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 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.[1]
History
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Philosophy
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Greg Vernick". James Beard Foundation. Retrieved December 23, 2025