FondSeating was a bit "tight"Seating was a bit "tight" - tables close together. Noise level rose to decidedly loud and uncomfortable after 6 PM. Perhaps some sound-absorbing items on the walls might help. Also - TURN OFF THE MUSIC. Music is entirely unnecessary. We came to eat and talk to each other. Food was superb. I thought the portions just a tiny bit too small. Would definitely return and recommend to others.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMExtremely well-prepared food.Extremely well-prepared food. Very friendly service. Acceptable noise level, speciaally for a Saturday night.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food and serviceWonderful food! We did the tasting menu and some of the dishes were incredible. Some were above average.
Reasonable wine prices. I felt the pacing was a bit fast.....we were done 5 courses in an hour. Not a dining pace.
I would definitely recommend this spot for food lovers though!5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMNot sure if top ten in PhillyDon't get me wrong, it was very good overall, but when ranked so high in Philadelphia, you expect it to be outstanding. Unfortunately, we felt the dishes were hit or miss. The flank steak with beet risotto was amazing, as well as the tuna crudo. The Thai lobster bisque was ok, and did not have any lobster or even taste like lobster and was very spicy, which was totally off from their description. The desserts were also not impressive (though they certainly sound impressive). Panna cotta was more of a pudding consistency than what a true panna cotta should be like. Though I'm being critical here, this review is for foodies.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMand still the bestI am always a little reluctant to return quickly to a restaurant where my first dinner was so good. And to do so with two great friends makes me even more nervous. But last week, when I saw the opportunity to grab a 7pm reservation at Fond, I did so. Suffice it to say, we had, once again, a simply superb meal. We were greeted warmly and seated at a lovely table. One of our friends had never been and so was noticing everything. In the end, after superior appetizers and one-of-a-kind entrees, he was utterly won-over. Fond, you did it again! Thank you!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is our may be 5th visit.AlwaysThis is our may be 5th visit.Always great,may be even better each time!5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMthe chef cares!We had the tasting menu and every item was spectacular. Each item was well prepared and well served. The skate wing was delicate, delicious and easy to eat (no bones or spines). The pork belly was cooked correctly with super crunchy skin surrounding tender, moist pork. I have had bad luck at other restaurants with those two dishes. The deserts were over the top in conception and execution (I will return just for more deserts!). The ambiance was elegant but casual. The chef kept a close eye on everything, and everything was well executed.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of the best in quite a whileFond was a great night out for us. The service was terrific, the food was outstanding, and it was a really nice place to visit. The interior is inviting and they have a nice patio area as well.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat, Creative CookingPairing hummus and tabbouleh with skate wing? Mashed purple sweet potato with pork belly? Roasted duck hearts? Yes, all of that and far more, and it all works together beautifully at Fond. Also loved: lobster risotto, pistachio tart, sorbets. The service is top-notch -- efficient and friendly, not intrusive. Highly recommended.4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was our first visit andThis was our first visit and a very enjoyable and delicious meal4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMHave been there a number ofHave been there a number of times and always consistent and a personal favorite.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of the best meals I'veOne of the best meals I've had in a very long time. We ordered the crudo which was done over avocados and a red curry aioli. INCREDIBLE!!! For my entree order the steak which was also an amazing dish and perfectly cooked. Our server Steve has to be hands down one of the best servers that I ever had. Very friendly and really knows how to make someone feel welcome. We can't wait to return again!!!4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMDon't Miss Fond!Everything from appetizers to dessert was simply amazing - had the lobster risotto, pan-seared cod and the chocolate tower. All were unique and bursting with flavor. The olive bread also a winner - chewy and moist. The Fond Manhattan was also unique in flavor and different from any Manhattan I've had. Service was outstanding and our server did not hesitate when asked his opinion about the menu items. If we were torn between choices, he made a suggestion without missing a beat. We appreciated his decisiveness and he was right on every count. We will be back.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMSuperb creative dining.....Superb creative dining..... between a great Chef and and Wonderful Pastry Baker.....a .one of the BEST in Philadelphia!4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMService was very prompt andService was very prompt and friendly. Food was well presented and the tasting menu with the wine pairing was a truly enjoyable experience - on a par with Vetri's at a more reasonable price.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMfabulous food - charming,fabulous food - charming, friendly and knowledgeable service. We dined outside on a balmy spring nite, view of the fountain in the mini-park across the way - a perfect time!
Go!4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMfrom the minute we walkedfrom the minute we walked in to the time we left, everything was great! We had a view of the fountain outside of Fond, and the atmosphere inside was warm and friendly. The neighborhood was nice as well. The drinks were good and average price. We chose the tasting menu and were glad we did. We got to sample a lot of items on the menu. The skate wing was amazing as were the desserts!4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMfood incredible ! Servicefood incredible ! Service was great but if you are two people the tables are in tight spots. Would love it if they moved to a larger place .3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMAMAZING MEAL & SERVICE 2thumbs up!The food was terrific and the service was phenomenal! The staff were attentive, professional and engaging. The only thing I was less than thrilled with was the size, I wish the place was a bit larger. We'll definitely go back again and again. Fond was recommended by a colleague,and I'll be sure and tell others about it as well!3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMVery Fond of FondOn our recent visit to Philadelphia, Fond provided our favorite dining experience among the 5 restaurants that we tried. The ambience is lively with all age groups represented. Seating is cramped and we had to wait for our table, but the meal was worth the wait. My husband started with the beautifully presented and tasty Tuna Crudo while I savored the Lobster Risotto. He enjoyed the Pork Belly main and I was even more pleased with a special Lamb dish that consisted of a tender chop accompanied by delicious lamb belly. I opted for the cheese plate and my husband let me sample his yummy Malted Milk Chocolate Ice Cream. Wine selection is limited but fairly good by the glass.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AM2nd time. very good. noise2nd time. very good. noise level more than energetic. This was the same problem they had in their old restaurant3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMSimply the bestSimply, as good as it gets. We had an experience last Saturday at Fond that compared to the best restaurants we've ever experienced, including Chez Panisse and French Laundry. There is something magical about Fond. The mushroom soup amuse bouche was stuningly good. We then shared the lobster risotto appetizer and it was simply superb. I then had the duck entree and my partner had the chicken...both utterly great! We then had three desserts (!!) - one on the house - and each was better than the next. Service was superb. Ambiance was elegant and romantic. A meal to remember forever!3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of the best in the city!Have enjoyed this restaurant a few times now and the food is outstanding! The people are great and this is a no miss spot!3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMIf you are looking for exceptionalIf you are looking for exceptional dining, you won't be disappointed. Everything was done to perfection and the service friendly and efficient. On the downside, seating is very close and noise level are not conducive to quiet conversation. The new location has some problems with cold weather, the front door needs a vestibule, so ask for seating in the rear of the restaurant on a cold day. Also, on a cloudless day, the setting sun shines directly in your eyes on many of the tables....through the window over the doorway, this window needs some curtains.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMI am Fond...of Fond.seating is tight, but other than that, a great experience. The lobster risotto starter is delicious and the desserts were off the chart. I had the malted chocolate ice cream with peanut brittle and chocolate crumble and am still thinking about it. nice to be able to byo on the week-days.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMTry EVERYTHING!We had a fabulous dinner at Fond. The space is pretty tight, but the restaurant is hip but not pretentious, the staff is friendly and the food is awesome! The menu is fit for foodies, but everything was approachable. We went with a sizable group, and got to sample a lot of the menu... The beef tartare was superb, the tuna sashimi was top grade, and the risotto was to die for. Our entrees were all wonderful, but the pork belly and spare ribs were probably the best. The desserts were a highlight, but our favorite was by far the chocolate malt.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat food great servicewe had the 5 course menu which was excellent. Escorts delicious, boar pate good, sea bass and pork belly fantastic!! Yes pork belly! absolutely delicious. And dessert was 3 small pieces of different things awesome! Everything was tasty and enjoyable. Service excellent i wanted to switch tuna for the escargot, no problem. Staff very friendly and pleasant. Will definitely recommend and will go back.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMMe and my wife went for dinner,Me and my wife went for dinner, even though we were 25 minutes late they very nicely founds table for us that we wouldn't have to be rushes out of for the next reservation. Very good service, a little tight where we sat (up at front window next to bar) but seemed a little more spacious towards the back. Very good date night3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMCame here for a business dinner.Came here for a business dinner. Food was excellent - interesting combinations of flavors. Maybe a bit contrived, but it worked. Sharing some of the appetizers was tricky, and the waiter could have been more helpful with choices and logistics. But the lobster risotto was great, as was the beef short ribs. The waiter was attentive, though a little over-eager, and very hard to understand over the noise. Noise was my main problem -- they could really use some more sound-proofing. The glass windows/doors are very pretty, but the acoustics are super-live, and it was quite cold. All in all, though, a great meal and an enjoyable evening. I woudl come again3/13/2013 12:00:00 AMSimply put - one of the verySimply put - one of the very best restaurants in Philadelphia!#3/1/2013 12:00:00 AMThe pork belly is amazing,The pork belly is amazing, but so rich. Make sure someone at the table orders it, and expect to share a lot!2/21/2013 12:00:00 AMFriendly attractive local,Friendly attractive local, helpful waitstaff, terrific food, and a well-chosen winelist1/9/2013 12:00:00 AM