felt ripped off. :(

Great Dining Experience

By Owl2Dragon |

I lived in Philadelphia for many years and could never get into The Dandelion. Since it just reopened a few days ago, I was able to get a reservation. The reviews are correct - this place is a gem! The food is excellent, many different choices for beers, wines and mixed drinks. We ate outside, due to COVID restrictions but the weather was nice, tables spread apart and they even provide a wellness station with wipes and hand sanitizer. Every course was excellently prepared and explained.

Home from home

By DaLnNatE |

Friends took me here for brunch as I was visiting from London and what a great experience! Friendly staff, great food and drinks and comforting environment. Would highly recommend the English Breakfast!

Sunday Pub Roast

By 24Amy |

Very authentic English pub. Had the Sunday roast… roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, with root vegetables. So good! Lovely pot of tea, great selection of beers and the custard cream tart was yummy! Service was good and attentive.

Great fish and chips

By Lfferg |

Great fish and chips! We stopped here twice and got the fish and chips both times and it didn’t disappoint. Also the Toddy hot cocktail is a must!

Expensive

By Tribesman5398 |

Very small, crowded, food was average. Had the Chilled soup - very strong flavors and for me personally a little difficult to eat chilled with those flavors. then had the lamb shepherd pie - decent enough, not much lamb in it. Expensive for what you got. Over $40 all said and done for soup and a very small shepherds pie.

Imitating a British pub experience.

By CarpeNox |

The Dandelion restaurant, near Rittenhouse Square in downtown Philadelphia, is modelled on a tradition British pub. There are several areas with a large bar downstairs and quieter dining upstairs. The menu includes beers and ales on tap as well as traditional dishes like bangers & mash, and fish & chips. The restaurant was quite busy on a Friday night so reservations are recommended. The food was good and the service very good. Prices were reasonable.

Tasty food and very good service

By itinerary_queen_pa |

Went on a Friday evening in April for dinner with friends. First impression was congested and dirty. Sat upstairs in the front room which felt more comfortable but still pretty sticky. Waitress was lovely and very talented. Welsh rarebit was delicious. Olives were served unexpectedly warm but delicious. Fresh bread basket was good. House-made ricotta was fabulous! Single piece of fish for the fish and chips but after all the bread with the appetizers, it was enough. It was fried perfectly. Fresh cut fries were good. Banoffee Trifle for dessert shared by our table was quite tasty. Overall, we enjoyed our food and service. I’m never a fan of city dining pricing, but the prices seemed comparable for similar restaurants.

Great atmosphere

By freedmo |

Nice place for drinks near Rittenhouse Square. They had a fire going which made this a very comfy place for drinks after dinner.

Recommended The Dandelion

By Kristofer Wann |

Beautiful presentation and the most delicious burgers. Delicious cutlets and fresh burger buns The atmosphere is the best

A great random find

By Nate080411 |

To be honest we weren't expecting to come here, but in a last minute change of plans we ended up here for the start of our day right when they opened. This place is busy, right from the get go. We were lucky enough to fit our entire party at the bar where we had some light snacks and drinks. The inside really does have an English feel and is al about the ambience. The beer selection is small, but has the right selection that you need for a good afternoon. They clearly are a bit more of a wine and cocktail location. Our bartender was very nice and was giving a lot of tips about places to hit up for drinks and just fun facts of life. I would certainly recommend coming here.

Very good food, service was meh

By Wander |

Went out for dinner with a friend to Dandelion. The food was very good. We split the dandelion salad between the 2 of us and it was a good enough size for the both of us to get a decent sized portion per person before our main meal. I got the dandy burger and it was very good. The fries at times seemed a little underdone, but maybe they’re just thick. Our service from our waitress was a little sparse as she did not come by very often to refill drinks and see how we were doing. So that was the only downside of our visit, but everything else was great.

Excellent pub food!

By Jasmin G |

We had dinner there and everything was excellent.The place is also really beautiful and many employees make sure that you have a great moment. The salmon and the burger are a must. The plates are not too big though so make sure to try their desserts.

Excellent food in a fantastic setting

By Fergus S |

Went to this place for dinner on the off chance. Had to wait 40 minutes for a table but they texted us when ready. Went with another couple and found the menu had something for all. The waiter was attentive and the food was excellent. Would definitely go back.

Warm British pub

By Leonhkny |

This is a hip British pub at Philadelphia's vibrant Rittenhouse Square. Decor is warm and cozy. Food is the authentic London fare. Shepherds Pie is rich and tasty. Toffee pudding is decadent and a must for dessert lovers. Price is fair. Reservation is essential for weekends.

What a find!

By Beth M |

Went there for an early dinner yesterday and had a great experience. Atmosphere is so quaint and staff were very friendly and efficient. Had spiced warm olives and nuts for appetizers which were delicious. Then split a burger and a Shepard's pie for main courses and both were so flavorful. The fries that came with the burger were some of the best we've ever had. We kept dipping them in the Shepard's pie! Ate every last bite and would definitely go back.

Just go there ! All food is excellent and everything is top notch

By nonaldasie |

Excellent rabbit pie! A big surprise to find this type of food in us. I loved it. The place is really nice and the staff is friendly.

Sweet and Cozy Place

By Scott C. |

Decorated like a cozy pub with modern gastropub food (and more) The Dandelion is a delightful place for dinner. Lots of little nooks and crannies with tables and chairs. Excellent service by a full staff always attending your needs. Highly recommended.

Drinks w/Churchill

By BRIDGET B |

We walked to this restaurant from our hotel (The Westin) and were very happy with the variety of cocktails available to us, particularly if you are looking for top tier scotch drinks. In addition, the Welsh Rarebit appetizer was FABULOUS!! And all of this happens under the watchful eye of Winston Churchill, who keeps watch over the bar from high in the rafters.

Afternoon tea

By Taylor Guss |

Come for afternoon tea and then stay for dinner or drinks! They have good loose leaf tea, combined with pastries or sandwiches. The ambience is unique and fun. Would recommend.

Very good for brunch

By Nancy G |

We came here for brunch on a freezing Saturday. We didn’t have a reservation, but were seated after 5 minutes or so near a roaring fire. I think we must have grabbed the last non-reserved table as diners coming in after us without reservations were turned away. I had a very delicious ham and cheddar omelet. It was accompanied by a wonderful fresh salad impeccably dressed. They had a non-alcoholic beer on the menu which was very good. My husband had the English breakfast. He enjoyed it immensely. We look forward to returning (with a reservation) to try other items.

Great Sunday Brunch

By travelqueen15 |

We headed here as it was close to the westin and we had a gift certificate. Glad we did. It was amazing. The oysters were so good. Ricotta was definitely one of my favorites. I had fish and chips which were cooked to perfection. Good big piece of fish that was crispy delicious. Hubby had the roast beef sandwich and said it was one of the best he has had. Friends had French toast and it was enormous. Great all around.

Somewhere between a nice bar and nice restaurant

By Bucket List |

Brought here by our Philly relative based on her prior experiences. Casual. Menu was varied and interesting. Not difficult to find something to try. We ordered three different entrees and shared all three. Very good. Risotto and mac and cheese were unique with interesting flavor (also very rich). We ordered a drink at the bar before dinner and the one drawback of the restaurant experience was there. Bartender was a bit "sloppy" and served drinks which spilled onto the bar and no napkin beneath or alongside. Drink of the day (two of us had) was a bit watery with little flavor. We would return again to this restaurant. General atmosphere is a bit dark, but nothing we'd allow to hinder a return visit.

Delightfully quirky British-style restaurant

By PetrousApex |

I went here after passing by a few times and being intrigued by the decor. The inside is unique and cozy and at times slightly ridiculous (e.g. the dog room) and overall fantastic. They serve standard British fare that is delicious - the shepherds pie is stick-to-your-ribs good. Decent drink menu with a rotating selection of beers on cask. All in all a delightful experience!

So good we came back again!

By Rae Gardner |

We enjoyed our dinner at The Dandelion so much that we came back another evening during our stay in Philly. Everyone enjoyed their entrees- rabbit pie (yummy but rich), shepherd's pie (to die for!), fish & chips (delicious), tandoori chicken (scrumptious), deviled eggs, and roasted carrots. And I'm still dreaming about banoffee pie! We had reservations and were promptly seated each visit as well as fantastic service.

Feels like a pub

By wander1 |

We only sat in the bar for drinks and a nosh but liked it so much we went back the next day Very good service even though very busy (Casey was great), good selection of beer, including a real bitter (or ESB) , which can be hard to find. nice atmosphere and prices are fine for Philly

Great service, great food

By Kenny |

This place is amazing. What a great little restaurant. Food is superb, drinks look great, and the ambiance is perfect.

Food and atmosphere great but beer issue.

By JoeInBucks |

Dandelion is one of my favorite restaurants in the Rittenhouse Sq area of Philly. Went there frequently when I was working in center city. Recently was there for dinner with the wife after a visit to the Christmas village around city hall and at Love Park and the light show on the city hall facade. Apps, soup and entrees were great but beer and drinks had some issues. Wife’s cocktail was weak with too much ice and fruit with too little alcohol. Not a big deal, happens on occasion at many places. However being known for British beers and British style beers is one of the thinks I really like about Dandelion. I ordered a flight of cask condition beers. Two were domestic and one was a British import. Cask conditioned and hand pump beers are typically served cool, not cold. Unfortunately two of the beers in the flight were actually warm. Not sure how that could happen but it shouldn’t in a place like Dandelion. When it was pointed out to the waitress she responded in a somewhat cavalier manner and did not seem to think that the issue should be pointed out to anyone. I’ll be back in any case but I hope that management fixes the issue.

Noisy But Yummy

By Marylis S |

If you keep in mind that The Dandelion is an English-themed pub that also happens to serve afternoon tea, you won't be too disappointed. The selection of goodies on three tiers are delectable---with cucumber, roast beef, curried chicken finger sandwiches on varied breads among the savouries; two tiers of finely made cookies, mini tarts and chocolate muffins are sure to satisfy the sweet tooth. The essential scones are scrumptious, accompanied by Devon cream, lemon curd and a fruit jam. Service was accommodating, and for a crowded Saturday afternoon, efficient. There was no hesitation when we asked for more Devon cream. However, the noise level (we were seated near the bar) was not conducive to conversation. If you were wishing for a relaxed ambiance, with perhaps some light classical music in the background, you have come to the wrong place. No, this is not Agatha Christie's Bertram's Hotel---alas. Also, though tea and trimmings were served on real china, the tea was steeped from teabags, not loose leaf. A detail perhaps, but crucial for those who actually care for tea.

Poor Service

By Tom Q |

My wife and I went there for brunch and sadly can't say we stayed. The person that "greeted" us wasn't particularly polite and seemed annoyed that we did not have a reservation, it was early on this Sunday and the place wasn't the least bit crowded. We were seated in the bar area- there wasn't a patron in the bar save for us. We waited over ten minutes for a server and unfortunately our presence was never acknowledged. People were coming in and seated upstairs while we patiently waited for service. There was plenty of bar staff lingering around but still no service. We left and went to another restaurant and recieved excellent service and had a nice brunch in spite of the lousy service at Dandlion. There is no reason we'd ever go back.

Philadelphia's Dandelion Bar...

By David-Kevin B |

Philadelphia is a city of many things, one of which is contrasts.  Never is it starker than when one looks up to see the modern towers which define its skyline, only to then focus your gaze street level and see The Dandelion, an Old World, English-style pub located at the intersection of 18th and Sanson Streets. Ensure you visit; the place is beguiling.  I can't imagine a finer place to spend time, particularly on a brisk day than this pub, enjoying glasses of their Yards IPA along with their hearty, and absolutely fantastic, winter root vegetable soup with buttermilk croutons.  Plan on leisurely passing the afternoon in one of the pub's myriad bars and rooms to enjoy : ― British cheese board, featuring biscuits, chutney and honey ― rabbit pie, with bacon, mushrooms, onions and white wine The only thing missing is Sherlock Holmes himself and the fog-filled landscape just outside the Dandelion's windows.

Beautiful food and atmosphere

By dustythoughts |

This restaurant, styled after a traditional British pub and with similar food but fancier, is absolutely fantastic. The food was delicious (I had a lamb shepherd's pie and my husband had a chicken sandwich) and our waitress was very friendly, giving us recommendations when we were trying to decide what to order. The portions were generous (we couldn't finish our meals) but didn't feel too heavy.

A GEM

By ilovecorndogs |

For brunch, we were just walking around and thought this place looked cool - walked in, had a table for two BY A FIREPLACE! wow, got lucky without a reservation Ordered bagels and yogurt (had to resist fat breakfast sausage and eggs, but im sure they are good) 2 beers, grapefruit Mimosa This is a top place - super cool inside, fairly priced, and delicious

Lunch delivery fail

By Robin A |

When you pay $17 for salad it really should be the best darn salad around in my book. I just had a lunch delivery from TryCaviar. I thought this would be really good - Butter Lettuce Salad and I added grilled chicken. Super skimpy on the ingredients. There's hardly any apples (even though that was the first ingredient in the description) So it's mostly lettuce and salad and the chicken is a little dry but in fairness does have good flavor. Going elsewhere next time I want to splurge on a Friday lunch delivery. Maybe it's better when you visit the restaurant?

Ok food, very uncomfortable service.

By Andy S |

Food - the main courses that we had to eat were ok, nice enough but nothing special. The desert was very nice. Service - I have visited the USA for over 30 years, 50 something trips in that time and this was hands down the most frustrating service I have ever received because every other experience in this time has been excellent. Our waiter communicated 95% of the time by using the noise mmmhmm, we found this to be incredibly rude. The dandelion is described as a British pub, I’m not sure which one because it certainly didn’t feel like one.

Enjoyable pub fare

By Ramdas P |

I dined here twice recently and enjoyed the food and ambience of an English pub. We were a group of around 10 and were provided a private room on the 1st floor. I tried one of their cocktails, “Iffy but spiffy” and really liked it. The Malbec too was good. For starters I would recommend the butternut salad. The main courses that were really liked were the steak and the tandoori chicken. The pork belly was good but heavy going. Would recommend for those into pub food and atmosphere.

Comfort food but not comfortable space

By dalm0m |

Friends recommended this place & what a delight. Very British. Nice ambiance -- dark woods, very pub-like, classic comfort food. It seemed casual rather than upscale but there were some dressed up people & several couples on dates. The dark ambiance added some romance, in the areas away from the noise of the bar. There were lots of tables for 2. The portions are small. Had I been hungry, I probably could have finished both an appetizer and my entry. I had one of their specialty gin & tonics. The drinks were fairly large but not overly strong. We ate in the pub area. One of our friends has slight mobility issues & couldn't make it up all the stairs. I suspect it would have been quieter up there. We could not carry on a meaningful conversation over all the noise of the bar area on a Saturday night. Our table was right by the door, which was fine on a temperate evening, but that table must be miserable in the dead of winter.

Nothing to impress

By mimic06 |

Visited this restaurant first weekend of May with my husband and 3 year old daughter. After reading many reviews on how good the food and the atmosphere is in this place we decided to pay it a visit, unfortunately is nothing more than an average restaurant. Place is very busy (at least around the time we were there), decor is old and not well maintained (I could see very dusty windows and curtains from where we were seating), servers are not too friendly but not mean, they just do their job but don’t go the extra mile to make you feel welcome. Menu is pretty small, my husband ordered the Fish and Chips and the portion was small and lacking taste, I ordered the Risotto and it was ok, nothing to brag about, there’s no kids menu so we had to order a regular size Mac and Cheese for our daughter, it was tasty however the pieces of ham that come mixed with the pasta are a bit too much and with a heavy pork taste. I don’t see this place as a family friendly restaurant, it’s more like a beer and appetizer kind of place so mostly for adults. I really don’t recommend The Dandelion, there are plenty of different choices in the same area with better seating (indoor and outdoor), music, larger menus and of course much better food.

Would have been good if my food arrived

By Lionel D |

Nice place, English style pub. Make sure they read back your order if you eating. They forgot to put my order in. When it came out, everyone else had basically finished their meals and because they rushed mine, the fish was slightly under-cooked. Not much in the way of an apology.

Its popularity a bit of a mystery.

By tillyhill |

Multi-level town house decorated like an English tea room in a faded seaside resort. Really popular with locals, but the unadventurous" traditional British" food was only fair to good. Nevertheless, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Thoughtless Service

By Pink P |

Located on a busy corner in downtown Philly, this restaurant is very narrow with multiple rooms on different levels. It has two entrances - one right on the corner and then the 'official' entrance on 18th Street, leading to the Hostess Desk. More people seemed to be using the entrance on the corner, which is in a different room where you can't see the Hostess Desk. There are dining tables very close to the corner entrance so if you are sitting at one of those tables, be prepared for the constant stream of customers coming in and going out. I can't imagine how uncomfortable that icy blast of air must be every time the door opens in winter. And when people come in at this entrance, as there is no Hostess Desk in sight, they stand there for a few minutes clearly wondering what to do. I saw several wait staff just completely ignore them instead of taking a minute to point out the way to the Hostess Desk. Also be prepared for lots of stairs. The street level dining area is down a few stairs from the Hostess Desk. Even if you come in at the corner entrance, you would have to go up those stairs to get to the Desk so there's no avoiding them. Although we didn't go upstairs, the staircase up to the next floor was quite long. So if mobility is an issue for you, this might not be the ideal venue. Next, the menu. So many dining establishments go out of their way these days to show which dishes are vegan, which contain nuts etc. But not The Dandelion. The menu isn't large but apparently they can't be bothered to adequately explain all the dishes. They have Rabbit Pie which they state has white wine. As I'm allergic to alcohol, I avoided that and ordered the Shepherd's Pie. One forkful in, I could taste the wine. Called the waitress over and asked whether it contained alcohol. Yes, red wine. I told her I'm allergic to alcohol but she didn't seem bothered that they'd served me something with alcohol. One of my colleagues even told her to bring an Epi Pen but she still didn't seem concerned. She asked if I wanted to order something else. Yes, what doesn't have any alcohol in it. She said I'll bring the menu. I said we already tried that and I still ended up with alcohol. She clearly didn't want to explain the menu and insisted on bringing it again and then she would tell me whether my next choice contained alcohol or not. Clearly wanted to work harder, not smarter. So I chose the salmon. She said she would check with the chef. Then he appeared and explained that although the salmon wasn't cooked in alcohol, the side of chickpeas was. Why is it so hard to just state those ingredients on the menu?? This is how lawsuits happen. So by the time my salmon arrived, the rest of my party had long finished eating. Meanwhile the waitress came back to refill our glasses and refilled my sparkling water with still water, even though she was the one who took our drinks order and the bottle of San Pellegrino was right there next to my glass. Just not paying attention. The food was ok - nothing special. The service was below par and the general thoughtlessness/lack of concern about anything shows they don't really care. I can't recommend this place and I won't be going back.

GF, DF menu

By Kristine |

Dandelion in downtown Philadelphia is a fantastic spot with a great gluten-free menu, delicious food, and exceptional staff. The atmosphere is very inviting, making you forget you’re in the middle of crazy downtown. It’s the perfect escape for a relaxing meal. Highly recommended!

Great start to Philly.

By Marko Pollo |

Outstanding food and drinks. Adam our server was well versed in the selections both on and off the menu. Asked him for the best and he delivered with mussels, steak tartar and chick/duck meat butter. Rabbit pie, steak and chips were strong. Trout was average. Selections for drinks were interesting and prompt. This was not a pub but a dining experience. Keep it up and thanks Adam.

Good pub

By MBEM |

Nice English pub with friendly service and good food, interesting draft selection. Another tv or two would be helpful!

Wow!

By Panadda S |

I am planning to go back next time I'm in Philly!! Delicious, quality ingredients that is the highlight! I heard about it through the Food Network (Best thing I ever ate) and could see why this place is raved about!

Good atmosphere

By Dawn M |

Must be an old mansion, now converted. We ate upstairs, seemed to have several rooms we peaked into, very interesting. Food was pretty good. Little pricey.

Historic but hip!

By lynnita30 |

A colonial feel, but with a modern menu featuring creative dishes that are fairly priced and delectable! The upstairs is divided into 5 different dining rooms, each decor varies. Ours had an antique dog theme. Heavy woodwork, a brass bar rail with bulldog accents, framed dog drawings and porcelain dogs on shelves, it set the tone to begin a great meal. We requested a table by the window and got it. One side had a velvet cushioned bench. The windows had heavy lace and woven fabric curtains. Felt like a blast from the past with the low lighting. Loved the roasted beet appetizer with whipped feta and olive tapenade. Mussels with white wine also delicious. Inventive cocktails as well!

Excellent authentic food

By Ryan B |

Incredible atmosphere with a feeling of being in an English bar/restaurant. The food was spot on as to something you would get in England or Ireland. The staffs attention to detail both in their service and the food make it an excellent place to visit over and over.

Must go! Excellent!

By Linda V |

Whether you go just for a cocktail, a nosh, a cup of tea or full meal - it is worth it! The atmosphere is lovely, service - professional and food just great! My husband had the fish and chips - and he said it was the best he’s had. I had the carrot soup - I already want to go back! As a starter - the homemade ricotta served with delicious sourdough bread - is not to be missed. And our friend had the roast beef sandwich which he raved about! My “hot toddy” which does have another name was a perfect holiday cocktail! FYI - I apologize for staring at neighboring tables having tea and treats! They looked scrumptious.

Yeah for High Tea!

By Lori B. |

There are not many places that one can get a traditional English high tea but The Dandelion is one. The atmosphere is great and food delicious. I highly recommend you go there, but get a reservation.

Cozy atmosphere and excellent quality

By Joske |

Had dinner with friends at this restaurant. British oriented. Excellent quality and normal size portions. Service is fast and friendly.

Great location, service and food!

By lobsterbacks |

Four of us colorado ladies visited This place on recommendation from our hotel doorman- what a great suggestion!! One gal loves her fish and chips. Another enjoyed mussels and two of us enjoyed steak. I subbed cheese cauliflower and it might have been all four of our favorite! Gorgeous setting for a memorable meal!

Felt like I was in London

By jpete02 |

Went here on a misty and cool Sunday in October, so the atmosphere was definitely set for British food. Very cool set up with restaurant dining rooms on multiple floors and rooms and a lively bar area on the ground floor. The interior of the room we dined in was decorated like a British home complete with flowery dishes, upholstery, and fireplaces. The food was upscale British pub food and very good. Had the fish and chips, which was a large piece of cod with thick cut fries. Wife had the rabbit pie, which was rabbit in a puff pastry that was absolutely delicious. Service was prompt, friendly, and efficient. Located a couple minutes from Rittenhouse Square. Dress was casual but they do accept reservations.

So much bread!

By Jo Jo |

House Made Ricotta $13 came with toasted sourdough bread. The ricotta flavor was light so those who aren't the biggest fan of ricotta could still enjoy it. Chicken & Duck Liver Parfait $15 with grape chutney, cornichons, brioche toast. Our must order dish every time we're here. The toast light and nicely toasted which I really enjoy. Friends likes the liver with the sourdough or wheat bread they gave us because they liked a more solid bread. Try it with both! Lemon Barley Risotto $16 with broccoli rabe, lightly smoked grana padano. A very strong lemon flavor which I liked but not a favorite of the rest of the gang so if you like lemon, go for it! If not, avoid it. I also added shrimp which came out with a nice char taste. The fries that came with the burgers and fish and chips are a huge hit or miss with the amount of salt on there. Some tasted as if the cap fell off and onto the fries. Others were fine so it's a gamble Overall, great food and service which explains why my friend has been here seven times!

Always a hit with a spectacular brunch!

By GradingMachine |

My wife and I were so happy to return to The Dandelion since the COVID shut-down in March. We had brunch in our favorite room: the dog room. Brunch is always fabulous here, and today was no exception. We loved the manager (Anthony) and our server (Michael). The only thing we'd ask is to bring back the cheese and spinach omelette! The scones are to die for.

Enjoy a fire side chat

By Claire S |

Is a favorite place when my family visits from out of town. They always ask to go there. Great fish and chips, good burger, and love the bangers and mash. Super delightful atmosphere.

Amazing fish and chips!

By Vici S |

We were on the hunt for fish and chips and were not disappointed at The Dandelion. Come hungry, the portion was very filling.

Great!

By Viorelb |

My family was very happy with this visit and I can say if you get a chance to be nearby try their pickled beetroot jar baguette! Loved the texture, taste and feeling afterwards!

Fantastic meal with great service in a charming restaurant.

By frugalm0m |

On a rainy Saturday, we called Dandelion to make a reservation. We were told there were no reservations available at that time, but we could come by for a “walk in” table. We did, and what a great evening we had! First, we were greeted warmly, despite no reservation, and were seated in a lovely bay window table. The pretty interior is full of lots of nooks where tables are spaced nicely for quiet conversation and privacy. Next, our server was friendly and helpful when answering questions. The menu has lots of interesting choices. We ordered a lot: chicken & duck liver parfait (really delicious), smoked salmon & trout pate, kale caesar salad, crispy pork belly, rabbit pie and the special Sunday roast. Everything was brought to our table promptly and tasted great. The beer and cocktail menu is extensive, and the breads are fantastic. Great meal.

One of my favorite spots!

By ChadSexington |

This review is long overdue. I've been to The Dandelion well over a dozen times, and have always had great food and great service! (Their burger is one of the best in all of Philadelphia and is THE BEST in my opinion.) But today I felt compelled to actually write a review. Went there for lunch today, and when ordering, I didn't speak clearly, and the waiter brought me the wrong dish. I felt terrible, but the waiter apologized and said not to worry, and then quickly brought my food. Afterwards, to our surprise, we were served a complimentary chocolate raspberry trifle for dessert (which was delicious!). It is this kind of service and "the customer is always right" attitude that keeps me (and many others) coming back! (Although the food, cocktails, and beer are more than enough reason on their own!) This place has never disappointed, and I look forward to dining there again! FYI - some my favorites from the menu: the aforementioned burger; deviled eggs; pickled beetroot jar; fish and chips, and my absolute favorite, the chicken and duck liver parfait. Don't be turned off by the fact that it's a pate; it is one of the best things I have ever eaten, and you will not regret ordering it!

Great brunch

By Nancy G |

We came here on a Sunday for lunch. We sat in the bar area at a nice table. Our server, Bryant, was very informative and friendly. We had the smoked salmon and trout pate to start. It was wonderful. I had the cheddar and ham omelet which came with greens. It was light as a feather. The greens were good. I am very happy it wasn’t served with bread or home fries. My husband had the English breakfast with scrambled eggs. He enjoyed it very much. They have a rose sparkling wine from Spain that was delicious. We will be back.

Birthday Tea

By Beth A |

My family and I visited Dandelion for my birthday. I normally get their Irish Breakfast but decided to try something different and got the Shepherds Pie. It was delicious! Just the right combination of meat, veggies and mashed potatoes. I can’t wait to go back. The service is good and very attentive for how busy they are and will do what they can to accommodate. Highly recommend!

A Great Time

By LoafJugThouTree |

We sat outside, in the temporary Covid-19 area. Not bad at all. $25 corkage hit the spot immediately. We were celebrating, so I brought wines from home. (Really nice wines are on the resto's list, too.) Really good wines, too! We were five, and three had the fish and chips. Great fish. Great chips. Service could not have been more professional or friendly. I get the feeling that people would say GREAT to just about anything on the menu. An absolutely MUST EAT HERE kind of place. So eat there!