Vernick Food and Drink
| Address | 2031 Walnut Street |
|---|---|
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Rittenhouse Square |
| Phone | (267) 639-6644 |
| Website | Official site |
| Cuisine | New American |
| Price range | $$$$ |
| Established | 2012 |
| Chef | Greg Vernick |
| Hours | Tue-Sat 5pm-10pm |
| Awards | James Beard Award, Best New Restaurant |
Vernick Food & Drink is a critically acclaimed New American restaurant at 2031 Walnut Street in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia. Chef-owner Greg Vernick has built a reputation for refined yet approachable cooking, winning the James Beard Award for Best Mid-Atlantic Chef and creating one of the city's most celebrated dining destinations.[1]
History
In 2012, Greg Vernick opened his namesake restaurant. He'd trained at some of America's most respected places: Jean-Georges in New York, Chicago's Blackbird. The small Rittenhouse spot caught national attention almost immediately. Bon Appétit named it one of the best new restaurants in America.
Five years later, everything clicked. The James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic came through in 2017, confirming what Philadelphia already knew. Vernick wasn't just good. He was one of the city's most talented chefs.
The Food
Philosophy
He doesn't overcomplicate things. What you get instead is exceptional ingredients treated with technical skill. The menu shifts with the seasons, drawing from local farms and top-quality proteins.
Signature Dishes
- Toast — House-made bread topped with seasonal preparations (the restaurant's signature)
- Roasted chicken — Whole or half birds with crispy skin
- Vegetable dishes — Seasonal vegetables given star treatment
- Pasta — Handmade preparations
- Raw bar — Selection of oysters and crudo
Menu Style
The menu is built for sharing. Small plates, larger dishes, whole roasted proteins. Everything centers on simplicity that lets ingredient quality shine through.
The Space
A narrow Rittenhouse rowhouse. That's what you're working with, and it works. The dining room seats about 50 people, intimate by design. You can see directly into the kitchen. Warm, understated decor. Bar seating available too.
Reservations
Getting in isn't easy. This is Philadelphia's hardest reservation to snag:
- Weeks in advance, especially weekends
- Book through Resy
- Walk-ins might grab bar seating
- Tasting menus available for groups
Related Ventures
Vernick's expanded beyond the flagship location. Vernick Coffee Bar serves coffee and pastries. Then there's Vernick Fish, a seafood-focused spot inside the Four Seasons. He's built something bigger than one restaurant.
Recognition
- James Beard Award — Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (2017)
- Bon Appétit — Best New Restaurant in America (2013)
- Philadelphia Magazine — Best Restaurant (multiple years)
- Eater Philadelphia — Essential restaurant lists
Getting There
- Address — 2031 Walnut Street
- Walking — One block from Rittenhouse Square
- SEPTA — 19th Street station (trolley), Walnut-Locust (Broad Street Line)
- Parking — Street parking, nearby garages
Frequently Asked Questions
See Also
References
- ↑ "Greg Vernick". James Beard Foundation. Retrieved December 23, 2025