SbragaWOW! What an amazing find!Looking for a place to dine before an event at the Kimmel Center, this restaurant came to my attention. I was intrigued by the menu..and called to see if we could make the event, and still enjoy the fabulous 4 courses...and was assured that there would be time. And I am so glad, because we (party of four) had the dining experience of a lifetime!!! Unusual combinations, that sang to every taste bud ! The portions were not overwhelming, and good thing, since some were so rich...the size made them guilt free! I can't wait for my next chance to dine! The service was pampering and informative, and was a large part of the fine dining experience! YUM!5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMALWAYS GREATmy go to restaurant in the city. The food is always fantastic & always different from the last time. The service is warm and knowledgable. Will be back soon for another GREAT meal.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMThe $49 prix fixe menu hadThe $49 prix fixe menu had enough choices to satisfy most people. I thought the second course could have had more variety. There were at least 4 fish choices - among them calimari, octopus and other exotic fish. There was a fluke which was good.
My third course was the lamb which was well prepared and very tasty. I had the bisquite savoire for dessert which was also very good. I would return to ths restaurant.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous FoodCreative, well prepared and beautiful presentation.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Anniversary DinnerMy husband and I were beyond pleased with Sbraga. Everything was done so well, and novel. I highly recommend the roast pork! Delicious. Great food and great service.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMSeveral previous restaurantsSeveral previous restaurants had failed at this Pine and Broad location. So I was pleased to see Sbraga thriving and developing a neighborhood following. The decor is lovely, the waitstaff were excellent and helpful. The food was creative, unique and excellent. Lots of surprise spices and heat, which were a delight to us. The winelist is unique with excellent and unusual choices like Primitivos and vintages from the Canary Islands.
We. Had an excellent time and an exclent meal.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful surpriseI have to admit that I am dubious of any restaurant with raving reviews in Philadelphia. I saw Sbraga's performance on his season of Top Chef, and didn't know what to expect. BOY, am I glad that I tried this place!
Incredibly elegant, creative, beautiful and balanced flavors. I LOVED the octopus dish with olive tapenade. The bold flavors were awesome, and not like anything I've had in Philly, and I have eaten pretty much everywhere. That's the kind of food I want to eat always. My only negative comment would be that although the wagyu beef was beautifully cooked, the accompaniments were a bit of a waste. I didn't bother eating them after tasting. A more creative sauce and side would have elevated the dish.
Will return!5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMTrying, but shortService was great. 25th wedding anniv dinner.4 courses including dessert. Everything was good except main entrees fell a little short. I'd recommend, but don't believe it achieved the ranking given it by Philadelphia Magazine.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding spring menu!After several visits to Sbraga, the food and staff continue to amaze and delight. This time I was accompanied by two very discriminating diners and they are converts to Chef's foie gras soup, his pastas (can life get better than gnocchi with escargot?) and the amazing desserts. My friends kept comparing Sbraga's food to the best in NY City and Europe!!! The service, as always, was superb; starting with hosts, the efficient and accommodating manager, Ben, and the team of wait-staff who ensure smooth and attentive service. Will be returning as long as the Chef keeps preparing his masterpieces.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMWaiter was knowledgible andWaiter was knowledgible and helpful with selections.5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMSbraga lived up to its reputationSbraga lived up to its reputation for innovation, creativity, and just plain deliciousness. The service was impeccable and we even had a nice chat with our dining neighbors!5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was great and theThe food was great and the staff was energetic and friendly. They provided our group with good recommendations and we were very pleased with the selections.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMMy first visit; well worthMy first visit; well worth it. Some have complained that the servings in the four course dinner are too small; if you have a big appetite that could be the case but I left feeling quite comfortable (although I certainly wouldn't have minded a bit more). Each course was very well done; much attention to detail and plating and the flavors were bold. If you don't have much tolerance for some spice (i.e. heat), you would want to order carefully. Service was excellent. I look forward to returning the next time i'm in Philly.4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding Food. Kevin personallyOutstanding Food. Kevin personally came out from behind the line and met us. Unbelieverable meal.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMI had high expectations forI had high expectations for Sbraga, having seen Kevin Sbraga on "Top Chef" and eaten some of his food at a tasting years ago... Fortunately, SBRAGA delivered in all areas from the ambiance to the service, and, most importatntly, the food!
My wife and I took two other foodie couples, and they too thought that the experience was terrific. We were all impressed with the creativity and bold flavors - certainly one of the best meals I've had in several years.
I can't wait to go back!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was absolutely outstandingFood was absolutely outstanding and worth the high prices. I had the octopus and the lamb and loved them both. Servers were friendly and knowledgeable and never instrusive.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstandingOverall outstanding experience. The food was wonderful, service was friendly, knowledgeable and prompt. Wine list was great. Highly recommended.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMExceptional evening at SbagaExceptional evening at Sbaga to celebrate our anniversary -- from the bartender to the waitstaff,it could not have been nicer. Amazing, creative food and a delightful experience. Wish such a place existed in DC!Without doubt, we will return.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMSuperb food and excellantSuperb food and excellant service......Chef has the ability to take gourmet ingredients such as fois grois and make them into new exciting preparations such as a delicious soup, or a simple dish such as fried chicken and elevate it to an elegant gourmet dish. I cannot wait to go back !!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food and service.Excellent food and service. Can't wait to go back. Nice to have food and beverage pairings....takes the guesswork out of the process.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMHighly RecommendGreat restaurant and staff! It was such a treat to eat here and I highly recommend this place to others. The foie gras is amazing!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMSmart, modern cuisineCreative, inventive, and delicious dishes -- a great value at $50 for a four-course prix fixe. We loved seeing Chef Sbraga at work in his own open kitchen on a Friday night.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMIf I didn't know better IIf I didn't know better I would have thought we were dining in NYC. This restaurant had a great setting, deliciuos food and a super staff. We'll be back.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was awesome and theThe food was awesome and the waiter made me feel confident enough to try food I would never try..(like the tempura frogs legs)
And I cleaned every plate..we also had the beverage pairing and it was perfect, We were impressed!! And we will return!4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding AgainThis was our sixth or seventh visit to what is clearly the best restaurant on a food/value scale in the city. The shrimp scampi soup, the gnochi with snails, the coriander infused spring lamb and the praline napoleon were all memorable. Even though every table was taken the service was seamless. We had been delayed getting into town and called in and ordered from the menu they read to us so that everything was ready when we arrived and therefore didn't have to worry about being late for our concert.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMTasty TastingSbraga was everything I expected. An exciting experience, spectacular tastes with very creative combinations. The tasting menu had more than enough options in each course, I had to make decisions between two or more rather then finding something that I might want to try. The service was very attentive, a real team effort. I had reviewed the online menu prior to going, but was happy to find a new addition to the first course, a beef tartare which had just the right amount of heat and an interesting drink pairing. I will go back soon, but won't get the drink pairing for $35. For me, it wasn't worth the price ($70 for our table of 2), perhaps because I don't have the palate for subtle wine/drink pairings. The entire experience was wonderful!4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was excellent. ServiceFood was excellent. Service outstanding. Noise volume loud.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMThis restaurant had a relaxedThis restaurant had a relaxed but urban feel; and the waitstaff, from maitre d to busboys, was knowledgeable and professional. Food was excellent, prepared just right and presented with imagination. Only complaint: the noise level and the background disco-beat music.4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding! Great place forOutstanding! Great place for foodies! Food & service was over the top!4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was a very creative restaurantThis was a very creative restaurant with a very well paced 4 course meal, with matching beverages if you wish. There are not many vegetarian choices, but the courses that are offered are thoughtful and often inspired choices. In comparison to many restaurants, portion sizes are intentionally not large, but by the end of the meal you will probably like you have had enough to eat. Many restaurants that try to pull this off end up with long gaps between courses, and the organization of the meal was nearly as impressive as the food itself. Highly recommended!4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMBravo Sbraga!This rates as one of the best meals ever. We can be somewhat critical having dined in so many superlative restaurants. Everything was perfectly done. First time dining there so you never know until doing so if it will live up to the rep. It does! One might think at this price the portions might be small. Granted they are not large. But this is fine dining of exceptional ingredients, recipes, preparation, presentation. Each one was done so well and portioned and timed appropriately so that by the end of the 4 courses you are content with everything. Tremendous variety of choices for each of the 4 courses. Eyes were rolling in delight :) Bravo!4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMStylish and trendy decor. MyStylish and trendy decor.
My mother complained about the music, so maybe not the best place to take a senior citizen that would prefer a quieter meal.
The signature dishes are excellent.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMA great meal with my motherA great meal with my mother before taking her to the Orchestra.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMThe wine pairings made theThe wine pairings made the night extra special. The server was also able to accommodate a change in wine pairing for one of the courses which was also nice. Even though the restaurant was busy and the tables were close together, it still felt romantic and made for a really great night.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMLoved, Loved, LovedFrom the minute we walked in my husband and I knew we were going to have an amazing dinner. The staff was friendly and welcoming. They sat us right at our table and then the fun began. There are always times you go to restaurants with new unique items you want to try and at Sbraga with the 4 course menu you can try it all. Our waitress was very knowledgeable on the menu and was able to educate us on many foods we had never even heard of. We had so much fun trying and sharing each dish. I don't have one thing to recommend because anything you order will be amazing. It was my husbands birthday so Chef Kevin had a little baggie of chocolate krispys and a birthday note for him. We can't wait to go back! Thank you Sbraga!!4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMThe menu is excellent andThe menu is excellent and unique. The service was excellent and the personnel very knowledgeable about the menu and wine. Definitely coming back and hopefully trying the special "Chet's Table" experience soon.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was a mixed bag inThe food was a mixed bag in my party. I liked everything I had, but my daughter and girlfriend didn't have the same opinion. I would recommend the shrimp scampi soup, it was amazing.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMThree of the four at the tableThree of the four at the table are not very adventurous when it comes to ordering so when we opened the menu and saw the list of items to choose from, we were skeptical. I would love to tell you that even though we had to go outside our comfort zone, everyone loved their meals. We all started with the shrimp scampi soup (probably the safest item on the first course list). The three remaining courses were also fabulous. Service was great and the wine list was extensive. We did not, however, do the wine pairings with the meals although we will try this next time. We will be back!4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMThey offer a fixed price menuThey offer a fixed price menu with 4 courses. You have several choices in each catagory. Everything we tried was absolutely delicious. They offer a beverage pairing which was amazing and totally enhanced the taste of all of the food. I hope to go back and try everything on the menu, it is well worth the visit.4/1/2013 12:00:00 AMThe bream & pork belly, andThe bream & pork belly, and the escargot gnocchi, are two of my favorite dishes ever.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMAn Absolute Pleasure...Our Saturday evening outing was a wonderful first visit, a spectacular tasting in the innovative culinary talents of Kevin Sbraga. The restaurant atmosphere was very pleasant, the service was on point, all dishes were presented with individualism and attention to detail, beautiful combinations perfectly seasoned and prepared. When I thought there couldn't be a topper to this fantastic meal I received my dessert, roasted red pepper infused pineapple slices paired with yogurt sorbet, wow! My recommendation is to be adventurous; four of us ordered four courses without a duplicate item and smiles were all around the table with every course. Bravo…3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMHad the 4-course menu. All-aroundHad the 4-course menu. All-around one of the best meals from start to finish I've had in Philly. Every course was Iron Chef worthy. Had the foie gras soup (one of the best soups I've ever had period), gnocchi escargot in tom ka gai broth (I'm Thai and I can say the taste was pretty darn authentic), rabbit pasta, and praline napoleon with coffee ice cream (if there was a weak point in the meal, this was it, dessert was nothing spectacular).3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMCONTINUES TO AMAZE!Just when i think Sbraga can't get any better, the cuisine and service somehow are EVEN BETTER than the EXCELLENT experience we had last time. Its really amazing, and with the NEW SPRING SOUTHERN TASTING MENU debuing at the chef's table in April, i know i'll be back!
Best part of the experience: Chef Sbraga's 5 dessert tasting for our table. It was like a fine dining version of Quentin Tarantino's famous Kill Bill five point palm exploding heart technique, only better! What a way to end a scene, i mean meal. Exquisite combinations of flavor and texture, perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
If i actually was to take 5 steps and my heart exploded, i would have died with a smile on my face and some meringue in the corner of my m3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was our first visit toThis was our first visit to Sbraga and we would definitely go back! Our server, Megan, was outstanding, with a very good grasp on the menu and also the wines. She seemed to sense the diners' preferences and recommended accordingly. Those assisting her were also very good. For those going to the Kimmel Center for a concert, as we were, it is just a block away so very convenient.
Don & Karen Martin3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing experience every timeAmazing experience every time I visit Sbraga. The chefs are top notch, the menu is always fresh, new and amazing, the staff is first-class and knowledgeable. One of my favorites spots in Philly!3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMForget the Cheesesteaks!!If there was only 6 more inches between tables this would be the perfect place for any meal at any time. Kevin Sbraga gets as much flavor out of one bit that many others can't get with a whole plate full. If in Philly forget the cheesesteaks gor to Sbraga!3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Dinner out.Food was fantastic, service was great, there really isn't much more to say about the place except this is a must go. We will be returning for a tasting menu at the Chef's Table in the near future.3/25/2013 12:00:00 AMMy boyfriend and I went toMy boyfriend and I went to Sbraga for his twenty fifth birthday dinner this past Saturday. The food was fantastic; the variety was vast and featured multiple dishes for even the pickiest of eaters. Our favorites included the black truffle risotto, escargot, and pork with provolone bread pudding (each person picks four courses). Each diner selects four courses from over twenty options in all; we picked different things so we could share and try each plate. The sangria was awesome and the service was great, as well. They even included a 'birthday bag' with a card and a dessert treat to go, which was very thoughtful and warm (but not too over the top). The only downside is that the restaurant is very small and packed.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of the best meals I'veOne of the best meals I've had in a long time and now one of my top ten favorites. Four course meal with the wine pairing was excellent. Try the carrot soup, great flavors wonderful dish; beef brisket was tender with just the right amount of spices accenting the dish. Try the praline Napoleon with coffee ice cream, very nice finish to a great meal.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMHave wanted to try sbragaHave wanted to try sbraga for a while, and wasn't disappointed. Everything that has been said about the foie gras soup is absolutely true. Quart to go? I thought the four course tasting menu was a value, while still offering ample choices. The gnocchi/escargot secundo was fantastic, and that is not an overuse of the adjective. I thought that the parpadelle/rabbit might have been a bit salty, for some, due to the Locatelli cheese, but it was fine for me. Ended with the artisan cheese plate. A wonderful finale for those who prefer savory to sweet. A little noisy, but not overwhelming; but then again it is theatre season. It's all about location, location, location. Ambience is very open and airy even though the tables are close.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AM