Volvér Reviews

I went to this restaurant for a private party and had a wonderful time. The food was delicious and the drinks were great. Excellent service. The ambiance of the restaurant was nice as well. The only slightly odd thing was the bathroom was down a long flight of stairs...but the bathroom itself was spacious and clean. I would eat here again.

Volver cuisine is superb, the flavours tegined, the dishes creative: the "milk & cereal" was really asparagus soup with tasty added morcels. The lightly-breaded steak in the Gyu Katsu was tender and tasty. The fish of the day was also delicious, as were the tiny salmon cannoli. The chocolate mousse and orange parlays wee also scrumptious. The presentation was beautiful in all cases. The decor is spare modern, nice but not my taste in elegance. The service was not good, friendly, but forgetful and inattentive. Our drinks did not arrive before our appetizers and arrived at all only because I waved to the waiter to get them. No one came by to replenish our water. The waiter tried to make amends over the undelivered drinks by offering coffee, then forgot to serve it and delivered it cold only after I asked after it. Another waiter was much more effective and knowledgeable. Prices are high but not for this special Restaurant Week menu, whose portions were fairly small.

I purchased a voucher For Volver's 3-course pre theater dinner ($35 per person) while buying online orchestra tickets forThe Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. We were very pleased. The restaurant is on the main floor of The Kimmel and is a Jose Garces restaurant. The decor was lovely inside, service was spot on, and the food was excellent. Food presentation also contemporary and pretty. They also have an extensive wine and bar menu. I highly recommend trying this restaurant. Our reservation was at 5:30 and we were finished eating well-ahead of the 7:30 concert.

I came in for the 8 course Chef's Tasting menu with my boyfriend and I was blown away. The food is beautiful, perfect sized portions; you will not leave hungry! The service was attentive, personable, and professional. You won't have an experience like this anywhere else in the city. I highly recommend Volvér for a special occasion, or even a business meeting.

I was hoping to eat here for 2017 Center City Restaurant Week, but couldn't make it. Bar Volver indicated they had a V-Day menu going until the Saturday after V-Day so I made a reservation. However, the menu promotion was gone when we dined. At any rate, this review is only about the Bar Volver experience. I'm hoping to eat at Volver for our wedding anniversary in June to get the full 10 course tasting menu. Food: We had crab crudite (like a crab bruschetta), paella maki rolls, lamb burger, and the orange pistachio dessert. We really enjoyed the apps and entrees. We were obsessed with the lamb burgers! So amazing! The chef recommends medium rare, but we got it medium which is huge for us because we generally like meats well done. However, they sold us on this and we enjoyed it. The crab dish was simple and refreshing, but I did find the crab a bit chewy for my tastes. The maki rolls were the better of the two apps. It's served cold and everything is cooked. It was a neat spin on a traditional Spanish and Japanese dish. It came with a nice accompanying ponzu sauce. We got the desserts to go. It was cloyingly sweet and the pistachio nuts were sort of thrown unnecessarily in there. I don't know if the travel made the texture off, but it came off as really thick syrup. Not my favorite and the only disappointing part of the meal. For drinks, we got the non-alcoholic options (citrus herb and a ginger drink). I preferred the ginger drink as the citrus one was like a spa water beverage. Service: Slooooow. It takes too long to wait for the food. I found that surprising given that people typically come here before a show. If they're on time constraints, I don't think a 1/2 wait between courses is the way to go. The food is great, but shouldn't take so long. The waiters were great and very friendly. All in all, we'd go back for the lamb burgers alone. The menu is really limited, but I suppose it's because they want it as a preview for Volver. If that's the case, I'll try Volver out for sure.

We had a great table near the kitchen. Staff was very knowledgeable about the menu. I had the trout meunière and my wife had the prime beef tenderloin. Both excellent. Wine selections were outstanding. Perfect place for before or after a show at the Kimmel or any night out really. The manager stopped by and was very engaging, friendly and funny but not at all imposing way. The whole experience was great.

For the Ultimate dining experience in Philadelphia you must make a reservation at Volver located adjacent to the Kimmel Center .Jose Garces inspiring food accompanied by the best staff in the City is an amazing experience !!!

We had a magnificent meal at Volver in advance of seeing a concert at the Kimmel Center. It was a 6-course meal, beautifully presented and prepared. Each dish was imaginative, beautiful to look at and delicious. 6 courses would ordinarily be too much for me, especially before a concert, but the food was light, filling enough without being overwhelming, and consistently delicious: there was not one dish that I didn't like. The service was extremely pleasant and never pretentious. (I hate pretentious restaurants!!) The waiters got us out in time for our concert without ever making us feel rushed; they timed the meal perfectly. The atmosphere was very, very nice too. One of our diners was concerned in advance that there was no choice on our tastings menu -- she likes choice -- but even she was completely delighted, by each and every dish. We have seasons tickets for the Kimmel, and we will definitely go back to Volver before our next concert. (They told us the menu shifts month by month, so it wouldn't be boring to go back. Then again, even if it didn't, I would happily eat that identical meal again!!) The meal was expensive, I should note -- but worth the splurge. They could stand, though, to have a few more moderately priced wines of their wine list.

Ive eaten at most of Garces restaurants and loved them all so I was eagerly looking forward to Volver. The service and presentations were great. The first tasting ,french onion soup, was excellent. I was really excited after that. The nest taste of fois gras was just ok. The ceviche was great too. But then the cauliflower pasta came and it was again, just ok. If it would have had some shaved truffles on it, it would have been perfect, but it didn't. The fish was bland and the little sides were uninspiring. The dessert was just average too. I was disappointed. Not worth the money. Mayber half of the money. I won't be returning.

Waiter very attentive at first. Food just never came out! Late for show! Would not recommend pre show !

I was at Volver for an engagement party. The food and service was excellent, the staff was very friendly and knowledgeable about the foods being served. I would definitely go back.

Very interesting place . Personalized attention by everybody . The Sommelier is right on the spot with wine pairing , she is very friendly and knowledgeable. The Chef tasting menu ( only option ) is adventurous , combining different items from all around the region in a very creative way . Reminded me of the French Laundry ! I encourage all fine cuisine aficionados to try it at least once. It's the highest end Jose Garces in town .

Unfortunately friends invited us to be their guests at pretentious Volver before a concert at the Kimmel Center next door, which we almost missed because of terribly disorganized & intrusive service. Then there's the supposedly trendy & outrageously pricey cuisine...served in such remarkably small portions that we literally left the table hungry & resorted to protein bars at intermission. Drinks are skimpy & don't get me started on the three hostesses staring blankly at the computer at the front desk, while several parties (with reservations) waited for them to figure out where we should be seated Suggestion: Save your $$$ & try nearby historic McGillin's Pub, where hearty food is affordable, service efficient & friendly & the ambience unfailingly cheery.

From the flavors of the food, to presentation, service and wine pairings to the ambiance - the entire meal was just like a performance. The food and presentation is artful and wines are perfectly paired. Lived up to the hype - prepare for it to be expensive, but consider it a dinner and a show.

To be fair, it was a Wednesday evening, but there was only one other table occupied (very loud person) and a couple at the bar. That was it besides us for over 2 hours. We loved the decor (modern), food was good and the service was okay (only one person on staff - she was the bartender and wait staff - there was no other employee). Really, we would have loved to be there on the week end, because we really did like the place - just a little quiet and lonely.

This was the most bizarre experience we have ever had at a restaurant--from trying to make a reservation through to the end. Despite being shepherded to one half of the restaurant not reserved for a special function, our waitress kept telling us, "Oh, you're not with the group?" "Well I suppose it's OK."....It was so bad that the bartender came to assure us that we were fine. Never saw a menu (They hadn't come up yet.) Happy Hour prices weren't honored. Size of food servings was misinterpreted. Online menu? Don't count on ordering from it: It's just a sample. Nothing worked right, including the pen to sign the credit card slip. This is not a cheap place to eat. We didn't go for cheap. But we also didn't go for hassle. To their credit, the manager came as we were leaving and apologized--and corrected the bill.

Had the 'special' meal of my stay in Philly here. 12 course tasting menu eaten over 3-4 hrs. It was plenty of food! only 3/12 courses actually had warm food so most was at least partially made in advance and tended to reflect this with dry or soggy textures. This is why the un-toqued kitchen staff in the open plan kitchen were so relaxed. There was jazz noodling away in the background, a merciful alternative to Frank Sinatra, bit an irritation none the less. Most of the food was under seasoned and fairly tasteless and presented as little artworks. The style is typical of what has evolved into the great American tasting menu, high scores for style, low scores of substance. The red wine list was 85% above $100 with 300% markup (plus gratuity) and two glasses of sweet wine $25 each. The service was attentive and the speed of food arrival well paced. All up, expensive, disappointing.

WOW! I took my girlfriend to Volver last night to celebrate an anniversary. I wanted to take her someplace special and decided to try Volver in spite of the fact that we had looked at their menu in the past and were not sure if we would like everything they had to offer. Volver has a preset menu offering both a 6 course and a 12 course option. Actually you get more then 12 courses if you count the fact that the snack course alone consist of 4 items even though it is considered one course. We decided on the 12 course dinner with the wine pairing which consisted of Champagne, wines, sake, beer and a Madeira (Port). We have done many wine pairings in the past at other places and normally we each get a couple of wines that we do not particularly enjoy. That was not the case at Volver. Each selection was perfect and couldn't have been better. Regarding the food. OUTSTANDING, is the word that comes to mind. Every course was as fresh it could possibly be, the quality was terrific, it was all cooked or prepared to perfection and the presentation was all to the level of a work of art. Natalie was the chef last night and Mr. Garces has the operation in good hands with her preparing the meals. Recognition to all of the staff of both the kitchen and the dining floor is also in order. Everyone was as professional and friendly as any staff I have ever seen in a restaurant. It is an open kitchen concept and the kitchen is spotless. The dining room is also spotless the floors, carpets, walls lights, ceilings all shine as though they were put in before our arrival. I would like to specifically recognize Michael Gonzalez. Michael was our Captain (Waiter) and he made sure that the evening was very special for us. His knowledge and attentiveness was amazing. If a fork was slightly crooked he would straighten it while talking to you so that you wouldn't even notice what he was doing. He explained the alcohol selections as well as the food with a passion. Michael's assistants were also deserving of recognition. Between the two of us we probably had 50 - 70 pieces of silverware, 30 - 40 plates and 20 or so glasses and/or cups and there was not a single spot, chip, scratch etc. I honestly cannot find one negative thing to say. The meal and the evening were perfect. We have dined in some of the best restaurants in the country and the world and there are very few restaurants at this level. This is at least as good if not better, then Victoria and Albert's who just recently was ranked as the number 5 restaurant in the entire United States here on Tripadvisor. Locally, I do not think the Fountain, Barclay Prime, the Hotel DuPont Green room etc even come close to the meal that we had last night although they are all exceptional dining experiences in their own right. Thanks to all for giving us a dining experience that we will never forget.

Iron Chef Jose Garces has created a culinary experience worthy of its pre-paid ticket-only policy. There were only winners in the multiple course (14-15) pre-fixe menu. My favorites were the milk & cereal, live sea scallops and the veta la palma. For dessert, there were three offerings, all beyond delicious. Although I'm not a carrot cake fan, Volver's version was a "deconstructed" carrot cake and I savored each bite. Service was what you would expect at this price point but what was impressive was every staff member seemed fully knowledgeable to answer all questions. The beverage pairing was perfect. I woke up the next morning still savoring my dinner. Do not book this unless you can spend 3-4 hours to enjoy an unforgettable evening.

Went here before a show and ordered off the pre theatre $35 Prix fixed Menu. The food was just fair. We each had one cocktail that was so expensive we still ended up spending $66 a person. With so many good restaurants in Philly this one is not worth the time or money. The Kimmel center deserves a much better restaurant.

Little disappointed to see the menu. Too small. The online menu is bigger and has lot of foods that does not match the current menu in the restaurant. It is misleading to customers. So, my suggestion to the restaurant is to update the online menu. If I knew that , I may not come to this restaurant. I could not get a table, no option to book on line of through open table apps. I took a seat at the bar, but the bartenders were not attentive. The pace of food serving was good. The amount of food is pretty small. The relatively the price is $$$$. Clean and contemporary decoration inside. Noise level average. The papaya salad was ok, may need a little touch of chili. Love the shrimp toast. The beef tatter was great. The tout was well seasoned and was tasty. The crepe was delicious. Still at the end of a day, like to have more options and updated menu online. Need to have open table booking capability. Liked it but not excited.

Terrific 12 course meal - strongly recommend the wine pairings as it is impossible to pick just one or 2 wines which will adequately enhance your meal. Very inventive dishes without being "off-putting". However, definitely a "splurge"/once a year destination - still, I hope Philadelphians recognize & support this jewel. (restaurant was alarmingly empty on a Thurs nite when we visited).

Jose Garces has outdone every restaurant in Philadelphia with Volver's performance 12-course tasting menu! My husband and I went with another great couple and had the 12 course meal with the drink pairing as well. It was so worth the money, the food was prepared in unique ways that only this renowned chef could create. Things like asparagus milk over truffles and chicken livers, Kentucky fried squab, edible 'dirt', and so much more. The drink pairings were fabulous, things that you normally wouldn't consider, from wine to sake to beer and Madeira, and everything matched perfectly to the point that the food and drink took on new flavors as they were enjoyed together. The service was also unbelievably friendly and informative and on point, every plate touched the table at the same time, and Joffrey our server matched our personalities and made our entire experience one we will never forget. I absolutely recommend trying Volver at least once in your lifetime, we certainly plan at least an annual trip to Volver to experience the amazing things that Chef Garces has in store! And now reservations are simply done via OpenTable!

So is this about the food... yes to a certain extent... but really it is an experience that happens to be in a restaurant versus a formal show or other venue... every dish was meticulously prepared by a Jose trained chef (he was there) and then explained fully by Ben our server... he was as excellent at the presentation as was the exquisiteness of the food on the plate... I do not drink a lot, so we split the wine flight and again the sommelier poured and explained in detail where grapes were grown, the nose and taste of every flight element... if you can afford it, the $300 for two included a 20% tip, it is truly a one of a kind experience... I'll go over some of the food in an update...

We had the paired 7 course meal which was delicious to the last morsel. From the moment, we walked in on our anniversary, it was a truly special experience. The wait staff were gracious, knowledgeable and attentive without being intrusive. The friendly sommelier, Gordana, complemented our culinary journey with a perfect pairing of wines with her impressive know- how and not a trace of wine-snobbery. It was all-in-all a restaurant experience reminiscent of fine meals in Europe.

Volver is inside the Kimmel center, so very convenient after a concert. It has a large dining area so it can easily accommodate relatively big parties. The decor is fun and modern (although perhaps a bit too dark for my taste). The food is a contemporary re-interpretation of Spanish tapas, with several small dishes and a somewhat small list of main dishes. I had a vegetable tartine (delicious) and the squid ink spaghettini with trout roe (a sort of fish carbonara), also very good. The wine list is decent (we had a nice Malbec from Argentina) but a bit on the expensive side. The service was very professional and informative.

What was once old is new again. A fine dining experience that lives up to it's billing. I've dined twice before at the bar at Volver (Not your typical bar food, but a less expensive opportunity to enjoy great food). This was my first meal in the intimate dining room with a view of the open kitchen. Though a 12 course meal sounds daunting, the pace and the servings kept me from feeling uncomfortable at the end of the evening. The service is professional, attentive without the sense of hovering. The wine list though like most Philly restaurants highly marked up has good wines available at a reasonable price. Every course was excellent and original in it's presentation.Though it was expensive, it was perfect for special occasions. Highly recommended.

This was my first encounter with a Jose Garces eatery, although friends and family have raved about his other enterprises. Volver provided us with an astonishing dining experience. Not only were there numerous courses, but almost every one consisted of several individual items that are treats unto themselves. I am very much aware that usually in such a complex presentation there are winners, losers, and just OKs, and have weathered many "tasting" meals of that sort. All I can say is that on the evening we went to Volver, every item in every course was stellar, and the service was exceptional. It was really a pleasure to encounter a culinary team that can provide such a superlative dining experience!

Very nice restaurant located at the Kimmel Center and convenient for attending the symphony. We had the pre-theater prix fixe menu which was very fairly priced. The food was all delicious. It was inventive without being too crazy and strange. Everything was cooked perfectly and beautifully presented. They had a limited but very nice selection of wines by the glass. The service was efficient and friendly and the courses were nicely paced. We would definitely return if we were in the area

The title says it all, and the food is really reasonably priced when you consider the quality. Nice wine list too, but that is where things become a little pricier. But we had a fantastic experience, we practically had the place to ourselves, which sounds strange but I think most regular patrons were at a fund raiser in the Kimmel Center where the restaurant was doing the catering. Anyway, it allowed for a nice unrushed dinner.

We went last week for about the fifth time in the last 3 years and it was a shadow of its former self. The tasting menu had a few nice dishes such as the cajun inspired shrimp, but nothing overly creative or inspired. My duck was overcooked and all in all it appears that chef Garces has lost interest in the place. Its a shame because we enjoyed our previous visits.

We went to Volver for our anniversary. The food was fantastic, as were the surroundings, wait staff, decor, etc. Each course was very creative and wonderful tasting. It was a little extra plus to see everything made right in the kitchen that is open to the diners. While all the courses were great, I could have stopped at 10 courses. 11-14 put me over the top to being a little too full. My husband on the other hand had no problem finishing everything. A bit pricey, but well worth it for the quality and flavor. Certainly not something that you could do everyday, but a real celebration of flavors for a special occasion.

My wife and I went to Volver this past Saturday night...getting there around 8:45pm to start a night out. The atmosphere at the bar is extremely classy and upscale; dark, sleek setting with candlelight. My wife got a White Russian and a Lemon Drop; neither of which were on the cocktail menu but both of which were really enjoyed. I drank a Truffle Rush which was very unique...this bartender is gifted!

This could not be more convenient for a pre-show meal at one of the nearby Broad Street theaters, especially the Kimmel Center, where this restaurant is housed. In fact, this restaurant doesn't have its own restrooms; one needs to go out a side door into the lobby of the Kimmel Center to use its basement facilities. Service was extremely warm and solicitous, and the clean lines of the dining room very attractive. Though the pre-theater menu, from which I ordered, is economical at $35 for three courses, the food was strangely bland. The textures were right in the red endive salad and the market fish entree -- and they looked great on paper with ingredient lists that included all sorts of vegetable-driven flavor combinations -- but both courses surprised me because none of the components' individual flavors really sang. Truffle, for example, was supposed to be part of the jus accompanying the fish dish, and while ordering I was actually afraid that its flavor would be overpowering, but any truffle flavor was barely detectable. On the other hand, the fish itself was perfectly cooked, so there are very nice things about the experience, as well. The prix fixe dessert looked and tasted like a mass-produced product.

First of all, we LOVE a tasting menu; anyone that complains about the portion size(!) when selecting 8 or 12 courses simply doesn't get the experience. We have had he pleasure of experiencing tasting menus in Cape Town, Sydney, Salzburg, New York, Paris, etc. and Volvér in Philly holds up to all of the best from around the globe. DO go here if you want a memorable meal in the City of Brotherly Love. We selected Volvér for a special Mother's Day treat and it was a worthy gift for all of us. But I would not hesitate to dine here on other occasions or if we just wanted to invent an reason to go on a culinary journey . It is, to be sure, expensive by Philadelphia standards but quite in keeping with tasting menus in other large cities. The main dining room was rather austere with an open kitchen; clearly the food, as well as those meticulously preparing it, was the star of this establishment. Do opt to face the kitchen and you will find yourself entertained with some of the most precise orchestration of plate composition that you will ever witness. Every taste was artfully arranged and, yes, the food did indeed merit such care and respect for ingredients. We selected the 12 course menu (as I noted did most of the other diners in the room) and did indeed find many standouts to praise. I especially loved the "Asian Pear" course and the "Cacio e Pepe" which was white asparagus, Parmesan, stinging nettles(!) paired with a croissant in the shape of a brioche. Another course that featured ramps ("Alaskan Halibut"), in my opinion, fell a little flat as the greens were stringy and hard to chew - the only flat note in a symphony of food worthy of The Kimmel Center location. Service was deft and pleasant; one got the impression that the staff indeed enjoyed delighting all so fortunate to dine at Volvér. And each question (such as, "How did they slice the top of the egg so perfectly?") was answered with respect and as if you were the only one to have ever thought to ask. Our meal was nicely paced and we left feeling as if we had eaten neither too little nor too much at the end of the evening. As our check was presented, we were given an envelope with our evening's menu and some house-prepared lollypops to further entertain us. It was a nice touch bringing an additional smile. When you find yourself in Philly and you have the means for a superlative meal, do consider dining at Volvér. I promise you will congratulate yourself for taking this journey.

We stopped at the bar for a snack before the theater. The signature Old Fashioned was excellent, but glasses of white wine were the smallest pour I have ever seen... I'm guessing 2 oz. For $12. I've had bigger tasting samples at wineries. They say they do small plates and they're right. We ordered : -- the "paella maki roll". The waiter asked if we wanted the app size or the entree portion so we took the large and it was six sushi roll sized slices..enough for three people to sample and appreciate. -- A creamy cheese plate was very good -- But the CORN CROQUETTES with huitlacoche crema,was simply laughable. Five little droplets , literally the size of a grape. It looked like the driblets of batter that dropped off the spoon while putting the real fritters into the fryer. The people who clean up and lick the bowl got a bigger portion than we did. You literally do not get enough in your mouth to really taste this. Of course the quality and originality of the food was amazing, but was really a caricature. You tasted more reading about this than we did.

Terrible service from arrogant, mirrored tied, rosebud wearing waiter. As for the "pre-theater" food: no bread offered and the lamb burger was the worst - soft wet bun (grocery store mush from a "Garces" restaurant?)- thought a cibatta bun, brioche, even two pieces of pita would have held the burger better. Extremely small portions - husband's fish entree was a 2 inch by 2 inch square! To top if off, a small custard cup of foam was considered to be a dessert "parfait". And, by the way, we asked the waiter for a "full menu" twice, but never received it. The are other restaurants close to the Kimmel that offer much better food and service. Forget this one for sure....

We went for Wednesday Happy Hour and were positively delighted with the scintillating atmosphere, the beautiful bar, the fastidious attention and the delicious small nibbles. You have to order quite a few of them to have even a fraction of a meal but the 1 dollar a bite price was very reasonable. If you love caviar, tuna tartare and little tartines this is a great choice. Definitely a spot for a fancy cocktail with a good friend or a special date. I gave it four stars because it really is pricey.

Volver cannot deliver a pre-show dining experience even with the nearly empty restaurant from 5:30-7:30pm. Don’t GO! Not worth it! POOR service all around!! Average lukewarm food! Unexciting menu. VERY disappointing. Too many good restaurants near the Kimmel Center.

We visited during restaurant week so the menu was limited. The food was excellent, service top notch. It is expensive but worth it. My only complaint would be that the portions were very much on the small size. But overall, a good experience.

We simply had an awful experience at Volver. How a restaurant situated in a country hall can't manage a pre-theater menu is beyond me. We arrived at 6, leaving us 90 minutes for 3 courses. Epic fail. The table next to us arrived at 5:30 and also couldn't complete their meal. We had to ask for our drinks twice. The dumplings in the soup were completely raw and inedible. My arugula, date and walnut salad was a clump of yellowed, over-dressed arugula with no walnuts and 2 slices of dates. Our desserts never arrived. Entrees were brought before appetizers were cleared. We had to ask for cutlery. This meal was $56, not inexpensive. No wonder Jose Garces went bankrupt.

My husband and I had dinner the food was delicious. Except when dinner was over the major Dee was not very friendly. She address us as you people.

The good - Tasting menus make life easy for the indecisive - no worry you missed something great because you get it all. At Volver you want to try everything, either because you already love other Graces restaurants or because of the sheer madness of some of the courses, Two words, asparagus milk. While some courses were duds, as the meal progressed they improved. My companion and I both agreed that it was the most variety we have ever had in a single sitting. The bad - You only get a taste, the fish and the fowl courses barely yielded two bites and they were the high points of dinner. We opted for full experience -- 12 courses with wine accompaniment. The final bill for two people was $700 - gratuity included. For most folks, including myself, this puts the restaurant in the VERY special occasion category. The kind that you may only go to once in a lifetime. I wonder how they will sustain this restaurant and not turn into a chef vanity project? The rest - You have a choice between either a 6 or 12 course tasting menus. I fasted the day before and the 12 course left me full without rolling out the door. There is an optional wine pairing and in most cases was a true compliment to the food. A few wines (we drank 8) hit me wrong on the palate and when I mentioned it the sommelier brought me a truly excellent replacement. We made our reservation about two weeks before but we probably could have walked in there were open tables it was a Thursday night at 7. If you are looking to travel the world but not leave Philly -- Volver is for you. Or you could take the money and buy a plane ticket....

My boyfriend surprised me for our one year at Volver in September 2015. I can't describe Volver as a restaurant as it is far beyond any restaurant I have ever been to in the United States and in Europe. I felt as if I was in a completely different country or world. The service was impeccable. Expect that every time you stand up that someone will push in your seat and fold your napkin back up for you. When you come back from the restroom, you are greeted with a "welcome back!" and someone is there again to pull your chair out and push you back in. They were knowledgable about every course that came out, where it came from, and the drink that came with it. They smiled and were very friendly. You can also watch your food being made as the kitchen is right there. I felt like a good friend invited to a warm dinner party and completely engulfed in the experience of my food that way. As for the food-Again, I it can't be described because there is absolutely no words for what I had experienced that night. They can provide for anyone who has any allergies as well as when you reserve (you must make reservations), they cater to your individual food needs. The 12 course meal that we had was very filling although the servings are small so come with an appetite. If you happen to get the pairings with the 12 course meal, do NOT drink anything before you come. They are generous with their portions and it will catch up with you! Come here with an open mind as well, because a parsnip brûlée cake may sound slightly unappetizing for example, but they create everything here to make you craving more! (I still dream about that cake too!). By far the BEST place I have gone to eat!

We knew going in that this meal would be expensive, but still a lot less expensive than the original menus offered. We took the opportunity of going prior to a show at the Academy of Music. The bar area is very nice, with friendly staff and limited happy-hour priced cocktail, wine, beer, and snacks. The dining room is small, giving it a rather exclusive feel (not sure if there was more seating somewhere else). The service was first class. A very knowledgeable and friendly table Captain took care of us the whole evening, describing each course, along with it's origins, cooking methods, and "meaning". It was a little like performance art for food. The food itself was excellent. Every course was delicious and well balanced, and even though the plates are small (we probably could have eaten double portions of just about every course), we left satisfied, but definitely not stuffed. We particularly enjoyed the Wagu steak and the "Kentucky" fried quail. This is not a run of the mill restaurant. It is a culinary experience that requires time and a little open-mindedness to savor. It is a Special Occasion treat, which, in our estimation, was easily worth the price of admission. It's not somewhere you would visit on a regular basis, but when I have visitors in town and I want to impress them with something different, you can rest assured that Volver will be at the top of the list.

Volver, located in the Kimmel Center, caters to people with concert/show tickets. Our meal was great, just enough and not too much. Shrimp appetizer, sea trout entree, chocolate dessert for $35 doesn't seem all that pricey. It's quiet, with good background music as one would expect. I'd certainly go again.

Volver is located inside the Kimmel center. And has an entrance also on Spruce Street. We went for restaurant week so it was a limited but absolutely stellar menu. The hanger state entrée was delicious as was the chicken. I also enjoyed the tartare appetizer made with yellowtail and mango. Service was impeccable. Even asked to “warm up my coffee“. I have not heard that in a long time. The decor is also lovely. The dining rooms are not large and have beautiful windows looking out on the activity on Spruce Street.

The ambiance is pleasant, the staff behind the bar/counter very knowledgeable and connective, the menu offers light fare or heavy; great for a date or before a show.

My daughter and I dined a second time after the restaurant had reopened this fall after a summer break. I had thought our first visit was exceptional. The second was even better. The fall menu is amazing. We had the 12 course menu and they substituted the fish presentations for me as I do not like fish other than shell fish. All courses were amazing. We had cocktails that were super and ordered wine recommended by the Sommelier who was cordial and gracious. Service was beyond 5 star. This restaurant reminds me of a high end Las Vegas restaurant, edgy with great food. I only hope it succeeds in Philly. Kudos to Tom, David and Gordana . Yes it is very expensive but totally worth it. I have dined at most of Garces restaurants, and this is really the best. Absolutely fantastic.

I went to Volvér with my father for a pre Valentine's Day night out. We enjoyed the premier of "Jazz It Up Philly" featuring Paul Jost. The atmosphere was really nice, and the service was excellent. I had the smoked salmon tartine, which was quite tasty. Perfectly located in the arts district, the venue is simply elegant, and a great spot for a classy night on the town with someone special. I will definitely go again.

Tried appetizers and a glass of wine before the concert. Amazing atmosphere, service, food. The manager stopped by to greet us, the server was very well informed and extremely polite but the food we tried was out of this world. Unfortunately we had made other plans for dinner which we regret now. We should have dinned at Volver.

Food, Service and Ambiance were ALL PERFECT. We were astounded, because that's so rare. We don't live in Philadelphia, but we do live in a large east-coast city with fancy fixed price restaurants, and none have been so perfect and enjoyable as Volver. The food itself was exquisite. And delicious. Some of it astounding as well. Volver is both sophisticated and yet relaxing. The place is not at all stuffy. The fixed 8-course menu ($95) was the perfect amount of food. We have pretty good appetites and we were thoroughly satisfied. (There were 2 additional surprise courses from the chef, not described on the 8 course menu, and those were among some of our favorite food items.) It's not a huge place and yet we were attended to by at least 5 different people throughout the evening. Each one of them made it a very personal experience - as if we were guests in their home, being both gracious, charming, personable, and fun. The wide angle window view of classic Center City brick townhouses was both fitting and charming. When we asked questions about some of the courses, the staff was not only knowledgeable but engaging. At the end, we didn't want to leave. If we didn't live 100 miles away, I'm sure we'd hurry back after they transition to a new menu in 4 or 5 months.

The bar area offers a great place to have a snack or meal of small plates prior to going to the orchestra. The Lamb Burger was amazing as was the grab tartine. Their wine selection by the glass is nicely varied.

I'm from NJ. I wanted to take my wife and daughters to a fine restaurant for our 24th anniversary dinner. Called many restaurants in NJ and Philly and finally settled for last night. My entire family was completely blown away by their superb and outstanding service. They made custom menus with our wedding pictures and special titles. They even went above and beyond by giving us the menus to take home with their autographs! As for food, the presentation was extremely well thought out. We chose the 8-course dinner, which includes a variety of dishes each with their own unique taste. Every item on the menu was exquisite and delicious. The best we have ever seen! Job well done the Volver Team!

I ate in the main dining area of Volver last year which features a fixed price chef's menu and was quite disappointed in the experience. But since the restaurants location is so ideal( if you are attending a performance at the Kimmel Center), I decided to try the new Bar Volver menu which features an a la carte menu. My companions & I couldn't have been happier with the experience. It is a still a pricey proposition figure about $75-85 per person with moderate alcohol consumption but there is definite value. We enjoyed a mixed cheese platter, a charcuterie plate and chicken soup to start, all excellent. For large plates we sampled the fried chicken, ricotta ravioli and a beef tenderloin. Portions were moderate and were not suitable for sharing. Our server was delightful, my only slight complaint was there was a significant delay between our small plates and our main courses. Coffee was excellent. No chance to sample dessert because of the lax coursing. Still, all in all, I was quite pleased.

We visited Philadelphia in October and I celebrated my birthday at Volver. We got 12 courses diner with wine pairings. We loved all the dishes, but some even more so, it was quite tasty and interesting food journey. Also everybody was super, super friendly and helpful. Thank you!

Had dinner with my wife. The food overall was excellent and so was the service. Didn't give top rating because the drinks are too expensive and the meat dish was below par in comparison to all others. It was overcooked to medium well and tough. However, I highly recommend it.

I had heard a lot about Volver and was looking forward to going. What a disappointment! The first problem was service. The waiter forgot to get my glass of wine that I ordered when we first sat down, and we had to get someone else to get it when our salads arrived. He was MIA for most of our meal. We got the pre-theater fixed priced menu. For appetizer I ordered a "papaya salad." What I got was long julienned strips of something white, crunchy and vinegar-y; definitely not the fruit I was expecting! Nowhere on the menu does it say that "papaya" to them means some unripe rind that they then drown in vinegar. Gross. Fortunately a manager did offer to swap out a green salad for me. On to the entree. I ordered "Gnudi" which the waiter said were like gnocchi. So wrong. What I got were 6 small balls of lukewarm cheese in some cream sauce. Again, gross. (My husband's sous-vide chicken was very good; the only positive thing about our meal.) The chocolate dessert was fine, but we had to rush through it to make the start of our concert. And when the check was delivered, the final blow: I was upcharged for the wine I ordered. A classic ploy in less-than-reputable restaurants: tack a couple dollars onto a cocktail and the customer will never notice. Don't waste your time or money on Volver!

What started as a promising meal went down hill with each passing course. Our party of 4 opted for the 8 course tasting menu. The opening trio of snacks were wonderful - flavorful, imaginative & literally appetizing. Followed by a beautiful plating of Asian pear and a delicious thyme croissant we eagerly anticipated the remainder of the meal. The next two courses, one a lamb tartare, the other a miso soup with hazelnut tofu were met with mixed reviews. While the meat was fine, the flavorings were to 2 members of our party, unexceptional. The soup was a strange mix of flavors that was more interesting than satisfying. Once again, we were divided about the dish's success. The final two heavier courses were for the entire table a disappointment - not due to the flavors of the ingredients but their quality. The swordfish, each small (1-1/2 oz?) cube smelled fishy and not in a pleasant way. Volver's take on Beef Wellington was a pork in pastry with shishito mushrooms. A beautiful presentation but unfortunately the meat was tough rather than chewy and my husband found his portion inedible. Dessert was rushed as we had tickets to a concert which ended our meal on a rather frenetic note. Petit Fours - excellent, lime sponge with granita - was 1/2 good loved the citrus-y granita but the lime completed overpowered it. Chocolate mousse with mango drops was completely forgettable. Service was odd and I'll leave it at that. Wine pairings were wonderful, choices were unusual and matched perfectly with dishes. My favorite part of this meal may have been just the wine. Portions are very small and the price is high. Gratuity of 20% is included automatically. Our bill for 4 - $545.

We did the whole 12 course tasting thing which, with tip, came in at just over $700. It just ain't that special. The on-view kitchen seemed to be having a good time, but the front-of-house staff just seemed to be going through the motions - as if they'd all just got some bad news about a relative's health. The location in the cavernous Kimmel Center doesn't help, but perhaps as a quick pre-show thing it works.

While there are a number of excellent choices for dinner on Broad street before a show I'd recommend that you try Volver at the Kimmel Center. The small restaurant in sure at the Kimmel has a very attentive staff, a light refined small paste menu designed not to leave you sleeping through the performance and eating here will leave you an additional 15 minutes to get to your seat before the curtain. Lots of alternatives to the red meat on the menu so that you hear the full performance.

I was surprised for my birthday with a dinner at Volver. I will admit that my expectations were not high as it was Restaurant Week – a period that we generally avoid like the plague. However, I was pleasantly surprised and frankly blown away by the food that was served. We both had the Rose Gold cocktail which was delicious and $2 of each drink went to the Garces Foundation. The $35 Restaurant Week menu was severely limited, in effect a pared version of the $35 pre-theater menu; but we each found dishes that looked interesting/appealing. For the first course we had the Hamachi Tartare and the Milk & Cereal. The tartare was phenomenal, sublime, fresh and delicious, the togarashi flatbread was genius. The milk & cereal a fun play on a composed asparagus soup with rice flakes, chicken thigh and thyme marshmallows – delicious. The second courses were the Veal Hangar Steak and the Pastrami Trout and again, both were surprising in good ways and delicious in all ways. I had a great by the glass Riesling with my entrée and my partner had a fantastic by the glass Merlot ($28) that was worth every drop. We finished with the third and last course with Panna Cotta of black sesame, yuzu meringue, mandarin sorbet, Thai basil and cherry with a black and white sesame crisp that brought it all to a fantastic close. Josh was our server and he was great as was Phoebe who checked in on us all night long and brought us a yummy sparkling wine sent by my sister-in-law to accompany our dessert. Based on our experience, I can absolutely say that it was THE BEST Restaurant Week experience we have ever had and we are definitely planning to check out the regular menu & tasting menu plus wine pairing as soon as Restaurant Week is over.

Volver is a beautiful restaurant with great atmosphere. The bar service and bartenders are exceptional and the food is A+. I would recommend it for a drink or a date; nice dinner...night on the town!

My friends gifted my husband and I, the tasting menu at Volver, as a wedding gift! It was great! Amazing wine pairing along with a great selection of food!

Highway robbery! Small portions, odd location even though attached to Kimmel...Bar super expensive and food mediocre!

I normally do not write negative restaurant reviews. In this case I am making an exception. This is a restaurant and bar located inside Philadelphia's primary performing arts center which has a mystifyingly lackadaisical attitude to service. You'd think the attraction here would be convenience -- getting diners served promptly prior to a concert or show as restaurants in and around other major arts centers specialize in. We found it to be just the opposite. Apparently other diners do as well based on local food review sites which I wish I had consulted prior to making the reservation. If the manager had seemed concerned with our plight, I'd have just chalked it up to a bad night in the kitchen. But he was unapologetic and unconcerned. Bottom line, for a $$$$ establishment and one owned by one of Philadelphia's premier chef /entrepreneurs, it was, sadly, a big disappointment, misfiring on service and experience. There's no reason to stress yourself here wondering if the food will arrive before curtain time. Center City Philadelphia abounds with good restaurants.

If you buy theatre tickets, you will note that there's a combination thing with Volver and the Theatre in that Volver has a "pre-theatre" meal of three courses. Under most circumstances, one might be scared off thinking there's something fishy about the deal in it self. After all, why would a great eatery combine itself with anything else...But, we gave it a try. First, the place is a contemporary, upscale environment by any measure. It is decorated classily, the bar is approachable, and the mood generated is one whereby you feel welcome. Second, the service is attentive, happy to have you there, friendly, and knowledgeable. No pretentions or rudeness here. Next, the three course meal is simply that, a meal portion that won't make you feel, before the theatre, like you need a nap or can't walk. It is a culinary delight, well thought out, eye pleasing, and most importantly, prepared perfectly. Last, the drinks are well mixed, priced correctly, and professionally presented. All in all, considering the cost, the value, service, and taste is way beyond what one may normally encounter in a similar environment. You can't go wrong here...

Decent tasting food didn't make up for the slow service. Drink order (cava & beer) took 30 minutes. A Diet Coke ordered when first sat down didn't arrive until near the end of the meal. They recommended we have a 6p reservation for their 'pre-theater dinner' before our 7:30p show at the Merriam, and even called to confirm that we were pre-theater. We didn't even have time for our 'included' dessert, and we got there closer to 5:30p. On top of that, my fish was cold (waiting too long for pick up?). In their defense, the waiter boxed up our desserts and comped our drinks, but we still won't be returning back anytime soon.

After a dreadful few weeks re work and weather I needed a splurge. I read all the reviews and knew the Inquirer critic had had issues so I figured I would probably like the place as I find his reviews generally ridiculous, I am so glad I tried Volver. It is unlike any of Garces' other places. First we arrived an hour late but the staff said no problem. That was a relief. The atmosphere was sophisticated. The service was five star. And, it was not pretentious as many high end places in Philly are. Kudos to all, especially David. The cocktails were great . We did the six courses and added from the bar menu a caviar course. I appreciated that the staff substituted fennel for a fish course. I thought the food was wonderful and reminded me actually of some restaurants in Las Vegas ( which is a good thing) . It was expensive but worth it. It was a pleasure to find a restaurant like this in Philly. I thought it was better than Vetri as well. I highly recommend.

Finally after three firm requests the huffy hostess turned the inordinately loud music down, so that we could at least try to hear & converse with the other friends at our table of four. A tryout for drinks - before investing in a full-blown dinner - the oppressively dark somber atmosphere, coupled with the intrusive music, skimpy plate of appetizers & cloying servers who addressed our party of seniors as "you guys" resulted in our decision to dine elsewhere. However, competent dry martinis were some good news.

Booked a 5:30 reservation for an 8:00 concert at the Kimmel. Timing was perfect. The staff ensured everything moved along. We enjoyed 10 courses with pairings. All were inventively created, deliciously prepared and beautifully presented. At Volver, you are eating art. The wine pairings were fabulous. This is one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia.

We dined at Bar Volver before going to the Orchestra. The tuna tartar was delicious and we enjoyed the presentation (2 of us had this). The cheese plate was also very good. I only wish they had told us what the cheeses were when they brought them out. One of us had the "large" plate of ravioli. They were also very good, but the serving did not look "large". The little rolls they brought out at the start were scrumptious. We would definitely go back here to dine.

We went here for the pre-theater menu on New Years Eve (3 courses, $56/person without drinks, wine by the glass about $15), and it was one of the most disappointing dinners I have ever had. Tiny round tables--more like a cocktail lounge than a restaurant. Our appetizers were good. My sea bass main was well prepared but only warm, not hot, and my husband's short ribs were chewy to say the least. The accompanying vegetables were lukewarm. Service was slow, but at least we got our food in time to eat and make it to the orchestra. The two tables next to us, who got there before we did, did not get served until well after we did and did not get to eat the full meal before they had to leave. (Note that we were there at 5:30 for a 7 pm concert (in the same building) so there should have been plenty of time. Our waiter seemed overloaded, but the main fault was back in the kitchen. A celebratory dinner this was not!

I found the food interesting but I didn't love many of the dishes . I found the wine pairing to be very average . The quality of the wines was very average , pourings were very small . Service was excellent . Overall ok but not great . Definitely would not return .

Where to start! Chef Garces created a gem. Definitely the best meal and experience we have ever had. First class experience started before the evening with a phone call by your captain to ensure any allergies, limes and dislikes are accounted for. We arrived early to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in Bar Volver and were not disappointed. The Truffle Rush was my wife's choice and was a perfect mix. Watching the tender work her craft she painstakingly added the flavors by measured amounts and droppers where called for. I had the Smoked Marcona Old Fashion which is the best drink I have ever had in any establishment - this is a must order if you visit the lounge. Now into dinner. We were greeted by our Captain for the evening while still in the lounge and were shown our table when we were ready to start our main "performance". Volver is a ticketed restaurant meaning you purchase a non-refundable ticket for your table for the night of your choosing. This is done for numerous reasons, but the main reason is some of the fish is flown in daily for your enjoyment. From the "snack" starters to the final dessert the meal is a trip through Chef Garces culinary life. The drink pairing adds a lot to the event as the sommelier thought through each course adding wines, sake and beer to selected courses rounding out an already fantastic experience. The 14 plus dinner had something for everyone. The Cereal and Milk is the most discussed and different course and one I hope is never removed from the line-up. The wagyu melted in your mouth and was prepared to perfection. First course is a quintuple of amazing small bites that set the tempo for the evening. The scallops are brought in live daily and opened just before your serving. They even had one that they showed us that was still eating a small fry, this was an interesting thing to see. The dm sardine dish threw me back to my childhood but to another level, the sherry pairing eased the flavors and was the perfect classic match. KFS - fried squab is comfort food taken to the gourmet level being paired with a "sour" beer this dish was surprisingly a not to be forgotten moment. The staff from our Captain John to the water staff was a well oiled machine. The open kitchen allows a clear view of all preparation and the coordination of the chefs. Tables are swept and plated in a choreography of a broadway musical. If you take the time to notice the staff does the little things that you only find at the best restaurants in the world. Being left handed I was impressed that a staff member noticed and changed my platings to make my meal flow better. Half way through the meal you water glasses are replaced with fresh ones. Leave your seat for any reason and when you return you will find a fresh napkin that is not touched by the staff's hands. Every other course at the least your table is wiped clean. These little touches take an establishment from excellent to world class. My only disappointment was not being able to tell Chef Garces of his successful deployment. The manager personally saw us out and spent a good 20 minutes discussing our evening and taking in all of our suggestions and comments. He also provided additional background on the concept and restaurant any Foodie was appreciate. If I could give Volver more than. 5 stars I would. This is a meal for the ages.

One of the best dining experiences you could ever have! This is not your typical dinner, it is an experience! Absolute perfection from the moment we made reservation until the end of our culinary experience! Perfect service, ambiance and flavors! They made our anniversary celebration even more special. Congratulations to Garces and his great team at Volver!

This fantastic restaurant inspired by such legendary destinations as Alinea has got to be the best restaurant in Philadelphia. From the minute we walked into the artfully, dimly lit entrance we knew we were in for a treat. We ordered the 12 course meal, which was absolutely perfectly paced with agreeably short explanations of what we were eating. The portions were beautifully presented -- a tad too big for my taste, but hubby was fine with it. The wine pairing was superbly chosen and a testament to how well was that the wines not only complemented the food, but were complemented by it. The beer pairing was unique and the saki was the best I have ever had. Nathan, the headwaiter was a jewel who should not be let go. He kept things moving, but never rushed and was attentive without being obsequious. At one point he asked what was our favorite course. It's like trying to decide which of our children we like best. They were all superb. Perhaps the beef was the most sublime, but the cereal was so interesting in terms of complex flavors and textures and sheer novelly, that it was hands down my favorite. The noise level was tolerable and we were able to have a nice conversation until some boorish people came in from the bar and got a bit loud -- not Volver's fault though. Volver is by no means perfect, by my estimation. I frankly don't like the open kitchen affectation that seems so popular in the last decade. You really can't see the food preparation that well and it adds to noise levels. I also did not appreciate that there was an individual back in the kitchen who was eating. Ummm. Not appetizing. Go and eat in the back. I do hope that this restaurant makes it in this uber-blue collar environment. Philly inhabitants can be sloppily dressed, and generally boorish. This is a town where people wear sweats to brunch at No.9 and talk and hoot and holler at the Academy of Music as if they were at an Eagles game. So it will be challenging to find folks who would appreciate this venue and its quality. But to Garces, I say, good luck and thanks for a memorable evening. We will be back!

We decided to stop in at the bar for some drinks/dessert since we had an hour before the concert and were very disappointed. We were seated near the bar but it was 15 minutes until our server came over. We ordered drinks and the dessert specials that she so highly recommended. 10 minutes later she returned to tell us that the dessert was sold out so we should try the other dessert special. Then she returned to say that was also sold out. After nearly 1/2 hour we still had not received our 2 drinks so we had to leave to get to our seats for the concert. The staff were very apologetic and the place in general has good reviews so we will re-try it at our next concert but just allow for 2 hours.

Another first time dining experiencing for me at Volver. I opted for the $35 pre-theater menu that is available from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM. While the selections for the first and second course, as well as dessert are limited, the food was delicious. The rainbow trout and crispy chicken breast were filling enough and dessert was right-sized. We both had a cocktail as well, which pricing was not too much above what we expected to pay. The flavors were unique and I recommend this as a convenient and pleasing choice before for an event at the Kimmel Center.

We had the Best time today at Volver . Service was on par to a three star Michelin restaurant. Food was incredible. They have 2 set menus. We had the 8 course. Super Romantic. I would recommend this before before the Fountain at the Four Seasons in Philly.

My friend and I had opted for the eight-course tasting meal. From start to finish each course was an absolute marvel. We consider ourselves foodies, and regularly eat out all over the world and to think this restaurant was in Philadelphia at the Kimmel Center. The portion-sizes were perfect; we left feeling full and sated. The service was attentive and discrete. My friend has a dairy-allergy, which was not a problem and I substituted tuna for the swordfish in one course. They bent over backwards to accommodate our proclivities! We know that Philadelphia has experienced a real food renaissance in the last few decades and there are many wonderful places, but Volver is bar-none the best. A wonderful, wonderful meal that adds a new dimension to fine-dining.

Went here for my wife's 40th birthday. We were treated very well, with an extremely attentive and knowledgeable wait staff who informed us not only about the dishes themselves but some of the ways the kitchen has been upgraded to maximize the eating experience. The 84 day aged Wagyu beef was simply the best piece of meat I have ever eaten!

The establishment is beautiful. The service & food is great, except the portions were very small. The biscuits were the size of a quarter. The desserts were small as well. I thought the place was a bit overrated.

would love to tell you how the food was, but I never got to eat! The told me it would be "just a few minutes" for table for 8. After 15 minutes they came back and said it would be "a long wait" for the table. If you couldn't seat us, just say so! Very poor communication and customer service. Hope the food service is better!

Was expecting a fantastic experience and was excited for the restaurant week tasting menu. However, first course was too salty, second course had bones in the halibut, and third course was just ok. Top that off with a $17 cocktail that took forever to make, and my night was not a good time. Lots of wait staff asking how things were but no concessions for the problems I had with the meal. Will not return or recommend to anyone.

... because he sure knows how to work a meter! We attended my cousin's graduation from the Temple University School of Medicine. Afterward, we went to Bar Volver for a celebratory cocktail and were, frankly, stunned by what we experienced: My mother & I both ordered a glass of Cabernet. Aside from our small party, the bar certainly wasn't busy. We waited for literally almost 10 minutes while one staff member after another tried, without success, to pour one 6 oz. glass of wine! The cause of the delay? The meter attached to the wine bottle! Apparently, none of the waitstaff knew how to use it! Someone eventually "got the hang of" the meter, poured our wine and delivered two meager glasses to our table. Cost per 6 oz. glass: $20.00. Gratuity not included. Good bits: Our server was quite pleasant, the stemware was lovely. Volver Restaurant was on my "Philly's Best Culinary Bucket List", having already dined at Vetri, Osteria, Lacroix, The Fountain... I had high hopes... Pero, lo siento, Joselito... No volvere' a Volver.

Trendy modern interior, romantic atmosphere, perfectly mixed drinks and amazing food! Tasty and beautifully plated. We enjoyed it!

My husband and I are really into trying out the restaurants of celebrity chefs, so we were so excited to try out Iron Chef Jose Garces restaurant. The ambiance is comfortable and modern and we were seated window side with a great view of the open kitchen too. It was very enjoyable to people watch and be entertained by the well orchestrated kitchen operations. We did the 8 course tasting menu option. Every course was well timed, perfectly portioned and beautiful. Each component of the dishes were artfully arranged with tweezers, and each bite was an explosion of wonderful flavors. We got to the end of the eight courses and felt wonderfully satisfied with out being overly stuffed. I would highly recommend Volver, perfect for a date or a romantic dinner.

The freshest of foods, full of unique flavors, excellent service and unpretentious atmosphere. We had the duck, beef, fish. Can’t go wrong!Tcauliflower caulCan’t beat it.

Stopped in to try the restaurant out since I am a Chef Garces fan. The menu was very limited, the portions were so small it was laughable but the food was delicious. Great atmosphere but very pricey.

Incredible eight course tasting menu and other than a twelve course tasting menu, there is no menu. Very creative and unique with impeccable service (thank you Michael G.) Not inexpensive but worth it.

Had dinner prior to a Philly Pops concert. The décor is very nice and contemporary. The service was very attentive , knowledgeable and good. The food was very good. My friend and I had the small and big plates. The lamb chops and frites was outstanding! It had some feta like cheese and peppers with the fries and it was excellent. The $12.00 amaretto sour I had was worth the money- it was delicious and the presentation artful. The only problem in my opinion is the outlandish mark up on the wine. A glass was generally $20-$24.00 and the glass was less than half full

I thought I was being a good mother in suggesting Volver for my son"s birthday. None of us had been there and even though we heard rumblings about this restaurant, we decide to go. On the night we were there, it seemed like there was no management in sight. The service was ridiculous… two of us had appetizers and the other two waited an additional twenty minutes for ours. We were not finished eating when our main courses were in front of us! We had a variety of dishes from fried chicken to fish…all mediocre. The chocolate dessert was rubbery, and we left it on the plate with one bite taken from it. The only saving grace was that we were there on a Thursday and did not have to sit through a mandatory fixed price meal. Save your time and money and go to one of Philly's multitude of good restaurants. This was not one of them.

Great Happy Hour! Try a specialty drink. Bourbon with peach snapps and mint leaves. Try it you'll like it. Hot apps really good. Great place to visit before a show on Broad St.

Had high hopes. First, front of house was excellent. Service took a long time between appetizers and entree but not their fault. Due to long delay they did give my wife a complimentary drink. Another thing is they ran out of the fillet and substituted a spice rubbed chicken. The wheels really fell off when entree came. Chicken quarter was over done and way too salty. 99% of the time I am the guy asking for a salt shaker. My wife tried one bite and could not eat it. Her sea bass came skin side up but the skin was rubbery and no season at all on the fish. No acid / lemon…. Nothing. Came with green beans but they were fully raw. Did not seem like they blanched them at all. Front house tried to make it right but really did not want to wait another 45 min +. They did bring out an extra desert and waived the cost of my wife’s decaf. Appetizers were solid but not wow. If not for front of house it would have been a total disaster. Only two stars because of service. Food was very disappointing. It probably goes without saying but the portions were also on the small side but expected at this type of restaurant.

My husband and I came to Volver as part of a package deal; tickets to a show, and pre-theater dinner. The dinner was pre-paid, for the exception of drinks. Our reservation was for 6:30pm, show was at 8pm. The atmosphere was very warm and inviting. Had a nice table by the window. But what I did not expect, was the extremely slow service. There were three courses on the menu, and you choose one appetizer, one entree, and there was one dessert offered. We didn't get our appetizer until close to 7:10pm, and our dinner came at 7:25! Though the food was yummy, especially the "milk and cereal" appetizer, we were cutting it close. We had asked for bread, which never came. And ended up having to skip dessert because it was 7:55pm, and no sign of it. I think the staff should be mindful of timing, if they're going to offer guests these packages with shows.

If I could give them no stars I would. This is probably the most expensive restaurant in the city but the staff is incompetent the service is horrible. Bartender gave me a half full glass and called it a cocktail. He was very nervous making it and when I returned he wanted to know what I didn't like. I was afraid to ask him to make another drink. So I went with a safer choice of prosseco. I didn't realize they charge $17.50 for one glass!!!! But I didn't care because I got free drink voucher through Kimmel center or so I thought. Apparently they now only accepting them for cocktails only which wasn't the case before. That I suppose could work if bartenders knew how to make one. All this ordeal is drinks only good thing we didn't try food there. My partner having gluten sensitivity could've been easily poison judging by their incompetence everywhere else.

Really liked the bar.. drinks are nice though pricey.. would go again when at Kimmel They have a beautiful wall and lighting is perfect

Very pleasant restaurant, some details a bit pretentious but it adds to "flavor" of the place.We had to reserve 2 months ahead to be able to dine here before the Kimmel Center concert. The three of us chose from prefixed "preconcert" menu for $35 a person available 5:00-6:30PM, one of us chose a la carte. We all were satisfied with our choices. The portions were small but the food had some sophistication to it. No bread served - we liked that. Extensive offer of alcoholic drinks. And their water does not taste like city water. They share bathrooms with the Kimmel Center. We will likely go back.