Editing Vernick Food and Drink

{{Infobox Restaurant
| name = Vernick Food & Drink
| cuisine = New American
| address = 2031 Walnut Street
| neighborhood = Rittenhouse Square
| phone = (267) 639-6644
| website = https://vernickphilly.com
| price_range = $$$$
| hours = Tue-Sat 5pm-10pm
| chef = Greg Vernick
| established = 2012
| 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 earned widespread recognition for his refined yet approachable cooking, receiving the James Beard Award for Best Mid-Atlantic Chef and establishing one of the city's most celebrated dining destinations.<ref name="vernick-jb">{{cite web |url=https://www.jamesbeard.org/awards/search?keyword=vernick |title=Greg Vernick |publisher=James Beard Foundation |access-date=December 23, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

Greg Vernick opened Vernick Food & Drink in 2012 after training at some of America's most prestigious restaurants, including Jean-Georges in New York and Chicago's Blackbird. The intimate Rittenhouse restaurant quickly earned national attention, with ''Bon Appétit'' naming it one of the best new restaurants in America.

In 2017, Vernick received the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, cementing his reputation as one of Philadelphia's most talented chefs.

== The Food ==

=== Philosophy ===

Vernick's cooking emphasizes exceptional ingredients prepared with technical precision but without unnecessary complication. The menu changes seasonally, highlighting local farms and high-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 organized for sharing, with small plates, larger dishes, and whole roasted proteins. The emphasis is on simplicity that reveals the quality of ingredients.

== The Space ==

The restaurant occupies a narrow Rittenhouse rowhouse:

* Intimate dining room seating approximately 50
* Open kitchen visible from dining room
* Warm, understated decor
* Bar seating available

== Reservations ==

Vernick Food & Drink is one of Philadelphia's most sought-after reservations:

* Reservations essential, often weeks in advance
* Available through Resy
* Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins
* Tasting menu available for groups

== Related Ventures ==

Greg Vernick has expanded his restaurant portfolio:

* '''Vernick Coffee Bar''' — Café serving coffee and pastries
* '''Vernick Fish*** — Seafood-focused restaurant in the Four Seasons

== 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 ==

{{FAQ
|q1=How hard is it to get a reservation at Vernick?
|a1=Vernick is one of Philadelphia's most sought-after reservations. Book several weeks in advance, especially for weekend nights. Check Resy for cancellations, or try for bar seating which is sometimes available for walk-ins.

|q2=What is Vernick's signature dish?
|a2=Vernick is famous for its "toast" preparations—house-made bread topped with seasonal ingredients. These simple-seeming dishes showcase the restaurant's emphasis on quality ingredients and technique. The roasted chicken is also legendary.

|q3=Is Vernick expensive?
|a3=Yes, Vernick is a special-occasion restaurant with prices reflecting its quality. Expect to spend $100-150+ per person for a full dinner with drinks. The quality of ingredients and cooking justifies the cost for those seeking a memorable meal.

|q4=Who is Greg Vernick?
|a4=Greg Vernick is the chef-owner of Vernick Food & Drink and related restaurants. He trained at Jean-Georges (NYC) and Blackbird (Chicago) before opening his Rittenhouse restaurant in 2012. He won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic in 2017.
}}

== See Also ==

* [[Rittenhouse Square]]
* [[Parc]]
* [[Friday Saturday Sunday]]
* [[Fine Dining in Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://vernickphilly.com Official Website]
* [https://resy.com/cities/phi/vernick-food-drink Reservations]

{{#seo:
|title=Vernick Food & Drink - James Beard Award-Winning Rittenhouse Restaurant
|description=Vernick Food & Drink is a critically acclaimed New American restaurant in Rittenhouse Square from James Beard Award-winning chef Greg Vernick. Known for signature toasts and roasted chicken.
|keywords=Vernick Food Drink, Rittenhouse restaurant, Greg Vernick, James Beard Philadelphia, fine dining Philadelphia, best restaurants Philadelphia
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Restaurants]]
[[Category:Fine Dining]]
[[Category:Rittenhouse Square]]
[[Category:New American]]