Pretty good me thinks. Dry lima beans though......oooooo......and pork chops. Very good dessert and soop. Very small the key is to look behind the branches.
(4)
Lauren Y.
Not impressed. I went to Pumpkin because all of Philly seemed to rave about it. Even the ever pessimistic Craig Laban. I guess that that all of Philly eats meat and is oblivious to tact because the menu at Pumpkin is predominately carnivorous (even fish dishes are infused with sausage) and the service is TACKY. The waitress needs to go back to gradeschool to learn addition subtraction because she gave us the bill. We paid. She had the nerve to come back to our table to tell us she added incorrectly and that we owed more. That, in my opinion is atrocious.
(2)
Stephen H.
I have actually put more thought into this review than any previous others. I was impressed by all the positive reviews, very detailed, which lead me to believe the reviewers really enjoyed their time at pumpkin. starting off with the good, all our food was cooked well and had a good mixture of tasty ingredients. We ate sweetbreads, two chicken dinners and two strip steaks. I enjoyed the flavor of my meal and the piece of my companions meal. The reasons I cannot join in the chorus of four or five star reviews are as follows. We made reservations for 8:30PM on a Saturday night. the table was not ready for us, and there was no place to stand to wait, standing on south street during May is no big deal, but would have sucked if it were winter. There were five possible entrees, one was roast chicken, not much of a selection especially because I'm not a fish fan, and two were swimmers. the entree I was excited to try, lamb t bone with blue cheese gnocchi was out by 8:30, so a no go there, I was left with choice of roast chicken and NY strip, kinda pedestrian. the portions were pretty small, and was left a little hungry even with appetiser. we ordered two desserts flour less chocolate cake with coffee ice cream, it was really good...but the other dessert was a goat cheese cheesecake, which tasted like...well it didn't taste like anything. out of the four of us, i enjoyed myself the most, My friends who picked the restaurant were not pleased with the evening. for some reason, i feel guilty about only giving three stars, because well cooked food is well cooked food and most important, but the limited menu missing what seemed to be the most interesting dish, is hard to get past and A-ok is the best I can do. i will go back just to satisfy my, was it just "off" curiosity.
(3)
idurtp -.
A nice,cozy byob in philadelphia. Service was friendly and attentive. Everything was fresh and tasted great. The place has a small menu but don't let that turn you away. My friend had duck while I had pan seared chicken. The meal in general was definitely French inspired and was the perfect portion. A thing to note is that get your wine way ahead of time as there is no wine store nearby. Also, I wouldn't recommend taking someone here for an intimate setting as it can get noisy if there is a large group inside. Great place for having a meal with friends.
(5)
Jennifer Ann T.
This cozy BYOB is cute as a button....with roughly the same square footage. With a succinct menu and delightfully nimble waitstaff that delivers every time, its a lovely date spot that wont sadden your wallet. Be warned, however, one overly jovial party can warp the experience into a nightmarish meal on a crowded subway car. For those with a taste for the aquatic, the octopus is divine!
(4)
Justin K.
Last week I went to hang out in the city with my friend Mike. We were hungry, so we decided to eat something then yelp it. So we picked Pumpkin, based on us trying to go with some other people last year and it being booked up for the night. It bugged me that I couldn't get in, so I figured I had to go back and try it. I wasn't disappointed, Pumpkin provided a pretty good dining experience. Its a charming little 26 seater BYOB that would be a nice place to bring a date. Unfortunately I was stuck with Mike, so I had to make do. The food is what we were really there for. I had the Grilled Octopus for an appetizer, and the Chicken for the main course. The Octopus was phenomenal, and came with some really tasty Red Peppers in a nice sauce. The Chicken was very good, and came with a full spread of nice Veggies and Potatoes, including Artichoke Hearts, which are always nice to see. The Chicken was cooked just right, juicy and succulent. I also have to mention the bread, which was served hot and fresh with a dipping oil with fresh garlic cloves floating in it, which was a really cool touch I thought. We also talked to the waitress, who was busy (she was the only waitress for the whole place), but friendly. We asked if there was indeed any Pumpkin on the menu, and there was not tonight. She did say that they try to do as many seasonal dishes as possible though, and some Pumpkin items would probably return to Pumpkin in the fall. So I will have to come back then and check it out, along with some dessert, which I just couldn't fit this time around. Or maybe I'll just check out the market for some take out stuff...
My huband and I went to Pumpkin for a nice date night, and had a wonderful time! The ambience is cozy, and inviting. It's, ofcourse, a small space, but that is expected since it's a BYOB. The service was awesome, and always with a smile! The food is the perfect mix between being inventive while still being "comfort food". We both loved everything we ordered, and definately plan on going back at some point in the near future!
(5)
Jason O.
Perfect, perfect, perfect little restaurant. I brought my girlfriend here for her birthday and once again we had an excellent meal with no complaints. After the standard crusty italian bread with seasoned olive oil, we started with the grilled quail (a tiny delicious bird, on top of chopped vegetables) and the simple green salad, which frankly was one of the most amazing salads I've seen. It was this huge plate of bright green mixed greens, each one perfect as if they had all been hand picked - seriously, nothing wilted or brown on that plate at all. It was accented with candied almonds, green apple slices, and crumbled bleu cheese - delicious! Moving onto entrees, I had the magret of duck with hen of the woods mushrooms (absolutely perfect, the duck was cooked precisely medium rare, the mushrooms were succulent, the flavors were impeccable) and my girlfriend had the king of mackerel which she enjoyed immensely (but I'm pretty sure mine was better). The duck was a lot of food, actually - surprisingly so. We finished off by sharing the banana trifle, which was soooo good that it inspired us to go home and make a trifle cake the next day (not quite as good and certainly half as pretty, but tasty nonetheless). Probably one of our favorite restaurants in Philly. Make reservations well in advance, bring a bottle of wine, and bring plenty of cash because they don't take plastic.
(5)
Rich L.
Creative cooking emphasizing quality over quantity. Pork belly appy on the money. Scallop entree excellent. Perhaps the only disappointing part was the dessert menu which was weak. But this is one of the top BYOBs in Philly, no doubt about it. Nice attentive service as well.
(4)
Caitlin C.
These guys are master artists with food. Don't come here if you are expecting A) cheap B) simple. A great place for a date who is half-foodie, half-adventurer. Your best bet here is the fish, as I think that is what the chef does best. One Tip: if you're worried about what the entree is going to taste like, just order it and have faith in the chef.
Delicious delicious delicious. A pumpkin lover's dream - pumpkin gnocchi and pumpkin cake for dessert! I went with my husband and it was super cute and romantic. The service was nice without being too overbearing. I would definitely go back.
(5)
Rob R.
3.5 Stars. I have heard alot of good things about Pumpkin and was excited to go there for dinner. The atmosphere is laid back staff is very nice, pretty standard for most BYOBs. The menu is small and everything sounded very good, so we saw a duroc pork terrine appetizer with a sweet and sour sauce...I now realize that I do not like terrine, this was of no fault to Pumpkin, I just wasn't prepared for it to be cold. As for the entree's, I had the scallops and my date had the chicken. After tasting her chicken I realize I should have ordered that, it looked and tasted amazing, but the best part about it was the side of chicken stock with potato (they should just make that an entree). I had about 3-4 delicious scallops for $26, the portions seemed a bit small for the prices. In summary, the food was very good, but for the price, the portions could probably be a bit larger for my taste. I'm on the fence as to whether I would return.
(3)
Laurie B.
My husband and I took advantage of the $35 Sunday tasting menu, and were very happy with the service and courses. I have a mustard allergy: Pumpkin is the first restaurant to which I've ever been that was so conscientious that the server inquired about the dangers of "cross contamination." I was extremely appreciative of the restaurant's solicitude and, not surprisingly, suffered no allergic symptoms. But of course it was the food that inspired my review. Each dish was beautifully prepared and presented, and featured seasonal ingredients that evinced the chef's creativity and inspiration. We started with an exquisitely composed chilled tomato soup with buttermilk that was garnished with crunchy pumpernickel crumbs. The second courses, which my husband and I shared, were also excellent: risotto with sweet grilled corn and a seafood foam (which I liked, despite my habit of rolling my eyes when restaurants serve the oh-so-trendoid foam), and a soft, coddled egg that was as rich as rich could be. A salad of various heirloom tomatoes followed, with "popcorn ice cream" on top that simply added flavor and heart. The pork entree featured tender medallions of pork and a delicate, runny quail egg. I ordered the skate; it was served (unexpectedly) rare with dollops of olive paste and fried cauliflower. I was planning to skip dessert - white chocolate cheesecake? chocolate cake? - but the description belied how innovative and delicious were both items. The cheesecake turned out to be as rich and dark as caramel, having been made with goat's milk. As for the chocolate "cake," it was as gooey as a souffle. Our only quibble was with the noise: a large party sat in the middle of the restaurant and did some loud celebrating fueled by the bottles of whiskey and vodka on the table. This, however, was not Pumpkin's fault. I'd go back in a second.
(4)
John H.
I had a group of 5 here and I was not very happy, although the rest of my party was (hence the 3 star rather than 2). The place is tiny, which is fine, but I think a small restaurant should be more warm and inviting. Our waitress seemed uptight (she may have been new). The food was unexceptional and portions small. The prices were too high for nothing special in atmosphere or quality.
(3)
Steve O.
Inventivel. Beautiful presentation. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Sally f.
very impressed with the food, the setting, the byob atmosphere, the service for the most part...but the waitress adding on a 25% gratuity at the end was a bit weird.
(4)
Chris R.
Love this place. Calamari was an excellent app. Short ribs are tender and juicy. Flour-less Chocolate cake with ice cream was the perfect dessert.
(4)
Chris T.
Great food, great service, good atmosphere, really attractive prices. In fact, the only thing that separates Pumpkin from the surfeit of BYOs in Philly is the menu pricing. Amy and I went for dinner on 5/16/10. Good friend recently started working there. Very small space. Highly intimate. Expect to make new acquaintances unless you are seated along the east wall. Because it was a last-minute decision, we got there for 930p res and had to sit wedged between the kitchen and bathroom. Not ideal, but we knew we were in for it when we walked in, so no big deal. As soon as the place cleared out a bit we were moved to another table in the middle of the room. Service was very friendly and fast. Food was great. The gnocchi suffered from heavy saucing. They are little morsels of creamy goodness; they stand up just fine and don't need all the different embellishments. Nevertheless, very good for $12. I had the trout. Superb. De-boned, perfectly cooked, and the skin was crisp and delicious. Could have used a little lemon wedge and a few more capers. Amy had the scallops, which were also excellent. We passed on desert but were tempted by the flourless choc cake with banana ice cream.
(4)
Tyler B.
I made a reservation in April for my girlfriend's birthday dinner. It was on a Sunday so we were there for the 5 course fixed menu. I had heard good things about Pumpkin, so my expectations were on the high side. Things started well. We were seated when we arrived. The server was nice enough, but seemed somewhat harried and hectic. In my opinion, the soup course was a very poor choice by the chef. Chilled leek soup would be splendid on a hot or even warm day. But it was 40-45 degrees outside! I don't remember specifically what we had for our entrees as this was 8 months ago, but I recall the server forgot my special request for a discreet acknowledgement of my girlfriend's birthday with a candle or something with her dessert. I was disappointed. This along with the chilled soup selection, and the hectic feeling/average service, left me feeling like there is no reason to give Pumpkin another chance. There are simply too many other great BYOBs around.
(2)
Kimberly S.
I came here with a date on a Sunday for their 5 course tasting menu. My date and I are kind of snobby when it comes to food. I guess you could say we're foodies and we're very critical when trying new places, though we are always on a quest for that etched-in-your-memory-dinner-with-unforgettable-Âflavors. Our experience at Pumpkin turned out to be one of those. While the portions seemed small at first, the ingredients, flavors and textures complimented each other sooooo well on every dish. I was drawn to this place because it boasts a changing, seasonable fresh menu and there was definitely evidence of this in their food. My only complaint is that the place is incredibly small and cozy so don't go if you easily succumb to claustrophobic feelings. Also they kept our white wine (this is a byo, which in itself is a huge plus) in the back to keep it chilled. I would have preferred they left it on the table in a wine chiller because everytime we needed more we had to try to make eye contact with the busy server. Our server, although it was obvious she was extremely busy, was excellent. She seemed to have a natural personality for serving, she was informative, friendly and hospitable. Although a bit on the pricey side considering the portion size, I will definitely be returning when I have a few extra dollars. Overall, it was an excellent experience.
(5)
Elmer S.
BL and I wanted to escape from NYC and ended up in Philadelphia for some art and fun. Pumpkin came highly recommended by Jim / James, BL's friends. What a great place! This BYOB (bring your bottles of wine -- soda is available and a bodega is around the corner for some Crazy Horse) spot is intimate and hip with a very attentive and animated all female wait staff. BL started with the roasted veggie soup that reminded me of my childhood favorite Chef Boyardee canned pasta and I had the octopus which was nice and tender and not chewy like the dish I had at Taverna Kyclades in Long Island City, Queens. For the main course, BL had the arctic char and I had the braised lamb shank. Yummy, but slightly overcooked. It was a good dish to have on a snowy freezing evening in Philly. BL's fish was good, but I like mine one way . . . and that's raw. The bill came to $100 (Pumpkin is cash only), slightly pricey without alcohol. All good because I had a great time in Philadelphia and at Pumpkin with BL.
(4)
Alex M.
pumpkin is my favorite byob in philly. its a tiny little restaurant with only about 6 tables. reservations are tough to get but once in you'll be happy. the hostess is a bit pushy but the wait staff and owner are wonderful. they're so much fun. the menu changes all the time but the seafood and vegetables are really fresh and the dishes are really well done. while the menu is small and always changing I could see myself ordering anything on the menu. make a reservation for 2, find a date, get a few bottles, and I promise you'll have a great time!
(5)
Sharon G.
I love their food! Been coming here for New Year's dinner for the last 3 years. The menu changes every day. I recommend calling the day you want to go to ask what the menu is that day if you have any food restrictions. Tiny, tiny place. Reservation a good idea.
(4)
Katy D.
I went to Pumpkin recently for the Sunday 5-course tasting menu. First of all, the price was ideal... $35. You can't get better than that. Everything from the chilled chickpea soup with harissa tuna tartare, to the quail stuffed with sweet breads, to the flourless chocolate cake was amazing! Even the salad was very refreshing - the greens tasted like they came right from a garden outside. The server was very knowledgeable, prompt, and just nice. I left full and happy and will definitely be back.
(5)
Keith R.
Pumpkin is one of the hot spots right now for BYOB. It's located in a small cramped space on South Street. The first thing I noticed was the small menu, it's good in that the chef tries to only make dishes with fresh ingredients, but bad in that it seriously limits your dining options. What I most remember was the good sauces that accompanied the decent cooking: my quail had a nice balsamic reduction and scallops had a saffron vermouth sauce. The wait staff was a little pushy, but all in all it was a good meal and definitely has a different sort of a menu than some of the other BYOs around.
(3)
A A.
Pretty good me thinks. Dry lima beans though......oooooo......and pork chops. Very good dessert and soop. Very small the key is to look behind the branches.
(4)
Stephen H.
I have actually put more thought into this review than any previous others. I was impressed by all the positive reviews, very detailed, which lead me to believe the reviewers really enjoyed their time at pumpkin. starting off with the good, all our food was cooked well and had a good mixture of tasty ingredients. We ate sweetbreads, two chicken dinners and two strip steaks. I enjoyed the flavor of my meal and the piece of my companions meal. The reasons I cannot join in the chorus of four or five star reviews are as follows. We made reservations for 8:30PM on a Saturday night. the table was not ready for us, and there was no place to stand to wait, standing on south street during May is no big deal, but would have sucked if it were winter. There were five possible entrees, one was roast chicken, not much of a selection especially because I'm not a fish fan, and two were swimmers. the entree I was excited to try, lamb t bone with blue cheese gnocchi was out by 8:30, so a no go there, I was left with choice of roast chicken and NY strip, kinda pedestrian. the portions were pretty small, and was left a little hungry even with appetiser. we ordered two desserts flour less chocolate cake with coffee ice cream, it was really good...but the other dessert was a goat cheese cheesecake, which tasted like...well it didn't taste like anything. out of the four of us, i enjoyed myself the most, My friends who picked the restaurant were not pleased with the evening. for some reason, i feel guilty about only giving three stars, because well cooked food is well cooked food and most important, but the limited menu missing what seemed to be the most interesting dish, is hard to get past and A-ok is the best I can do. i will go back just to satisfy my, was it just "off" curiosity.
(3)
idurtp -.
A nice,cozy byob in philadelphia. Service was friendly and attentive. Everything was fresh and tasted great. The place has a small menu but don't let that turn you away. My friend had duck while I had pan seared chicken. The meal in general was definitely French inspired and was the perfect portion. A thing to note is that get your wine way ahead of time as there is no wine store nearby. Also, I wouldn't recommend taking someone here for an intimate setting as it can get noisy if there is a large group inside. Great place for having a meal with friends.
(5)
Jennifer Ann T.
This cozy BYOB is cute as a button....with roughly the same square footage. With a succinct menu and delightfully nimble waitstaff that delivers every time, its a lovely date spot that wont sadden your wallet. Be warned, however, one overly jovial party can warp the experience into a nightmarish meal on a crowded subway car. For those with a taste for the aquatic, the octopus is divine!
(4)
Justin K.
Last week I went to hang out in the city with my friend Mike. We were hungry, so we decided to eat something then yelp it. So we picked Pumpkin, based on us trying to go with some other people last year and it being booked up for the night. It bugged me that I couldn't get in, so I figured I had to go back and try it. I wasn't disappointed, Pumpkin provided a pretty good dining experience. Its a charming little 26 seater BYOB that would be a nice place to bring a date. Unfortunately I was stuck with Mike, so I had to make do. The food is what we were really there for. I had the Grilled Octopus for an appetizer, and the Chicken for the main course. The Octopus was phenomenal, and came with some really tasty Red Peppers in a nice sauce. The Chicken was very good, and came with a full spread of nice Veggies and Potatoes, including Artichoke Hearts, which are always nice to see. The Chicken was cooked just right, juicy and succulent. I also have to mention the bread, which was served hot and fresh with a dipping oil with fresh garlic cloves floating in it, which was a really cool touch I thought. We also talked to the waitress, who was busy (she was the only waitress for the whole place), but friendly. We asked if there was indeed any Pumpkin on the menu, and there was not tonight. She did say that they try to do as many seasonal dishes as possible though, and some Pumpkin items would probably return to Pumpkin in the fall. So I will have to come back then and check it out, along with some dessert, which I just couldn't fit this time around. Or maybe I'll just check out the market for some take out stuff...
My huband and I went to Pumpkin for a nice date night, and had a wonderful time! The ambience is cozy, and inviting. It's, ofcourse, a small space, but that is expected since it's a BYOB. The service was awesome, and always with a smile! The food is the perfect mix between being inventive while still being "comfort food". We both loved everything we ordered, and definately plan on going back at some point in the near future!
(5)
Lauren Y.
Not impressed. I went to Pumpkin because all of Philly seemed to rave about it. Even the ever pessimistic Craig Laban. I guess that that all of Philly eats meat and is oblivious to tact because the menu at Pumpkin is predominately carnivorous (even fish dishes are infused with sausage) and the service is TACKY. The waitress needs to go back to gradeschool to learn addition subtraction because she gave us the bill. We paid. She had the nerve to come back to our table to tell us she added incorrectly and that we owed more. That, in my opinion is atrocious.
(2)
Jason O.
Perfect, perfect, perfect little restaurant. I brought my girlfriend here for her birthday and once again we had an excellent meal with no complaints. After the standard crusty italian bread with seasoned olive oil, we started with the grilled quail (a tiny delicious bird, on top of chopped vegetables) and the simple green salad, which frankly was one of the most amazing salads I've seen. It was this huge plate of bright green mixed greens, each one perfect as if they had all been hand picked - seriously, nothing wilted or brown on that plate at all. It was accented with candied almonds, green apple slices, and crumbled bleu cheese - delicious! Moving onto entrees, I had the magret of duck with hen of the woods mushrooms (absolutely perfect, the duck was cooked precisely medium rare, the mushrooms were succulent, the flavors were impeccable) and my girlfriend had the king of mackerel which she enjoyed immensely (but I'm pretty sure mine was better). The duck was a lot of food, actually - surprisingly so. We finished off by sharing the banana trifle, which was soooo good that it inspired us to go home and make a trifle cake the next day (not quite as good and certainly half as pretty, but tasty nonetheless). Probably one of our favorite restaurants in Philly. Make reservations well in advance, bring a bottle of wine, and bring plenty of cash because they don't take plastic.
(5)
Rich L.
Creative cooking emphasizing quality over quantity. Pork belly appy on the money. Scallop entree excellent. Perhaps the only disappointing part was the dessert menu which was weak. But this is one of the top BYOBs in Philly, no doubt about it. Nice attentive service as well.
(4)
Caitlin C.
These guys are master artists with food. Don't come here if you are expecting A) cheap B) simple. A great place for a date who is half-foodie, half-adventurer. Your best bet here is the fish, as I think that is what the chef does best. One Tip: if you're worried about what the entree is going to taste like, just order it and have faith in the chef.
Delicious delicious delicious. A pumpkin lover's dream - pumpkin gnocchi and pumpkin cake for dessert! I went with my husband and it was super cute and romantic. The service was nice without being too overbearing. I would definitely go back.
(5)
Rob R.
3.5 Stars. I have heard alot of good things about Pumpkin and was excited to go there for dinner. The atmosphere is laid back staff is very nice, pretty standard for most BYOBs. The menu is small and everything sounded very good, so we saw a duroc pork terrine appetizer with a sweet and sour sauce...I now realize that I do not like terrine, this was of no fault to Pumpkin, I just wasn't prepared for it to be cold. As for the entree's, I had the scallops and my date had the chicken. After tasting her chicken I realize I should have ordered that, it looked and tasted amazing, but the best part about it was the side of chicken stock with potato (they should just make that an entree). I had about 3-4 delicious scallops for $26, the portions seemed a bit small for the prices. In summary, the food was very good, but for the price, the portions could probably be a bit larger for my taste. I'm on the fence as to whether I would return.
(3)
Laurie B.
My husband and I took advantage of the $35 Sunday tasting menu, and were very happy with the service and courses. I have a mustard allergy: Pumpkin is the first restaurant to which I've ever been that was so conscientious that the server inquired about the dangers of "cross contamination." I was extremely appreciative of the restaurant's solicitude and, not surprisingly, suffered no allergic symptoms. But of course it was the food that inspired my review. Each dish was beautifully prepared and presented, and featured seasonal ingredients that evinced the chef's creativity and inspiration. We started with an exquisitely composed chilled tomato soup with buttermilk that was garnished with crunchy pumpernickel crumbs. The second courses, which my husband and I shared, were also excellent: risotto with sweet grilled corn and a seafood foam (which I liked, despite my habit of rolling my eyes when restaurants serve the oh-so-trendoid foam), and a soft, coddled egg that was as rich as rich could be. A salad of various heirloom tomatoes followed, with "popcorn ice cream" on top that simply added flavor and heart. The pork entree featured tender medallions of pork and a delicate, runny quail egg. I ordered the skate; it was served (unexpectedly) rare with dollops of olive paste and fried cauliflower. I was planning to skip dessert - white chocolate cheesecake? chocolate cake? - but the description belied how innovative and delicious were both items. The cheesecake turned out to be as rich and dark as caramel, having been made with goat's milk. As for the chocolate "cake," it was as gooey as a souffle. Our only quibble was with the noise: a large party sat in the middle of the restaurant and did some loud celebrating fueled by the bottles of whiskey and vodka on the table. This, however, was not Pumpkin's fault. I'd go back in a second.
(4)
John H.
I had a group of 5 here and I was not very happy, although the rest of my party was (hence the 3 star rather than 2). The place is tiny, which is fine, but I think a small restaurant should be more warm and inviting. Our waitress seemed uptight (she may have been new). The food was unexceptional and portions small. The prices were too high for nothing special in atmosphere or quality.
(3)
Steve O.
Inventivel. Beautiful presentation. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Sally f.
very impressed with the food, the setting, the byob atmosphere, the service for the most part...but the waitress adding on a 25% gratuity at the end was a bit weird.
(4)
Chris R.
Love this place. Calamari was an excellent app. Short ribs are tender and juicy. Flour-less Chocolate cake with ice cream was the perfect dessert.
(4)
Chris T.
Great food, great service, good atmosphere, really attractive prices. In fact, the only thing that separates Pumpkin from the surfeit of BYOs in Philly is the menu pricing. Amy and I went for dinner on 5/16/10. Good friend recently started working there. Very small space. Highly intimate. Expect to make new acquaintances unless you are seated along the east wall. Because it was a last-minute decision, we got there for 930p res and had to sit wedged between the kitchen and bathroom. Not ideal, but we knew we were in for it when we walked in, so no big deal. As soon as the place cleared out a bit we were moved to another table in the middle of the room. Service was very friendly and fast. Food was great. The gnocchi suffered from heavy saucing. They are little morsels of creamy goodness; they stand up just fine and don't need all the different embellishments. Nevertheless, very good for $12. I had the trout. Superb. De-boned, perfectly cooked, and the skin was crisp and delicious. Could have used a little lemon wedge and a few more capers. Amy had the scallops, which were also excellent. We passed on desert but were tempted by the flourless choc cake with banana ice cream.
(4)
Tyler B.
I made a reservation in April for my girlfriend's birthday dinner. It was on a Sunday so we were there for the 5 course fixed menu. I had heard good things about Pumpkin, so my expectations were on the high side. Things started well. We were seated when we arrived. The server was nice enough, but seemed somewhat harried and hectic. In my opinion, the soup course was a very poor choice by the chef. Chilled leek soup would be splendid on a hot or even warm day. But it was 40-45 degrees outside! I don't remember specifically what we had for our entrees as this was 8 months ago, but I recall the server forgot my special request for a discreet acknowledgement of my girlfriend's birthday with a candle or something with her dessert. I was disappointed. This along with the chilled soup selection, and the hectic feeling/average service, left me feeling like there is no reason to give Pumpkin another chance. There are simply too many other great BYOBs around.
(2)
Kimberly S.
I came here with a date on a Sunday for their 5 course tasting menu. My date and I are kind of snobby when it comes to food. I guess you could say we're foodies and we're very critical when trying new places, though we are always on a quest for that etched-in-your-memory-dinner-with-unforgettable-Âflavors. Our experience at Pumpkin turned out to be one of those. While the portions seemed small at first, the ingredients, flavors and textures complimented each other sooooo well on every dish. I was drawn to this place because it boasts a changing, seasonable fresh menu and there was definitely evidence of this in their food. My only complaint is that the place is incredibly small and cozy so don't go if you easily succumb to claustrophobic feelings. Also they kept our white wine (this is a byo, which in itself is a huge plus) in the back to keep it chilled. I would have preferred they left it on the table in a wine chiller because everytime we needed more we had to try to make eye contact with the busy server. Our server, although it was obvious she was extremely busy, was excellent. She seemed to have a natural personality for serving, she was informative, friendly and hospitable. Although a bit on the pricey side considering the portion size, I will definitely be returning when I have a few extra dollars. Overall, it was an excellent experience.
(5)
Elmer S.
BL and I wanted to escape from NYC and ended up in Philadelphia for some art and fun. Pumpkin came highly recommended by Jim / James, BL's friends. What a great place! This BYOB (bring your bottles of wine -- soda is available and a bodega is around the corner for some Crazy Horse) spot is intimate and hip with a very attentive and animated all female wait staff. BL started with the roasted veggie soup that reminded me of my childhood favorite Chef Boyardee canned pasta and I had the octopus which was nice and tender and not chewy like the dish I had at Taverna Kyclades in Long Island City, Queens. For the main course, BL had the arctic char and I had the braised lamb shank. Yummy, but slightly overcooked. It was a good dish to have on a snowy freezing evening in Philly. BL's fish was good, but I like mine one way . . . and that's raw. The bill came to $100 (Pumpkin is cash only), slightly pricey without alcohol. All good because I had a great time in Philadelphia and at Pumpkin with BL.
(4)
Alex M.
pumpkin is my favorite byob in philly. its a tiny little restaurant with only about 6 tables. reservations are tough to get but once in you'll be happy. the hostess is a bit pushy but the wait staff and owner are wonderful. they're so much fun. the menu changes all the time but the seafood and vegetables are really fresh and the dishes are really well done. while the menu is small and always changing I could see myself ordering anything on the menu. make a reservation for 2, find a date, get a few bottles, and I promise you'll have a great time!
(5)
Sharon G.
I love their food! Been coming here for New Year's dinner for the last 3 years. The menu changes every day. I recommend calling the day you want to go to ask what the menu is that day if you have any food restrictions. Tiny, tiny place. Reservation a good idea.
(4)
Katy D.
I went to Pumpkin recently for the Sunday 5-course tasting menu. First of all, the price was ideal... $35. You can't get better than that. Everything from the chilled chickpea soup with harissa tuna tartare, to the quail stuffed with sweet breads, to the flourless chocolate cake was amazing! Even the salad was very refreshing - the greens tasted like they came right from a garden outside. The server was very knowledgeable, prompt, and just nice. I left full and happy and will definitely be back.
(5)
Keith R.
Pumpkin is one of the hot spots right now for BYOB. It's located in a small cramped space on South Street. The first thing I noticed was the small menu, it's good in that the chef tries to only make dishes with fresh ingredients, but bad in that it seriously limits your dining options. What I most remember was the good sauces that accompanied the decent cooking: my quail had a nice balsamic reduction and scallops had a saffron vermouth sauce. The wait staff was a little pushy, but all in all it was a good meal and definitely has a different sort of a menu than some of the other BYOs around.
(3)
Ryan N.
Luckily I was able to also eat at pumpkin during Philly's restaurant week as well! (Again sorry for the delay) Pumpkin is the smallest restaurant I have ever had the privilege of sitting inside of. Having only enough space for about 20 people, pumpkin provides an atmosphere that is neighbor friendly. Just a few tips before diving into the review: 1. It's BYOB so bring a nice bottle of wine, preferably red, 2. It's tight so be sure to keep your party small, 3. It's different, So have an open mind. Like all establishments during this week the menu is extremely limited. Pumpkin still provides a solid selection of meals that will have you itching to return for the real deal. As far as the meals go though, the portions are quite small so expect a 3 course meal at least (this could be because it was a special week, will have to update once I return). My recommendation is grab a date and check pumpkin out with the expectation of trying something you've never had before.
(4)
Lori H.
How is it that we didn't try this place sooner. I guess it was the fact that I heard it was pricey and was concerned it wouldn't be worth the hype. After dining at Pumpkin I can say that it is one of the BEST restaurants that I have every been to. The flavor combinations where amazing. The presentation was great as was the service. Loved the pumpkin soup with wonderful little bits at the bottom that were first shown off and then had the soup poured on top. Husband and I both had fish dishes although there were non fish entrees available. Will definitely be returning. Oh, and they have a special prix fixe menu early in the week that is probably worth trying as well. BYOB, small.
(5)
Aaron O.
This is exactly what I'm looking for in a BYOB - great services, intimate setting, focus on the food. We both ordered fish that are hard to get right...skate and sea bass... Pumpkin nailed both to perfection. The skate had a wonderful crispness and bite to the outside and a flavorful, tender center. Flavors were subtle but done perfectly. The pumpkin soup had a delightful consistency and flavor with ginger that set things off to perfection. I'd go on, but you get the point.
(5)
James I.
I had the Sunday tasting menu. The cauliflower soup was good, felt like it was missing a little something. The house made sausage was very good, as well as the skate wing. The skate was cooked perfectly. Some of the veggies were very salty. The best part was the dessert. I forget the name but it was a bowl of some sort of creme with chocolate cake pieces, toasted marshmallow, bananas, chocolate ganache and peanut butter. Overall, I would go back. The decor is a little gloomy but it is a very nice BYOB.
(4)
Amelia C.
A classy and tasty BYOB in Rittenhouse - perfect for a date, or a small get-together with friends. As an appetizer, I had the chilled beet soup with dill and creme fraiche, which was so delicious - and had a beautiful, vibrant color. For an entree, I tried the pork (cooked in three ways) dish, which was flavorful and tender - I particularly liked the pork belly. We also split two desserts among the six of us - we didn't particularly enjoy the chocolate one, but the butterscotch pudding dessert was a winner. A few things to note: the menu here changes depending on what is fresh for the season, and it is a fairly small place so would recommend it for a date or small groups. And don't forget to bring wine!
(4)
Diana G.
The Sunday pre-fixe menu was EXTRAORDINARY. Perfect for a party of two, my boyfriend and I were able to enjoy the majority of the menu, savoring every bite. The service was prompt, friendly, and insightful, without being the least bit intrusive. Adding to the romance of the evening, the charmingly quaint atmosphere embodied the sophistication and modesty that defines Pumpkin. Before, when asked if I had a favorite restaurant in Philly, I never felt sure enough to provide an answer. Now, I can proudly claim Pumpkin as my premiere preference. ~The Meal~ Apps: Escargot: Pan roasted in a hazelnut butter, finished with preserved lemon, I savored the delicacy and freshness of each tender bite. Completely beyond your average escargot. Pork belly: Contrasting the comforting depth of the pork belly with the sour finish of the ver jus was a game winning play for Chef Ian. Entrees: Duck Confit: No knife needed-the meat fell right off the bone in all it's savory glory. And being Polish, I was taken straight back to my babcia's dishes with the deeply flavorful and authentic sauerkraut Trout: To be honest, I cannot remember the accompaniment of this dish, but I will not forget the finesse of it preparation. Light, delicate, and complex. Dessert: Goats Milk Cheesecake: I hate cheesecake, but I ADORED this dish. Sweet, savory, light and deep--everything connected to build a phenomenal finale. Butterscotch pudding: A sinful little portion of beautifully rich butterscotch and ginger.
(5)
Brian C.
I was pretty excited about Pumpkin because I heard some good things about it. It also seems like the type of place I would love. It's a small, quaint restaurant that makes food for the pleasure of food. They use sustainable products, and offer seasonal cuisine with an ever changing menu. Unfortunately the feeling I get is that they're trying too hard. As the menu is constantly changing, which I really appreciate, I'm afraid some of the dishes I had are probably not on the menu anymore. But let me explain: I had the foie gras starter there. Now foie has a rich, decadent taste in and of itself, and often does not need too much else to complete the dish. The foie here was served in a very disjointed manner, with a little smudge of sauce on the side of the plate, another smudge of something else here and there on the plate. You know when restaurants throw flower petals and random knick knacks on the plate in order to look "fancy"? It sort of had that feel. It was trying too hard to be fancy, when the food would have been delicious if a few components were left out. I didn't have a bad experience at Pumpkin, and it really may be a nice place to have a romantic dinner, but unfortunately I wasn't a big fan of the food... delicious food does not need to be over-accessorized.
(3)
Theresa S.
Went for my daughter's birthday last Sunday. It was restaurant week, and our group was able to sample all of the offerings. Everything was delicious and beautifully presented. Highlights for me were the cauliflower soup, rainbow trout with a salted crust (perfectly cooked--crunchy on outside, moist inside) and almond cake with blueberry preserves. Very welcoming staff, cosy atmosphere, attentive service. Great for a small gathering or intimate date.
(5)
Bob Z.
Having dined here a few times, my assessment is that while the food is quite good, it's rarely great and the experience has always left me somewhat underwhelmed. I rarely object to price or to portion size (and I'm not a big eater), but the whole very small portions just to tease your palate thing going on here seems a bit "too precious" for all but perhaps the die-hard fans of this restaurant, Yes, the veal tongue was great and the assortment of pickled beets accompanied with greens, horseradish and fresh pretzel was delightful, but it's size was less of an appetizer than it was an hors d'oeuvre. A single thin slice of tongue left me wondering whether they forgot to put the other slice on it before they served it! It wasn't so much overpriced but under-proportioned. The daily specials also suffered from what I felt was excessive pricing for what they really were. A caprese salad where four or five chunks of watermelon were substituted for tomato and a separate special of four slices of a fresh tomato (with sea salt!) at $18 each honestly made me wince. I'm getting the sense that there's a bit of the Emperor's New Clothing thing going on with the regular clientele and they're going along with it. The scallops were competently prepared but the choice of kim-chee seemed off for the rest of the ingredients. It stuck me as being unbalanced. I mean, just because you CAN mix kim-chee with advocado doesn't mean you SHOULD, right? The Creekstone Beef Sirloin and the Striped Bass were other examples where I just didn't feel that what was actually on the plate warranted the prices. The beef seemed to have been "sous vide" and was flavorful but needing salt and oddly chewy in some bites. The accompaniments consisted of three (count them three) new potatoes the size of grapes - which is to say, surprisingly small, a dollop of what I believe was celeriac puree and some caramelized onions. I have had better prepared and more flavorful beef at lesser places. At $28 for what may have been 4 or 5 slices of just OK beef, it underwhelmed me. The Striped Bass was a better choice in terms of flavor, it was very good but, again I had somewhat of an issue with the portion size. It was considerably smaller than a deck of cards and priced at $28. While this sound like I'm grousing about the price or the size of the portions, there just was not enough other accompaniments on the plates that left one satiated at the end of the meal. Yes, Pumpkin is a charming little restaurant and is a well loved oasis in the neighborhood. My question is simply whether the "water" at this oasis has to be in such small cups and be so overpriced.
(3)
Vinny P.
I came into Pumpkin with very high expectations and they were eagerly met. I understand that it must be very difficult for a restaurant to continue to come up with new and exciting preparations, be seasonal and stay in the primary focus of the food scene. I think Pumpkin's staff knows how to flawlessly execute a meal and provide an incredible experience. The three of us began with the Sweet Potato Veloute. This soup was served tableside, poured into a bowl filled with smoked miso, ginger snap and cider foam. It only took us mere seconds to smell the delicious fall/winter flavors erupting from the bowls. We all mixed the ingredients thoroughly and indulged in warming soup bliss. I chose the risotto for my second dish. The creme fraiche and caramelized were perfect accompaniments to this savory and satisfying dish. I got a taste of the pork belly and it was so perfectly cooked that it didn't even require the other things on the plate with it. Course 3 was a Garrotxa cheese plate (which I had never heard of before this meal). It was sliced thinly and served with pistachio, kumquat and vanilla. The kumquat and cheese together were just a thing of beauty, both to look at and taste. For the main course, I chose the duck confit (how could I not) with lentils, purple mustard and foie gras. Yes, I smeared foie gras on confit duck and ate it. I'm sure that there is a new spot in hell for me after that move. During this course, the conversation came to a screeching halt. We all had such sensory overload from the amazing flavors that we were unable to really form sentences. Dessert, which also blew my mind was a caramelized white chocolate goat cheese cheesecake. If that alone isn't enough to sell you, perhaps the ginger and asian pear are. At this point in the meal, we all laughed at how ridiculously awesome it tasted. I'm not normally a dessert guy but this was truly something to behold. That concludes my experience for the Sunday night tasting menu. I can't wait to come back again to this wonderful, intimate and highly delicious restaurant.
*Restaurant Week Review* I was raving about my last experience at Pumpkin with my friends that we finally made plans to come. When I walked in, I noticed the renovation to the restaurant. Still, the place is very small but cozy just the same. The menu was different from the last time since Pumpkin changes their menu seasonally. The service was decent and we were started off with nice warm bread and garlic oil. This time around, the amuse bouche was mushroom conserva, black garlic, potato chantilly. Very light with a curry flavor, I was excited for the rest of the meal. For my first course, I got the pork belly. Seriously, I love pork belly and this melted in my mouth. Nicely flavor, the black garlic was great. I tried the Sweet Potato Veloute as well and it was tasty too. For the second course, I ordered the duck (the temperature is med rare). While the skin was seared and super crispy, it wasn't the best duck I've ever had. I really liked the green apples on the dish to contrast flavors but after a bit, I couldn't finish the duck (even though there was only two pieces). My friend's salmon was okay..myself, I'm not a salmon person so I did not like it at all. But others at my table said it ranged from great to undercooked. For dessert, everyone ordered the white chocolate goat cheese cheesecake. I went against the crowd to try the malted milk pot de creme. I loved my cheesecake last time; they make it with brown butter. My pot de creme was the wrong choice because it was just too sweet for me. It was super rich and creamy but after a few bites, I needed water. The cheesecake was as good as I remembered however, this time it came with a ginger sorbet which was too overpowering for me. All in all, I still really enjoy this restaurant. And it is still a BYOB and cash only. 4.5 stars
(5)
Alyssa R.
We came here for restaurant week and it was PERFECT! The only negative was that we had to eat at 5:45 because that was the only reservation available, which speaks to the popularity of Pumpkin. The staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. The best thing on the restaurant menu in our opinion was the Malted Milk Pot de Creme. For the price, this is a restaurant week must.
(4)
Liz F.
I would be so bold as to say that Pumpkin was the best restaurant week experience I've had to date. The restaurant is absolutely adorable. I regularly bike past Pumpkin with going-out-to-dinner envy on my way home from work. It's cuter on the inside than it is on the outside. I like how cozy it is. BYO? Even better. Our service was some of the best I've ever had. Our waitress, Jackie, was helpful, attentive (but not obnoxious) and so fun. She sealed the 5 star deal experience. The amouse bouche was unlike anything I've ever had and totally perfect. All of the restaurant week apps were amazing and generously portioned with the favorites being the sweet potato veloute that they pour at the table and bucheron cheese. We got one of each of the entrees but the white bean and porcini ragout stands out as being quite possibly one of the best things I've ever eaten. As for the desserts I'm one of those weirdos that hates ice cream and doesn't really care for cheesecake but I had the white chocolate goat cheese cheesecake and it was drool worthy. Restaurant week wins this time- I'll definitely be back regardless of restaurant week status because Pumpkin rules.
(5)
Rachel C.
Came here on a Friday night with the fiance and was underwhelmed! We live a couple blocks away and have been meaning to try Pumpkin and finally got around to it last week. I know this place is known for their awesome food but we left pretty disappointed! (-1 star) Their menu changes seasonally (or monthly?) so perhaps we just weren't blown away by the limited menu selection the night we were there. We got the green soup (basically a cold, green smoothie in a bowl) and the grilled calamari (good but not great). For dinner, he got the salmon, which he had to send back because it was WAY undercooked. I got the steak which was good, but again, nothing special. We also noticed that two couples who came in after us were served their food before us. Minus another star for that! Probably won't be coming back :(
(3)
Daniel J.
Came here on a Friday evening. The restaurant was fairly packed and we were lucky to get a reservation. Started the meal off with the escargot and seared scallops. Both were excellent dishes and set our expectations even higher. I was quite disappointed they did't have the seared foei gras that night. The main course is where it all fell apart. I ordered the duck confit, and it was just bad. The duck was overly salty. The duck was also overly fatty, and the side dishes did no saving grace. Totally not worth the price. To top it all off, considering the prices, why is this place cash only? Do you expect me to walk around with $100 bills in my wallet?
(2)
Kristi H.
My fav restaurant in Philly! I went for my birthday dinner and was very impressed... Great food, great service... And my hubs and I were the last ones in the place and not once did we feel rushed. I will be back again!
(5)
Jerry C.
January 19,2015 Pumpkin Restaurant 1713 South Street Philadelphia, PA 19146 Management and Staff, I was made aware of a post related to a Social Networking site made about your restaurant recently last evening that had my name associated with it. I am a foodie and a business owner/CEO for over 20 years of a reputable business that provides restaurant, hotel and travel venue reviews, critiques and plans for rebranding and addressing shortfalls identified by our reviewers. My business or I have never been to Pumpkin and have no preconceived opinions of Pumpkin. I or we have NOT posted a review or opinion in any capacity regarding Pumpkin. I after doing some research and communicating with a Social Media Security Team identified that my personal page and a page for a charity I have worked with for many years had been violated and communications had been made that were not authorized or originated from my office or home computers tablets or cell phones. Immediately both sites have been shut down in an effort to cease further unauthorized access. I sincerely apologize for any offensive and or inaccurate information that was posted under our name. I assure you that immediate and swift legal action will be taken when the offenders are identified. Sincerely and Respectfully, Jerry F. Coleman
(5)
Daniel P.
Also underwhelmed. There were two other parties when we got there, and they were both loud enough to be heard over the music, which was indy-alternative with plenty of guitar distortion. The restaurant can't help that patrons were talking loudly about how high they were the last weekend, or how the person who wrote a recent text message (read over dinner) is a "f****ing c****t"... but the music wasn't conducive to relaxing. I'm assuming the table who was discussing being high was friends with someone in the kitchen because the waiter told them their meal was comped by the chef... is this, then, a typical crowd for Pumpkin? A small menu with not a poultry option on it. We had escargot and octopus, both good enough; for entrees, pork rib and spanish mackerel, also good. Everything was "good" but fell short of what I'd expect for the price ($100 for two before tip - cash only). Service was very kind and attentive, probably the best aspect of the restaurant. I wouldn't return. It seemed like a place that neighborhood hipsters would go for an expensive meal.
(2)
Rachel S.
YUM! Fabulous menu and fabulous service!!!! See photos I posted because they were gorgeous - edible art! My favorite dish was the Monkfish. I tried Sweetbreads for the first time which was very good. I love that it's byob and cash only doesn't bother me one bit. The servers were friendly and helped us make some decisions when unsure about which dessert to order (we got both, they were a hard sell)! I have been raving about my meal for the past week and I can't wait to go back.
(5)
John K.
I completely agree with the review below about the girl taking the deposit. I had a no show two years ago, and they asked me for a deposit for a reservation. They're a small restaurant, and I think that it's a perfectly good and acceptable policy to ask for a deposit. I agreed to pay the deposit, and I gave her my credit card number. But the girl informing me of the policy WAS SO RUDE that I also cancelled my reservation. Her tone made it seem like i was an unwanted customer. So after giving her my card number, I tried to calmly offer her advice on taking a softer tone for her benefit. That's when she went on a tirade about how it was my fault that I no-showed and thus she was completely justified in taking a disrespectful and condescending tone with me. That kind of tone is not something you ought to take with anyone, let alone a customer. Again, I'm not mad about the deposit policy. It's a GOOD POLICY. But the policy was delivered with HORRIBLE COMMUNICATION & SERVICE. Given pretty much the identical comments below, I would recommend that ownership/management have a little chat with this girl and teach her a thing or two about customer service.
(1)
Percy N.
They say good things come in small packages and that certainly holds true for this neighborhood gem. The cuisine is eclectic, creative and pairs unusual ingredients to create a masterful symphony. We enjoyed our Habanero cured Salmon, Scallops with Chorizo in squid ink, Duo of Pork - belly and loin. Menu changes frequently but be assured it will highlight seasonal favorites. Dessert was good but did not blow us away. Service was friendly, knowledgeable and unobstructive.
(5)
Todd B.
BYOB, cash only, and limited menu options! With those caveats, this beautiful and charming restaurant with very friendly service is a keeper. I chose the striped bass entree (the menu of locally grown ingredients changes regularly) with a tomato sauce, squash and polenta. The presentation was stunningly beautiful, the fish was flaky, and the polenta was the perfect accompaniment. The coffee was amazing, and I'm so glad that I succumbed to the server's suggestion that I have some. She also invited me to stay around for a while to do my work and finish a call, which was very gracious in such a small place. The food deserves five stars, but ... and my readers know this is a pet peeve of mine .. I don't like the feeling that I had to pay a lot of money to feel satisfied. I'm not a fan of large portions, but I don't like to pay $50 and still feel hungry. And that is definitely the average cost per person here with a starter and entree or side (which all are charged individually). If you're going to experience Pumpkin, bring a bottle of wine, $50 per person in cash, and enjoy. I was on a client's budget and simply could not afford to spend what a filling and great meal here really deserves. With that said, this was a wonderful experience, and I'm glad Pumpkin is here.
(4)
Carolyn F.
Intimate, cozy atmosphere. Perfect place to take my grandparents out for dinner as the restaurant is not too noisy and the service is impeccable. The food is SO delicious, my personal favorite was the sea bass. The entree sizes are just right, you feel like you get your money's worth but don't leave overly stuffed. I definitely recommend their pote de creme for dessert! YUM
(5)
K M.
Food - very good. I really enjoyed everything I ate. We were there on a Sunday so it was the set menu. A few items included potato soup, bass (slightly over cooked), and an amazing Creme dessert. I will say that the food, while great, was very, very rich. Very good, but very rich. Is it the most amazing food in the city? No. Is it comfort food with a upscale twist? Yes. Atmosphere: Super tiny and intimate. Although reviewers noted that it was loud but I didnt notice that at all. Great for a date night. Service: This would have been 5 stars except for the very end. Our water glasses were always filled, we were given enough time in between courses which was amazing but then we paid and....they came over to tell us we had to leave because they had to turn over the table. I get it, Ive been a waitress. But come on. We had JUST paid and we were finishing last sips of our wine. Plus, they had our coats! Interesting to note that the table next to us, filled with two older couples were also paid and not asked to leave. On purpose? Maybe not. but as someone who lives 1 block from there and could be back frequently, it turned me off.
(4)
Kasia J.
Great food, intimate ambience, and it's BYOB. I came here with a group of six during restaurant week and really enjoyed my time. The food was tasty (especially their cream cauliflower soup) and the service was on point - friendly and provided great recommendations. I highly recommend checking it out, but make sure to book a table in advance!
(5)
Grace S.
Divine. My bf thinks this is the best restaurant in Philly hands down. I have to say it's on my top 3. It's not impossible to get a reservation and after the new year renovations, there's 1 less table. The staff is still great except I prefer the much more gregarious female waitress. The kitchen can be seen through a doorway so you can see the painstaking care the 3 chefs take with each dish. Unlike other highly rated restaurants in Philly, every single piece you find on your dish is delicious. Every parsnip, medallion onion, scallop, beef tongue, spoonful of soup, grilled octopus -- everything is perfection and each delicious piece makes sense. I know everyone has had a dish where you're like, "ummmm, what is this and why is this here?" Well at Pumpkin, every piece in front of you can stand on its own yet amazingly comes together with all the other elements so beautifully that you can't help but close your eyes and smile! The seasoning on each dish is always perfect, so much so that I don't drink more than half a glass to a a glass of water at each meal. Men, if you're looking for a place to take a special first date or a special someone, Pumpkin is THE place to make a reservation. You are sure to fall in love here. The table next to us had completely diff dishes than us (the duck and fish entrees, the porcini appetizer) and they were ranting and raving the whole time too. The Sunday 5-course prix fixe is $40, a steal I'm sure that I'll be back for next week! P.s. the only thing I didn't care for was the dollops of white sauce in the octopus appetizer and on the beef sirloin dish--couldn't tell you what they were.
(5)
Meredith B.
I've had Pumpkin on my radar for a little bit but it wasn't until last night did I finally check it out. So the space is pretty tight in there... I was a party of two... and there wasn't much of a place to even put my handbag. I'm only telling you this because if you show up and think you might be able to squeeze a friend or extra chair at your reservation... I'm willing you bet you wont be able to. We ordered the pork belly, scallops and beef cheek. I typically am not a huge pork belly girl, but we went for it... and it was some of the better pork belly I've experienced in my days. Not a huge piece but a well prepared piece (which is key). The scallops I thought were perfectly seared and of medium size. The side of beats and lentils was a nice combination. The beef cheek was very good. Fall apart with a fork tasty. Overall I enjoyed my time here but I don't know if I'll be rushing back. Everything just seemed a little small, the place and the dishes. The prices weren't small but they weren't over the top... I guess I just left hungry and wanted to stretch (since I was a little cramped up at the table for two). Please remember this is BYO and cash only. One thing to remember is reservations on opentable (some are 1,000 pointers).
(3)
Neil M.
Great food and excellent service, but very disappointing and inconvenient that they only take cash.and.no credit cards. To management please pay the darn fees and make life easier for your patrons.
(1)
Mark H.
Great food, great service, but cash only?! This place is too expensive to not take a credit card. I had to run down the block in the pouring rain to get more cash.
(4)
Matthew L.
BYOB with delightful food, timely service, and reasonable ambiance. Restaurant Week tends to bring out the worst in restaurants: limited options, subpar service, sometimes subpar food. Pumpkin is happily unfazed as high quality food and service made for a lovely meal. Granted, I've never come for regular dinner service but my experience during RW compels me to return. Sheep's milk panna cotta with melon and basil, seared squid over chow chow, soft shell crab over succotash, chicken sausage with eggplant and pickled peppers, pistachio financier and Pot de Creme all came at a reasonable pace, with presentation and quality flavors as the mainstays for a pleasant evening out. Only negatives (if they can be considered as such) were the mediocre bread and the cash-only requirements (it is BYOB, so this is standard) Producing posh provisions, pleasantly plush. Cheers.
(5)
Janet L.
The food was memorable and the service sublime. We started with the outstanding octopus appetizer - Spanish rock Octopus - which was extremely tender and coupled with radicchio, hazelnuts and garlic. Never having tasted octopus that wasn't chewy, I inquired about the preparation and was treated to an explanation in the kitchen by the personable Chef Ian. For our main courses, we had the pork rib with polenta and the Scottish salmon with beets and horseradish, equally outstanding and creatively prepared. This restaurant was truly a find - quiet enough for conversation, great food, friendly, attentive service and low-key ambience. We'll be back on our next visit to Philadelphia!
(5)
Timothy H.
We went there this past Friday (10/17). We read all the great reviews, and were very excited. And l can't say anything bad about it, but to us it had no "wow" factor. The food was good. We had the cauliflower soup, the mozzarella cheese, the mussels and sea bass. All were good. The service was good. But.... It is small and loud. There's nothing to absorb sound, like tapestries. The menu is small, and that's because it's seasonal. I would recommend this restaurant, but there are better in the city. Oh, and it's cash only.
(3)
Megan B.
Definitely one of my favorite tiny BYOBs in the city. They have a seasonal menu typically with a couple fish options, a beef option, and then pork or chicken. The portions are definitely on the smaller side - an appetizer cannot be shared - but the qualify of the food is amazing. Every meal I have had is delicious. Friendly knowledgeable service in a cute atmosphere. It is a super tiny space, but I haven't ever felt on top of other tables or had a noise level issue. Just remember CASH ONLY!
(5)
Steve S.
Creative to a fault... it seems that the chef goes out of his way to create strange sounding dishes. The combinations of ingredients sound intriguing and unusual but do not seem to taste very good together. I have a wide and varied taste range and usually like trying new things and creative dishes. This place just seemed like it was a TV show competition to use odd ingredients in weird combinations, as if the right things weren't available. Seating is cramped and the room is very small. We did find the service to be pleasant and attentive. The location is in a gentrifying neighborhood and parking is very limited other than the expensive lot across the street.
(2)
Paul H.
Absolutely LOVED this place! Waited too long to write the review to remember exactly what we each had, though the gnocchi escargot still stands out in my mind and a life changing event. Come to think of it, I had the monk fish upon the recommendation of the server. (It was the first night for that entree) and it was fabulous as well. Pumpkin is, indeed, very small. Maybe a dozen tables. But the decor is intimate in a funky sort of way, and it wasn't very crowded when we were there on election night. Having now tried a good number BYOB restaurants in Philly, we would elevate this one to near the top of our list - for ambiance, for service, and for really imaginative and delicious food. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Janelle H.
This review has been long over due, husband and I tried pumpkin a couple of months ago but now I find myself comparing every other place I go to that offers the same cuisine to Pumpkin. This adorable little place, yes it's little not quite good for big parties, gave me a wonderful eating experience from start to finish. From the greetings at the door, to the bread, to appetizer and to dessert and coffee. They're ingredients are as fresh as they promised. Their menu is clever and the taste and how they're cooked is perfectly done. I would recommend this place BIG TIME, don't miss out on anything, order an appetizer, dessert and coffee so that you can enjoy the full Pumpkin experience.
(5)
Zoe P.
There's only one way to celebrate a birthday - and that's with the Sunday night 5 course tasting menu at Pumpkin! My bf and I have wanted to try out Pumpkin (the restaurant) FOREVER. We've been to the cafe and market, but just hadn't gotten around to trying Pumpkin (the cash-only thing deterred us for a bit, to be honest). When Restaurant Week came, I almost made reservations at Pumpkin until I saw the regular 5 course tasting menu for the same price! With my bf's birthday around the corner, we decided to wait until then and the meal was PERFECT. Celery Root Soup with apple and shallot: 10 points for presentation! The waitress set the bowls on the table (cute mound of apples/shallots/celery foam at center) and gracefully poured the soup into each bowl. It was delicious, creamy but light with the perfect smooth texture. Cassoulet beans, squid, broccoli rabe: I love squid, and this was cooked perfectly. The mix of flavors (the beans clearly had some kind of pork in it for a smoky flavor) was hearty and yummy. Toasted farro, braised beef, baby carrots: My bf's favorite dish (and his appetizer, I didn't get a bite!), the beef just fell apart when his fork touched it, and he couldn't stop raving about the farro (I know what I'm making regularly now...). Beet goat cheese salad with pine nuts: Tiny size, but tasty and refreshing after the last course. Pan Roast Skate with bouillabaisse sauce, rouille, and fennel: THE BEST SKATE I HAVE EVER HAD. I need to find out how they cooked it, it was incredible I wish I had the whole fish to consume! Duck Leg Confit with apple, carrot and turnip: The duck was fantastic, soooo tender and juicy, and the traditional accompaniments were done with such skill that the dish was better than you could ever make at home. Buttermilk Panna Cotta with black currant, brown butter, ginger snaps: We both got the same dessert because chocolate cake is overrated. This was fan-f-ing-tastic, the tartness of the buttermilk came through well but it was still sweet, the black currant sauce was a similar tartness, and the gingersnap crumbles with the dehydrated brown butter (really weird, but delish!) just turned the whole thing on it's head and made my taste buds soar. YUM! We brought our own wine, which they offered to chill for us, and those two hours flew by in a whirlwind of food. The meal was absolutely perfect, it reminded us of the Culinary Institute of America's American Bounty restaurant, that is how high the quality is here. You have to try Pumpkin at least once if not more - but make reservations! Especially for Sunday night, no one was in there that didn't have reservations.
(5)
Marc F.
This place is great, but please increase the portion size. We would have ordered the same amount of food (3 appetizers, 2 entrees, and 1 dessert between 2 people) regardless, but have left full, if the portions were bigger. Cash only and hand written receipts.... hmmmm. Pumpkin can afford bigger portions. If I didn't leave hungry, Pumpkin would have gotten 5 stars. That said, food was delicious. Pork cooked 3 ways and sweet potato soup were the best. Small BYOB environment is very quaint. Service was great too.
(3)
Ritu K.
I was very eager to return to Pumpkin. It had been years since I dined here but I vaguely recalled a good meal. What a disappointment. Visually speaking it was all you could hope for. Everything was beautifully and artfully prepared. Herein lies the problem. I felt like things were placed on the plate for it's aesthetic qualities and not because it actually added anything to the dish. I'm not a fan of things being thrown on a plate to make it pretty. As for the food itself I ordered the seasonal vegetable app and skate for the main course. The vegetables were meh.. Some bites were good, others not so much. It was beautiful to look at, but pretty small in size. My skate was also meh. Not bad by any means, but not fantastic.. Also pretty small for $25. I was still pretty hungry after the two courses, as well as a flour less chocolate cake. This was not the Pumpkin I remember...
(3)
Chris M.
I've been here a couple of times and every time the food was such an inventive crafting of fresh local ingredients in the most un-pretentious (if maybe a hair too intimate) of settings at a value price! My only criticism is that the last time we were here we had a 5 minute wait for our table in front of the restaurant and the young drunk tenants above flicked their cigarette ash down on us. When we told the manager we got a shrug with an explanation that "they can be a bit of a problem." If I were manager, I'd have called the police on them. I will def go back though.
(4)
Sarah B.
I really wanted to give Pumpkin 5 stars because their food is soooo tasty! This is a chef that clearly has amazing chops and is very talented. My husband and I shared smoked quail as our appetizer, and it was one of the most delicious dishes I have ever eaten. We also both really enjoyed our entrees and the flourless chocolate cake dessert that we shared. So, my reason for the 4 star review? Well, I'll reiterate some of what other people have said. It's very inconvenient to have to pay cash at such a pricey restaurant (and I can understand for people who just drop in and don't know that it's a cash-only establishment, how frustrating that would be). The dining room is small and feels cramped because of how many tables/chairs are crammed in there. And the portion sizes are TINY. I know this isn't Applebees, so I wasn't expecting tubs of soup or 16 oz steaks, but for what they charge, they should give more generous portion sizes. For those reasons, I can't give Pumpkin 5 stars, but I would definitely go back!
(4)
Mike G.
We had the perfect meal here on a Sunday evening. This small BYOB is a place my friends and I had been wanting to try for ages but never seemed to get there. As another birthday dinner popped up on our calendars, we made our decision based on geographic location since birthday boy lives kind of close to Pumpkin. We went for the prefix Sunday 5 course meal for $36. and We booked a 6pm table of 6 since it was a work-night. Timing was perfect. The restaurant was relatively quiet as we arrived and we had such an attentive welcome and service. Rather than describe specifics, I get the pleasure of saying that everything we had was perfect, beautifully presented and prepared. Servers kept our glasses full and introduced each of the complex components of every dish with the authority of a museum guide and built up anticipation one experiences from a magician. Months later, a simple mention of this meal in conversation, we are all easily salivating at the idea of a return. Please, do not make me regret sharing this info with you. If you read this, I'd appreciate you not attempt to reserve tables on nights I intend to go there. Thanks.
(5)
Ryan T.
Dont go hungry because you still will be when you leave and bring a wad of cash cause its expensive and well they only take cash was really disappointed
(1)
Kristin W.
We loved the laid-back intimacy of Pumpkin and the fantastic, fresh food. I started with the Sunchoke-Hazelnut Veloute, which was a silky soup with great flavor. Upon our waitress' recommendation, I ordered the Moulard Duck with the dark and white meat separated and prepared differently. The white meat was tender with crispy skin and the dark meat arrived in a ramekin with an unique potato and grain mixture. I sampled the Sea Bass and was impressed by how fresh it was. For dessert, we tried the Financier, which was a little on the small side although very flavorful; we did like the accompanying ice creams, especially the Banana although we had some reservations about the amount of "crumble" that finished the dish.
(5)
J C.
Nice romantic atmosphere. Food is tasty and beautifully presented but portions are very small. BYOB is nice. Cash only. Waitress was pleasant but broke a full glass of wine on our table and did not apologize. We were also not offered any compensation for the spilled wine.
(3)
Brian S.
Came here for a birthday date dinner for two. The tiny dining room was packed and the waitress greeted us warmly. She quickly cleaned off the one unoccupied table and sat us down. The service was attentive without being overbearing or stuffy, just like I like it. We ordered an appetizer to share and our entrees. The server brought some warm sliced bread and olive oil. The appetizer was a coddled egg over polenta. It was an eggy delight. We ended up mopping every last bit of it with our bread. As I said before, the place was packed to the gills. There was a overly long wait between appetizers and the entree, which could be chalked up to the kitchen being as busy as possible. However, even full, the restaurant was only 15 seats and most of the other parties were well into their meals when we arrived. It wasn't an interminable dealbreaker, but it was longer than it needed to be. Once our entrees did come out they were fantastic and made me forget all about the wait. I got a hangar steak and my dated ordered pork prepared two ways, with a shared bowl of mashed potatoes. The hangar steak was perfectly medium rare and came with an assortment of sauces and preparations that added a variety of sweet and savory flavors to the steak. The pork was a loin cut and a piece of belly. The belly was the better of the two. Its bacony saltiness was amazing. The loin kind of faded into the background as a result of the comparison. The mashed potatoes were fantastic. Very simple, just boiled potatoes with loads of butter and lightly mashed, no milk. It's the standard by which mashed potatoes should be judged. For dessert we shared the goat cheese cheesecake. It was fabulous and came with a wonderful berry dressing. The only drawback was that it was an extremely small portion -- I could have eaten two or three more helpings! Overall Pumpkin is foodie heaven, a place to come for a great gastronomic experience. The dishes are prepared and presented with a great deal of skill and creativity. A minor drawback is the value for price -- this isn't bucca di beppo. They won't load you up with a massive quantity of crappy food. Like most BYOB's the prices are high and the portions are smaller than you'd get at a comparable place with a liquor license. But Pumpkin more than makes up for that with a great seasonally rotating menu of excellent food. Be prepared by bringing cash and expecting a one of a kind meal and you'll leave very happy.
(5)
Mike H.
Extremely small place, may have been the smallest nice restaurant we ever ate in (not a bad thing). The food was fresh and inventive. Limited menu, maybe only five entrees and five appetizers. I had the appetizer of Escargot with hominy, bacon, and garlic. Very refreshing take on escargot, smoky and unique. Entree was Long Island Duck with plum, trumpet mushrooms and almonds. The duck was perfectly seared and med-rare, delicious. The almonds were barely cooked and whole crunchy, was a very interesting texture. Others had appetizers of pickled watermelon and specks salad (great), Cremont Cheese & beet salad (never ate so many different types beets and radishes in my life!), entree of Bucatini with Pekytoe crab sauce, Poconos Trout with pea puree and Chanterelle mushrooms, and Hangar steak with alliums and confit potatoes. All prepared perfectly, can't wait to return.
(5)
Olivia M.
Came here on a Sunday for a 5-course meal and loved it.
(5)
Elizabeth M.
A group of 5 of us went here last night for their restaurant week menu. It was one of the best meals I've had. Everything was delicious. No one had a problem or issue with their meal, and the staff was incredibly accommodating for a few special requests. I definitely will be back for the regular menu. I can only imagine how great it will be! Pumpkin definitely tops my list of great restaurants in Philly!
(5)
Tatyana M.
After 3 amazing experiences here we've decided that this is a keeper.
(5)
Chris W.
We went here for my fiance`s birthday. At first glance it is extremely small. Maybe only about 12 tables. The cool thing about this menu is that it is always changing, they use only the freshest local ingredients and create the menu accordingly. We started off with some fresh bread and infused garlic olive oil, very good. For appetizers we got the Pork belly. Also got the Pil Pil which was strange looking in a cocktail glass of foam, but turned out it tasted like blue crab when mixed in. It was good but my least favorite of the 3 apps Third app we had was the octupus, it was very good serves with a black emulsion. ' For our entrees we ordered the special beef short ribs and a side of beans which were both excellent. Portion sizes were perfect. We alsao ordered the Pan seared cobia (like a white fish/yellowfin tuna taste) Only complaint here was the "sea foam" crap they put on top of it. Not a fan of restaurants that use the foam on anything. Overall I would say Pumpkin is a very good restaurant geared more towards the gourmet diners. Although this is not generally our style it turned out to be a good pick. BYOB always makes it easier to deal with the bill :}
(4)
Maurice R.
One of the top ten Philly BYOB restaurants, Actually, in 2013, the food got even better! The chef is very creative and the ambiance is great. We went there in Aug of 2013, and we were very impressed as usual. The garage across the street is very convenient.
(5)
MaryAnn Z.
I often reacted to people's statements that fresh food tastes better the way many people react to me when I say that different waters taste differently and that Fiji water tastes "soft." However, Pumpkin restored my faith in the fact that fresh, local food really does make a difference, and that even if it's a meal I could technically make at home, it's worth spending extra money sometimes to have someone make it for me. There is no way I could milk that magical flavor out of anything in my own kitchen. As I am not big on seafood and a couple other people ordered the steak, I went for the red-headed stepchild and ordered the chicken. I always feel judged when I order chicken, as if it makes me really dull and unadventurous. Can't a girl just dig on some f'ing chicken? I digress. The chicken was the most delicious thing on the table. The brussel sprouts served with it were straight up orgasmic. There was so much chicken on my plate, I got to share with the table, and everyone agreed it was their favorite dish. The staff is amazingly friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is cozy and private-feeling and it's just such a great experience. I wish it were just a littttttle bit cheaper. But I can't really argue. I'd pay it again.
(5)
Jessica H.
I was teetering between a 3-star or 4-star but I decided to go with the 3-star. This restaurant was still good. Standard good. Nothing phenomenal but good quality. The decor is quaint and cute inside. Very small. Good for a party of 2. On to the food: Appy: Spaghetti alla chitarra - it was good but a bit salty. I love salty foods and of course, I still finished the dish - but I think the mojamo may have contributed to the saltiness. Escargot - one of the best escargots i've had. i'm not a fan usually of escargot but the creamy polenta with the coddled egg - soooooooooo good. Entrees: Duck - two pieces - not for the hungry folk. but i looooooooooved it. it was cooked to perfection. roasted corvina - my friend saw really good reviews on it - i mean it was good but not great. don't get the hype. she had truffle sauce but was a bit too subtle. Note: my other friend had the corvina and she said there was a lot of truffle sauce in the dish. Guess you'll never know. Dessert: Almond Financier - the bomb. it's a very solid restaurant. anyone should try at least once.
(3)
David A.
Fantastic food and great service made this a 5 star night. James and Chris worked the kitchen with artistry and very also great to speak with. For appetizers really enjoyed the grilled squid, main courses loved the scallops and chicken, desserts warm chocolate cake with mint ice cream. Everything from start to finish were fresh and creatively prepared with hard to find ingredients and local/organic sources. Diane was great server and hostess. Knowledgable on food with recommendations (dead on) and good conversation. Add this to your must list. Very small which helps with you enjoying food with memorable flavor and perfect plating and taste!
(5)
Chris W.
After careful research, my party of 6 choose Pumpkin for our NYE dinner. I have been here multiple times before and always been impressed with the fresh flavors and execution of the dishes. The $50 tasting menu for this event was well thought out although some courses shined more than others. Here is the breakdown: As per usual, Pumpkin nailed the opening soup. This particular sweet potato was a perfect combination of flavors and reminded me of the creamy winter vegetable soup I dream of. There was ground up pumpernickel to add some texture to this rich bowl of goodness. The next course was an individual seared scallop which was somewhat of a letdown. Mine was not seared as nicely as others at the table and although truffles were a component, there were very few if any. For an additional $10 I added a sweetbreads course which drew mixed reviews from my party. I have only had sweetbreads once before, but these were less tender and more chewy. The main course brought me back to where I usually am at Pumpkin with a perfectly cooked duck breast. See my picture, it was perfect and complemented nicely with the crunchy grilled endive. I finished with cheesecake which was better than average but not that memorable (or maybe the gratuitous amount of BYOBing had set in at this point). The service was 5 stars as per usual. Someone broke a glass and it was no big deal. I understand that restaurants make their money on these gimmick event nights but overall for my $60 plus tip I had hoped for a little more at a BYOB (a single scallop as a course in particular was a let down). Nonetheless I highly recommend this little neighborhood graduate hospital South Street joint and make sure you do not miss whatever soup they are offering!
(3)
Matt B.
My recent meal at Pumpkin was so thoroughly mediocre, and so far below the standard level at this price range, that I am actually creating a Yelp account to review the restaurant. Obviously I don't usually take the time to do this, but I consider it a small public service: either Pumpkin needs to improve, or diners need to enjoy better meals, elsewhere. For the moderate-to-high prices Pumpkin charges, you can get much better food in Philly. I was primed to like Pumpkin. I like small, charming, informal restaurants. Unfortunately, the food here simply did not taste good. My dining partner and I had two appetizers: a firm grilled Greek cheese [the name escapes me] served with Romesco, and grilled romaine served with a rich, creamy dressing. The cheese was fine - the best thing we had I suppose. Not particularly interesting. The grilled romaine was nothing more than that - a plain romaine heart that had been grilled, served with too much of a too-rich dressing. Honestly, it seemed a little amateurish. The overall effect was not very different from a cafeteria salad doused in Ranch dressing. Incidentally, there were only two vegetables on the menu (the romaine, and a cauliflower soup that we didn't order). Our entrees were bad. We didn't finish them. We ordered hanger steak and pork "cooked two ways." When we ordered the steak, the waitress asked if medium rare would be okay. We said yes. The steak was served very rare - closer to raw than rare. It was very chewy. But its fundamental flaw was that it just didn't taste good. (Generally, I love the flavor of steak.) The steak was served with two asparagus. The pork "cooked two ways" consisted of several slices of tenderloin (chewy, uninteresting), and a hunk of "pork belly," which was primarily fat and which tasted like a piece of lightly cooked pork fat. We didn't bother with dessert. If we had only had one or two bad dishes, I never would have taken the time to write this. But literally everything we ordered was either mediocre, or bad. As we paid, I actually felt ripped off, which is a rare feeling for me. (For what it's worth, though I don't post on Yelp, I have eaten at a wide range of restaurants in most major American cities, so I have some idea of what can reasonably be expected at different price levels.) In this city, in this neighborhood, Philly diners can do much, much better.
(1)
Philly P.
They will never get my $$$!!!! Were really looking forward to this place on a sat night. Me an my bf liked this place b/c they advertise the kitchen closing at midnight. Called and made a reservation for 10:15 on saturday (yes, their kitchen closes at midnight but they take their last seating at 10:00 ??) arrive at 10:35 because of terrible traffic. They welcome us and seat us at a table. 3 minutes later the waitress returns and says "Yea, so sorry for the bad news but we can't serve you. The kitchen said they just cant handle it." How rude and weird is that??? We left hungry and annoyed b/c what "fine dining" restaurant can seat someone and then be like, Oh, sorry nevermind????? We'll never come back here do to their obvious lack of need for a good customer. This was a big mistake on their service end and trust me, I will spread the word of how bizarre and weird this was.
(1)
Hannah M.
Dare I say that this is the BEST byob in all of Philadelphia? I'm a bit of a byob connesoir and this is the best one. Awesome date spot, very reasonably priced with a great ambiance! Love the decor, the duck was INCREDIBLE, and the service was impeccable. The menu is very small, but that's okay because everything on it is delicious. It's a bit of a hike to get to South Street, but worth it!
(5)
Emily C.
Absolutely fabulous. My husband and I made a last-minute reservation (only possible because it was a Tuesday!) and loved every part of our meal. The presentation was wonderful - creative and fun - and the flavors were outstanding. The only hiccup was when my fish came out a bit under-cooked, but as soon as I asked our server about it she whisked away my plate to sort it out. Five minutes later she was back with a whole new plate, perfectly seared fish, and a big apology. She offered us complimentary dessert and apologized again for the error - more than ok given how gracefully it was handled! I'd absolutely recommend Pumpkin to anyone who's looking for an intimate dinner and some adventurous flavors. It was outstanding.
(5)
Bridget M.
We had a wonderful experience at Pumpkin last night. First of all, the space is cozy, but our party of five didn't feel cramped at all. The lobster cavatelli appetizer was delicious and we could've eaten an entire soup bowl full of the sauce that they used. The sweet potato soup was creamy and sweet. The main courses were enjoyed by everyone. Everyone claimed that their own entree was the best. You can tell that Pumpkin takes pride in its presentation of the meal. Everything on the plate is explained when they set it down. We couldn't pass up the idea of goat cheese cheesecake and we're really glad we didn't. The savoriness of the goat cheese was well complemented by the sweet lemony sorbet. A true culinary treasure in the Philadelphia landscape.
(4)
Anusha S.
Good (not great) food and cozy atmosphere. I took my boyfriend to Pumpkin for his birthday and I asked the server to bring out their chocolate cake after we finished our entrees when I made my reservation over the phone. He remembered to do so and also checked with me if our experience was perfect. The service here gets two thumbs up from me.
(4)
Annie C.
Pumpkin embodies the organic movement for me. You feel good that you're being healthier and more earth-conscious, but it's hard to stomach buying a smaller head of lettuce for double the price of the behemoth down the aisle. At this point in my economic life, I have seldom been moved by organic. However, I did come to Pumpkin for their $35 restaurant week deal and had a really nice meal. Their berkshire pork terrine was beautiful, with colorful chunks of pistachio and cherries throughout. Their skate wing was crispy and tender and the young root veges were cooked to al dente perfection. As dessert, their chocolate cake was perfect - warm, light, but still a bit gooey, accompanied by a nice scoop of coconut ice cream. Each of the courses was also accompanied by a couple finely made sauces and garnishes that were just as tasty as pretty. Everything was cooked very well, and I have few complaints. But I think I met Pumpkin at the wrong time in my life. One day when I'm older (and richer) we may yet become soul mates. But for now, I'm looking for less demure and more portly companions.
(4)
Danan R.
I had the escargot app and duck entree. The escargot were very well seasoned and the duck was succulent and flavored with a hint of coffee. A bit different but delicious all the same. The Pinot noir that we brought added a nice touch. Their wine pairing recs were right on target. The nutella pot du creme was just heavenly. Chocolate, coconut, and hazelnut creme all in one dish! I will come back just for that alone. Service was okay but they did refill our bread basket, which was much appreciated because I love warm, fresh bread with olive oil.
(4)
Jessica B.
Oh Pumpkin.... the many ways I love you. My boyfriend and I went here for a celebratory dinner when we found out I was being offered a job at a great architecture firm here in Philly. I made the reservation that day, and they managed to fit us in at 9:30 (the perfect time for us, since we're sort-of-late eaters). We showed up right on time, and they seated us immediately in a cute little booth nearish to the kitchen. (One point for Pumpkin!) The staff there is AWESOME. Everyone seems to do everyone else's jobs in the front of the house (in other words, they have one another's backs -- a true indicator of a well-run restaurant). The woman who sat us went and got us bread and put our wine somewhere to chill. The woman who was our server came over very quickly to talk to us about the menu (which was amazing...). We were very curious about the braising liquid that was the base for the sauce for the short rib with porter sauce (what I eventually ordered) and the base for the sauce of the fish dish (ordered by my boyfriend). The woman who was acting as hostess/runner/bread server/wealth of knowledge couldn't totally answer our questions about the sauce, so she went back to the kitchen and got us a taste of the sauce so we could try it out. (50 points for Pumpkin!!!) It was delicious, as were the dishes themselves. All the flavors worked in a gorgeous harmony together -- the short rib was perfectly tender in its Guinness sauce, the potatoes gratin were cheesy, but not too much, the mushroom salad was nutty and... well... mushroomy. (Even more points for Pumpkin!!!) Needless to say, we closed the restaurant down after having some simultaneously rich and fluffy chocolate cake with the most luscious coconut ice cream I have ever tasted. I could give them more points, but I've lost count, so we'll just chalk it up to infinity.
(5)
Nicole K.
My husband and I have been dying to go to this restaurant for some time now. We are members of the online reservation site Open Table, and have been for years. I made a reservation for my husband's birthday (1/23) online. Unfortunately there was a big snow storm up here and we had to cancel. That same day I made a reservation for today 1/29 so we could still go where wanted for his birthday. I received a phone call the day before (1/28) around 0930 am from this establishment about our reservation. I was not able to answer due to the fact that I am in school full time and work full time. I got home around 530 and checked my email, only to find out that pumpkin sent me an email at 1200 pm cancelling our our reservation for 1/29, with no reason why. I called and spoke to a gentleman who said he was not sure why this had occurred and allowed me to make a new reservation, which I confirmed with him while on the phone. The next morning 1/29 around 1000 am, I received a phone call again from pumpkin asking to call back, I immediately called back. THE WOMEN WHOM I SPOKE TO WAS THE RUDEST MOST IGNORANT PERSON EVER!!!!! She informed me that since we had made reservations in the past and did not show up ( this was over 6 months ago and we had a family emergency) that she was going to need a deposit in order for us to keep our reservation. I explained to her what happened the other day about my reservation being cancelled by them and assured her we were definitely coming for my husbands birthday. She was so rude to me on the phone that I told her to cancel my reservation for the night. If their customer service was the bad on the phone I CAN NOT IMAGINE HOW IT IS IN PERSON! I will NEVER visit this restaurant.
(1)
Jim B.
The service was great. The restaurant is a cool, tiny little spot. Food was super creative and overall very delicious. Would have given 5 stars if not for a couple missteps on some of the elements of a dish or two (some vegetables a little raw). Duck confit was off the charts good. As were our desserts, especially the ice creams that accompanied them. Will definitely be back.
(4)
Becky S.
I've been hearing great things about Pumpkin and finally got the chance to go. As with many byos, it is tiny. My friend was from NYC and she was totally shocked by the atmosphere. Even though byos are small, I will admit - Pumpkin is really plain! The floors look gross/old and there is very little effort put into the decor (not in a way that appears to be on purpose). So you would think that starts us off on the wrong foot so obviously with 4 stars they really impressed us with the food! Byos can be tough with changing menus and finding something you like but the food was sooo delicious and presented very nicely. Made up for the lack of walls etc. My friend and I split the scallops and duck - both of which I loved! We had a cheesecake dessert and a chocolate cake. Also had calamari which had some interesting sides. I love grilled calamari though. It was good but not the best I've had. The waitress was nice - refilled water often - and after the fact she overheard us talking about how it was my birthday and she expressed her dismay in not knowing bc she would have put a candle in my dessert which I thought was nice. Go. Try it. Love it.
(4)
Frank R.
I went here for the 5 course tasting menu on Sunday, 28-Dec-08. From start to finish, Pumpkin delivered a fantastic meal. I would definitely return without an iota of hesitation. Make sure you call about a week ahead for a reservation. I really enjoyed everything about this place. It was a small, cozy place that was well decorated. The service was top tier. The servers were passionate about what they did and always had a smile. Service is one of the most controllable and influential aspects of dining out so its nice to go to a place that really cares about satisfaction. The meal was good sized portions for a tasting menu which is nice considering the potency, complexity and balance in each bite was worth revisiting. I really enjoyed the walu appetizer and flank steak entree. The only part of the meal that was just OK was the salad. This meal was really good because for the week before hand, all I ate was Polish holiday food in my hometown so the freshness and flavors were a great break to that monotony. The only potential downside of this place is that it can be loud. When I was at Pumpkin, there was a table of six people who apparently could only communicate by shouting to each other despite being 3 feet away. Also, I cannot understand how a restaurant like this doesn't take credit cards. I can see the point of not taking cards from a logistic and managerial standpoint but I hope they start taking cards in the future. They also should have a real website. If your a fan of an ever evolving menu and fresh, wholesome ingredients, then you should definitely visit Pumpkin. Great place that I hope is around for a long time.
(5)
Michael G.
So we went to pumpkin a while back, and it was a bit of a disaster, so a couple of years later and I felt like it was time to give them another try. After all, where else can you get a 5 course meal for $35 on a Sunday at short notice? Between myself and my wife we tried everything on the menu, and for the most part I was impressed. The food was nicely cooked and artfully presented. The service was attentive, wine was poured, water regularly topped up, everything was looking pretty good really. Some might call the food presentation a little too much, but it's OK for 'date' food. This is not the sort of place I'd go with friends or family, especially with a normally limited menu. The only issue that really stood out was the bread. Upon arriving we were told that the waitress would fetch us some bread. In the middle of our soup course we were told that it was just in the oven, and after our shrimp/escargot apetizers we were presented with the olive oil dip.Somewhere in our third course (vegetable) we were presented with the bread, which was stone cold. Normally I wouldn't mind, but it means that it had not been anywhere near an oven while I'd been in the restaurant, and we were lied to. It looks like a bought in baguette. How did it take so long to get it? And the point of bread is to give guests something to nibble on before the meal, not during the entree. Frankly, it was just a distraction from the food at that point. Anyway, all in all it's not bad value ($35 per head on Sunday), but with food that is fancy (bordering on the pretentious), and no vegetarian options, it's not for everyone. I think it'll be a while before I'm tempted back form the crowd of potential BYOB alternatives.
(3)
Jenny L.
I agree with some of the other reviews that Pumpkin just tries too hard with the food. The atmosphere was pretty good - small, cozy, and intimate, but too dim for my likes, as it seemed the only lighting in the restaurant was candelight. Anyways. I had high hopes for Pumpkin judging by their RW menu, but it was kind of a let down. The mushroom and potato amuse-bouche was incredibly salty. For apps, I had the sweet potato veloute and my bf got the pork belly. The veloute was amazing - the only part of the meal I think I enjoyed. However, it would have been a much better experience without all the little things they dumped into the soup that they then had to explain to me as they served me my food. The soup should have been the main star, probably only with the subtlest of garnishes so I could fully enjoy each smooth, creamy bite. For entrees, the bf got the duck and I decided to mix it up and get the salmon. Our server warned me that the salmon was cooked medium rare (I forgot why - something about amplifying the flavor I think) and I figured it would be fine so I told her to go for it. When it came out, I instantly regretted not telling her to cook it medium-well done, because the texture of the salmon was not what I had in mind at all. Again, the entrees were served with a multitude of small sides that had to be listed to us - and still we didn't catch all of it, so we weren't 100% sure of what we were eating. The salmon was a huge letdown, also because it was too bland. My bf's duck was good, but he said it had way too much connective tissue - to the point where he had to spit some of it out because he just couldn't finish chewing it. For dessert, we both went with the cheesecake because I heard good things about it. My bf adored it, I wasn't so sold. It was a really dense, brown butter (? the server explained this to me, but I don't recall) cheesecake, and I think I personally prefer a lighter, fluffier cheesecake. The apple sorbet on top of the cheesecake was amazing, though. All in all, I loved the environment but the food sadly didn't leave a good impression on me. Like I said before, Pumpkin should cut out the quirky, fancy side "amusements" and let the locally-sourced food shine on its own with minimal support. I probably would not go back, unless with someone else who wanted to. PS: the bf also really liked the small pack of pumpkin seeds delivered along with the check - a cute touch.
(2)
Beth R.
The place is small, but my party of 7 was very comfortable, and we loved our meals. We split the octopus and gnocchi apps to start, both were above average, but the gnocchi was truly outstanding. My entree of pork two ways was good, as were the scallops and chicken entrees that my friends ordered. For dessert I had the chocolate cake with caramel ice cream. But seriously I want more of that gnocchi. Their menu changes daily, so I can only hope the gnocchi are there next time I come here. Oh and it's a byob. The mild downside is that it's cash only, and a bit pricey... entrees are ~ mid 20's, the apps were around 12 each, and desserts were 8ish.
(4)
Margaret M.
Everything was perfect. I'm serious. The staff was incredibly attentive, the food was interesting and played well together. Bring a bottle of pinot noir and you're set! I went here with my boyfriend for Restaurant Week. Besides the huge table of very noisy people speaking Russian (made me giggle; made the boyfriend irritated), the atmosphere was romantic and intimate. You really have to try this place out. Their flavor combinations actually made me think. The brown butter cheesecake was what I had been waiting for my entire life.
(5)
Sean G.
Food: 4 stars Service: 5 stars Ambiance: 4 stars Location: 3.5 stars Price: 4 stars Recommendations: I highly recommend going with a surf and turf combination with your dining partner. The Filet and Scallops were delicious and very well prepared. The staff was so courteous and generous, giving us a complimentary appetizers (Green Gazpacho- which was delicious and refreshing) and dessert (Fruit Sorbet). The Calamari appetizer was just OK, prepared by being steamed or grilled. I wouldn't recommend it if you like your calamari fried. Overall, the restaurant is quaint and personal. It has everything a fine dining restaurant has without the pretentiousness. We had a great experience at Pumpkin and will go back again soon. Bonus: BYOB Negative: CASH ONLY Overall: 4.5 stars
(4)
Therhyme R.
Went there with my husband for restaurant week. The place was cute, simple, and cozy. The heirloom tomato was delicious, its a great sign when a tomato can taste so amazingly different and delicious. The escargot and polenta that was paired together perfectly and had a delicate divine taste. The seared scallops were cooked perfectly and seasoned very well. For Dinner, we had Duck and the Char. The duck was prepared perfectly as was the Atlantic char. The char was deliciously paired with fennel and a delicious sauce. For dessert, the butterscotch pudding was amazing...one of the best desserts I have ever had. We can't wait to return for another delicious dinner. Highly recommended.
(5)
Nicole H.
Expensive, but worth it!!!! Cash only, but worth it!!! Everything I had was delicious. Plus, it's BYOB, so you save some money there. Staff was wonderful. This place is a must try!
(4)
Diana J.
My friend took me there for my birthday dinner, and I have to say - their food was absolutely divine! We ordered the quail to start, which was well-presented and exquisite. For the entree, I got the Scottish salmon, which was absolutely cooked to perfection. The meat melted in my mouth and flaked perfectly. I'm a huge salmon lover, and it was by far one of the best I have ever had. We got the cheesecake for dessert, which had hints of coffee and other ingredients that I didn't quite catch. I'm also a cheesecake fanatic, having had some of the best cheesecakes in NYC, but this was unique and delicious in its own way. It was a perfect way to polish off a beautifully cooked and presented meal. I would highly recommend this place for anyone looking for the best in dining. The atmosphere was very small and cozy, the ambience a bit loud, but you can't go wrong with their food and attentive waitstaff.
(5)
Daniel M.
Once upon a time I went to Pumpkin. It was a very special evening. I was on a date. The restaurant just opened. There was a buzz of expectation in the air. One of those nights where you can just feel like magic is going to happen. Being cutesie, my date and I opted to share everything: two appetizers, two entrees, two desserts. To sum up, for more reasons than just the food, I was left rather unfulfilled :/ On account of my dinner and my date that evening, they both boasted a lot of showmanship, without much flavor. Course after course of food and conversation left me feeling nonplussed. YEARS later, and one week ago, I returned to Pumpkin with a couple good friends for their Sunday prix fixe: 5 courses for $35. The whole experience brought back memories of my original visit, then outdid them at every turn. First of all, 5 courses of anything that isn't ordered by number for $35 is a steal. Secondly, the menu was hyper-seasonal, fresh, summery and with home cooked rustic charm, yet the delicate grace and flair of a fine dining kitchen. Green tomato gazpacho with lump crab--vibrant, clean, delicious. Quail that was perfectly cooked, served spread eagle with figs--how else? Pork loin with grilled peaches. Even for not being a chocolate guy, the warm chocolate cake for dessert was outstanding. The space is small and warm, in that Philly BYOB style, service was polite and efficient, and my company was as great an upgrade from the last time as the food. If you haven't checked out this BYO Philly institution in a while, it's definitely worth a revisit. It's so wonderful (and rare) to see a restaurant that's getting better with age.
(4)
Vinh T.
I love how they keep their menu to small an tight but every dish will make its own statement. Have to try: Long Island Duck North Carolina Shrimp.
(4)
Chris M.
Here Saturday, very impressed with the quality of food, speed of service, attentiveness, and ambiance of the restaurant. Portions are slightly small, compared to their counterparts.. but we still had a great time. We had a small, almost unnoticeable wait that didn't bother us.. the hostess rewarded us with their special Gazpacho.. very good. Very nice date spot...the plan was here..then Jet or Bob & Barbara's.. Pumpkin might be overlooked, but not for its quality.. go here.. bring the wife, GF, boyfriend or date you're trying to impress.
(4)
Anya R.
This is wonderful for a romantic date - it's small, cash only and BYOB. The food is organic and the menu changes (I believe daily?) Service is great. Highly recommended.
(5)
Benjamin S.
A very disappointing experience! One-half hour before our reservation time, I called to let them know we would be a half-hour late. I included a call-back number. (They always call-back to confirm reservations.) The called rolled over to voice mail. We showed up at the time I said we would. But they had given away our table. The host said he did not pick up the call until ten minutes before the new time. His first excuse was we had not called in time but my cell phone showed otherwise. With such a small space and high demand, simple things like picking up messages or wearing an ear-phone are not unreasonable expectations. They would have lost no money or a second seating of our table. The ultimate insult of the evening was they reported us to Open Table for failing to show up for our reservation.
(1)
Maria C.
I've been meaning to go to Pumpkin for a while and I finally made it this last weekend with a group of 5 people. The restaurant was emptying out by the time we arrived. The one negative I can come up with here is that they don't have a vegetarian entree and that my gazpacho wasn't great. I got the green gazpacho as an appetizer. Our server said it was a pea and avocado gazpacho, but I couldn't really taste neither the peas nor the avocado. It was mostly herbs and maybe some peas. The presentation was BEAUTIFUL. It looked like art with rose petals and what I think was lemon sorbet but I would've loved it if it had had a bit more flavor. A bit of salt, perhaps? A bit of cream? I got the shrimp appetizer and side of mashed potatoes as my main. The shrimp -- I hate to say it but even though the presentation was amazing, three of them were overcooked and had a very mealy texture and not too much flavor. The mashed potatoes with creme fraiche were really tasty. The rest of the table got steak, duck, and skate. The only issue, I guess, is that portions were a bit small and the steak was cooked medium-rare even when it wasn't supposed to. Dessert was very good -- not a huge fan of the lemon curd. However, my table got complimentary appetizers as well as a complimentary flourless chocolate cake that was delicious. The food here looked like art and I enjoyed that. The service was good and everyone was kind and attentive. However, I just wish my two dishes had been a bit more flavorful. They're easy on the eyes but my mouth wasn't a fan. I give it 4/5 stars because the ambiance is nice, the service is great (they gave us free stuff!!), the dessert was tasty, and so were the mashed potatoes, and because of the beautiful and careful presentation. PROS: intimate, quiet, nice ambiance, great service, great presentation, fit for a foodie, BYO CONS: small menu (some small portions), no vegetarian entrees, no credit/debit cards
(4)
Nancy A.
Food was delicious. Service was lovely. We really enjoyed the atmosphere. It's neat how they use pumpkin in small unexpected ways in various dishes.
(5)
R H.
Like the other reviews, the food is AWESOME! I have gone to Pumpkin about three times now, and every single time, the staff has been super friendly and nice. Definitely recommend taking advantage of their Sunday $40, 5 course tasting menu. Cash only, BYOB, a bit small so wouldn't recommend going with large crowds.
(5)
Jayma K.
We totally enjoyed our dinner the other night. We took my nephew who lives in Manhattan so I wanted to impress him. I was concerned about where to take him since he is a vegetarian and I'm just the opposite, a meat and potatoes girl. They made up a special entree for him out of a veggie appetizer for him and they gave me a great trade of potatoes instead of onions for me. We all loved our meals and the presentation was the best I've seen in a long time. We also shared a dessert which included mint ice cream. I was expecting it to taste something like the mint ice cream in a chocolate chip mint from the store but we were all surprised to get ice cream that tasted like mint out of the backyard mint. All in al we had a great dinner a was able to show off a great Philly restaurant to my nephew from NYC.
(5)
Stefanie A.
BLOWN AWAY. Service was fantastic--I called to say we'd be late and they said they could accommodate us whenever we got there. And they were super polite, helpful, and full of smiles all night. But the food. Wow. It was. Just. So. Yum. Warm and crusty bread with olive oil and garlic was a great snack. The scallops app with chorizo in black squid ink sounds busy and conflicting but it was a symphony of lovely flavors and textures. Scallops were cooked and seasoned perfectly. We also had the escargots with veggies--those veggies included ramps and fiddlehead ferns. They don't skimp here. And the fish may have been the best I've ever had. Swordfish with carrots and peas. Sounds simple but was complex, delicate, and brimming with flavor. The carrots came cooked and raw--with coriander and cumin, and with chili powder and both were an amazing accompaniment to the perfectly-cooked fish. Peas were also whole, and pureed. Again, flavors and textures melted well. And the peanut butter pot de creme was decadent but not too heavy and overly delicious. As it's BYO, price was much lower than what you;'d get in a comparable restaurant with a liquor license. But for the quality, price was s till low. Can't wait to try the Sunday night tasting menu... or just do dinner again.
(5)
Christine C.
I can't say enough good things about Pumpkin. Their menu is small, but perfect for the adventurous foodie. I've eaten there several times for their Sunday tasting menu, and had a fantastic dinner there this past New Year's Eve. The staff is always knowledgeable and friendly, and since they change the menu often, you can always try something new.
(5)
Lauren H.
I was this close to giving Pumpkin 5 stars because I've rarely experienced food that's tasted so exquisite. Pumpkin sets out to create a menu that highlights fresh, local and seasonal foods and I've never met an argument for using fresh, local and seasonal foods that has tasted better. I was here on a Thursday night with a group of 7 for our BYO-of-the-month club's April outing. We started with the octopus and the gnocchi as appetizers for the table - which were both heavenly, but the veggies that came tossed with the gnocchi were so, well, vibrant, if 'vibrant' can be a taste. I do not like cooked carrots, but the carrots in this dish tasted unlike any carrot I had previously had, as did all of the other veggies. What was most intriguing was the way all the components of the dish were so distinct, but perfectly enhanced each other at the same time. Looking for the same revelation with my entree, I ordered the chicken. I was not disappointed. This chicken was succulent, and I've never been able to use that word to describe chicken before. I also had a taste of my friend's scallops, which were delicate, yet meaty and perfectly cooked. Despite being a small BYO, Pumpkin accommodated our large group and a few others that evening quite easily, without making the dining room seem overly crowded. Pumpkin is a smidge on the pricey side and I found the desserts to be so-so, which prevented me from ramping this up to a 5 star review, but any place that can make me wax lyrical over a carrot has got to be tried.
(4)
H S.
Charming restaurant with excellent food! Each bite was fantastic. Please make a visit to this tiny BYOB if you have not yet already!
(5)
Jill C.
The space at Pumpkin is a bit cramped (albeit lovely and romantic), but once the food came, the small space really was not an issue for myself and my boyfriend. We chose their five course Sunday pre-fix for our Valentine's celebration and we LOVED every bite. Being that they have a farm-to-table concept and their menu changes daily, it doesn't get any fresher and more flavorful than this menu. Plus, the five course offering lets you taste so many of these fresh flavors that are perfectly blended into each special dish...it is, in my opinion, what food should taste like! The staff was also so friendly, accomodating, and informative, without being intrusive. They even poured our wine for us as we dined, which they kept chilled in the back. We absolutely loved it and will definitely be back!
(5)
Connie S.
Cute little (emphasis on little) cash-only BYOB with a daily-changing menu with local and seasonal ingredients. Very few tables and very good business... the good news is that they take reservations, so you should definitely call in advance. But even so, we had a reservation set for 9pm and we weren't seated until after 9:30pm. I might have eaten the table by the time the food came. I will say: Best. Shortribs. Ever. They almost melt in your mouth. If you eat red meat and you see them on the menu (also available and updated daily on the restaurant website), don't bother with anything else. And although I would have happily eaten the shortribs for dessert, too, the flourless chocolate cake with coconut ice cream was also heavenly. The food didn't disappoint, but our server seemed a little flustered by all the chaos in the restaurant, and I wouldn't go back if I had to go through the same wait.
(4)
Leah G.
So I hadn't been to Pumpkin in about a year until last night . . . and I now am so angry with myself for waiting so long! I went for a friend's birthday. We had a reservation for 12, as did the table next to us. I was worried we would feel cramped. Not at all! The staff was great and didn't miss a beat. Our food came out promptly and I never felt like either of the large groups was overtaking the tiny restaurants (although some of the smaller tables around us might beg to differ). My food was excellent. I had the hanger steak, and I cannot remember the last time I had such an excellent steak in Philadelphia. I did not order the squid appetizer, but I had definitely had appetizer envy over it. Everything was excellent; no one I dined with would say otherwise. It will definitely be less than a year until I go back this time!
(5)
Bryan S.
Sunday is the day to go. The 5 course a la carte menu was awesome. BYOBs are always great and the service was amazing. Definitely a place you should try if you enjoy food. 100 bucks total for 2. It was my first time eating beets and the beet salad was delicious. A great place for a date.
(5)
Nishika V.
So I've been to Pumpkin a few times and it's been delicious...however, that was when they kept my reservation and let us sit down! I was absolutely appalled last night when I went there for dinner. For WEEKS, two of my besties and myself had planned to go to dinner here at 6pm. Our original dinner was for last week but we had to move the reservation to this week- no biggie. We logged onto OPENTABLE change the reservation, got a confirmation number, and figured we were set. This past weekend, my friend "S" that made the reservation got a confirmation phone call. On monday, my other friend "B" called pumpkin to double check the reservation and ask about an OPENTABLE dining cheque. ALL WAS SET! I arrive at 5:57 on Tuesday, December 4th, with a bottle of riesling in my hand and a wad of cash to spend. I was told that there was no reservation under "S". Okay...I said i'd wait til the other two ladies got here and maybe it was under a different name. One minute later, "S" walks in and asks about the reservation. The semi-nice hostess said that there wasn't a reservation under her name. THEN a really rude and snarky wait-staff member barges in on the conversation and with her nose in the air says "Was it through open table? Sometimes those reservation time out and we don't get the reservation." REALLY? We got a confirmation email, code, call AND we called to double check. They told us that we could have a table until 7:15 so we sat down and debated on whether to have apps here or just go to another place all together. We decided to go to another place all together and when we left the hostess said "Come visit us another time." Right...when pigs fly. Normally I wouldn't be so upset about this, however, they just blatantly lied to us and I'm sure that one of their cronies slipped them a hunnie and wanted a table at 7:30 so they bumped our reservation. They made NO effort to reconcile the situation and I was thoroughly disappointed. Thank you FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY for an AMAZING dining experience last night!
(1)
Kathy D.
I'm a byo-aholic, and went here to celebrate a friend's engagement. It is located on South Street, but don't let that scare you as South Street has a reality check on Broad Street, so you're safe from Flash mobs, and cheesy tshirt stores and Duck Tours. Pumpkin is a big name in that neighborhood, with a Cafe and a to-go store all in Grad-ho. The space is small, but this cute spot is great for a special occasion. To be honest, none of the food really stood out or was very memorable, but the cozy, candle lit atomsphere was very comfortable and would tempt me to come back.
(3)
Sub S.
Very good food, great casual service, nice ambience. Feels like we ate in a nice family's living room with some other strangers. All of the dishes were excellent. The gnocchi app, pork belly and lamb shank were excellent and something I would go back for. Menu changes, but I am sure everything is good. The Panna Cotta was excellent with a nice tart fruit sorbet and fresh rasberries. Pros: They take reservations! BYOB, great food. nice portions. Excellent service. Cons: Not any great bars in the immediate area, but within 4 blocks. Nitpicking
(5)
Anne H.
Even though I had a reservation for 8 last night, we still had to wait a good 20 minutes for a table for 2 to open up. But boy was it worth the wait! My boyfriend is a veggie, so we got the $35 three-course vegetarian menu they had for that night (their menu changes daily). This consisted of autumn vegetable soup, beet salad, and potato gnocchi. First off, we got bread (yay!), served with olive oil with roasted garlic in it (the garlic was in almost everything, must have had an abundance of it). Very tasty, and of course I'm always a fan of free bread. The vegetable soup was the BEST soup I have ever tasted. A close second would be the Maine lobster cappuccino from J.G. Domestic (which I had for lunch that day, a good soup day all in all). We were served bowls with slices of apple (or pear, not sure which), some leafy thing, and some spices on the bottom, and the rich, creamy soup was poured on top at the table. This resulted in a different flavor combination with every bite! One bite would be sweet with the bit of pear/apple, another would be garlic-ey with some house-roasted garlic, another spicy with some kind of red pepper. A really impressive, multi-dimensional dish that just blew me away. Was also not too salty, which is a common problem with many soups. The beet salad was pretty good; definitely not as good as the soup or gnocchi. But it was served with this cheese that was kind of like a combination of goat cheese and blue cheese, which was just delicious. The dish was served with shaved fennel, a foamy beet type thing (meh) and grated walnuts. Was a nice, light second course. And the gnocchi. Ohhh the gnocchi. Heaven on a plate! Perfectly plump, not-too-doughy pumpkin gnocchi, served with some of the most flavorful mushrooms I've ever tasted. Squash puree, cheese and fennel - again, the word multi-dimensional comes to mind. It was a flavor explosion in my mouth, and though I was already full from the first two courses, I ate the entire thing! Regrettably, we were too full to try the flourless chocolate cake or the goat cheese cake served with coconut ice cream. But if their desserts are half as good as their entrees, I'm sure they were phenomenal. Would definitely recommend, MAKE RESERVATIONS A FEW DAYS AHEAD OF TIME, and be prepared to wait for a table. BYOB and cash only. Worth the wait - I will definitely be coming back soon!
(5)
Sara L.
Went to this byo for a Wednesday night dinner with a friend. The menu was full of fishy options that we good for my pescatarian friends. I really enjoyed the ambiance--cozy and intimate. Service was good. My pumpkin gnocchi with mushrooms were excellent and very much enjoyed. Its that time of year when I get a craving for all things autumnal and this hit the spot. Our fish dishes were perfectly cooked, and a little bit different from the ordinary run of things. Only complaint is that its cash only. I'll still come back, but I never carry cash anymore.
(4)
Calvin C.
4 for ambience. 2 for food. 3 for service. The food is not memorable. It's decorated nicely but nothing wows me unfortunately. I've had better.
(2)
Rob R.
Great place to take a gf/wife but I reckon the small space and quiet ambiance would not work well for a first date. The food was great. An app, two entrees, and a desert set us back $75 + tip. We started our meal with the wonderful pumpkin gnocchi (that actually tasted like pumpkin). I enjoyed the hanger steak while she enjoyed the trout. Both meals were prepared, portioned, and presented perfectly. Desert was a special treat - a small chocolate cake with passion fruit sorbet, strawberries, and granola. The combination was spectacular - ad that's coming from someone who isn't a big fan of deserts! This place supposedly changes the menu nightly and you won't know what's on until 4pm that day. While that makes planning a reservation difficult, this nice BYOB is worth checking out. It's not over the top and the perfectly portioned entrees will satisfy your palate. Oh, and be sure to bring enough cash for desert.
(4)
Danielle W.
I'm sure the food is good. It would have been wonderful to try it. I read nothing but rave reviews in the week leading up to it. Hell, I even made reservations. Bad idea! We showed up for our 7:30 reservation and were promptly told to go to a bar down the street, and they'd give us a call when they had space. Sure it's a small place, but why would you even agree to let someone make a reservation if you know you can't honor it? Or can't be bothered to honor it?
(1)
D. P.
Great dinner but pass on dessert. The menu really pushes the envelope in terms of creativity and the portions are on the small side but satisfying. The sides are farm to table meaning they're fresh and local and were wonderful. It's a BYOB and they're so accommodating they gave us a decanter for the wine. It's a really small place so I'd avoid a big group, but 2 or 3 is perfect. Basically only negative was dessert. Wasn't very sweet and after such a rich meal we expected an indulgent ending but it was small and too contrived. Save your money (Since dinner will run you $100+ easily) and get dessert somewhere else. But don't miss this restaurant as its a gem of Philly.
(4)
Katherine K.
Just went to Pumpkin with a group of 8 friends. No problems with seating, but the place was full-up when we got there, so reservations are a must. I ordered the seared scallops, which came with a cilantro-based sauce that was absolutely delicious paired with the scallops. My boyfriend ordered the grilled octopus as a starter. I've never had grilled octopus before, so I can't make a judgement on whether it was made well, but it tasted fantastic. For my main dish I ordered the Hanger Steak, which was very good paired with a bleu cheese butter. Chewy, but I think this is what the texture of hanger steak is supposed to be. Boyfriend ordered the lamb shanks- the bite I had was tender and flavorful. BYOB, bring some great wine and great friends and this place is definitely worth checking out.
(4)
jackie p.
Had a great birthday dinner with a bunch of girlfriends. Everyone enjoyed the menu. The pumpkin were my favorite and I can't wait to go back for then.
(3)
Tracy K.
Pumpkin is a cozy, intimate little BYO that I should have tried a long time before now. Yumm. I went last night, to try the $35 5-course tasting menu they offer on Sundays. The menu is small, but that is because it changes daily, to leverage the freshest offerings--and that comes across quite clearly. The dishes are elegant, innovative, and beautifully presented. The combination of flavors is somewhat deceptive: they're very clean and seemingly simple, but the layers of tastes come through on cue to reveal their true complexity. Kids, don't try this at home--you'll want to, but leave it to the experts. My 5 last evening: =roasted vegetable soup =waluu (fish) appetizer which came with something-I-can't-remember and chorizo (which I left off, since I don't eat meat. This is an opportune time to mention how accommodating the kitchen is) =mixed green salad with beets, goat cheese, and a hazelnut viniagrette =a trout more reminiscent of delicate salmon with minced apples and a meyer lemon sauce, atop lentils =pumpkin cake dulce de leche... this was the only item I didn't love. The cake was good, but dry. Full disclosure, my long-lost cousin is a server here... but I think she'd be just as attentive to all of you. Note: Cash only!!
(5)
Josie L.
Very cute place. I like how the place is low-key. I think this place is good for date. It has the romantic feel to the place. Went there for Sunday $35 Five Course Tasting. Autumn Vegetable soup was the best dish out of 5. It was the STAR! What a way to start the meal. I think it was butternut squash soup. The flavor of the soup was addictive. I didn't want to put the spoon down. I wanted more. The beet salad was delicious. I can totally taste the freshness. Not much to say with blow fish ceviche. It tasted like cold buffalo wing. Frisee salad was nice and fresh. Chicken dish was ok. Nothing to write home about. The salmon was good. It was nicely cooked and the pickle-ness of red cabbage helped cut down the richness of the salmon. Chocolate Cake with Coconut ice cream was yummy. The Chocolate Cake was very moist. Buttermilk Lavender Panna Cotta was good. The wait staff were nice. There were only 2 of them and they were extremely busy. This place is BYOB and only takes CASH.
(3)
Leslie K.
We went for the Sunday night five course tasting and the portions are tiny! The food is pretty good but it was disappointing to spend that time and money and leave really hungry. The space is a bit cramped as well as my chair kept bumping into the person behind me.
(3)
Sarah B.
If there's anything Philadelphia isn't short on, it's good restaurants! While the food was amazing, what stood out to me was the restaurant's unique philosophy. It is my understanding that the menu is prepared daily based on the products of local farmers. We enjoyed lovely appetizers (a mushroom ravioli and a chilled soup), as well as a fantastic chocolate cake with coconut ice cream, but the real superstars were the two entrees -- a salmon dish and a steak dish with shitake mushrooms both prepared so exceptionally, I have never, and fear I will never, eat more perfectly cooked steak or fish again! As are many Philadelphia restaurants, Pumpkin is a BYOB. Reservations are necessary, so call ahead! Considering the quality of the dishes, we were most surprised at how inexpensive the dinner was - approximately $30/person for 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, and a shared dessert. Bottom line: I'm hooked and look forward to returning throughout the year...tasting my way through the seasons!!
(5)
Jenny K.
I'm going to go out on a limb and say this is the best BYOB I've been to. I love the shabby chic decor, the roomy seating (compared to most BYOBs), the logo, bringing my own wine, the handwritten check, and of course, the food. My bf and I debated the pros and cons of ordering each item on the menu for a good 10 minutes. Each one sounded amazing, and we wanted no regrets. It came down to the scallops and the steak. I ordered: Scallops with braised artichokes and an olive salad. The olive salad was perched atop a delicious little cube-shaped chickpea cake, which is now one of my most favorite things on the planet. The scallops were perfectly seasoned and all the flavors combined perfectly. Bf ordered: Steak with blue cheese aoili and onion rings. The portion size was a little on the small side, but we were both blown away by the blue cheese aoili, and how well the onion rings paired with the meat. O.M.G. Dessert was a goat cheese cheesecake with figs, which knocked my socks off. A+++
(5)
Kate S.
We had the pleasure of spending a night out at Pumpkin this week for Philly's Restaurant Week and boy was it worth every penny! Pumpkin is a delightful BYOB with the perfect setting for a nice relaxing evening. We mostly went because we're supporters of nutritious eating with local foods, which is Pumpkin's main idea: local fresh food and seasonal eating-couldn't be better in our opinion :) Portions were perfect, service was friendly and warm and the restaurant itself is conveniently located btw 17th and 18th on South Street-parking was not a problem (note: we went at 6pm). The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is because I could see how if it were mid July/August the restaurant itself would get quite hot with only the use of fans, but it's more a heads up for people looking to visit in the summer. HIGHLY recommended and definitely worth a try!
(4)
Gary S.
Had a lovely anniversary dinner at Pumpkin recently. Had been meaning to get there for years - especially since now we live in the neighborhood. Food was excellent, as was the service. Unfortunately, have waited too long to write this review and can no longer remember the details of the meal. Have a good excuse though - the next morning my wife went into labor!!! So lets start a little rumor - if you (or your wife/partner) is really pregnant and eager to deliver, maybe a dinner at Pumpkin will do the trick! Worst that could happen is that you will have a great meal and still have to wait a little longer. Will definitely be back (maybe even with baby), probably to try the Sunday tasting menu!
(4)
Luke K.
This place was mind blowing. I'm one of those snobby type New Yorkers that always assumes food isn't as good anywhere else in the country. Pumpkin bitch slapped me for thinking that way. The food was super creative and absolutely delicious. I would go into more detail about the food, but I'm not a good enough writer to do it justice. We did the prix fix on a Sunday, which is an totally awesome deal. The waiting staff seems to be a group of serious foodies and seemed to really know their stuff. I will say that this place was one of my favorite dining experiences in the past 5 years and easily in the same league as famous restaurants like The Spotted Pig, if anybody reading this knows what that is (snobbery coming out again).
(5)
Melissa R.
I can't remember the last time I heard my boyfriend describe a dish as "unbelievable" or "fantastic." These were the words he used during our meal at Pumpkin. And I would have to agree. The waitress told us all the ingredients were organic and it was a farm-to-table concept. I can't even begin to describe how fresh everything tasted. I started with the Gazpacho Consomme, with crab and fennel sherbet. It wasn't a traditional gazpacho at all, but nonetheless delicious! My boyfriend got the gnocchis and I had to act quick for a taste, as the bite-size pasta would soon be gone. Same goes for the skirt steak he got as his entree. I opted for the scallops, which I found a little salty, but I couldn't get over how fresh and perfectly cooked the vegetables were. It is BYOB, so bring your wine of choice. We just happened to bring an organic wine from a Santa Barbara vineyard, and the waitress made sure to tell the chef.
(4)
Justin S.
I had a great meal with my Fiance here. It was very intimate and romantic. The place is so incredibly small, you get a real nice and personal interaction with the very friendly and attentive waitress. And the meals were very unique. I would recommend as a great date spot.
(5)
Jippity Q.
Good stuff. I took a local friend here as a thank you for letting my partner and I stay at his place. I love the BYOB concept! Fun! Anyway. Food was quite good. Not terribly expensive, and generously portioned. My flatiron steak was quite huge and good. Service was casual, informative and decent. I am writing this review from memory however. I dined there about 4 years ago. The fact I can remember this much is a good sign. I would go back.
(4)
J P.
Happy Valentines day to me and my soon to be wife. Pumpkin came out swinging. Quaint, small, and the house was packed. You could see the smug look on every guys face in the place. Two reasons for the smug look. Reason 1: The cote de boeuf. Big mutha truckin steak and it was perfect. I swear this is one of the best steaks I've had ever. It came with a nice helping of fingerling potatoes and haricot vert. It was an amazing meal and it made me let out a primal scream. Reason 2 for the smug look on the guys faces: The restaurant was sure to impress their date. The place was firing on all fours. Bring your date here. She will love you for it.
(5)
Mike P.
Really nice, albeit tiny, space. The waitstaff is uber-friendly and extremely attentive which is great. The menu is a bit limited - however, don't let that deter you from eating there; the menu changes every night. I went there on a Saturday night and had the Strip Steak and roasted cauliflower... AMAZING! It was flavorful and cooked to perfection - trite, I know, but true!!! All of their food is organic and free range and you can clearly taste that in the quality of their food. This is also a BYO joint so why not stop by your favorite liquor store and pick up a nice bottle of wine to go with your meal? This place gets 5 stars!!! FANTASTIC!!
(5)
LaRocha L.
We went with a group of six, and ordered an assortment of appetizers, main dishes and desserts -- everything was quite good, but a few things really stood out. First, the grilled rock octopus was fantastic, as was the eggplant puree it was plated with. Not everyone in our party had been enthusiastic about ordering up tentacles, but after tasting it was the clear favorite of the appetizers. Then, for the main dishes, my Pork Two Ways was very tasty, but the hanger steak with blue cheese butter was really above and beyond what we were expecting -- and we had heard good things! Wonderful presentation, cooked perfectly, no complaints at all. And then dessert -- the vanilla bean panna cotta with cassis sorbet was my personal favorite, and most of the table agreed. I feel like cassis get forgotten sometimes, which is too bad, because it is interesting and tangy and goes amazingly with a rich, creamy dessert like panna cotta. It's a small place, BYOB, and cash only, so planning ahead makes it much more enjoyable - we showed up with reservations, plenty of wine, and cash in hand, and it was fine. All in all, we had a wonderful time at Pumpkin, and will definitely be back in the future.
(5)
alli b.
Our party had to wait 30 minutes for our reservation to start. My duck was pretty good, but the quail appetizer was dry. Luckily it had stuffing, but not enough to save every bite. Unfortunately, my husband went with the cod which was completely tasteless and didn't show the least hint of seasoning; served with a barely there champagne sauce. It was a step up from boiled chicken you would feed your dog. Service wasn't that great, friendly but inattentive. Much better BYO's in the city to go back.
(2)
Simon E.
I had the pleasure of visiting Pumpkin on New Years Eve. Staff were very friendly and no complaints about the service. The menu was a four course affair. The first course was set as winter vegetable soup, which was excellent. I had the Sweetbreads for the 2nd course with a parsnip puree, which was also well executed but could have been slightly crispier if I was being very critical. I had the hangar steak for the 3rd course. Unfortunately this just didn't do it for me, a little tasteless. The panna cotta for dessert was also very good. The big problem I find with Pumpkin is the presentation. I can understand why people think the portions are small. In fact, they are not, but they stick to some aspects of nouvelle cuisine. The main courses of all our party were generous in terms of meat portions, but would have been lifted by a better use of sides. There are only so many purees you can get away with! I was left longing for a few vegetables. But possibly worst of all was the coffee. Apparently brewed on the belief that coffee grounds are only designed to color the water and not provide flavor. Unforgivable for a decent restaurant. I don't believe anyone would be disappointed by the food but there is work to be done compared to comparable restaurants at this price point in the area.
(3)
Meghann p.
Went last night with a friend. I went a few years ago, but loved it much more the second time around. What a cozy place We split pumpkin ghnocci-so amazing! Both got the hanger steak-amazing as well me: pumpkin poundcake over carmel sauce-ok friend-flourless cake-good both got coffee meal was $90 for everything, not too bad! Service was great! and was pretty crowded for a thursday night in todays economy! only one table was empty (i am sure reservations were for later)
(4)
Trina K.
My siblings and I took our parents out to Pumpkin for their 35th anniversary dinner and we had a great meal and a fun time. Pumpkin opens at 5:30 on Sat and that's when we arrived; we were the first people in the restaurant so it was nice and quiet (good for my parents -- dad wears hearing aids and mom has some sensitivity to loud noises). There were 5 of us, and 5 appetizers and 5 entrees on the menu -- so we ordered everything! (also 4 desserts, we ordered those too) We also drank about 4 bottles of wine between us, so excuse me if I forget some of the details on the food. :) Appetizers = uniformly delicious -scallops were cooked perfectly and had a bean puree -mixed green salad incl. arugula was fresh and tasty with toasted almonds and a creamy cheese -octopus confit with pipperade and yukon gold potatoes -- very tasty, and a different way to eat octopus than I had before -quail stuffed with prosciutto and a bunch of vegetables with a pistachio pesto -- very tasty; none of us had had quail before -sweetbreads cooked with asparagus -- this was the winner of the night -- again, none of us had had sweetbreads before and they were incredible! Entrees = mixed -tilefish with polenta cake, swiss chard, and some other veggies -- this was the worst of the dinner entrees because the tilefish was pretty bland -new york strip steak -- unfortunately the seasoning was off and the texture was kinda rubbery -- very weird for steak -pan-roasted chicken with spring vegetables -- simple, tasty, but not terribly exciting -salmon with risotto, spring peas, and mushrooms -- the salmon was cooked perfectly and the flavors of the peas and mushrooms just popped! I wasn't a big fan of the risotto but everyone else liked it -lamb t-bone with goat cheese gnocchi -- the best of the entrees -- lamb was fantastic Desserts = fairly good -panna cotta with cherry confit -- the panna cotta was pretty bland and the cherries were the only thing that saved it -flourless chocolate hazelnut cake with coffee ice cream -- I didn't like this but everyone else loved it -apple rhubarb crisp with vanilla ice cream -- very tart but tasty -goat cheese cheesecake with candied pineapple -- best dessert! Portions are smallish so it was easy for everyone to eat all of this food, plus bread with garlic oil, and drink 4 bottles of wine, and then stumble down South St. As noted by other reviewers, you probably shouldn't even come here if you are a vegetarian. My dad doesn't eat pork and there was only one dish that he couldn't have (the quail appetizer). Overall we had a great experience. Our server, Mori, was knowledgeable about everything although at times she did have a bit of an attitude. The rest of my family thought their coffee was horrible, which was a bit of a downside. But this place is still 5 stars for the experience of getting to eat carefully prepared, local, delicious food. Plus, how often do you get to order the whole menu? I highly recommend Pumpkin for special occassions.
(5)
Boyang Q.
A very small and intimate restaurant. Although the service could be improved to accommodate the waiting time (obviously due to high demand of seatings), the food is downright gorgeous. They carry a small menu but every dish is stunningly pleasant. The menu is very seasonal and food fresh. The pumpkin soup and atlantic char we had at the time was really something special. Overall it's a very cozy and satisfactory experience.
(5)
Grace H.
I was so excited when I was able to snag a reservation at Pumpkin during restaurant week, but was sadly disappointed by the evening. A friend and I arrived for dinner and were greeted and seated promptly by the hostess. The ambience was intimate, but so much so that I could distinctly overhear the entire conversation at the table over. I had the cauliflower soup to start, which was hot and rich and delicious. But unfortunately everything afterwards fell somewhat flat in comparison. The burrata cheese course was a little bland, and my friend's rainbow trout second course smelled extremely fishy to the point where she could not finish it. I was really looking forward to my winter vegetable risotto with maitake mushrooms, but it was served a bit colder than I would have liked and was too rich and cheesy to finish. Dessert was probably the best course after the cauliflower soup. The pot de creme was yummy and the almond financier was decent but not particularly memorable. Overall It was a decent meal, but not worth the 40 dollars.
(3)
Christina E.
Awesome. Just plain fabulous. Reservations def required of this tiny locale. A friend brought us here for dinner and while the steak was cooked delectably and massive, the envy were the pork chops w/ fava beans. I can't even begin to describe how tasty they were! Definitely worth checking out. BYOB and cash only. Beware of bad acoustics.
(4)
Bianca B.
Over rated
(3)
Jean-Bernard L.
Fantastic food at this little establishment. Reservations are a must, as it is very small. It has a very nice, cozy, reclaimed wood feel to it, and is BYOB. This place, sadly, is NOT vegetarian friendly, not even the appetizers had a selection without some type of meat in it. So, I got the skate as my entree and it was some of the best fish I've ever tasted in my life. Perfectly prepared and presented, and a reasonable portion for a restaurant of this type. Had the goat cheese cheesecake as a dessert, and it was very good as well, but I thought my dessert portion was a little on the small side. All in all a very nice dining experience, perfect if you want to celebrate something special, and just feeling like having a classy night out, without going over the 100 dollar price point for two.
(5)
Larry W.
Restaurant week menu was outstanding. Skate was delicious and the dessert and appetizers equally good. Nice choices.
(5)
Cynthia X.
Had dinner with a friend there tonight and loved the ambiance of the place. However, it is really really small. The table for two was really really small. Not good for large groups. We ordered several items to share: Appetizer: the rock octopus, extremely tender and well seasoned. Entree: Strip steak - juicy with a delicious gravy and yam puree; Spanish mackerel - light and flakey, cooked to perfection Daily sides: quinoa with farro and beets & some other veggie dish Everything tasted fresh and delicious, but I thought it was a bit pricey for what was served. The entrees are all around the $30 range with a separate charge for the side dishes. My biggest complaint is that this place is cash only. That is really annoying when you are putting down $$$ for the meal. I usually don't carry around that much cash.
(4)
Sheila D.
I heard that Pumpkin among the top restaurants in Philadelphia and had super high expectations going in - the food definitely exceeded them! I was so pleased with my meal and will definitely be going back. Although the venue is small (make your reservations early), it does have a "classier" vibe, despite being a BYOB. The service is relatively slow... though it's definitely worth it considering the quality of food that you're receiving. I went for restaurant week this year, and the menu was nothing short of amazing. Started off the night with a Beet and Mozzarella appetizer (I forget the specific name), and the flavors and textures of the dish just meshed so well together. I loved pairing the tartness of the beets and dressing with the creaminess and lightness of the mozzarella. It was definitely a unique taste, but I loved it nonetheless. My friends all wound up getting a lamb pasta dish as their appetizer, and they did nothing but rave about it for the entire night. Now for the entree. The entree was by far my favorite part of the meal. I ordered the Rainbow Trout, and I can surely say that this trout was the best fish that I've ever had. It looked almost like salmon upon first glance, but the taste was so different and had a lighter and more delicate texture than salmon. I absolutely LOVED the char on the skin of the trout - I could eat it all day. Weirdly enough, the trout skin was probably the best part of the entire meal and made the entree dish. I highly, highly recommend getting any fish that is on their menu because with the way that Pumpkin chars the skin, it's simply perfection. To finish it off, I had an cake (I want to say almond financier?) topped with dates, apples, and a wonderful scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was an incredible dessert and just a great way to finish off the meal with a bang. The combinations of flavors was just delightful, and the dessert was rich but not overly rich. My friends all wound up getting the Chocolate Pot de Creme, which my friends thought was too sweet and decadent for their liking. Personally, I have a huge sweet tooth, so I thought that the dish tasted great, but I definitely do understand how the richness of the dish can be a little overwhelming. Overall, I loved my experience at Pumpkin, from the freshly baked bread at the beginning to the small bags of pumpkin seeds at the end of the meal. I highly recommend grabbing a nice bottle of wine and bringing your closest friends and loved ones here - it's great!
(5)
A B.
First dish, super. Doubt crept in if the entree could be as good. It was better!! Then dessert, and I'm not even a sweet tooth! A definite must!!!
(4)
Mara K.
Don't walk, RUN to this amazing byob. Total foodie spot. Great service to boot. Just remember to bring your wine, the closest store is a bit of a hike.
(5)
Jason T.
Really enjoyed this small, 20 seat BYOB place. We had their Sunday night wine dinner for $40 which included five courses of tasty food...highlights of our meal included a warm, silky cauliflower soup; amazing ravioli stuffed with ricotta & parsnips; a steak with roasted parsnips, purple carrots, and turnips; and lastly -- the best dish of the meal -- pot de creme with praline and caramel. OMG! This meal was an incredible bargain for the five courses. Couple of things to note -- reservations are highly recommended and they are cash only.
(4)
Jessica S.
Wow. This was such an unexpected wonderful treat. I can't believe it's taken me so very long to visit this petite dining room after living so nearby for so long. I made a somewhat last minute reservation on a Saturday night for 8:15pm, got called almost immediately by the restaurant reminding me that they are "byob and cash only." I didn't need the reminder, but good that they are very serious about this as to not to leave any diner dry. After arriving at this teeny tiny spot, I was surprised that I found such a last minute table on a Saturday night. There's just about 8-9 tables here? Thought I didn't find any tables super close together and I certainly wasn't claustrophobic or cramped. The vibe is just relaxed, kinda New England style rustic. Is that a thing? If not it is now. I hear they have a $40 tasting menu on Sundays (which I'll be back for!), but for Saturday it was all a la carte. The menu is small and at least the night we were there, without specials. The menu changes very frequently, almost daily, we were told, due to availability of local ingredients. Me and DM had some of the absolute best food we've had in the city in a while. Like, hands down, 5+ stars for this meal. OUTSTANDING. Grilled octopus salad and cauliflower soup for starters, and seared bass and a duroc pork chop for entrees. I don't even really like pork chops, this one was ridiculous. My fish was so perfectly spiced and seared, I was left feeling like I'll never be able to have a perfect sear to live up to this one. Dessert was a pineapple upside down cake that was a perfect finish to the meal. You can't go wrong with BYOB, and we brought a Barolo that paired really well with all of the earthy flavors. It complemented the very romantic feeling we had here very nicely. How spoiled! I will most definitely be coming back here, and soon. I want to bring everyone I know who is a food lover here and enjoy the lovely ambiance and stellar cooking again. There is no longer any surprise to me that this restaurant was recently very highly (top 5) rated in Philly Mag top 50 best restaurants of 2015. Thank you, Pumpkin!
(5)
Amanda M.
Despite my excitement for trying Pumpkin, my visit got off to a rough start. The day of my reservation, I received FIVE phone calls about confirming. I'm in school and couldn't answer the first three - when I called back during lunch, I found that I could only leave a message, not actually talk to someone. Apparently nobody checks those messages, because I received two more calls before finally being able to answer and confirm that yes, I was coming. I get that you want to fill every table at a small place... but c'mon. When I did arrive, I was rather surprised to see just how tiny the restaurant was. The host/waiter (he seemed to be doing double duty) offered to take our coats, which was gratefully accepted because there was really no room for them at the table. Expect to sit absurdly close to your neighbors. We ordered everything at once, as is the custom for Restaurant week, and the whole meal was finished in about an hour. I started with the cauliflower soup - pureed cauliflower served over a few veggies. Piping hot, I had to wait a few minutes before being able to try it, but when I did, it was delicious - perhaps even the best part of the meal. As an entree, I had the rainbow trout - it was ok, but I wasn't terribly impressed. No strong flavoring, and it wasn't served with much on the side. For dessert, I had the malted milk pot, which was very good. I think I would have perhaps been happier with just the appetizer and dessert! Not sure I would come back, as it seems fairly difficult to get in on a weekend and the prices are high. To be honest, there are enough other places in the city that I'd prefer to spend my money.
(3)
Casey B.
Can't believe it took me this long to try this place, but I'm glad I did. Suuuuuper cozy lil BYO (ie. packed in there like sardines) but I really didn't mind. First thing's first, I must comment on the two random, unimportant-in-the-grand-scheme-of-things details that ultimately won me over. 1. The bread, which is delicious on its own, is served with olive oil with a crushed roasted garlic clove in it. BE MORE DELICIOUS- OH WAIT, YOU CAN'T. Bread everywhere else now dims in comparison. 2. Sent us home with two lil packets of pumpkin seeds. Ya know, cause the place is called Pumpkin. How cute are you? On to the food. We ordered: spanish rock octopus- this was good, garlicky, and not weird and rubbery the way I always imagined octopus would taste before I became an adult and decided not to judge things I've never even eaten. wild duxbury mussels- these were over-the-top good, but I can't tell if that's just because I was majorly craving mussels. Broth was saffron/vermouth/dijon mustard, and was also an excellent vehicle for bread-dipping. striped bass- i ordered this solely because it was served with white beans. I'm talkin big, buttery white beans cooked to perfection. It was served in a lightly herbed broth and came with rapini, which I found a little bitter. The fish, though, was fantastic. Perfectly cooked and not overly fishy. arctic charr- my boyfriend ordered this because the description said 'borscht, horseradish and smoked turnip'. Not so sure how/where the borscht was involved in this one, but the fish was, again, very tasty. side of potatoes- these came plain, roasted with olive oil and lightly salted. Good, but could have been more flavorful. Pricewise, slightly on the more expensive side, but could be worse. Our bill was $100 for everything above. I probably would have given this place 3 1/2 stars if that was an option, but I will definitely come back and order differently to get a fuller picture of how I feel about it. For sure worth trying, though.
(4)
Herbie H.
I was excited to try Pumpkin, especially after reading their write-up in Philly Mag's Best Restaurant issue. My expectations may have been on the high side, but overall, the meal was fine. I think my mistake was going for Restaurant Week. As a few other reviews have mentioned, I was underwhelmed by the food. I ordered the Cauliflower Soup, the Berkshire Pork, and the Pot de Creme. I enjoyed all of my dishes just fine (the soup and dessert were high points of the meal), but I left wanting more... something. More impact? More flavor? More wow-factor? The Cauliflower Soup was delicious - silky, creamy, and flavorful with the bits of extra flavor (quince, etc.) My boyfriend ordered the Lamb Ragout, which was okay. The ragout had a lot of flavor, but wasn't as satisfying as my soup. The Berkshire Pork left me scratching my head a bit. It was a reasonably enjoyable entree (pork was cooked well, the sauerkraut was flavorful, presentation was nice) - but the knackwurst seemed an odd choice. I won't pretend to know what the chef was going for, but it read to me like trying to do high-brow/low-brow...and kind of falling in the middle. I sampled some of the trout, and it was kind of light and bland. I did enjoy my dessert, a small portion that packed a lot of flavor. Service was decent, but we were in and out in an hour flat - something that is rare at a more upscale/highly reviewed restaurant like this. I can't really give Pumpkin a bad review - I ultimately enjoyed my meal. I was just expecting...more. Maybe their standard menu is better.
(3)
Gretchen E.
Perhaps the 4 stars is because I built up too much anticipation for this meal. To celebrate we dined at pumpkin this March. The menu items we ordered are no longer offered, so I won't go into detail. (Plus, my pictures speak for themselves.) Rather I will review general highlights. The tasting menu is a good bet. Appetizer, entree, dessert. Bread with oil. Standard fare. The scallops taste fresh and creamy on the tongue. The broths are not too buttery or oily. I absolutely loved my seafood stew dish, however would've liked more seafood. There was like one mussel. The service was lovely. Our waiter was personable and quick to refill water. What knocks a star is the tight squeeze. The ambiance is dark, intimate, and soft, so you cannot help but hear everything your neighbor tables say. It's also a bit awkward squeezing in and out of your space. Luckily we had commonalities with our neighbors and made friends. The same will likely happen to you. Going to Pumpkin is like being on vacation, everyone is in a good mood and happy to make your acquaintance for the benefit of all.
(4)
Gautam G.
One of the top 50 restaurants per PhillyMag and it did not disappoint! Its a small and quaint restaurant. Service was great. Food was spectacular. We had the sunday prix fixe menu which was well priced and had a good deal of food. Would highly recommend trying their steak and trying their desserts. Remember its BYOB and cash only. Enjoy!
It may be a little pricey, but it's unbelievably worth it. Pumpkin totally keeps Philadelphia fresh. All their ingredient are fresh and local and it shows. I've been here twice, both of Sundays during their 5 course menus. We called ahead of time to tell them we eat only fish and no meat. They happily obliged. From beginning to end it was a fantastic experience and I recommend to anyone.
(4)
Carla F.
While the menu is inventive and the food is fresh, I still find this place to be so-so.
(3)
Alexandra G.
I went to Pumpkin this week with friends after month of having it on my 'list'. There was 5 of us who haven't seen each other in a while so in Pumpkin's defense maybe we should have picked a bigger place. The restaurant is adorable and the greeter was nice but I have very choice words for our waitress. She was very animated which at first seemed nice but we soon realized how fake it was. When we asked us for a minute to look at the menu she gave us a stern face and pointed at her watched with a few other rude comments and looks. Her saving grace was that she did listen in to see we were celebrating a birthday and graduation so she brought candle but it wasn't worth being so rude. The food was great, small portions which I expected but definitely a great meal. After I left I spoke with other friends that want to try Pumpkin and I told them they should we just had a bad waitress. Maybe Pumpkin is a restaurant that it's the 'experience' to have a rude waitress but I really don't think that is the case. I wish I knew her name so I could warn all of you but unfortunately I did not. Enjoy the meal but don't expect the top service. Philly is so lucky to have so many great BYOBs... so I highly doubt I would go out of my way to have rude service again. The pumpkin seeds they bring with the check are so good!!!
(3)
Elle D.
I took my boyfriend to Pumpkin for date night, and we were very happy with our overall night! With its cozy atmosphere and candlelight, it certainly is a great spot for a romantic night out! The menu here changes regularly to reflect seasonal food. We enjoyed our pumpkin soup, and wild bass. It is also BYOB which is great! Just as a heads up, it is on the pricey side!
My boyfriend and I enjoyed the Sunday Suppers prix-fixe here last weekend on a whim. We made a reservation online earlier in the day, and then grabbed a couple beers when it was time and walked over. It was an unassuming start to a pretty perfect, casual Sunday date night. We were shown our table and served by Kim, who set the tone for an amazing night straight away with her bright smile and warm welcome. I don't usually remember names, but she was that fantastic! We never wanted for anything - for example, she always came at the perfect time to have us choose a new beer from the stash we brought, which was kindly kept cold in the kitchen through our meal. Between the two of us, we were able to try the whole prix-fixe menu. The cauliflower soup, which is on their regular menu, was a strong start. We loved this soup! Another favorite for me was the Spanish rock octopus, which was perfectly tender and paired with chorizo. $40 each for five courses and BYOB is a pretty stellar deal already, but with the quality of the food at Pumpkin, it felt like a STEAL. The place is small and it was busy through the time we were there, so I think reservations (even if done earlier in the day like in our case) are a must. I hope to be back and try more prix-fixe menus!
(4)
Matt D.
My wife and I went for the Sunday prix fix menu and were satisfied with the food and service. The service was above average and the food ranged from average to above average. Overall, it met our expectations for price, flavor, and ambiance but lacked the wow-factor of a 5-star restaurant. Our courses were cauliflower soup, octopus with chorizo and peppers, gnocchi with duck bolognese, cheese, lamb shoulder, mackerel, butterscotch crime, and chocolate cake. The cauliflower soup was a bit underseasoned, but the apple slices were a pleasant addition and the pumpkin seeds gave the soup a good texture. The second course was our favorite of the evening. My favorite bite of the meal was the chorizo with potato and peppers. The well rounded mix of spice, heat, and texture from the potatoes made it a highlight. The octopus was cooked very well and had a nice, crisp flavor. The gnocchi was also delicious, fresh, and delicate and the sauce had a nice balance of duck and bolognese. The third course of cheese was underwhelming and was our least favorite of the evening. The cheese did not mix well with the grapes, sauce, and salad and felt like two separate dishes on the same plate. The fourth course of mackerel and lamb shoulder was pretty good, with the mackerel edging out the lamb. My lamb was slightly dry for my taste, and the delicious sauce was a bit runny to accompany the meat. The mackerel had a nice char and was very moist. It also felt like a more complete dish with the mussels and beans. I'm drawing a blank on the specifics of the deserts, but they were both pretty good. I remember there was a custard, which I liked, and a chocolate cake that seemed run of the mill. Overall, pretty good, but not blow-my-socks off. There's a good chance we would go back at some point for a special occasion because it's that kind of place.
(4)
Suzanne H.
I love Pumpkin! It's very small and intimate so may not be the right choice for a romantic dinner! The food is creative , fresh and expertly prepared. Menu highlights: Berkshire grilled pork chop with grilled Napa cabbage and white peaches, grilled shrimp appetizer and the Pot de creme. You definitely need a reservation! The restaurant is a BYOB and only accepts cash.
(4)
David D.
This was our first time here. Our party of six enjoyed the 3 course pre fix, the courses were awesome . Our server was also 5 star! My dinner guest where talking about this dining experience all weekend. Next time we are in Philadelphia we will make this resturant a priority.
(5)
Michael A.
Had a great meal here. Only bad reviews called gazpacho "cold soup".... Anyhow the gazpacho was amazing served over sorbet. Entrees where perfect portioned and done perfectly. Wife had one of the "best steaks ever" I don't think you would eat here every night but when you do you will have a great meal.
(5)
Elizabeth C.
Great place to go to with friends for a fun night out. The staff was very nice to us, the place is clean, the food is tasty. I would come again.
(4)
Kimberly Y.
Probably more of a 4.5, but the service was so nice that I'll round it up! Plus, it's a 1000-point OpenTable restaurant, so essentially it's like $10 off your meal. The food was great, but a little over-seasoned. I ordered the sea bass, and my s/o had the pork chop (which was huge). Whereas some restaurants try to bring out the flavor of the meat, Pumpkin prefers to add a lot of spices and sauces to the plate (and I like blander food)... but that being said, it was still very tasty. My sea bass in particular looked amazing and tasted just as tender. Unfortunately, I deleted my photos before I uploaded them here (looks like I'll be paying Pumpkin another visit!). Though the inside of the restaurant is simple, I think it looks better that way since it's such a small place. All the colors and decorations go well together, and I even took a picture since it looked so cute (unfortunately, also deleted). Location is great; I love South Street! The only problem is that it's pretty small, so I would recommend making reservations or coming early! It may also be hard to bring large groups here for a BYO. The service was excellent and attentive, but that was probably because we were one of three tables in the restaurant (we ate early). Everyone was nice, patient, and made sure we had what we needed. At the end of the meal, they also give each person a packet of pumpkin seeds--very cute touch!
(5)
Beth K.
We went here for Easter dinner and had a wonderful meal off their tasting menu at a great price.
(4)
Jennifer C.
I went here with a friend during restaurant week and while I am still excited to try their full menu that I have heard many good things about, I was underwhelmed by their restaurant week menu. For appetizers, we got the cauliflower soup and lamb ragout - the lamb was tasty but was a small portion and wouldn't be my first choice for an appetizer again. The cauliflower soup was delicious and creamy and my friend devoured it. Second course we both got the Berkshire pork loins. I thought it tasted fine, but definitely expected something more unique and flavorful while my friend simply said it tasted like a hotdog. On second thought, I guess I really couldn't disagree with that either. The desserts we ordered - almond financier and pot de creme - were both delicious and were in my opinion the best course of the meal. Overall, eh for restaurant week. The wait staff was attentive and it's a BYO which is always great and made the night enjoyable, but am aiming to go back and try the full menu at some point.
(3)
Meg R.
Overpriced- food was okay. The waitress was wayyyy over the top and loud in the small, quiet restaurant. Will not be back.
(2)
Alison S.
Service: HORRIBLE. The reason for only two stars is pretty much because of the service (and the fact that I've heard awesome things about the food, but I was not impressed). Five of my girlfriends and I came on a Saturday night and had 8:45 reservations, but were not seated until 9:00. Once seated, the waiter nicely opened our wine for us and gave us time to look at the menu. He finally came back to take our order and my friend asked if the chef could possibly make sure that none of what she ordered is placed anywhere near the hazelnut dish that they had on the menu that night (my friend is severely allergic to hazelnuts). The waiter then processed to say "well I haven't killed anyone yet, so I'm sure you'll be fine." I'm sorry, WHAT? Actually, she could definitely die if anything that she ate was close to a hazelnut, but thanks for your concern douche. Our food came out in a reasonable time, but the waiter forgot one of our sides which came out and was disgusting (see the butternut squash review below). Once we were done our dinners, the server cleared the table and we proceeded to enjoy our wine and have the usual after dinner girl talk. Around 10:45, we were having a good conversation and a random server came out and started clearing ALL of our water and wine glasses. I mean EVERYTHING. I had wine left in my glass and he grabbed it from in front of me stating, "I just want to get all of these in the dishwasher thanks." Again. IM SORRY WHAT? It was now 11:15 and the restaurant doesn't close until 12:00. I then asked for my glass back and we all finished the rest of the wine by sharing from this one glass since but cleared everyone else's. At this point I was going to stay until 12:00am on the dot just because I was so annoyed. The kicker was around 11:40 when our server brought us our jackets and said, "I am just going to put these on the table behind you." We finally decided to chug our wine and get the F out. Needless to say, I will not be going back there and believe that this place is completely overrated. Food: JUST OK. The appetizers were pretty good. We shared the mussels and the burrata. The mussels were amazing actually, but burrata was eh. We also ordered the roasted butternut squash as a side, which was not good. It tasted sour and honestly there was no one at the table who didn't spit it out. As for entrees, two of my friends ordered the sea bass, which they believed was undercooked and in a weird red sauce. Two of us had the steak, which was probably the best entree out of them all. The sear was amazing. I also tasted the pork dish that my friend got and had good flavor, but I wasn't overly impressed. Anyway, I really don't write a lot of reviews on here, but felt I needed to considering how excited I was to eat here and how disappointed I am now.
(2)
Jacquie D.
This is a cute little restaurant with fantastic service. Open table allowed us to make reservations on blacked out dates and Pumpkin had to call and inform us about this a few days later and the hostess said she would make up for it. We didn't find time to go there after this cancellation until about 7 months after and at the end of our meal the owner came over and apologized for the error, while taking care of some things on our check. That to me was amazing. Also everything we ate was fantastic and cooked to perfection.
(5)
Nora S.
Pretty much lost for words! We were seated within 5 minutes of, arriving. Our server was gracious and seated us We had rhe octopus and cauliflower soup. Pork chop striped bass!! So good! So,happy we,made this choice!
(5)
Payal P.
malted milk pot de creme heirloom pumpkin soup tuna crudo striped bass burrata with beets and salsa verde that is my order from most favorite down to just pretty good from the sunday tasting i went to this past weekend. i went with others so i was able to sample the whole menu but above were my choices. i am not a dessert person so the fact that my absolute favorite thing was the dessert, says A LOT! everything was fresh and delicious, the wait staff was friendly and knowledgeable...aside for a silly question about what animal the burrata came from....after a lot of back and forth, we were confirmed with cow (this was just sheer curiosity). all this food (real portions and all) for $40 a head is an incredibly good deal...make a reservation and make it quick, it seems to be booked on good times about 2 weeks out and completely booked before the week of so just risk it and reserve!
(5)
Omar B.
We did the 5 course prix fixe. And it was awesome!! One of the best meal I ever had in Philly! Every thing was cooked to perfection! This place is a hidden gem! I would eat there every weekend if possible!
(5)
Abby W.
Sweet Jesus. It's been about a month since I had dinner here but I still remember it like it was yesterday. Pumpkin is one of those places that has been around forever and I've always heard good things about it, but I never found a reason to go. I'm generally not big on the BYO scene because I'm more of a cocktail fan than a wine drinker and I don't drink often, so I use going out to dinner as my excuse to get tipsy. I planned ahead for this meal and met up with a friend for drinks beforehand and scheduled a late dinner on a Saturday night (1000 Open table points hell yeah!). We each got an app to start- I went with the lamb garganelli and she got the scallops. The scallop dish came with two big scallops, which I felt was a good value, and they were really delicious. The lamb ragu on the pasta was phenomenal - I attempted to re-create it at home a week later. The fresh mint really made it work. I wasn't as fond of their pasta choice - garganelli is like a small penne pasta but I would have preferred it with fusilli. It was hearty, spicy, and really delicious though. I ate it all. We both ended up getting the same entree, the duck cassoulet. I really enjoyed it, but my duck was incredibly salty and when I compared it to a bite of B's hers was just right. Not sure how that happened but it was definitely on the salty side, even for this salt fiend. That being said, I heated up the leftover beans, blood sausage, and duck the next day, topped it off with a fried egg, and had the most epically delicious post-gym breakfast of all time.Then I took a nap. We also got dessert to share - the malted milk pot de creme. Order this!!! It is one of the best restaurant desserts I've ever had. It was glorious- smooth, creamy, crunchy bits, just sweet enough. Total damage was about $100 before tip, so this place is not cheap. It was a bit pricier than I expected once I saw the menu actually, but I felt it was worth every penny. Definitely a special occasion meal for the future. Also, are there more than 6 tables in this place? It felt like the tiniest restaurant I've ever been in which is saying something for Philly. Reservations very much needed.
(5)
Minh C.
I would give Pumpkin five stars for its appetizers and entrees, but the restaurant lacked a couple key elements that brought it down to three stars. The bread came with roasted garlic olive oil, which was a nice twist. We started off with the barenegat light scallops with chorizo and squid ink ragout, as well as the cured king salmon with sweet potato, corn, and habanero. The scallops were tenderly cooked and paired with what tasted and looked like jello! That was a total surprise. The cured king salmon was delicious - in a mouthful there were the salmon, popcorn, and sweet potato in a sorbet format. I was expecting the sweet potato to be warm and mushy, but the second the bite hit my taste buds, the cold and sweetness of the sorbet lit me up and I didn't want to share the other half. For the entree portion, we both had the arctic char - a freshwater fish found way north - with a lobster vinaigrette. The fish was cooked perfectly, and being true to the fish's name, the chef left a nice char on it. There is quite a bit oil on this plate, and perhaps could be made a bit less greasy / heavy. For dessert, we had the lemon chiffon cake and warm chocolate cake. Both were blah. The savory dishes were definitely on a different playing field as the desserts. Onto non-food elements...Pumpkin is a small little joint, with the seating area no bigger than my Philly apartment. I was told that the restaurant had reconfigured the seating arrangements, taking out a couple tables to give more space in between each table. Despite the good intentions, the spacing is still a little tight. As a result, our waiter alternated between bumping into my head and my shoulders (insert shampoo advertisement) several times throughout the night. Since the restaurant is so small, that means there's a lot of loud conversations packed into a very confined space. So, be prepared to scream all night. The waiter himself wasn't that stellar either. He lacked grace - aside from bumping into me, he just didn't know how to gracefully interrupt a conversation. Instead, he just started talking and expected us to shift our attention to him. Further, when he brought out our two desserts (and without any indication from us that we cared), he started talking to us like we were children, explaining that he couldn't put both dishes in the center because the plates combined were wider than the width of the table. Yeah, thanks for the geometry lesson. Pumpkin is also a cash-only joint. For a restaurant where the cost per head can be ~$70, it's a little absurd they can't eat the credit card fees or pass it on to the consumers. It was even worse when the waiter came back to tell us he had to go across the street to break a twenty. I'd expect that from a place that took credit cards, but for a cash only place?? Lastly, the receipt is handwritten. For most folks this is unimportant. But, for someone who's on a business dinner and needs to file it as an expense, a handwritten receipt is not going to fly with the expense team. Since it's cash-only, there's also no credit card statement as supporting evidence. Urgh, Pumpkin!
(3)
Christina H.
Went with a friend for dinner on a Saturday night. Neither of us liked our dishes. My fish was over cooked an salty. Additionally, we were asked to leave because the next party had arrived. Mind you, we were on time for our reservation and had been there for less than an hour.
(2)
Lou L.
Loved everything. Byob at its finest. Scallops were wonderful, beet salad was perfect. I love how they make great use of such a small space. I will be coming back
(5)
Abdulelah A.
The food Was Delicious and Very top notch. the reason I gave it a four is the steak was good but it felt a little tough wish they made it more tender.
(4)
Mags M.
Went for a Friday dinner. The host was friendly and we got seated promptly. The food was good - from the reviews and the prices (NY prices for a Philly BYOB? I better be blown away!), I expected more. The black bass was tasty but the star was the Pot de Creme for dessert. Service though was another story. We waited at least 30 minutes in between courses from when our plates were cleared. No apologies. When I asked my waitress if our entrees would be coming soon, she couldn't have cared less. There are so many other delicious restaurants with better service and prices that I will not be coming back to this one.
(2)
Kristen T.
I LOVE the food here. I think "special" is a good word to describe your dining experience at Pumpkin. Delicious, fresh, unique, and very well executed. My only complaint is that they have changed the interior. It is now rather cramped to be honest. If you don't mind bumping elbows with the person next to you, which I personally don't considering the food here is out of this world, then go to Pumpkin. In my opinion, Pumpkin is the BEST of the "fresh/farm to table/local/seasonal ingredients" type restaurants in Philadelphia.
(5)
ruth y.
What has happened to customer service.? Making diners feel welcome and appreciated. I should have taken the cue when I called one week in advance to confirm my reservation and ask if I could push my 530 pm reservation until 6:00 pm. I was told by the host"we need the table back by 7:15 ", loudly, firmly and passionately. We arrived at 5: 30 pm on the dot, to see one other table of two dinning and the host did not turn and greet us but said, "you will have to wait a moment " we greeted him with a "good evening". He couldn't lift his head from the computer screen and when he did engage he inquired if we had a reservation. We bought a bottle of white wine with us and at no time were we asked if it could be put in a bucket of ice. Our server poured us the first class and never touched the bottle again. She took every opportunity to correct us on our pronounation of the dishes and added a chill to the air even though I tried to make her feel comfortable and welcome with compliments. Now to the food. I had the foie gras excellent my husband had the pasta with Lamb Ragu, huge disappointment, tsp of Ragu totally bland, I had the Strip Bass with roasted carrots, carrots amazing fish dry and under seasoned. My husband's Strip Steak, server never inquired what temp to prepare it to, the meat was under flavored and served as a very thick cut of steak, if the Chef took the time and sliced it on the bias it would have been more edible. My husband also request the bacon Au jus to be served on the side, it was not served at all and the Chef served it with a completed different sauce never checking with him first. Dessert chocolate cake with Goat Carmel, dried cherries and coconut ice cream excellent. Decaf coffee delicious, although when I requested if it was possible to have honey instead of sugar I was given a clear and distinct disapproving look. But it was worth it , the honey was dark, rich and not overly sweet, perfection. Pumpkin has been around for a longtime, I believe since 2007, in those 8 years I have eaten there over 15 times, Shame on you ! This is the city of Brother Love and Hospitality. I hope this was just a bad night for a restaurant who I held in high esteem.
(2)
Mr P.
Given how busy this place is, I feel lucky to get a reservation on Friday night on very short notice. Walked in and was immediately impressed. I am not one who go ga ga over deco, but the decoration was very low key and plessent. For a small restaurant, it also feels spacious. Most small places are so tightly pack, hack even for some bigger restaruants, you feel so intimate with the persons sitting next to you, and the waiter is going to drop something on your head every time he squeez by behind you. Enough about the place, the food is what I came here for. We ordered shared the octopus, tomatoe salad, rosotto, and steak. They were all excellent. The rock octopus was tender and delicious; the tomatoe renewed my search for these elusive tasty fruits that everyone is talking about, now I know they can be had; the rosotto appitizer went very well with the steak which hit the spot since I was in the mood for some raw red meat; the lightly pickled vegie that came with the steak was a surprise, it kind of keep your palet clear so can appreciate the meat more. The waiter was excellent, attentitive but not intrusive.
(5)
Jessica B.
I have been here twice now and both times had just hands down a great experience! The first time I went was on a Sunday and we got a great surprise when we found out they do Sunday tasting menus. A chilled beet soup to start then you chose between two options for appetizer, entre and dessert. Of course we tried one of everything - I have to admit we were weary of the soup but it was SO good, perfect for summer, light but super flavorful with just a touch of pickled beet. The two appetizers were totally opposite from each other - a light and citrusy salmon tar-tar and an earthy escargot with lentils - both great and the contrast is perfect for those who like to share and try everything. One entre was a beef dish the other was fish and both again were fantastic! By the time we were done I could barely fit in the dissert... but I did of course and it didn't disappoint. The second time I went it was a regular Saturday night, we could only get 5:30 reservations and the small place was still full! That being said I'll take a second to comment on how much I love the atmosphere of the restaurant, it is so cozy and warm. We got two appetizers - the scallops and the risotto - I'm not even a big scallop fan but these were cooked so beautifully and the flavors were so on point that I gobbled up my portion. On the other hand I do LOVE risotto, I always compare it to when I lived in Italy though, and Pumpkin's belongs among the top of the list. We then shared the special of the night a New York Strip with rustic vegetables and horseradish cream It melts in your mouth! And the side of white beans with beef cheek - my friend commented that it was a fancy version of franks and beans - and it was delicious, if not a little rich, definitely something to be shared, I'm not sure if we could finish it by ourselves.
(5)
Sean E.
Really intimate setting, food was absolutely delicious. Little cheeky with the already added gratuity, but was great service too so it's all good.
(4)
Melissa P.
LOVE IT. Brought friends from out of town here and we had the BEST time! I'd been wanting to try Pumpkin forever, and when I had friends coming and found out we could get 1000 Opentable points for a reservation (Thursday at 9, but other times were available) it was a done deal. I also just got the City Dining Cards and there's one for Pumpkin (half the reason I bought them). The atmosphere is great: intimate, low lighting, not too many seats, roomy tables, but not too loud. The service was wonderful: the waitress took our coats, and was SUPER helpful about describing (in detail) everything we asked her about (which was pretty much everything on the menu). When someone says, "these are the best scallops I've ever had" and describes raw fish like it's a piece of art, you listen. THE FOOD (see photos) Kanpachi Crudo-with pomegranate seeds, mustard seeds, and Asian pear: this was my favorite, so fresh, the raw fish just melted in your mouth, the flavors were amazing together, and just the right amount of kick. Scallops- with lentils and beets: these were my friend's favorite, pan seared perfection and amazing (only 3 though, so don't order if you are more than 3). Beef Cheeks-with black garlic and root vegetables: SO TENDER. the meat just fell off at the touch of a fork, the orange flavor was amazing but not overpowering, sauce was delicious, and vegetables were cooked great too. Monkfish-with brussel sprouts, potatoes, and creme fraiche: the waitress described this as a "deconstructed chowder" and it was really good. Fluke- with artichoke puree, trumpet mushrooms and read wine: my friend described it as "the best thing she'd eaten in a looooong time." Cooked perfectly and delicious. Creamed Spinach- with gruyere: crunchy on top, delicious all over. Chocolate cake-with banana caramel, coconut, passion fruit sorbet. DELICIOUS and the perfect way to end a perfect meal. Crunchy delicious bits of chocolate/cookie crumbs/coconut, delicious caramel drenched bananas, moist, rich chocolate cake, topped with great sorbet. After the appetizers and main course and sides, we were pretty full. The portions look small but the food was so delicious that we really savored it and it ended up being more than enough food. But when the dessert menu came around we couldn't resist and as my out of town friends said "you only go to Pumpkin once!" (hopefully that's not true) so we ordered dessert and I was glad we did. We were working on a good amount of wine and were the last people in the restaurant but they were super sweet about letting us stay as long as we wanted and we did not feel pressured at all even though they were clearly closing. And the seeds they send you home with are just icing on the cake. HIGHLY RECOMMEND AND CAN'T WAIT TO GO BACK!
(5)
Uliana S.
I always wanted to try Pumpkin but my boyfriend already ate there and didn't like it. Last Friday I decided to book a table there regardless. I'm so happy I did and so is my boyfriend. Pumpkin is a cute little place with lots of charm and personality. The menu changes very often so I'm not sure if the description of the dishes is very helpful. Anyways we ordered Spanish rock octopus, escargot, risotto and steak. All four items were amazing. I always order octopus if it's on the mane and this one was the best I've ever tried. I would normally give 5 stars for this kind of experience but I had to take one star for the sides. I think it's outrages to charge $8 for a raw sliced tomato with some sea salt.
This is a great little BYO in the Rittenhouse area for a small dinner. The restaurant itself is tiny, so come with a small group (no more than 5-6, tops) and make sure to get a reservation in advance. The menu is pretty small with 5-6 main items, but they change it fairly regularly to adjust to the seasons. This can be both good and bad. I've been there before and not really seen anything that I liked much (especially since I have a dairy allergy), but then I went back a few weeks ago and loved my meal. End result: I'm somewhere between 3-4 stars on this one based on food. I settled on 4 because I have had 4-worthy food here, and I've never been with someone who didn't enjoy their meal.
(4)
Brian H.
If you are a "foodie", you "get" this place. If not, you won't....simple as that. Presentation and creativity wins here. And the textures of the adorning crisp vegetables, the depth of flavor of the food, actually have you dropping superlative adjectives as you eat, e.g. "this is fucking amazing". When the plates appear in front of you, the conversation at the table jumps from whatever topic (whether it be some bullshit family issue or sex later that evening) to the food, the artistry on the plate, and how the buds on your tongue respond...oh my. Starting with the service, every server helped out at this 39 seat cozy gem, and each person had a happy, pleasant disposition. Even the chefs in the kitchen beyond the doorway were smiling, and on a busy Saturday night no less. Their verbal description of the items on the menu was from a root of knowledge, not just brain cramming prior to opening. The dinner was well paced, and never had to turn over my shoulder to seek attention. For apps, we had a delicious cauliflower veloute, a nice creamy soup with wonderful additions for garnishment and palate pleasure. Also, the spring lamb terrine was fascinating, and complimented perfectly with amazing pickled vegetables. Entrees ordered were the Arctic Char, an excellent fresh piece of the tender white fish with crispy skin served up, oh how I love crispy skin, served with artichoke hearts and a blend of crisp, colorful, eye and mouth pleasing textures and flavors. The pork "two ways" were sliced pork loin and pork belly, very tender, delectable pieces of pork, and the shell beans served with the dish were to die for. For dessert we split the Peanut Butter pot de creme. Very creative peanut butter custard with bourbon marinated raisins and crushed peanuts added for texture topped with a very smooth and creamy cream. It was dreamy ;-)
(5)
Tyler L.
This place is intimate (or tiny depending on your point of view) and I liked the atmosphere immediately. I have been so friggin' busy with work lately that I haven't been able to review very much, so this meal was from back in August...sorry for the delay. I can't remember the appetizer, but remember it being a lot of ingredients that I wouldn't have thought about putting together and that it was good. I then had hanger steak for dinner and it very good for that cut of steak. Much more tender than I would expect from a hanger. This place also has a very unique clientele and the people watching that my gf and I enjoyed that night definitely made the experience more enjoyable. There was this kid sitting next to our table commenting on every sip of his wine and his gf/who knows what was writing down every word. I had a hard time not laughing out loud (and the wine was like a $10 bottle of wine...if you are going to act that ridiculously pretentious please do so with good wine). There were others that I could write about, but I'll keep this review about the food. Overall it was very good and I would go back for sure. My only complaint is that it was uncomfortably hot in there...like I was sweating. They must not have had A.C. or something. Anyways, still very strong little spot...I'm a fan.
(4)
Lauren C.
I think the food is wonderful at Pumpkin. I have only dined here twice, first when they had just opened and again a few years later. I love that it is a BYO. The food is truly delicious. The intimate atmosphere is great for dates or a small party. If you know Philly, you don't mind that it is cash only, that's standard in this city. Plan ahead. :)
(5)
Steve S.
First time back since our first visit 4 yrs ago. The food is still exceptional and the staff & service is perfect. We loved the new decor with the reclaimed wood walls - absolutely awesome! The meal: The escargot was phenomenal - and very different form the usual preparation. The fluke was great. The duck while very good, was over salted (maybe too much in a brine?). It was close to crossing the line where we would want to ask for something else - but it didn't cross the line and we were still able to enjoy it. But that's why I gave 4 not 5 stars. Had both sides available that evening: broccoli rabe and a white bean cassoulet? Both were exceptional! Also got the pumpkin bread and accompaniments for dessert - it was very good, but the bread seemed to be missing a little something. Oh, the coffee was one of the best 2 cups I've had in a restaurant in a long time. Great rich, bold flavor - and freshly brewed (or at least kept in an air pot after it was brewed). There's way too many good restaurants that screw up making a good cup of coffee.
(4)
R. O.
BYOB, cash only! An absolutely lovely experience. Intimate atmosphere, and top notch food with gorgeous presentation. My husband and I dine out often so it's wonderful to be able to still find a restaurant that surprises us with new pairings and flavors. The scallops were perfection, the escargot was refreshing and light (as opposed to being drowned in butter or pesto - they're delicious that way too, but heavy!), and the veal tongue was presented with so many other complementary flavors that it was hard to decide which combo was our favorite. The pork entree was presented very simply in a way that showcased spring/summer beans and the mild sweetness of the meat itself. I loooved the butterscotch pudding dessert as it was a small serving and not too sweet. The bourbon raisins that came with it were amazing. Service was spot-on and very friendly! We had a couple dietary restrictions at the table that could have complicated things but they took it all in stride. Bravo, Pumpkin!
(5)
D M.
The food gods were with us last night. Had plans to have dinner at Audrey Claire but wait was hours. Walked to a few others spots...all the same. Took a. Nance and called pumpkin..and we got in. Amazing experience. First time there. Really small and well done space. Service and food were amazing. Highly recommend it!
(5)
Elizabeth D.
Pumpkin is a very charming BYOB on South Street. I absolutely loved trying their $35 Sunday tasting menu. It's five courses (but you can choose your appetizer and entree). My tasting consisted of sweet potato soup (one of the coolest presentations I've seen), squid ink risotto (it was black! so cool), morbier cheese, duroc pork loin, and the caramelized white chocolate cheesecake with goat cheese. The portions were perfect. I was able to finish everything but wasn't overly stuffed or left hungry. It's a tiny space, but cozy. Our server was lovely and it is such a nice way to cap off the weekend. BYOB a bottle of wine and it's a steal!
(5)
Dianna L.
This is really a 3.5 star review. Went there tonight for their Sunday Prix Fix menu. 5 courses- for 40 dollars. I thought of all the courses the first course of soup was the best. Every other dish had something that I didn't like....like the palenta that was too salty and buttery...the dessert that was too savory and not sweet at all. And the cheese dish that was just a slab of brie covered with some beets. I must say that the service was great. Very attentive and always made sure our wine glasses weren't empty. I probably will not come back here again. For a prix fix menu of this price I can go to several other places in the city for a better meal.
(3)
Abby B.
Goat cheese-cheesecake...nuff said. Went here for the first time for restaurant week. Started with the chilled tomato soup, which was excellent, and I'm not really a fan of tomato soup either. For the next course, I went with pork , which was just okay. However, I tried some of my friend's skate, which had me wishing I would've ordered the fish for once. I didn't even know that goat cheese could be used to make cheesecake, but it was pretty much the best thing that happened to me all week. If they sold this stuff by the slice at their market location, I'd devote a good portion of my paycheck to it. Great date spot, so once I get one, I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Holly T.
Wow wow wow. We recently took a staycation in Philly, in which we stayed in town and tried a bunch of restaurants on our short list, and I think Pumpkin may well have been the highlight. We went for the $40 5-course Sunday prix fixe, which is a total steal. The space is intimate - small, a bit tight, but surprisingly not very loud. The service throughout the evening was excellent and attentive; our wine and water glasses were never empty. The pacing of the courses was perfect, and all the food was amazing. My dinner was as follows: 1st course: cucumber gazpacho with buttermilk, white grape 2nd course: fregola sarda, with coddled egg and duck confit 3rd course: cana de cabra cheese, with baby beets, pickled ramps, and pistachio 4th course: hangar steak with black garlic, red wine, and cipollini onions 5th course: "flavors of banana foster": cardamom pot de creme, salted caramel, and walnut All the dishes were a wonderful melding of flavors. I really liked that the hangar steak was served with interesting accompaniments, but that nothing was actually poured on top of the steak, so I could combine the flavors per my own choosing. Everything was simply perfect, and beautifully presented. We lucked out with our wine pairings, a Fiano di Avelino and a Barbera d'Asti. We saw another couple with some Unibroue beers, which I imagine would work very nicely as well. All in all it might be one of my favorite restaurants ever, and certainly in Philadelphia. It will probably be just a special occasion place, but I do look forward to coming again.
(5)
Aaliyah P.
Everything just clicked. My birthday happens to be on a Monday it blows I know but my gals and the staff @ pumpkin made this a very special night . The space has limited seating so resevrvations are a must! 5 courses came and went balanced flavors, beautiful presentation,and impeccable service made me fall in food love with pumpkin . I arrived a little after my reservation time but they held our table and made us feel welcome. Our 1st bottle (moet) was popped and ready to go.. Flutes filled with the bubbly nectar .our other bottles of white were chilled until we were ready for them. The gazpacho is served in an artsy way the components of almonds,flowers, a grape sorbet served as a base for the velvety broth of avocado a pea. Though not my favorite course the soup was very good I Just think there were too many elements involved. The shrimp app was amazing. There were a few additions to the plate but the Greek yogurt was my favorite. Another friend had the escargot - she enjoyed them very much. Carrots and beets two ways a beet cake , grilled beet an foie gras foam . My skate was divine, chipolini oinions and potatoes . The skate was perfectly cooked; flaky , moist ,seasoned well . Very good hit of the night . Two friends got pork tenderloin and they enjoyed it very much. Dessert was a sweet ending to an amazing meal. Let's discuss the ohhhs and ahhhs goat cheese - cheesecake , and chocolate cake mmmmm! (see the pics for all your salivation needs). Our service was Attentive and our gracious hosts put a candle on my desert plate . I'm very glad I chose pumpkin as my birthday dinner venue. It exceeded all my hopes !
(5)
Jeremy B.
Went Friday night for Restaurant Week with 3 others...typical number (3-5) choices available for apps, dinner, and dessert. I had not been there in a little while and forgot just how small the place was. We had to wait about 20 mins or so past the reservation for a big enough space to open up but no biggie. My pork terrine app w/ a fried egg was good, maybe a tad salty. The others had a duck/rabbit (can't remember) ragu over pasta & said it was good. For dinner 3 had the steak and 1 the trout...fish was done nicely and steak was fine as well. Desserts were all good...can't remember what all had. Service a little spotty here and there as far as opening our wine bottles, but all in all a good experience.
(4)
Ray L.
I had heard some good things about Pumpkin before dining here, but it just felt a bit...meh. The food is good though the portions are small, and factoring that in with the price of entrees and appetizers, it gets 3 stars in my book. The atmosphere is cute enough--a lovely date place that doesn't sem too pretentious. I don't get the feeling that people really need to dress up here. But do you ever get the feeling that the restaurant is, you know, trying too hard? You know, like in Top Chef, when they start adding cute little things to a dish for no good reason? For the appetizer we got a foie gras plate, and it just seemed like there were so many different (unnecessary, incoherent) components to the dish. A smear of sauce here, greens there, another smear of something there. It looked kind of like the chef didn't know what to do so he vomited random ingredients on the plate. It was a bit odd really. Anyway, the 3 stars is based on the price and so-so-ness of the food (which wasn't bad, mind you). The bit about trying too hard is more of a side observation. Anyone else get this sense?
(3)
Michelle M.
I went to pumpkin with my friends and we really enjoyed our time. All of the food was excellently prepared, and the service was attentive but not rushed. What's even better is that the restaurant is BYOB.
(5)
Kristine B.
The food was absolutely delicious and the presentation was spot on. In addition, the decor was visually pleasing and the serving staff was responsive, pleasant, and knowledgeable. However, the portions were definitely on the small side. My $15 scallop appetizer had two scallops and the cheesecake wasn't much bigger than a Polly-o string cheese. I'm definitely an eater, but not one to usually clean the plate at a restaurant or to think that quantity is more important than quality. However, I left not exactly feeling full. That being said, it was what I expected and the quality of the food is superb. My biggest complaint is that the place was absolutely freezing. The little space heater they were using showed a reading of 57 degrees. The server tried to warm the place up, but it didn't really help. If I'm paying almost $200 for a meal I want to at least eat it without my coat on. It was so cold that we left in under an hour and headed to cook and shaker in fishtown for heat, the Eagles, and more food.
(4)
Michelle C.
Saturday night at Pumpkin had all the trappings of a great dinner for two. The intimate space was lit by candlelight and the heavy curtains by the doorway kept out any chill. The seasonal menu had some variety, but there were only one or two selections from both the starters and main courses that appealed to me. I ultimately chose the celery root soup followed by pan roasted monkfish. Warm, crusty bread was delivered to our table alongside roasted garlic olive oil. It was a delicious start to the meal. Starters came out quickly, and my soup turned out to be heavenly. The bowl was presented with some sauteed shallots and small rounds of apple, and the broth was poured tableside. I couldn't get enough of the velvety broth and incredible flavors, but luckily the portion size was generous. My boyfriend very much enjoyed his appetizer, which had tender pieces of octopus and squid. After the soup, I couldn't wait to taste the entrees. They were delivered shortly after our apps were cleared and were nicely sized. Unfortunately, they didn't live up to the starters. My monkfish was slightly too salty and came served along a river of capers. Next to that was a gelatinous square of pork belly that lacked meatier bits. Across the table, a ridiculously large piece of beef cheek was tender like a short rib, only not as moist, and much fattier. Our favorite part of this course was the side, the name of which escapes me. It was grainy like brown rice and served in the style of risotto, with some minced vegetables throughout and a sprinkling of parmesan on top. Even though we didn't love our entrees, the things we did enjoy were truly special. Service was also attentive and very informed. I absolutely see the potential here and I already have plans to return for an upcoming special event.
(3)
Liz C.
Pumpkin is absolutely phenomenal. It's a little pricey - dinner for 4 came to about $200 with tip, but we did have several appetizers and dessert - but well worth it, and it's BYO, so that helps. Our group shared the scallops and the cheese plate for appetizers - both delicious. I had the duck confit for dinner - it was so good I practically chewed on the bones! My fiance had the beef cheek, which was also delicious - so tender. For dessert we had some kind of pumpkin bread with sorbet - we usually don't even order dessert, but it sounded so good we had to have it - and it was well worth it. The service was great as well. I'm actually still thinking about the whole meal two weeks later! We try not to repeat restaurants often since there are so many great restaurants in Philly - but we might have to make an exception for Pumpkin.
(5)
Andrea S.
Delicious. I had been wanting to try this place for a while. I love BYOB's ad I love that they have a rotating menu. So, on Nov 1, my husband and I made the trip to our lovely city and tried it. Phenomenal. GREAT service and great food. I don't think I left a single thing on my plate. The desserts were very delicious too. Highly recommend.
(5)
Paul C.
restaurant is very tiny...but tables were very roomy...and was able accommodate our group of 6 people. Server was very friendly and explained everything on the menu. I had sweetbreads as an appetizer...absolutely delicious...entree I had was beef cheeks...it was good...but bit salty...
(4)
Aviva L.
Wow. One of the best dinners I have had in Philly. It's a very small, intimate space, which I actually loved. The wait staff was so attentive (it's almost guaranteed with such a small space!), very much accommodating to our party, and the food was superb. There were some new ingredients in my dish, which was fun! I had the scallop dish that came with this new vegetable I have never tried, can't remember the name but it looked like a succulent, and it looked like it was going to be dry but it was crispy, juicy, and so so delicious.
(5)
alexis g.
Sweet holy moses, how have I not yet yelped Pumpkin?? I literally cannot imagine a better restaurant than Pumpkin. BYOB? Yes. Menu is seasonal? Yes. Menu changes daily... DAILY, people! Yes. Life really does not get any better than this. Oh wait! Yes it does. Know how? Sunday evening $35 tasting menu. Yes, you read that right. $35. Five courses. $35. $7 a course. What kind of courses, you say? Parsnip soup garnished with a perfectly crisp mushroom and lightly sauteed chantrelles. Some kind of fish (memory failing...) with grapefruit supremes and fennel. Arugula salad with apples and a light vinaigrette. Tilefish with cauliflower puree. Layered chocolate mousse cake with whipped cream. Hop on the mailing list and get the ins on other special menus, like the 4-course sparkling-wine taster coming up... I go out to eat to experience something I don't think I can do at home. I want grilled octopus AND I want it paired with the unexpected chorizo and fingerling potatoes. I like a seasonal dessert that features fall spices and poached winter pears. Pumpkin pulls all of this off and more. A lot of the low ratings for this place seem in large part due to the meat-centric nature of the menu. I agree that any great city restaurant worth its salt should have at least one vegetarian (preferably one that can be made vegan) entree. However, I wonder if the chef wouldn't be able to accommodate if you asked... the last time we were there for the Sunday night $35 menu, someone at the table across from us asked for something off menu and they seemed happy to oblige.
(5)
Morgan F.
Incredible dinner. Everything was delicious and the chef worked with my food allergies with no problem. He even made a special hot dessert for me and was so excited to do it. One of the best meals I've had in Philly!
(5)
Jose A.
Didn't really feel it. Yeah the food is good, it better be for what you're paying. The presentation is nice, the ambiance is romantic. It's byo... but I guess I just don't see the point in paying that much for that quantity/quality of food. It's pretty cool that they use local ingredients and they have a rotating menu. If I want to impress someone with how refined I am, this would be at the top of my list, but if I want a great meal there are so many other great places in the city.
(3)
Justin W.
Amazing food that has the freshest and best tasting ingredients. Each of their dishes is unique and the menu changes daily. Its BYOB and romantic. I keep coming back because each time I try a great meal where the flavors are crisp clean and layered perfectly.
(5)
Michelle T.
Great ambiance! Small BYOB restaurant. Delicious food! Local ingredients which means menu changes often. Only two servers so service is slow. A great place for a date or a group of 4. Servers are helpful in explaining the dishes.
(4)
Alexander G.
Sarah and I strolled into Pumpkin at 17th and South St. slightly before our 6p reservation with a bottle of both red and white, ready to chow down. We were met at the door by our server who sat us and kindly asked to take our coats. We obliged as we stood and welcomed the rustic minimalism that littered the empty dining room. My gaze became fixed upon the elegant centerpiece, an armless antique love seat with two conjoining tables that laid along the wall under swooping sashes of fabric. We had specifically come for the five-course Sunday tasting menu that was a steal at $35. Shortly after sitting down our professionally knowledgeable server explained some of the finer points of the cuisine as we were slid some bread and oil. We debated our options over our first glass of wine and decided just to get everything. The first course weaved through the slalom of customers, coats and breadbaskets and proved to be deceivingly delicious. The parsnip soup's warm intrinsic creaminess was the perfect way to forget the icy cold lying outside the door. The intimate dining room was nearly filled as the second course arrived. Sarah received the Pheasant Crepenitte with broccoli florets and beet puree. I grabbed the seared scallops that were served with grapefruit and a citrus glaze from the food runner and we quickly swapped plates. The beet puree added a casual sweetness to the crepenitte which was basically a crumbly sausage of rich flavorful textures. Sarah's scallops were quite the antithesis. The slightly seared white mollusk achieved a simple tanginess with fruity highlights. Her tilefish plate, however, was gone long before I could catch a glimpse of it. My sturgeon dish had an intensely dense and flavorful texture mimicking the taste of a complex meat. My heart was soon longing for dessert as I cleaned my plate. To kill some time we ordered coffee with dessert as we siphoned out the last of our wine, which was politely kept chilled in the kitchen by our server. Now, as any self-aware chocolate fiend will tell you, addiction is hard to resist but this time of year I become more obsessed with the culture of the autumn season than anything else. How could a full-blown fall aficionado turn down pumpkin cheesecake from a place called Pumpkin? Plus I was totally planning to snag some of Sarah's chocolate moose cake when it hit the table. Each dessert was down-right incredible and the cheesecake was among the best dining decisions I made in a long time. We asked for the check and happily tipped our server for her openness, positivity and invaluable expertise. She snatched our coats out of the back and we stepped bravely out into the frosty air with a renewed sense of warmth.
(4)
Stephanie Y.
We took our roommate here for her farewell dinner and loved the place! Cute little place for small parties and chatting with friends. We ordered practically everything on the menu that day and loved every dish. The fish I had, Red Drum, was just how I like it. The dishes were a bit on the salty side, but overall very flavorful and delicious! Definitely need to make reservations because they were busy the entire time we were there.
(5)
Todd V.
My meal last night was pretty gross. The pork was tough and the sides were uninspired. The presentation looked ridiculous. The shrimp and grits we ok but I wasnt blown away. I have not been here in years but it seems like there was a different chef. I hate to review a place based on restaurant week but I doubt I will ever eat here again. This would be a 2 star review if I had not already had a great meal here.
(3)
Zina R.
I ended up here after meeting the Chef/owner at Tangier the night before. He 's an awesome guy and invited us to check out his restaurant. When we arrived, he had a delicious, chilled bottle of wine waiting for us. Then he informed us that we'd be getting the tasting menu. He personally delivered each dish, explained the motivation behind it and passionately described the fresh ingredients used. It was obvious that he loves to cook and that translates into beautifully plated, absolutely delicious dishes. The standout for me was the roasted chicken. It was juicy and flavorful and perfectly browned. I had foie gras for the first time and was not a fan but my friends said it was the best they'd ever had. If I'm being perfectly honest, my favorite part of the whole meal was the dessert. The dinner was great but the cheesecake was out of this world. Indulgent and light at the same time. After dessert, out came the bottles of apple cider. 12 bottles later we were sufficiently drunk, full of great food and exhausted from laughing till we cried. I may be biased but I highly recommend this place, the ingredients are fresh -the chef knows each farmer personally. The waitstaff is incredibly warm and accommodating. And the food is great.
(5)
Kasia H.
The best restaurant in Philadelphia. The food is magical and indulges all senses.
(5)
Liz K.
loved it! we went for the sunday night tasting menu and it was outstanding value for the quality and quantity of food we got. the food was the right amount of upscale for me -- inventive but not so crazy that i couldn't tell what i was eating (a somewhat common complaint from my nyc tasting menu experiences). and i liked that we had a choice of two dishes for four out of the five courses. i highly recommend it! i would give it 5 stars except that we had to wait a half hour for our table after arriving (and this was after being called and asked to come 15 minutes after our reseravation time).
(4)
Patrick K.
If I were writing this review for the dinner I had Friday night (two weeks earlier) when I went to Pumpkin, then I would give 4 stars. The problem is this review is for Pumpkin and not for Pat's PIzzeria in Aston where the delicious and filling part of the meal was involved. I am not a fine diner and rarely head downtown for a restaurant so when I do, I tend to hold a higher standard to those experiences that require me to pay to park. In this case, Pumpkin is a great idea in concept and theory. Fresh from the farm ingredients in classy presentation. The delivery was lacking. I left hungry and I sat through appetizer, meal, and dessert. A disappointing dining experience.
(2)
Rachel G.
A fresh, local BYO...restaurants like Pumpkin are one of the only perks of living in a state-controlled liquor Commonwealth. In addition to the sweetness of being able to bring our own wine, our dinner was utterly fantastic. We went to town, and each dish we had was better than the next: pate, scallops, uni, steak, panna cotta. I'd recommend Pumpkin to anyone interested in an innovative and simple dinner...though maybe not with a crowd, since the restaurant is tiny and close-quartered.
(5)
dara m.
This restaurant is a favorite of my man's brother. So much so, we have celebrated his birthday there for the last two years. And each time, we leave hungry and little bit annoyed. Why? Well, we're looking at things differently than your average meat eating customer. We're looking at it from the perspective of vegetarians. And nothing makes a vegetarian angrier than a $38.00 bowl of pasta. With nothing but pasta and sauce. Maybe some butter too. That would make Mother Theresa pretty pissed off . The other dishes aorund the table look nice and I admit I tasted Larry's chicken dish ( average and over $30 with nothing included except some green beans) and somebody else's fish dish ( sea bass- average- over $30 with a spoonful of mashed potatoes). Now maybe I sound unsophisicated- one should not attend a fine dining establishment and expect reasonable for the masses pricing. Agreed. But I'm not convinced that this place is fine dining. The room is tiny. The staff is average. They make it obvious they need to turn the table. The food is nothing special you can't find at any other place. The bathroom feels like some sort of space age pod one might find on a spaceship and it's kind of right there in the dining room. Bottom line: if the service is fantastic and the food is fantastic, one will pay the prices and not complain. That is not the case here. Skip it and save some cash.
(2)
Lisa Q.
Pumpkin is really small but the food was amazing. It's BYOB, cash only, and you have to have a reservation. Even if you have a reservation, the later in the night it goes, you may have to wait. There aren't very many tables inside and if folks want to sit and chat after dinner, you may end up waiting. The ambiance inside is really nice. It was lit with candle light and made for a romantic date. The food was excellent. I had skate. The waitress was very friendly and was very attentive on bringing out wine every time our glasses got lower. The menu changes almost every week because they use local, fresh ingredients, so check the menu online. They give you pumpkin seeds with your check, too. I thought that was cute! I would definitely go back.
(4)
GC N.
This cute, nondescript gem is tasty, uses locally grown foods, and has a different menu every day. We shared two appetizers, the cider blazed pork belly topped with pureed green tomato salsa served with a grilled peach and cornmeal, and the grilled octopus served over arugula, pine nuts, and pureed eggplant. For our entree, we had the lamb chops (which came on the bone) served over a bed of greens. The lamb chops were tender, juicy, and peeled right off the bone. We ordered the flourless chocolate cake with sauteed bananas and passion fruit sorbet. It was surprisingly very good and flaky, and did not have that "overly rich" taste many other flourless cakes have. Very good. At the end, the server gave us a bag of pumpkin seeds with the bill. It was cute and memorable. Note: BYOB, Cash Only
(4)
Christiana P.
My fiance and I went for restaurant week a while back and it was a romantic and delicious date! It is a BYO, so make sure to bring your favorite wine :) We brought Cupcake! The restaurant space is very small, which the reason I did not give it 5 stars. We were seated about 6 inches from another couple, which was kind of awkward. I can't imagine going there with a party larger than 2. All of the food was amazing! We had cold tomato soup, filet, and coconut chocolate cake. I was in heaven! I'll be honest, my fiancee said he was still hungry after the meal- it is definitely fine dining. I would recommend not coming starving because the portions are definitely on the smaller size. Overall, it was a perfect night out and the atmosphere is incredibly romantic! I recommend making a reservation! Thanks for a great date, Pumpkin!
(4)
Robert G.
Average at best. Space is incredibly bad, servers are disconnected, food is good, but the total experience is average at best.
(2)
Jen M.
The $35 sunday tasting menu is one of the best, tastiest deals in town. The place is cozy, the service is always impeccable, the menu is creative, and it's BYO so the wine is always perfectly chosen. ;-)
(5)
Donnie V.
Amazing. Really good. Well worth the price on a Sunday night pre-fix. Fresh, new and interesting. I need to go back to make sure it's still there. EVERYDAY. Maybe when I'm rich and can get rid of my fat gene.
(4)
Rob B.
Nice little BYO on a none busy part of South St. Food was good to very good. Love that all the food is local and natural.
(4)
Evan L.
We came to Pumpkin to celebrate our anniversary (28th!) and we were drawn by the locavore/organic/BYO menu and the great reviews, both on Yelp and in Philly mag. Unfortunately, the experience did not live up to the expectation; although the atmosphere was suitably and casually romantic, we were less than impressed by the food. The appetizers were quite good -- my wife had the mixed greens with avocado and I had the fava bean and chorizo cassoulet -- but the entrees did not live up to the expectations set by the starters. The scallops were small and numbered only three, and though delicious, the portion was appropriate for an appetizer and not an entree, and accompanied by a sadly soggy piece of overly fatty pork belly (horrors!!). The beef cheek was delicious, but also inappropriately fatty, rather than the dense and fine grained meat I was hoping for. Dessert of a flourless chocolate cake with coconut ice cream was again, very tasty but maddeningly small, with hardly 3 small bites for each of us. In all, a tasty disappointment primarily because of small portion sizes and some troubling missteps. You may want to check out my review of another locavore/organic restaurant we were at just the night before for comparison.
(3)
Timothy L.
We've been to Pumpkin more times than we can count. We usually go for the Sunday night tasting menu. It's reasonably priced and consistently amazing.
(5)
kathy t.
I've had a perfectly lovely beet soup, an amazing bacon whole grain mustard on half a grilled romaine heart salad, a nice fig and goat cheese tart on filo topped w/ microgreens, a nice crispy skinned trout, and some nice moo. Also some relatively average tomato and fish plates, an average duck confit. A terrific pot de creme, an average chocolate cake.The menu changes daily but relatively slowly- a few new things add on and a few things drop off. Service has been friendly and competent for me. Space includes two tables for two larger groups, but it's mostly 2-4 tops, be sure to make a reservation. Actually, even if you're a smaller party, call ahead if you're going at prime time. Handicapped accessible into the dining room- the bathroom might have a step and the pathways are narrow for wheelchairs.
(4)
Kristin S.
4 stars.. but since when is 17th and South considered Rittenhouse Sq.?
(4)
Claudia C.
I ate here yesterday and liked it. Tried this Hawaiian fish that was extremely interesting to look at and to eat. Maybe on the pricier side but the food is worth it.
(4)
Stephanie M.
Ooooh Pumpkin, you are my new favorite place in Philly. We went on Friday night and got a charred cod (I think) and the steak. The fish and the steak were cooked so perfectly. Everything in the dish tasted beyond fresh, this must be what organics are about. I felt good eating the dishes and even better after. I felt like I had eaten a really good meal that didn't weigh me down but was delicious. We also got the gazpacho which was quite beautiful. There is something to be said about presentation, they brought out this white bowl with grapes and crab meat artfully displayed and poured from a little vase the soup which was a nice mint green. It tasted beyond wonderful, light and crisp. Very cooling on a super hot night. Our server was really sweet and helpful. Oh and it's BYOB. I will be back.
(5)
Kati K.
LOVE this place! I went once while in town on business and once last year on New Year's Eve (in fact, I wish I could go back to Philadelphia this New Year's and eat at Pumpkin)! The dining room is small and cozy, which makes for a great intimate dinner. The staff were so wonderfully accomodating when we made our New Year's plans last year. The bf and I are both mushroom-loathing vegetarians, and when we called ahead for reservations, the hostess assured us that the chef could whip up a delicious, mushroom-free adaptation of their tasting menu. Same thing when I visited during my business trip. In fact, the kitchen came out to ask if it was all right if they added an egg or if I preferred not (I'm not a vegan, but the thoughtfulness was nice). The portions look a little on the small side, but I think we're conditioned to expect oversize food portions in most restaurants (and at home), and honestly, once we got through the several courses, we realized the portion sizes were perfect--satisfying, but not so much that you leave sickly-overstuffed. And yes, it's a little pricey, but not too much so for a special dinner--plus, I brought a $10 bottle of wine and saved a boatload of money versus if I'd spent $10+ per glass at a non-BYOB.
(5)
Liz B.
Delicious food, adorable little restaurant for a date. And they give you a snack for the road...
(5)
Thor T.
Other Yelpers (like Alexis G. and Frank R.) have already superbly described Pumpkin's fabulous Sunday night dinners - an amazing quality/price ratio at $35. The five courses are carefully chosen and the restaurant offers a choice for several of the main courses. I am a huge fan of chefs who attempt to source local and seasonal ingredients, many of them organic, and Pumpkin follows this philosophy. The first time I ate at Pumpkin, I ordered the risotto dish with fresh peas and mushrooms. For me, risotto is the triple axel of restaurants - most stumble badly attempting it and I always order it with trepidation. Pumpkin served a perfect rendition - so good it would have been happily at home in Milan. Now a small comment to the vegetarian scolds below: I think it is great that you are vegetarians - you eat healthily, humanely, and you reduce the carbon print for the earth. I want to emulate vegetarians for most days of the week for all those reasons, but please, display some tolerance, for Gandhi's sake! No need to rake a restaurant over the coals, so to speak, for not being vegetarian enough for your exacting standards. Ask in advance for some consideration and you just might be happily surprised.
(5)
Serge B.
I've been to one tasting menu on a random Sunday and the food was great. I wish I had put some more thought on the wine I brought but it did the job. The place was tiny (that's OK) but the service was a bit slow (OK as well). Big fan of the gazpacho as well as the dessert options. Everything tasted fresh and perfectly seasoned. I'm glad places like these are still part of the Philly food scene. Will try to go back to see if they keep their momentum.
(4)
Kathy L.
What a great BYOB. While there isn't a large set of options (maybe like 8 types of appetizers, 5 entrees, 4 desserts) the menu is seasonal and the dishes were very thoughtful. There were several things we wanted to try - but didn't like the chilled english pea soup and gnocchi. The rillete was delicious and had the consistency and flavor of pulled pork (but a pan-fried seared patty). The lancaster chicken with oyster mushrooms was amazing - moist and flavorful with crispy skin. Great execution. I thought the dishes were timed well and relatively speaking, time between some dishes were long. OK by us given how heavy the dishes were. Prices for appetizers were around $12 and entrees were $24. Not bad but not cheap by any means. Want to try their Pumpkin cafe now!
(4)
Lily S.
Went with my friends for the five course tasting menu and was very impressed. Thought it was going to be one of those places where the food is good but expensive and the portions are small. Instead found the food to be not only excellent but portions perfect. First time we actually we're stuffed by such excellently executed and picture perfect food. I've always wanted to try this place but sometimes the menu seemed too intimidating. With the Sunday tasting menu you get a choice during the appetizer and entree and dessert. The soup and salad are the constant for everyone. For starters, I had the cauliflower soup which came in two deconstructed parts and assembled at table. A large bowl with crisp cauliflower, foam, seasoning of some sort and then the waitress poured the cream base into our bowls. It was a creamy, flavourful rich delight. This was served with hot french bread pieces and a side of garlic and olive oil. The beet salad was nice and refreshing palate cleanser after the creamy soup but I'm not a big fan of frisee so much. Next I chose the Berkshire pork terrine with pickled mustard seed and drops of sour cherry sauce. Some of my friends got the butternut risotto which they loved but said they sort of wished they had picked the terrine as the portion on the risotto was enough for a full meal. I found the terrine to be a great combination of flavors, great textures and very inventive. I was expecting more of a traditional country pate but this was far better. For the entree I had the stout braised beef cheeks. Holy cow, literally. When it came out it was like a black flower glistening on the plate. Whatever stout they used for the sauce was awesome - the meat was lovely and moist. I was pretty full by this point but couldn't stop eating it and shared what I couldn't finish with my friends as well. When dessert came I was so happy I chose the pancotta with the tart black currants and ginger snap dusting. It was light and refreshing end to the meal. My friends had the chocolate cake which any unfinished plates got quickly scooped up by the chocoholics at the table. The service was very efficient - taking our coats, opening wine, filling glasses, replacing silverware at each course. There was a nice gap in between courses so we didn't feel rushed or overwhelmed. In such a small place it was nice that we weren't being hovered over. I can only remember one server's personality which was a little quirky as the younger one seemed to be waiting on a lot more tables. They seemed pleasant and I'd rather remember my food and conversation than a waiter's personality. Overall it was one of the best meals I've had in about two years dining out. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star is the place is quite small and seating crowded. The acoustics in the place are odd and make it seem sort of loud as well. Hope they get to move to a bigger place or expand some how. Through the curtain, it looked like the kitchen might be bigger than the dining area. Can't wait to bring my family there when they come to visit and will definitely be back for more!
(4)
Meg S.
I came here with a friend for Restaurant Week, and everything was way beyond my highest expectations. I have a dairy allergy and only briefly mentioned it to the server to double-check the ingredients: our server went above and beyond to accomodate me, even switching out the dessert for sorbet instead of the price-fixe options without me asking. The food, though, was so good. My favorites would have to be the heirloom tomato salad (so amazingly fresh) and the arctic char with saffron. I don't know what addictive element they put in that food, but I will definitely be coming back. Unlike the other reviewers, I had a sizable portion of char and my friend had a good portion of the long island duck (which she also enjoyed). The space is very small, but not overly loud-I couldn't hear any particular conversation around me and the whole restaurant was incredibly inviting. Obviously not for groups, but I'd recommend it in a heartbeat for a date night.
(5)
Shereen C.
Scrumptious Pumpkin! What a lovely place. Enjoyed a wonderful dinner at this little restaurant a few months ago. The $40 5-course Prix Fixe is a supremely satisfying way to spend a Sunday evening, whether it's a special occasion or you just feel like pampering yourselves. Everything I tried was carefully prepared and tasty. Sunchoke-Hazelnut Soup was delicious. Sweetbreads were crispy and tasty. Smoked Quail was cooked just right, succulent and flavourful. White Chocolate Goat Cheese Cheesecake was sublime. Service was great. Scrumptious food in a pleasant, intimate setting. Cash only. BYOB.
(5)
Matt K.
We dined at Pumpkin last night and it was out of this world. I can understand how some people would not call it their favorite, but if you're a foodie, this place is incredible. What makes the cuisine at Pumpkin so special is not just the combinations of flavors and textures, but also that it actually makes you think. Not just guess at what's in a sauce or what that funny looking red thing is, you actually think about why everything goes together. The camembert and beet salad seems like something you've had before, kinda like beet and goat cheese, but the comparison ends there. What you get is a huge mix of things which aren't simply put on the plate to impress or confuse you, they actually make sense. There is a heavy concentration of umami and a touch of everything else to highlight it. The camembert is an earthy variety, the beets are earthy, even the walnuts, while a little bitter, are earthy. Each ingredient picks up from where the last one leaves off. The salad isn't "balanced" in the sense that you get earth, sweet, sour and bitter all on one plate, but you get hints and highlights of everything but the umami. The point of the salad is the earthiness of the flavors and how the earthiness is repeated but never the same from one ingredient to the next. Add to that the wonderful color and varied textures, such as raw rhubarb, a crispy bread, a dollop of hibiscus, and it is a masterpiece. What was even more impressive was that the salad actually paired with an older American cabernet. Amazing. OK, I'm not done yet! The pork crepinette was incredible. The pork was pink which suggests saltpeter or some other nitrate was used to enhance it. yum. A horseradish foam garnished it, and it actually had a good flavor which didn't overpower, which was probably the intent. Prunes, a chestnut puree, a chestnut, and even a bit of apple added a nice balance of interesting things to put in your mouth. The pastry of the crepinette was a good texture, too. The beef cheek was marvelous, melt in your mouth faster than any short rib I've ever had. The demi-glace poured over it, surrounding it was beautiful looking and perfectly rich. There were interesting and tasty bites all around the plate, again, the chef kept you guessing. Potato, rutabaga, turnip cut in cool shapes, some drenched in butter, yum. And a black garlic puree dotted around which was extraordinarily rich and deep in flavor. A French press coffee to end it all, good coffee. Bibou has been called a lot of wonderful things, like in the top five restaurants in Philly, best bistro in America, etc etc, but last night at Pumpkin, the meal was just as good as any I've had at Bibou. Highly recommended!
(5)
Maddie V.
I have good news and (sort of) bad news. Let's start with the bad. Went to to Pumpkin earlier this month with two girlfriends for a girl's night dinner. We made a reservation a few days before and our only options were 5pm and 9:15pm. We chose the latter, which really wasn't the bad part since it was a Friday night and I had heard from several people this place was really good. We arrived right on time and were greeted by a friendly host and an intimate setting...VERY intimate. Hope you like whomever you're dining with because you will be seated close. We were informed of a short wait since our table was not ready due to diners still enjoying the end of their meal. This was fine, so we waited. And waited. Soon 30 minutes had passed and we were still not seated. Wasn't that the point of a reservation in the first place? We were finally seated about 10pm. Although I was a bit miffed about the wait (I was hungry!), the staff and food made up for it and then some. During our wait, the host and waiter continually kept us updated on our table situation and even gave us glasses to crack open our BYOB wine. After being seated, almonds and olives were presented immediately since they knew we were probably hungry. And let me say the food we ordered was decadent. Note: their menu does change monthly, but if you go soon, may I insist you order the sweet potato soup (which, by the way, was kindly taken off our bill as yet another gesture of gratitude for our long wait). It was creamy, sweet, and all kinds of delicious. I also ordered the beef sirloin which was the perfect portion and cooked magnificently. All in all, despite the snafu of the reservation, I would highly recommend this place for a date or a small group of friends to enjoy delicious food and a friendly staff.
(4)
John K.
Went here for Valentine's Day - they had a 4 course tasting. Amazing food - good service. GF thought it was cute that they gave us toasted pumpin seeds as a take away. Please keep in mind - cash only! That's the reason for 4 stars - a bit inconvenient as dinner can run three digits. Luckily for us I knew the policy ahead of time. Unlucky for the couple who was seated next to us. We felt so bad for the poor guy as he had to go out to use the ATM across the street - considering he was on his Vday date.
(4)
Alison E.
I went here this past Tuesday for restaurant week with my bf. It was amazing! I have to agree with some previous reviewers. Sometimes trying out a place for restaurant week- you don't get the same quality in service or food. Well that was not the case at Pumpkin! Service was awesome- everyone was so friendly and attentive. All the "Mike's" were working that night. It is a small place and pretty close seating- so if you going for a first date be prepared to be close to your neighbors. Food was awesome! We got the squid and the Dante cheese panna cotta for apps. Both awesome! The panna cotta was delish! For entree I had the Pork two ways and my bf had the chicken sausage. Both phenomenal! And dessert- the pot de cream was great! My fab of the desserts. All and all- an awesome experience and I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Hang T.
Had dinner here with some girlfriends. Very small and cozy BYOB spot. Food is delicious, but the plates are fairly small - perfect for more intimate groups of 2-4. Excellent presentation! I recommend the scallops!
(4)
Julie N.
Pumpkin sat on my to-try list for such a long time. And I am so glad that we finally had dinner here. Let me just say, we had reservations for a party of 4 for the Sunday prix fixe, and the other two in our party did not show up. As we patiently waited and apologized profusely to our server, she was nothing short of gracious. She brought us drinks and olives, to keep us busy while we waited. When we decided to start dinner without our friends, my fiance and I selected one of each from the prix fixe choices, so that we could taste the entire menu that night. Pumpkin's ambience is intimate and romantic. Dinner was by candlelight with beautifully plated seasonal selections, sourced locally. We started with a sweet potato soup with honey miso. Served warm, it offered a slight sweetness to tickle the tastebuds. Up next was the pork crepinette, with chestnut puree, prune, and horseradish, as well as the burgundy snails, with red wine, hazelnuts, and ivory sauce. Both dishes served up a little something salty, coupled with savory and a dash of texture. The next course was actually a cheese course -- hudson valley camembert with beet and pistachio. Sadly, I am not much of a cheese person, so I only picked at the beet and pistachio this round. My other half thoroughly enjoyed the camembert and told me I was crazy for not liking cheese. For the entree, we had the steel head trout with beurre rouge, and the duroc pork loin with spring ragout. Oh my gosh. The entrees were sooooo delectable! We ate slowly and quietly, only to enjoy every little bite in front of us. Dessert served up a goats milk cheesecake, with huckleberry, lemon curd and almond, and a peanut butter pot de creme with bourbon raisins. Yum! Our friends were dearly missed that night. But we enjoyed a beautiful dinner. BYO and cash only, don't let Pumpkin fall to the bottom of your to-try list!
(4)
Christine L.
Came here for early dinner at 545pm. Cute little restaurant with a rustic interior. Really friendly staff and a true-farm-to-table / simple food done well type of restaurant. I had the halibut, boyfriend had the hanger steak and we started with the scallops. Everything cooked perfectly.
(5)
Alex G.
I immediately loved the ambience of this byob. You feel like you are eating in a log cabin. The service was great. However the food was mildly disappointing. I thought the artic char tasted similar to an average salmon. It lacked character. We got haloumi cheese and smoked mushrooms on the side. Both were good. The warm molten chocolate cake was the worst part of the meal. The texture was rather hard, the chocolate was not very molten, just a weak product overall.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : No Good For : Dinner Parking : Garage, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
A A.
Pretty good me thinks. Dry lima beans though......oooooo......and pork chops. Very good dessert and soop. Very small the key is to look behind the branches.
(4)Lauren Y.
Not impressed. I went to Pumpkin because all of Philly seemed to rave about it. Even the ever pessimistic Craig Laban. I guess that that all of Philly eats meat and is oblivious to tact because the menu at Pumpkin is predominately carnivorous (even fish dishes are infused with sausage) and the service is TACKY. The waitress needs to go back to gradeschool to learn addition subtraction because she gave us the bill. We paid. She had the nerve to come back to our table to tell us she added incorrectly and that we owed more. That, in my opinion is atrocious.
(2)Stephen H.
I have actually put more thought into this review than any previous others. I was impressed by all the positive reviews, very detailed, which lead me to believe the reviewers really enjoyed their time at pumpkin. starting off with the good, all our food was cooked well and had a good mixture of tasty ingredients. We ate sweetbreads, two chicken dinners and two strip steaks. I enjoyed the flavor of my meal and the piece of my companions meal. The reasons I cannot join in the chorus of four or five star reviews are as follows. We made reservations for 8:30PM on a Saturday night. the table was not ready for us, and there was no place to stand to wait, standing on south street during May is no big deal, but would have sucked if it were winter. There were five possible entrees, one was roast chicken, not much of a selection especially because I'm not a fish fan, and two were swimmers. the entree I was excited to try, lamb t bone with blue cheese gnocchi was out by 8:30, so a no go there, I was left with choice of roast chicken and NY strip, kinda pedestrian. the portions were pretty small, and was left a little hungry even with appetiser. we ordered two desserts flour less chocolate cake with coffee ice cream, it was really good...but the other dessert was a goat cheese cheesecake, which tasted like...well it didn't taste like anything. out of the four of us, i enjoyed myself the most, My friends who picked the restaurant were not pleased with the evening. for some reason, i feel guilty about only giving three stars, because well cooked food is well cooked food and most important, but the limited menu missing what seemed to be the most interesting dish, is hard to get past and A-ok is the best I can do. i will go back just to satisfy my, was it just "off" curiosity.
(3)idurtp -.
A nice,cozy byob in philadelphia. Service was friendly and attentive. Everything was fresh and tasted great. The place has a small menu but don't let that turn you away. My friend had duck while I had pan seared chicken. The meal in general was definitely French inspired and was the perfect portion. A thing to note is that get your wine way ahead of time as there is no wine store nearby. Also, I wouldn't recommend taking someone here for an intimate setting as it can get noisy if there is a large group inside. Great place for having a meal with friends.
(5)Jennifer Ann T.
This cozy BYOB is cute as a button....with roughly the same square footage. With a succinct menu and delightfully nimble waitstaff that delivers every time, its a lovely date spot that wont sadden your wallet. Be warned, however, one overly jovial party can warp the experience into a nightmarish meal on a crowded subway car. For those with a taste for the aquatic, the octopus is divine!
(4)Justin K.
Last week I went to hang out in the city with my friend Mike. We were hungry, so we decided to eat something then yelp it. So we picked Pumpkin, based on us trying to go with some other people last year and it being booked up for the night. It bugged me that I couldn't get in, so I figured I had to go back and try it. I wasn't disappointed, Pumpkin provided a pretty good dining experience. Its a charming little 26 seater BYOB that would be a nice place to bring a date. Unfortunately I was stuck with Mike, so I had to make do. The food is what we were really there for. I had the Grilled Octopus for an appetizer, and the Chicken for the main course. The Octopus was phenomenal, and came with some really tasty Red Peppers in a nice sauce. The Chicken was very good, and came with a full spread of nice Veggies and Potatoes, including Artichoke Hearts, which are always nice to see. The Chicken was cooked just right, juicy and succulent. I also have to mention the bread, which was served hot and fresh with a dipping oil with fresh garlic cloves floating in it, which was a really cool touch I thought. We also talked to the waitress, who was busy (she was the only waitress for the whole place), but friendly. We asked if there was indeed any Pumpkin on the menu, and there was not tonight. She did say that they try to do as many seasonal dishes as possible though, and some Pumpkin items would probably return to Pumpkin in the fall. So I will have to come back then and check it out, along with some dessert, which I just couldn't fit this time around. Or maybe I'll just check out the market for some take out stuff...
(4)Heather W.
Words... wow. Nothing better than a great dining experience... The Service, top notch... The restaurant itself is smaller and intimate, so I'm sure getting in on the weekends is tough, so my fiancé and I checked it out on a Tuesday night. They had a few large parties that came in when were leaving which didn't seem to really matter even though it was smaller.. we still felt it was very romantic... ... As for my meal, the chicken was cooked to perfection...his steak was also made just right, and the pork belly appetizer with parsnip puree and crumbled brown butter... amazing.. we had a so/so wine because we didn't know what we were getting into, so next time, we'll be bringing something much better... what a treat! Highly recommend this gem
(5)Meghan D.
My huband and I went to Pumpkin for a nice date night, and had a wonderful time! The ambience is cozy, and inviting. It's, ofcourse, a small space, but that is expected since it's a BYOB. The service was awesome, and always with a smile! The food is the perfect mix between being inventive while still being "comfort food". We both loved everything we ordered, and definately plan on going back at some point in the near future!
(5)Jason O.
Perfect, perfect, perfect little restaurant. I brought my girlfriend here for her birthday and once again we had an excellent meal with no complaints. After the standard crusty italian bread with seasoned olive oil, we started with the grilled quail (a tiny delicious bird, on top of chopped vegetables) and the simple green salad, which frankly was one of the most amazing salads I've seen. It was this huge plate of bright green mixed greens, each one perfect as if they had all been hand picked - seriously, nothing wilted or brown on that plate at all. It was accented with candied almonds, green apple slices, and crumbled bleu cheese - delicious! Moving onto entrees, I had the magret of duck with hen of the woods mushrooms (absolutely perfect, the duck was cooked precisely medium rare, the mushrooms were succulent, the flavors were impeccable) and my girlfriend had the king of mackerel which she enjoyed immensely (but I'm pretty sure mine was better). The duck was a lot of food, actually - surprisingly so. We finished off by sharing the banana trifle, which was soooo good that it inspired us to go home and make a trifle cake the next day (not quite as good and certainly half as pretty, but tasty nonetheless). Probably one of our favorite restaurants in Philly. Make reservations well in advance, bring a bottle of wine, and bring plenty of cash because they don't take plastic.
(5)Rich L.
Creative cooking emphasizing quality over quantity. Pork belly appy on the money. Scallop entree excellent. Perhaps the only disappointing part was the dessert menu which was weak. But this is one of the top BYOBs in Philly, no doubt about it. Nice attentive service as well.
(4)Caitlin C.
These guys are master artists with food. Don't come here if you are expecting A) cheap B) simple. A great place for a date who is half-foodie, half-adventurer. Your best bet here is the fish, as I think that is what the chef does best. One Tip: if you're worried about what the entree is going to taste like, just order it and have faith in the chef.
(5)Geoffrey M.
My first time dining at Pumpkin was this past Sunday, and on Sundays they only offer their 5-course tasting menu. For $35, we were given potato leek soup; choice of appetizer (scallops or lasagna bolognese); a salad of beets, goat cheese, and mixed greens; choice of Grouper or Arctic Char entrees; and choice of olive oil cake with poached pears, chocolate cake with banana caramel, or vanilla panna cotta desserts. The 3 of us managed to order all of the dishes. * The soup was creamy without being too heavy and had good flavor. * The scallops were nicely seared and served with grapefuit and frisé, which provided texture and lovely acid. I didn't taste the lasagna, but was told it was good and surprisingly light. * The salad was very good with the delicious beets and goat cheese topped with Boston, frisé, and baby lettuces and with a simple dressing. * The Arctic Char was wonderful. It was served on French lentils and topped with a shredded cabbage with apples. The sauce was a simple lemon butter that had a hint of fennel in it from the vegetable stock base. The fish itself was perfectly cooked. Char is one of my favorites and they did it superbly. A friend had the Grouper, which was served with a shrimp-based sauce. The fish was nicely cooked and she really enjoyed it. (This friend isn't a big fan of fish, but after a little prodding she tasted the Char. She then had to taste more of it. I guess she likes another kind of fish.) * The panna cotta was good, although it's a dessert with which I'm not experienced and I don't know how it compares to others. On the other hand, I know cake and both the chocolate cake and the olive oil cake were very good, with my final vote going to the latter. The accompanying poached pears were firm and the plain yogurt under the cake really gave depth to the flavors. I will be back to Pumpkin soon, especially to take advantage of this great Sunday deal. We were served a lot of food for the money. I found the service good and friendly and the atmosphere cozy. While it is a small place and there were only 3 other occupied tables, it didn't strike me as cramped. One friend suggested that adding some mirrors on the 2 side walls would help make the space look bigger, but otherwise we found the interior pleasant. I definitely recommend Pumpkin.
(4)Dana A.
Delicious delicious delicious. A pumpkin lover's dream - pumpkin gnocchi and pumpkin cake for dessert! I went with my husband and it was super cute and romantic. The service was nice without being too overbearing. I would definitely go back.
(5)Rob R.
3.5 Stars. I have heard alot of good things about Pumpkin and was excited to go there for dinner. The atmosphere is laid back staff is very nice, pretty standard for most BYOBs. The menu is small and everything sounded very good, so we saw a duroc pork terrine appetizer with a sweet and sour sauce...I now realize that I do not like terrine, this was of no fault to Pumpkin, I just wasn't prepared for it to be cold. As for the entree's, I had the scallops and my date had the chicken. After tasting her chicken I realize I should have ordered that, it looked and tasted amazing, but the best part about it was the side of chicken stock with potato (they should just make that an entree). I had about 3-4 delicious scallops for $26, the portions seemed a bit small for the prices. In summary, the food was very good, but for the price, the portions could probably be a bit larger for my taste. I'm on the fence as to whether I would return.
(3)Laurie B.
My husband and I took advantage of the $35 Sunday tasting menu, and were very happy with the service and courses. I have a mustard allergy: Pumpkin is the first restaurant to which I've ever been that was so conscientious that the server inquired about the dangers of "cross contamination." I was extremely appreciative of the restaurant's solicitude and, not surprisingly, suffered no allergic symptoms. But of course it was the food that inspired my review. Each dish was beautifully prepared and presented, and featured seasonal ingredients that evinced the chef's creativity and inspiration. We started with an exquisitely composed chilled tomato soup with buttermilk that was garnished with crunchy pumpernickel crumbs. The second courses, which my husband and I shared, were also excellent: risotto with sweet grilled corn and a seafood foam (which I liked, despite my habit of rolling my eyes when restaurants serve the oh-so-trendoid foam), and a soft, coddled egg that was as rich as rich could be. A salad of various heirloom tomatoes followed, with "popcorn ice cream" on top that simply added flavor and heart. The pork entree featured tender medallions of pork and a delicate, runny quail egg. I ordered the skate; it was served (unexpectedly) rare with dollops of olive paste and fried cauliflower. I was planning to skip dessert - white chocolate cheesecake? chocolate cake? - but the description belied how innovative and delicious were both items. The cheesecake turned out to be as rich and dark as caramel, having been made with goat's milk. As for the chocolate "cake," it was as gooey as a souffle. Our only quibble was with the noise: a large party sat in the middle of the restaurant and did some loud celebrating fueled by the bottles of whiskey and vodka on the table. This, however, was not Pumpkin's fault. I'd go back in a second.
(4)John H.
I had a group of 5 here and I was not very happy, although the rest of my party was (hence the 3 star rather than 2). The place is tiny, which is fine, but I think a small restaurant should be more warm and inviting. Our waitress seemed uptight (she may have been new). The food was unexceptional and portions small. The prices were too high for nothing special in atmosphere or quality.
(3)Steve O.
Inventivel. Beautiful presentation. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Sally f.
very impressed with the food, the setting, the byob atmosphere, the service for the most part...but the waitress adding on a 25% gratuity at the end was a bit weird.
(4)Chris R.
Love this place. Calamari was an excellent app. Short ribs are tender and juicy. Flour-less Chocolate cake with ice cream was the perfect dessert.
(4)Chris T.
Great food, great service, good atmosphere, really attractive prices. In fact, the only thing that separates Pumpkin from the surfeit of BYOs in Philly is the menu pricing. Amy and I went for dinner on 5/16/10. Good friend recently started working there. Very small space. Highly intimate. Expect to make new acquaintances unless you are seated along the east wall. Because it was a last-minute decision, we got there for 930p res and had to sit wedged between the kitchen and bathroom. Not ideal, but we knew we were in for it when we walked in, so no big deal. As soon as the place cleared out a bit we were moved to another table in the middle of the room. Service was very friendly and fast. Food was great. The gnocchi suffered from heavy saucing. They are little morsels of creamy goodness; they stand up just fine and don't need all the different embellishments. Nevertheless, very good for $12. I had the trout. Superb. De-boned, perfectly cooked, and the skin was crisp and delicious. Could have used a little lemon wedge and a few more capers. Amy had the scallops, which were also excellent. We passed on desert but were tempted by the flourless choc cake with banana ice cream.
(4)Tyler B.
I made a reservation in April for my girlfriend's birthday dinner. It was on a Sunday so we were there for the 5 course fixed menu. I had heard good things about Pumpkin, so my expectations were on the high side. Things started well. We were seated when we arrived. The server was nice enough, but seemed somewhat harried and hectic. In my opinion, the soup course was a very poor choice by the chef. Chilled leek soup would be splendid on a hot or even warm day. But it was 40-45 degrees outside! I don't remember specifically what we had for our entrees as this was 8 months ago, but I recall the server forgot my special request for a discreet acknowledgement of my girlfriend's birthday with a candle or something with her dessert. I was disappointed. This along with the chilled soup selection, and the hectic feeling/average service, left me feeling like there is no reason to give Pumpkin another chance. There are simply too many other great BYOBs around.
(2)Kimberly S.
I came here with a date on a Sunday for their 5 course tasting menu. My date and I are kind of snobby when it comes to food. I guess you could say we're foodies and we're very critical when trying new places, though we are always on a quest for that etched-in-your-memory-dinner-with-unforgettable-Âflavors. Our experience at Pumpkin turned out to be one of those. While the portions seemed small at first, the ingredients, flavors and textures complimented each other sooooo well on every dish. I was drawn to this place because it boasts a changing, seasonable fresh menu and there was definitely evidence of this in their food. My only complaint is that the place is incredibly small and cozy so don't go if you easily succumb to claustrophobic feelings. Also they kept our white wine (this is a byo, which in itself is a huge plus) in the back to keep it chilled. I would have preferred they left it on the table in a wine chiller because everytime we needed more we had to try to make eye contact with the busy server. Our server, although it was obvious she was extremely busy, was excellent. She seemed to have a natural personality for serving, she was informative, friendly and hospitable. Although a bit on the pricey side considering the portion size, I will definitely be returning when I have a few extra dollars. Overall, it was an excellent experience.
(5)Elmer S.
BL and I wanted to escape from NYC and ended up in Philadelphia for some art and fun. Pumpkin came highly recommended by Jim / James, BL's friends. What a great place! This BYOB (bring your bottles of wine -- soda is available and a bodega is around the corner for some Crazy Horse) spot is intimate and hip with a very attentive and animated all female wait staff. BL started with the roasted veggie soup that reminded me of my childhood favorite Chef Boyardee canned pasta and I had the octopus which was nice and tender and not chewy like the dish I had at Taverna Kyclades in Long Island City, Queens. For the main course, BL had the arctic char and I had the braised lamb shank. Yummy, but slightly overcooked. It was a good dish to have on a snowy freezing evening in Philly. BL's fish was good, but I like mine one way . . . and that's raw. The bill came to $100 (Pumpkin is cash only), slightly pricey without alcohol. All good because I had a great time in Philadelphia and at Pumpkin with BL.
(4)Alex M.
pumpkin is my favorite byob in philly. its a tiny little restaurant with only about 6 tables. reservations are tough to get but once in you'll be happy. the hostess is a bit pushy but the wait staff and owner are wonderful. they're so much fun. the menu changes all the time but the seafood and vegetables are really fresh and the dishes are really well done. while the menu is small and always changing I could see myself ordering anything on the menu. make a reservation for 2, find a date, get a few bottles, and I promise you'll have a great time!
(5)Sharon G.
I love their food! Been coming here for New Year's dinner for the last 3 years. The menu changes every day. I recommend calling the day you want to go to ask what the menu is that day if you have any food restrictions. Tiny, tiny place. Reservation a good idea.
(4)Katy D.
I went to Pumpkin recently for the Sunday 5-course tasting menu. First of all, the price was ideal... $35. You can't get better than that. Everything from the chilled chickpea soup with harissa tuna tartare, to the quail stuffed with sweet breads, to the flourless chocolate cake was amazing! Even the salad was very refreshing - the greens tasted like they came right from a garden outside. The server was very knowledgeable, prompt, and just nice. I left full and happy and will definitely be back.
(5)Keith R.
Pumpkin is one of the hot spots right now for BYOB. It's located in a small cramped space on South Street. The first thing I noticed was the small menu, it's good in that the chef tries to only make dishes with fresh ingredients, but bad in that it seriously limits your dining options. What I most remember was the good sauces that accompanied the decent cooking: my quail had a nice balsamic reduction and scallops had a saffron vermouth sauce. The wait staff was a little pushy, but all in all it was a good meal and definitely has a different sort of a menu than some of the other BYOs around.
(3)A A.
Pretty good me thinks. Dry lima beans though......oooooo......and pork chops. Very good dessert and soop. Very small the key is to look behind the branches.
(4)Stephen H.
I have actually put more thought into this review than any previous others. I was impressed by all the positive reviews, very detailed, which lead me to believe the reviewers really enjoyed their time at pumpkin. starting off with the good, all our food was cooked well and had a good mixture of tasty ingredients. We ate sweetbreads, two chicken dinners and two strip steaks. I enjoyed the flavor of my meal and the piece of my companions meal. The reasons I cannot join in the chorus of four or five star reviews are as follows. We made reservations for 8:30PM on a Saturday night. the table was not ready for us, and there was no place to stand to wait, standing on south street during May is no big deal, but would have sucked if it were winter. There were five possible entrees, one was roast chicken, not much of a selection especially because I'm not a fish fan, and two were swimmers. the entree I was excited to try, lamb t bone with blue cheese gnocchi was out by 8:30, so a no go there, I was left with choice of roast chicken and NY strip, kinda pedestrian. the portions were pretty small, and was left a little hungry even with appetiser. we ordered two desserts flour less chocolate cake with coffee ice cream, it was really good...but the other dessert was a goat cheese cheesecake, which tasted like...well it didn't taste like anything. out of the four of us, i enjoyed myself the most, My friends who picked the restaurant were not pleased with the evening. for some reason, i feel guilty about only giving three stars, because well cooked food is well cooked food and most important, but the limited menu missing what seemed to be the most interesting dish, is hard to get past and A-ok is the best I can do. i will go back just to satisfy my, was it just "off" curiosity.
(3)idurtp -.
A nice,cozy byob in philadelphia. Service was friendly and attentive. Everything was fresh and tasted great. The place has a small menu but don't let that turn you away. My friend had duck while I had pan seared chicken. The meal in general was definitely French inspired and was the perfect portion. A thing to note is that get your wine way ahead of time as there is no wine store nearby. Also, I wouldn't recommend taking someone here for an intimate setting as it can get noisy if there is a large group inside. Great place for having a meal with friends.
(5)Jennifer Ann T.
This cozy BYOB is cute as a button....with roughly the same square footage. With a succinct menu and delightfully nimble waitstaff that delivers every time, its a lovely date spot that wont sadden your wallet. Be warned, however, one overly jovial party can warp the experience into a nightmarish meal on a crowded subway car. For those with a taste for the aquatic, the octopus is divine!
(4)Justin K.
Last week I went to hang out in the city with my friend Mike. We were hungry, so we decided to eat something then yelp it. So we picked Pumpkin, based on us trying to go with some other people last year and it being booked up for the night. It bugged me that I couldn't get in, so I figured I had to go back and try it. I wasn't disappointed, Pumpkin provided a pretty good dining experience. Its a charming little 26 seater BYOB that would be a nice place to bring a date. Unfortunately I was stuck with Mike, so I had to make do. The food is what we were really there for. I had the Grilled Octopus for an appetizer, and the Chicken for the main course. The Octopus was phenomenal, and came with some really tasty Red Peppers in a nice sauce. The Chicken was very good, and came with a full spread of nice Veggies and Potatoes, including Artichoke Hearts, which are always nice to see. The Chicken was cooked just right, juicy and succulent. I also have to mention the bread, which was served hot and fresh with a dipping oil with fresh garlic cloves floating in it, which was a really cool touch I thought. We also talked to the waitress, who was busy (she was the only waitress for the whole place), but friendly. We asked if there was indeed any Pumpkin on the menu, and there was not tonight. She did say that they try to do as many seasonal dishes as possible though, and some Pumpkin items would probably return to Pumpkin in the fall. So I will have to come back then and check it out, along with some dessert, which I just couldn't fit this time around. Or maybe I'll just check out the market for some take out stuff...
(4)Heather W.
Words... wow. Nothing better than a great dining experience... The Service, top notch... The restaurant itself is smaller and intimate, so I'm sure getting in on the weekends is tough, so my fiancé and I checked it out on a Tuesday night. They had a few large parties that came in when were leaving which didn't seem to really matter even though it was smaller.. we still felt it was very romantic... ... As for my meal, the chicken was cooked to perfection...his steak was also made just right, and the pork belly appetizer with parsnip puree and crumbled brown butter... amazing.. we had a so/so wine because we didn't know what we were getting into, so next time, we'll be bringing something much better... what a treat! Highly recommend this gem
(5)Meghan D.
My huband and I went to Pumpkin for a nice date night, and had a wonderful time! The ambience is cozy, and inviting. It's, ofcourse, a small space, but that is expected since it's a BYOB. The service was awesome, and always with a smile! The food is the perfect mix between being inventive while still being "comfort food". We both loved everything we ordered, and definately plan on going back at some point in the near future!
(5)Lauren Y.
Not impressed. I went to Pumpkin because all of Philly seemed to rave about it. Even the ever pessimistic Craig Laban. I guess that that all of Philly eats meat and is oblivious to tact because the menu at Pumpkin is predominately carnivorous (even fish dishes are infused with sausage) and the service is TACKY. The waitress needs to go back to gradeschool to learn addition subtraction because she gave us the bill. We paid. She had the nerve to come back to our table to tell us she added incorrectly and that we owed more. That, in my opinion is atrocious.
(2)Jason O.
Perfect, perfect, perfect little restaurant. I brought my girlfriend here for her birthday and once again we had an excellent meal with no complaints. After the standard crusty italian bread with seasoned olive oil, we started with the grilled quail (a tiny delicious bird, on top of chopped vegetables) and the simple green salad, which frankly was one of the most amazing salads I've seen. It was this huge plate of bright green mixed greens, each one perfect as if they had all been hand picked - seriously, nothing wilted or brown on that plate at all. It was accented with candied almonds, green apple slices, and crumbled bleu cheese - delicious! Moving onto entrees, I had the magret of duck with hen of the woods mushrooms (absolutely perfect, the duck was cooked precisely medium rare, the mushrooms were succulent, the flavors were impeccable) and my girlfriend had the king of mackerel which she enjoyed immensely (but I'm pretty sure mine was better). The duck was a lot of food, actually - surprisingly so. We finished off by sharing the banana trifle, which was soooo good that it inspired us to go home and make a trifle cake the next day (not quite as good and certainly half as pretty, but tasty nonetheless). Probably one of our favorite restaurants in Philly. Make reservations well in advance, bring a bottle of wine, and bring plenty of cash because they don't take plastic.
(5)Rich L.
Creative cooking emphasizing quality over quantity. Pork belly appy on the money. Scallop entree excellent. Perhaps the only disappointing part was the dessert menu which was weak. But this is one of the top BYOBs in Philly, no doubt about it. Nice attentive service as well.
(4)Caitlin C.
These guys are master artists with food. Don't come here if you are expecting A) cheap B) simple. A great place for a date who is half-foodie, half-adventurer. Your best bet here is the fish, as I think that is what the chef does best. One Tip: if you're worried about what the entree is going to taste like, just order it and have faith in the chef.
(5)Geoffrey M.
My first time dining at Pumpkin was this past Sunday, and on Sundays they only offer their 5-course tasting menu. For $35, we were given potato leek soup; choice of appetizer (scallops or lasagna bolognese); a salad of beets, goat cheese, and mixed greens; choice of Grouper or Arctic Char entrees; and choice of olive oil cake with poached pears, chocolate cake with banana caramel, or vanilla panna cotta desserts. The 3 of us managed to order all of the dishes. * The soup was creamy without being too heavy and had good flavor. * The scallops were nicely seared and served with grapefuit and frisé, which provided texture and lovely acid. I didn't taste the lasagna, but was told it was good and surprisingly light. * The salad was very good with the delicious beets and goat cheese topped with Boston, frisé, and baby lettuces and with a simple dressing. * The Arctic Char was wonderful. It was served on French lentils and topped with a shredded cabbage with apples. The sauce was a simple lemon butter that had a hint of fennel in it from the vegetable stock base. The fish itself was perfectly cooked. Char is one of my favorites and they did it superbly. A friend had the Grouper, which was served with a shrimp-based sauce. The fish was nicely cooked and she really enjoyed it. (This friend isn't a big fan of fish, but after a little prodding she tasted the Char. She then had to taste more of it. I guess she likes another kind of fish.) * The panna cotta was good, although it's a dessert with which I'm not experienced and I don't know how it compares to others. On the other hand, I know cake and both the chocolate cake and the olive oil cake were very good, with my final vote going to the latter. The accompanying poached pears were firm and the plain yogurt under the cake really gave depth to the flavors. I will be back to Pumpkin soon, especially to take advantage of this great Sunday deal. We were served a lot of food for the money. I found the service good and friendly and the atmosphere cozy. While it is a small place and there were only 3 other occupied tables, it didn't strike me as cramped. One friend suggested that adding some mirrors on the 2 side walls would help make the space look bigger, but otherwise we found the interior pleasant. I definitely recommend Pumpkin.
(4)Dana A.
Delicious delicious delicious. A pumpkin lover's dream - pumpkin gnocchi and pumpkin cake for dessert! I went with my husband and it was super cute and romantic. The service was nice without being too overbearing. I would definitely go back.
(5)Rob R.
3.5 Stars. I have heard alot of good things about Pumpkin and was excited to go there for dinner. The atmosphere is laid back staff is very nice, pretty standard for most BYOBs. The menu is small and everything sounded very good, so we saw a duroc pork terrine appetizer with a sweet and sour sauce...I now realize that I do not like terrine, this was of no fault to Pumpkin, I just wasn't prepared for it to be cold. As for the entree's, I had the scallops and my date had the chicken. After tasting her chicken I realize I should have ordered that, it looked and tasted amazing, but the best part about it was the side of chicken stock with potato (they should just make that an entree). I had about 3-4 delicious scallops for $26, the portions seemed a bit small for the prices. In summary, the food was very good, but for the price, the portions could probably be a bit larger for my taste. I'm on the fence as to whether I would return.
(3)Laurie B.
My husband and I took advantage of the $35 Sunday tasting menu, and were very happy with the service and courses. I have a mustard allergy: Pumpkin is the first restaurant to which I've ever been that was so conscientious that the server inquired about the dangers of "cross contamination." I was extremely appreciative of the restaurant's solicitude and, not surprisingly, suffered no allergic symptoms. But of course it was the food that inspired my review. Each dish was beautifully prepared and presented, and featured seasonal ingredients that evinced the chef's creativity and inspiration. We started with an exquisitely composed chilled tomato soup with buttermilk that was garnished with crunchy pumpernickel crumbs. The second courses, which my husband and I shared, were also excellent: risotto with sweet grilled corn and a seafood foam (which I liked, despite my habit of rolling my eyes when restaurants serve the oh-so-trendoid foam), and a soft, coddled egg that was as rich as rich could be. A salad of various heirloom tomatoes followed, with "popcorn ice cream" on top that simply added flavor and heart. The pork entree featured tender medallions of pork and a delicate, runny quail egg. I ordered the skate; it was served (unexpectedly) rare with dollops of olive paste and fried cauliflower. I was planning to skip dessert - white chocolate cheesecake? chocolate cake? - but the description belied how innovative and delicious were both items. The cheesecake turned out to be as rich and dark as caramel, having been made with goat's milk. As for the chocolate "cake," it was as gooey as a souffle. Our only quibble was with the noise: a large party sat in the middle of the restaurant and did some loud celebrating fueled by the bottles of whiskey and vodka on the table. This, however, was not Pumpkin's fault. I'd go back in a second.
(4)John H.
I had a group of 5 here and I was not very happy, although the rest of my party was (hence the 3 star rather than 2). The place is tiny, which is fine, but I think a small restaurant should be more warm and inviting. Our waitress seemed uptight (she may have been new). The food was unexceptional and portions small. The prices were too high for nothing special in atmosphere or quality.
(3)Steve O.
Inventivel. Beautiful presentation. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Sally f.
very impressed with the food, the setting, the byob atmosphere, the service for the most part...but the waitress adding on a 25% gratuity at the end was a bit weird.
(4)Chris R.
Love this place. Calamari was an excellent app. Short ribs are tender and juicy. Flour-less Chocolate cake with ice cream was the perfect dessert.
(4)Chris T.
Great food, great service, good atmosphere, really attractive prices. In fact, the only thing that separates Pumpkin from the surfeit of BYOs in Philly is the menu pricing. Amy and I went for dinner on 5/16/10. Good friend recently started working there. Very small space. Highly intimate. Expect to make new acquaintances unless you are seated along the east wall. Because it was a last-minute decision, we got there for 930p res and had to sit wedged between the kitchen and bathroom. Not ideal, but we knew we were in for it when we walked in, so no big deal. As soon as the place cleared out a bit we were moved to another table in the middle of the room. Service was very friendly and fast. Food was great. The gnocchi suffered from heavy saucing. They are little morsels of creamy goodness; they stand up just fine and don't need all the different embellishments. Nevertheless, very good for $12. I had the trout. Superb. De-boned, perfectly cooked, and the skin was crisp and delicious. Could have used a little lemon wedge and a few more capers. Amy had the scallops, which were also excellent. We passed on desert but were tempted by the flourless choc cake with banana ice cream.
(4)Tyler B.
I made a reservation in April for my girlfriend's birthday dinner. It was on a Sunday so we were there for the 5 course fixed menu. I had heard good things about Pumpkin, so my expectations were on the high side. Things started well. We were seated when we arrived. The server was nice enough, but seemed somewhat harried and hectic. In my opinion, the soup course was a very poor choice by the chef. Chilled leek soup would be splendid on a hot or even warm day. But it was 40-45 degrees outside! I don't remember specifically what we had for our entrees as this was 8 months ago, but I recall the server forgot my special request for a discreet acknowledgement of my girlfriend's birthday with a candle or something with her dessert. I was disappointed. This along with the chilled soup selection, and the hectic feeling/average service, left me feeling like there is no reason to give Pumpkin another chance. There are simply too many other great BYOBs around.
(2)Kimberly S.
I came here with a date on a Sunday for their 5 course tasting menu. My date and I are kind of snobby when it comes to food. I guess you could say we're foodies and we're very critical when trying new places, though we are always on a quest for that etched-in-your-memory-dinner-with-unforgettable-Âflavors. Our experience at Pumpkin turned out to be one of those. While the portions seemed small at first, the ingredients, flavors and textures complimented each other sooooo well on every dish. I was drawn to this place because it boasts a changing, seasonable fresh menu and there was definitely evidence of this in their food. My only complaint is that the place is incredibly small and cozy so don't go if you easily succumb to claustrophobic feelings. Also they kept our white wine (this is a byo, which in itself is a huge plus) in the back to keep it chilled. I would have preferred they left it on the table in a wine chiller because everytime we needed more we had to try to make eye contact with the busy server. Our server, although it was obvious she was extremely busy, was excellent. She seemed to have a natural personality for serving, she was informative, friendly and hospitable. Although a bit on the pricey side considering the portion size, I will definitely be returning when I have a few extra dollars. Overall, it was an excellent experience.
(5)Elmer S.
BL and I wanted to escape from NYC and ended up in Philadelphia for some art and fun. Pumpkin came highly recommended by Jim / James, BL's friends. What a great place! This BYOB (bring your bottles of wine -- soda is available and a bodega is around the corner for some Crazy Horse) spot is intimate and hip with a very attentive and animated all female wait staff. BL started with the roasted veggie soup that reminded me of my childhood favorite Chef Boyardee canned pasta and I had the octopus which was nice and tender and not chewy like the dish I had at Taverna Kyclades in Long Island City, Queens. For the main course, BL had the arctic char and I had the braised lamb shank. Yummy, but slightly overcooked. It was a good dish to have on a snowy freezing evening in Philly. BL's fish was good, but I like mine one way . . . and that's raw. The bill came to $100 (Pumpkin is cash only), slightly pricey without alcohol. All good because I had a great time in Philadelphia and at Pumpkin with BL.
(4)Alex M.
pumpkin is my favorite byob in philly. its a tiny little restaurant with only about 6 tables. reservations are tough to get but once in you'll be happy. the hostess is a bit pushy but the wait staff and owner are wonderful. they're so much fun. the menu changes all the time but the seafood and vegetables are really fresh and the dishes are really well done. while the menu is small and always changing I could see myself ordering anything on the menu. make a reservation for 2, find a date, get a few bottles, and I promise you'll have a great time!
(5)Sharon G.
I love their food! Been coming here for New Year's dinner for the last 3 years. The menu changes every day. I recommend calling the day you want to go to ask what the menu is that day if you have any food restrictions. Tiny, tiny place. Reservation a good idea.
(4)Katy D.
I went to Pumpkin recently for the Sunday 5-course tasting menu. First of all, the price was ideal... $35. You can't get better than that. Everything from the chilled chickpea soup with harissa tuna tartare, to the quail stuffed with sweet breads, to the flourless chocolate cake was amazing! Even the salad was very refreshing - the greens tasted like they came right from a garden outside. The server was very knowledgeable, prompt, and just nice. I left full and happy and will definitely be back.
(5)Keith R.
Pumpkin is one of the hot spots right now for BYOB. It's located in a small cramped space on South Street. The first thing I noticed was the small menu, it's good in that the chef tries to only make dishes with fresh ingredients, but bad in that it seriously limits your dining options. What I most remember was the good sauces that accompanied the decent cooking: my quail had a nice balsamic reduction and scallops had a saffron vermouth sauce. The wait staff was a little pushy, but all in all it was a good meal and definitely has a different sort of a menu than some of the other BYOs around.
(3)Ryan N.
Luckily I was able to also eat at pumpkin during Philly's restaurant week as well! (Again sorry for the delay) Pumpkin is the smallest restaurant I have ever had the privilege of sitting inside of. Having only enough space for about 20 people, pumpkin provides an atmosphere that is neighbor friendly. Just a few tips before diving into the review: 1. It's BYOB so bring a nice bottle of wine, preferably red, 2. It's tight so be sure to keep your party small, 3. It's different, So have an open mind. Like all establishments during this week the menu is extremely limited. Pumpkin still provides a solid selection of meals that will have you itching to return for the real deal. As far as the meals go though, the portions are quite small so expect a 3 course meal at least (this could be because it was a special week, will have to update once I return). My recommendation is grab a date and check pumpkin out with the expectation of trying something you've never had before.
(4)Lori H.
How is it that we didn't try this place sooner. I guess it was the fact that I heard it was pricey and was concerned it wouldn't be worth the hype. After dining at Pumpkin I can say that it is one of the BEST restaurants that I have every been to. The flavor combinations where amazing. The presentation was great as was the service. Loved the pumpkin soup with wonderful little bits at the bottom that were first shown off and then had the soup poured on top. Husband and I both had fish dishes although there were non fish entrees available. Will definitely be returning. Oh, and they have a special prix fixe menu early in the week that is probably worth trying as well. BYOB, small.
(5)Aaron O.
This is exactly what I'm looking for in a BYOB - great services, intimate setting, focus on the food. We both ordered fish that are hard to get right...skate and sea bass... Pumpkin nailed both to perfection. The skate had a wonderful crispness and bite to the outside and a flavorful, tender center. Flavors were subtle but done perfectly. The pumpkin soup had a delightful consistency and flavor with ginger that set things off to perfection. I'd go on, but you get the point.
(5)James I.
I had the Sunday tasting menu. The cauliflower soup was good, felt like it was missing a little something. The house made sausage was very good, as well as the skate wing. The skate was cooked perfectly. Some of the veggies were very salty. The best part was the dessert. I forget the name but it was a bowl of some sort of creme with chocolate cake pieces, toasted marshmallow, bananas, chocolate ganache and peanut butter. Overall, I would go back. The decor is a little gloomy but it is a very nice BYOB.
(4)Amelia C.
A classy and tasty BYOB in Rittenhouse - perfect for a date, or a small get-together with friends. As an appetizer, I had the chilled beet soup with dill and creme fraiche, which was so delicious - and had a beautiful, vibrant color. For an entree, I tried the pork (cooked in three ways) dish, which was flavorful and tender - I particularly liked the pork belly. We also split two desserts among the six of us - we didn't particularly enjoy the chocolate one, but the butterscotch pudding dessert was a winner. A few things to note: the menu here changes depending on what is fresh for the season, and it is a fairly small place so would recommend it for a date or small groups. And don't forget to bring wine!
(4)Diana G.
The Sunday pre-fixe menu was EXTRAORDINARY. Perfect for a party of two, my boyfriend and I were able to enjoy the majority of the menu, savoring every bite. The service was prompt, friendly, and insightful, without being the least bit intrusive. Adding to the romance of the evening, the charmingly quaint atmosphere embodied the sophistication and modesty that defines Pumpkin. Before, when asked if I had a favorite restaurant in Philly, I never felt sure enough to provide an answer. Now, I can proudly claim Pumpkin as my premiere preference. ~The Meal~ Apps: Escargot: Pan roasted in a hazelnut butter, finished with preserved lemon, I savored the delicacy and freshness of each tender bite. Completely beyond your average escargot. Pork belly: Contrasting the comforting depth of the pork belly with the sour finish of the ver jus was a game winning play for Chef Ian. Entrees: Duck Confit: No knife needed-the meat fell right off the bone in all it's savory glory. And being Polish, I was taken straight back to my babcia's dishes with the deeply flavorful and authentic sauerkraut Trout: To be honest, I cannot remember the accompaniment of this dish, but I will not forget the finesse of it preparation. Light, delicate, and complex. Dessert: Goats Milk Cheesecake: I hate cheesecake, but I ADORED this dish. Sweet, savory, light and deep--everything connected to build a phenomenal finale. Butterscotch pudding: A sinful little portion of beautifully rich butterscotch and ginger.
(5)Brian C.
I was pretty excited about Pumpkin because I heard some good things about it. It also seems like the type of place I would love. It's a small, quaint restaurant that makes food for the pleasure of food. They use sustainable products, and offer seasonal cuisine with an ever changing menu. Unfortunately the feeling I get is that they're trying too hard. As the menu is constantly changing, which I really appreciate, I'm afraid some of the dishes I had are probably not on the menu anymore. But let me explain: I had the foie gras starter there. Now foie has a rich, decadent taste in and of itself, and often does not need too much else to complete the dish. The foie here was served in a very disjointed manner, with a little smudge of sauce on the side of the plate, another smudge of something else here and there on the plate. You know when restaurants throw flower petals and random knick knacks on the plate in order to look "fancy"? It sort of had that feel. It was trying too hard to be fancy, when the food would have been delicious if a few components were left out. I didn't have a bad experience at Pumpkin, and it really may be a nice place to have a romantic dinner, but unfortunately I wasn't a big fan of the food... delicious food does not need to be over-accessorized.
(3)Theresa S.
Went for my daughter's birthday last Sunday. It was restaurant week, and our group was able to sample all of the offerings. Everything was delicious and beautifully presented. Highlights for me were the cauliflower soup, rainbow trout with a salted crust (perfectly cooked--crunchy on outside, moist inside) and almond cake with blueberry preserves. Very welcoming staff, cosy atmosphere, attentive service. Great for a small gathering or intimate date.
(5)Bob Z.
Having dined here a few times, my assessment is that while the food is quite good, it's rarely great and the experience has always left me somewhat underwhelmed. I rarely object to price or to portion size (and I'm not a big eater), but the whole very small portions just to tease your palate thing going on here seems a bit "too precious" for all but perhaps the die-hard fans of this restaurant, Yes, the veal tongue was great and the assortment of pickled beets accompanied with greens, horseradish and fresh pretzel was delightful, but it's size was less of an appetizer than it was an hors d'oeuvre. A single thin slice of tongue left me wondering whether they forgot to put the other slice on it before they served it! It wasn't so much overpriced but under-proportioned. The daily specials also suffered from what I felt was excessive pricing for what they really were. A caprese salad where four or five chunks of watermelon were substituted for tomato and a separate special of four slices of a fresh tomato (with sea salt!) at $18 each honestly made me wince. I'm getting the sense that there's a bit of the Emperor's New Clothing thing going on with the regular clientele and they're going along with it. The scallops were competently prepared but the choice of kim-chee seemed off for the rest of the ingredients. It stuck me as being unbalanced. I mean, just because you CAN mix kim-chee with advocado doesn't mean you SHOULD, right? The Creekstone Beef Sirloin and the Striped Bass were other examples where I just didn't feel that what was actually on the plate warranted the prices. The beef seemed to have been "sous vide" and was flavorful but needing salt and oddly chewy in some bites. The accompaniments consisted of three (count them three) new potatoes the size of grapes - which is to say, surprisingly small, a dollop of what I believe was celeriac puree and some caramelized onions. I have had better prepared and more flavorful beef at lesser places. At $28 for what may have been 4 or 5 slices of just OK beef, it underwhelmed me. The Striped Bass was a better choice in terms of flavor, it was very good but, again I had somewhat of an issue with the portion size. It was considerably smaller than a deck of cards and priced at $28. While this sound like I'm grousing about the price or the size of the portions, there just was not enough other accompaniments on the plates that left one satiated at the end of the meal. Yes, Pumpkin is a charming little restaurant and is a well loved oasis in the neighborhood. My question is simply whether the "water" at this oasis has to be in such small cups and be so overpriced.
(3)Vinny P.
I came into Pumpkin with very high expectations and they were eagerly met. I understand that it must be very difficult for a restaurant to continue to come up with new and exciting preparations, be seasonal and stay in the primary focus of the food scene. I think Pumpkin's staff knows how to flawlessly execute a meal and provide an incredible experience. The three of us began with the Sweet Potato Veloute. This soup was served tableside, poured into a bowl filled with smoked miso, ginger snap and cider foam. It only took us mere seconds to smell the delicious fall/winter flavors erupting from the bowls. We all mixed the ingredients thoroughly and indulged in warming soup bliss. I chose the risotto for my second dish. The creme fraiche and caramelized were perfect accompaniments to this savory and satisfying dish. I got a taste of the pork belly and it was so perfectly cooked that it didn't even require the other things on the plate with it. Course 3 was a Garrotxa cheese plate (which I had never heard of before this meal). It was sliced thinly and served with pistachio, kumquat and vanilla. The kumquat and cheese together were just a thing of beauty, both to look at and taste. For the main course, I chose the duck confit (how could I not) with lentils, purple mustard and foie gras. Yes, I smeared foie gras on confit duck and ate it. I'm sure that there is a new spot in hell for me after that move. During this course, the conversation came to a screeching halt. We all had such sensory overload from the amazing flavors that we were unable to really form sentences. Dessert, which also blew my mind was a caramelized white chocolate goat cheese cheesecake. If that alone isn't enough to sell you, perhaps the ginger and asian pear are. At this point in the meal, we all laughed at how ridiculously awesome it tasted. I'm not normally a dessert guy but this was truly something to behold. That concludes my experience for the Sunday night tasting menu. I can't wait to come back again to this wonderful, intimate and highly delicious restaurant.
(5)Trang N.
Pumpkin was the perfect place to have Valentine's Day dinner. The space was small yet cozy and the décor was minimal. Colleen our server was exceptional; she was very descriptive on the courses that were presented before us and very friendly. The Amuse bouche was a sweet potato veloute, the presentation was beautiful, and we could see the components before the velvety broth was poured into the bowl. My husband is not a soup fan, but he really enjoyed this course. Second Course The house made cavatelli had huge portions of fresh lobster and mushrooms were a great spin on a pasta salad! Husband had the veal sweetbread! Yummy! Entrees My duck Moulard was a wonderful rare, grilled skin side down resulted in a crunch bite melting with flavor, the foie gras reduction was a great the slice of green apple cleansed the palate nicely. The pan seared cobia was nice, with great presentation, however we were both agreed that the duck was the better choice. The desserts were amazing! My personal favorite was the malted pot de crème, ridiculously rich and decadent. I could feel my hips increasing with every bite, but the toffee and coffee concoction was well worth the calories, it was to die for. The Goat cheesecake was another nice way to wrap up a wonderful meal. The flavors were intense but not too overwhelming. The snow gently falling in the window really added that extra touch of romance to the evening. We will definitely come back again!
(5)Nancy P.
*Restaurant Week Review* I was raving about my last experience at Pumpkin with my friends that we finally made plans to come. When I walked in, I noticed the renovation to the restaurant. Still, the place is very small but cozy just the same. The menu was different from the last time since Pumpkin changes their menu seasonally. The service was decent and we were started off with nice warm bread and garlic oil. This time around, the amuse bouche was mushroom conserva, black garlic, potato chantilly. Very light with a curry flavor, I was excited for the rest of the meal. For my first course, I got the pork belly. Seriously, I love pork belly and this melted in my mouth. Nicely flavor, the black garlic was great. I tried the Sweet Potato Veloute as well and it was tasty too. For the second course, I ordered the duck (the temperature is med rare). While the skin was seared and super crispy, it wasn't the best duck I've ever had. I really liked the green apples on the dish to contrast flavors but after a bit, I couldn't finish the duck (even though there was only two pieces). My friend's salmon was okay..myself, I'm not a salmon person so I did not like it at all. But others at my table said it ranged from great to undercooked. For dessert, everyone ordered the white chocolate goat cheese cheesecake. I went against the crowd to try the malted milk pot de creme. I loved my cheesecake last time; they make it with brown butter. My pot de creme was the wrong choice because it was just too sweet for me. It was super rich and creamy but after a few bites, I needed water. The cheesecake was as good as I remembered however, this time it came with a ginger sorbet which was too overpowering for me. All in all, I still really enjoy this restaurant. And it is still a BYOB and cash only. 4.5 stars
(5)Alyssa R.
We came here for restaurant week and it was PERFECT! The only negative was that we had to eat at 5:45 because that was the only reservation available, which speaks to the popularity of Pumpkin. The staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. The best thing on the restaurant menu in our opinion was the Malted Milk Pot de Creme. For the price, this is a restaurant week must.
(4)Liz F.
I would be so bold as to say that Pumpkin was the best restaurant week experience I've had to date. The restaurant is absolutely adorable. I regularly bike past Pumpkin with going-out-to-dinner envy on my way home from work. It's cuter on the inside than it is on the outside. I like how cozy it is. BYO? Even better. Our service was some of the best I've ever had. Our waitress, Jackie, was helpful, attentive (but not obnoxious) and so fun. She sealed the 5 star deal experience. The amouse bouche was unlike anything I've ever had and totally perfect. All of the restaurant week apps were amazing and generously portioned with the favorites being the sweet potato veloute that they pour at the table and bucheron cheese. We got one of each of the entrees but the white bean and porcini ragout stands out as being quite possibly one of the best things I've ever eaten. As for the desserts I'm one of those weirdos that hates ice cream and doesn't really care for cheesecake but I had the white chocolate goat cheese cheesecake and it was drool worthy. Restaurant week wins this time- I'll definitely be back regardless of restaurant week status because Pumpkin rules.
(5)Rachel C.
Came here on a Friday night with the fiance and was underwhelmed! We live a couple blocks away and have been meaning to try Pumpkin and finally got around to it last week. I know this place is known for their awesome food but we left pretty disappointed! (-1 star) Their menu changes seasonally (or monthly?) so perhaps we just weren't blown away by the limited menu selection the night we were there. We got the green soup (basically a cold, green smoothie in a bowl) and the grilled calamari (good but not great). For dinner, he got the salmon, which he had to send back because it was WAY undercooked. I got the steak which was good, but again, nothing special. We also noticed that two couples who came in after us were served their food before us. Minus another star for that! Probably won't be coming back :(
(3)Daniel J.
Came here on a Friday evening. The restaurant was fairly packed and we were lucky to get a reservation. Started the meal off with the escargot and seared scallops. Both were excellent dishes and set our expectations even higher. I was quite disappointed they did't have the seared foei gras that night. The main course is where it all fell apart. I ordered the duck confit, and it was just bad. The duck was overly salty. The duck was also overly fatty, and the side dishes did no saving grace. Totally not worth the price. To top it all off, considering the prices, why is this place cash only? Do you expect me to walk around with $100 bills in my wallet?
(2)Kristi H.
My fav restaurant in Philly! I went for my birthday dinner and was very impressed... Great food, great service... And my hubs and I were the last ones in the place and not once did we feel rushed. I will be back again!
(5)Jerry C.
January 19,2015 Pumpkin Restaurant 1713 South Street Philadelphia, PA 19146 Management and Staff, I was made aware of a post related to a Social Networking site made about your restaurant recently last evening that had my name associated with it. I am a foodie and a business owner/CEO for over 20 years of a reputable business that provides restaurant, hotel and travel venue reviews, critiques and plans for rebranding and addressing shortfalls identified by our reviewers. My business or I have never been to Pumpkin and have no preconceived opinions of Pumpkin. I or we have NOT posted a review or opinion in any capacity regarding Pumpkin. I after doing some research and communicating with a Social Media Security Team identified that my personal page and a page for a charity I have worked with for many years had been violated and communications had been made that were not authorized or originated from my office or home computers tablets or cell phones. Immediately both sites have been shut down in an effort to cease further unauthorized access. I sincerely apologize for any offensive and or inaccurate information that was posted under our name. I assure you that immediate and swift legal action will be taken when the offenders are identified. Sincerely and Respectfully, Jerry F. Coleman
(5)Daniel P.
Also underwhelmed. There were two other parties when we got there, and they were both loud enough to be heard over the music, which was indy-alternative with plenty of guitar distortion. The restaurant can't help that patrons were talking loudly about how high they were the last weekend, or how the person who wrote a recent text message (read over dinner) is a "f****ing c****t"... but the music wasn't conducive to relaxing. I'm assuming the table who was discussing being high was friends with someone in the kitchen because the waiter told them their meal was comped by the chef... is this, then, a typical crowd for Pumpkin? A small menu with not a poultry option on it. We had escargot and octopus, both good enough; for entrees, pork rib and spanish mackerel, also good. Everything was "good" but fell short of what I'd expect for the price ($100 for two before tip - cash only). Service was very kind and attentive, probably the best aspect of the restaurant. I wouldn't return. It seemed like a place that neighborhood hipsters would go for an expensive meal.
(2)Rachel S.
YUM! Fabulous menu and fabulous service!!!! See photos I posted because they were gorgeous - edible art! My favorite dish was the Monkfish. I tried Sweetbreads for the first time which was very good. I love that it's byob and cash only doesn't bother me one bit. The servers were friendly and helped us make some decisions when unsure about which dessert to order (we got both, they were a hard sell)! I have been raving about my meal for the past week and I can't wait to go back.
(5)John K.
I completely agree with the review below about the girl taking the deposit. I had a no show two years ago, and they asked me for a deposit for a reservation. They're a small restaurant, and I think that it's a perfectly good and acceptable policy to ask for a deposit. I agreed to pay the deposit, and I gave her my credit card number. But the girl informing me of the policy WAS SO RUDE that I also cancelled my reservation. Her tone made it seem like i was an unwanted customer. So after giving her my card number, I tried to calmly offer her advice on taking a softer tone for her benefit. That's when she went on a tirade about how it was my fault that I no-showed and thus she was completely justified in taking a disrespectful and condescending tone with me. That kind of tone is not something you ought to take with anyone, let alone a customer. Again, I'm not mad about the deposit policy. It's a GOOD POLICY. But the policy was delivered with HORRIBLE COMMUNICATION & SERVICE. Given pretty much the identical comments below, I would recommend that ownership/management have a little chat with this girl and teach her a thing or two about customer service.
(1)Percy N.
They say good things come in small packages and that certainly holds true for this neighborhood gem. The cuisine is eclectic, creative and pairs unusual ingredients to create a masterful symphony. We enjoyed our Habanero cured Salmon, Scallops with Chorizo in squid ink, Duo of Pork - belly and loin. Menu changes frequently but be assured it will highlight seasonal favorites. Dessert was good but did not blow us away. Service was friendly, knowledgeable and unobstructive.
(5)Todd B.
BYOB, cash only, and limited menu options! With those caveats, this beautiful and charming restaurant with very friendly service is a keeper. I chose the striped bass entree (the menu of locally grown ingredients changes regularly) with a tomato sauce, squash and polenta. The presentation was stunningly beautiful, the fish was flaky, and the polenta was the perfect accompaniment. The coffee was amazing, and I'm so glad that I succumbed to the server's suggestion that I have some. She also invited me to stay around for a while to do my work and finish a call, which was very gracious in such a small place. The food deserves five stars, but ... and my readers know this is a pet peeve of mine .. I don't like the feeling that I had to pay a lot of money to feel satisfied. I'm not a fan of large portions, but I don't like to pay $50 and still feel hungry. And that is definitely the average cost per person here with a starter and entree or side (which all are charged individually). If you're going to experience Pumpkin, bring a bottle of wine, $50 per person in cash, and enjoy. I was on a client's budget and simply could not afford to spend what a filling and great meal here really deserves. With that said, this was a wonderful experience, and I'm glad Pumpkin is here.
(4)Carolyn F.
Intimate, cozy atmosphere. Perfect place to take my grandparents out for dinner as the restaurant is not too noisy and the service is impeccable. The food is SO delicious, my personal favorite was the sea bass. The entree sizes are just right, you feel like you get your money's worth but don't leave overly stuffed. I definitely recommend their pote de creme for dessert! YUM
(5)K M.
Food - very good. I really enjoyed everything I ate. We were there on a Sunday so it was the set menu. A few items included potato soup, bass (slightly over cooked), and an amazing Creme dessert. I will say that the food, while great, was very, very rich. Very good, but very rich. Is it the most amazing food in the city? No. Is it comfort food with a upscale twist? Yes. Atmosphere: Super tiny and intimate. Although reviewers noted that it was loud but I didnt notice that at all. Great for a date night. Service: This would have been 5 stars except for the very end. Our water glasses were always filled, we were given enough time in between courses which was amazing but then we paid and....they came over to tell us we had to leave because they had to turn over the table. I get it, Ive been a waitress. But come on. We had JUST paid and we were finishing last sips of our wine. Plus, they had our coats! Interesting to note that the table next to us, filled with two older couples were also paid and not asked to leave. On purpose? Maybe not. but as someone who lives 1 block from there and could be back frequently, it turned me off.
(4)Kasia J.
Great food, intimate ambience, and it's BYOB. I came here with a group of six during restaurant week and really enjoyed my time. The food was tasty (especially their cream cauliflower soup) and the service was on point - friendly and provided great recommendations. I highly recommend checking it out, but make sure to book a table in advance!
(5)Grace S.
Divine. My bf thinks this is the best restaurant in Philly hands down. I have to say it's on my top 3. It's not impossible to get a reservation and after the new year renovations, there's 1 less table. The staff is still great except I prefer the much more gregarious female waitress. The kitchen can be seen through a doorway so you can see the painstaking care the 3 chefs take with each dish. Unlike other highly rated restaurants in Philly, every single piece you find on your dish is delicious. Every parsnip, medallion onion, scallop, beef tongue, spoonful of soup, grilled octopus -- everything is perfection and each delicious piece makes sense. I know everyone has had a dish where you're like, "ummmm, what is this and why is this here?" Well at Pumpkin, every piece in front of you can stand on its own yet amazingly comes together with all the other elements so beautifully that you can't help but close your eyes and smile! The seasoning on each dish is always perfect, so much so that I don't drink more than half a glass to a a glass of water at each meal. Men, if you're looking for a place to take a special first date or a special someone, Pumpkin is THE place to make a reservation. You are sure to fall in love here. The table next to us had completely diff dishes than us (the duck and fish entrees, the porcini appetizer) and they were ranting and raving the whole time too. The Sunday 5-course prix fixe is $40, a steal I'm sure that I'll be back for next week! P.s. the only thing I didn't care for was the dollops of white sauce in the octopus appetizer and on the beef sirloin dish--couldn't tell you what they were.
(5)Meredith B.
I've had Pumpkin on my radar for a little bit but it wasn't until last night did I finally check it out. So the space is pretty tight in there... I was a party of two... and there wasn't much of a place to even put my handbag. I'm only telling you this because if you show up and think you might be able to squeeze a friend or extra chair at your reservation... I'm willing you bet you wont be able to. We ordered the pork belly, scallops and beef cheek. I typically am not a huge pork belly girl, but we went for it... and it was some of the better pork belly I've experienced in my days. Not a huge piece but a well prepared piece (which is key). The scallops I thought were perfectly seared and of medium size. The side of beats and lentils was a nice combination. The beef cheek was very good. Fall apart with a fork tasty. Overall I enjoyed my time here but I don't know if I'll be rushing back. Everything just seemed a little small, the place and the dishes. The prices weren't small but they weren't over the top... I guess I just left hungry and wanted to stretch (since I was a little cramped up at the table for two). Please remember this is BYO and cash only. One thing to remember is reservations on opentable (some are 1,000 pointers).
(3)Neil M.
Great food and excellent service, but very disappointing and inconvenient that they only take cash.and.no credit cards. To management please pay the darn fees and make life easier for your patrons.
(1)Mark H.
Great food, great service, but cash only?! This place is too expensive to not take a credit card. I had to run down the block in the pouring rain to get more cash.
(4)Matthew L.
BYOB with delightful food, timely service, and reasonable ambiance. Restaurant Week tends to bring out the worst in restaurants: limited options, subpar service, sometimes subpar food. Pumpkin is happily unfazed as high quality food and service made for a lovely meal. Granted, I've never come for regular dinner service but my experience during RW compels me to return. Sheep's milk panna cotta with melon and basil, seared squid over chow chow, soft shell crab over succotash, chicken sausage with eggplant and pickled peppers, pistachio financier and Pot de Creme all came at a reasonable pace, with presentation and quality flavors as the mainstays for a pleasant evening out. Only negatives (if they can be considered as such) were the mediocre bread and the cash-only requirements (it is BYOB, so this is standard) Producing posh provisions, pleasantly plush. Cheers.
(5)Janet L.
The food was memorable and the service sublime. We started with the outstanding octopus appetizer - Spanish rock Octopus - which was extremely tender and coupled with radicchio, hazelnuts and garlic. Never having tasted octopus that wasn't chewy, I inquired about the preparation and was treated to an explanation in the kitchen by the personable Chef Ian. For our main courses, we had the pork rib with polenta and the Scottish salmon with beets and horseradish, equally outstanding and creatively prepared. This restaurant was truly a find - quiet enough for conversation, great food, friendly, attentive service and low-key ambience. We'll be back on our next visit to Philadelphia!
(5)Timothy H.
We went there this past Friday (10/17). We read all the great reviews, and were very excited. And l can't say anything bad about it, but to us it had no "wow" factor. The food was good. We had the cauliflower soup, the mozzarella cheese, the mussels and sea bass. All were good. The service was good. But.... It is small and loud. There's nothing to absorb sound, like tapestries. The menu is small, and that's because it's seasonal. I would recommend this restaurant, but there are better in the city. Oh, and it's cash only.
(3)Megan B.
Definitely one of my favorite tiny BYOBs in the city. They have a seasonal menu typically with a couple fish options, a beef option, and then pork or chicken. The portions are definitely on the smaller side - an appetizer cannot be shared - but the qualify of the food is amazing. Every meal I have had is delicious. Friendly knowledgeable service in a cute atmosphere. It is a super tiny space, but I haven't ever felt on top of other tables or had a noise level issue. Just remember CASH ONLY!
(5)Steve S.
Creative to a fault... it seems that the chef goes out of his way to create strange sounding dishes. The combinations of ingredients sound intriguing and unusual but do not seem to taste very good together. I have a wide and varied taste range and usually like trying new things and creative dishes. This place just seemed like it was a TV show competition to use odd ingredients in weird combinations, as if the right things weren't available. Seating is cramped and the room is very small. We did find the service to be pleasant and attentive. The location is in a gentrifying neighborhood and parking is very limited other than the expensive lot across the street.
(2)Paul H.
Absolutely LOVED this place! Waited too long to write the review to remember exactly what we each had, though the gnocchi escargot still stands out in my mind and a life changing event. Come to think of it, I had the monk fish upon the recommendation of the server. (It was the first night for that entree) and it was fabulous as well. Pumpkin is, indeed, very small. Maybe a dozen tables. But the decor is intimate in a funky sort of way, and it wasn't very crowded when we were there on election night. Having now tried a good number BYOB restaurants in Philly, we would elevate this one to near the top of our list - for ambiance, for service, and for really imaginative and delicious food. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Janelle H.
This review has been long over due, husband and I tried pumpkin a couple of months ago but now I find myself comparing every other place I go to that offers the same cuisine to Pumpkin. This adorable little place, yes it's little not quite good for big parties, gave me a wonderful eating experience from start to finish. From the greetings at the door, to the bread, to appetizer and to dessert and coffee. They're ingredients are as fresh as they promised. Their menu is clever and the taste and how they're cooked is perfectly done. I would recommend this place BIG TIME, don't miss out on anything, order an appetizer, dessert and coffee so that you can enjoy the full Pumpkin experience.
(5)Zoe P.
There's only one way to celebrate a birthday - and that's with the Sunday night 5 course tasting menu at Pumpkin! My bf and I have wanted to try out Pumpkin (the restaurant) FOREVER. We've been to the cafe and market, but just hadn't gotten around to trying Pumpkin (the cash-only thing deterred us for a bit, to be honest). When Restaurant Week came, I almost made reservations at Pumpkin until I saw the regular 5 course tasting menu for the same price! With my bf's birthday around the corner, we decided to wait until then and the meal was PERFECT. Celery Root Soup with apple and shallot: 10 points for presentation! The waitress set the bowls on the table (cute mound of apples/shallots/celery foam at center) and gracefully poured the soup into each bowl. It was delicious, creamy but light with the perfect smooth texture. Cassoulet beans, squid, broccoli rabe: I love squid, and this was cooked perfectly. The mix of flavors (the beans clearly had some kind of pork in it for a smoky flavor) was hearty and yummy. Toasted farro, braised beef, baby carrots: My bf's favorite dish (and his appetizer, I didn't get a bite!), the beef just fell apart when his fork touched it, and he couldn't stop raving about the farro (I know what I'm making regularly now...). Beet goat cheese salad with pine nuts: Tiny size, but tasty and refreshing after the last course. Pan Roast Skate with bouillabaisse sauce, rouille, and fennel: THE BEST SKATE I HAVE EVER HAD. I need to find out how they cooked it, it was incredible I wish I had the whole fish to consume! Duck Leg Confit with apple, carrot and turnip: The duck was fantastic, soooo tender and juicy, and the traditional accompaniments were done with such skill that the dish was better than you could ever make at home. Buttermilk Panna Cotta with black currant, brown butter, ginger snaps: We both got the same dessert because chocolate cake is overrated. This was fan-f-ing-tastic, the tartness of the buttermilk came through well but it was still sweet, the black currant sauce was a similar tartness, and the gingersnap crumbles with the dehydrated brown butter (really weird, but delish!) just turned the whole thing on it's head and made my taste buds soar. YUM! We brought our own wine, which they offered to chill for us, and those two hours flew by in a whirlwind of food. The meal was absolutely perfect, it reminded us of the Culinary Institute of America's American Bounty restaurant, that is how high the quality is here. You have to try Pumpkin at least once if not more - but make reservations! Especially for Sunday night, no one was in there that didn't have reservations.
(5)Marc F.
This place is great, but please increase the portion size. We would have ordered the same amount of food (3 appetizers, 2 entrees, and 1 dessert between 2 people) regardless, but have left full, if the portions were bigger. Cash only and hand written receipts.... hmmmm. Pumpkin can afford bigger portions. If I didn't leave hungry, Pumpkin would have gotten 5 stars. That said, food was delicious. Pork cooked 3 ways and sweet potato soup were the best. Small BYOB environment is very quaint. Service was great too.
(3)Ritu K.
I was very eager to return to Pumpkin. It had been years since I dined here but I vaguely recalled a good meal. What a disappointment. Visually speaking it was all you could hope for. Everything was beautifully and artfully prepared. Herein lies the problem. I felt like things were placed on the plate for it's aesthetic qualities and not because it actually added anything to the dish. I'm not a fan of things being thrown on a plate to make it pretty. As for the food itself I ordered the seasonal vegetable app and skate for the main course. The vegetables were meh.. Some bites were good, others not so much. It was beautiful to look at, but pretty small in size. My skate was also meh. Not bad by any means, but not fantastic.. Also pretty small for $25. I was still pretty hungry after the two courses, as well as a flour less chocolate cake. This was not the Pumpkin I remember...
(3)Chris M.
I've been here a couple of times and every time the food was such an inventive crafting of fresh local ingredients in the most un-pretentious (if maybe a hair too intimate) of settings at a value price! My only criticism is that the last time we were here we had a 5 minute wait for our table in front of the restaurant and the young drunk tenants above flicked their cigarette ash down on us. When we told the manager we got a shrug with an explanation that "they can be a bit of a problem." If I were manager, I'd have called the police on them. I will def go back though.
(4)Sarah B.
I really wanted to give Pumpkin 5 stars because their food is soooo tasty! This is a chef that clearly has amazing chops and is very talented. My husband and I shared smoked quail as our appetizer, and it was one of the most delicious dishes I have ever eaten. We also both really enjoyed our entrees and the flourless chocolate cake dessert that we shared. So, my reason for the 4 star review? Well, I'll reiterate some of what other people have said. It's very inconvenient to have to pay cash at such a pricey restaurant (and I can understand for people who just drop in and don't know that it's a cash-only establishment, how frustrating that would be). The dining room is small and feels cramped because of how many tables/chairs are crammed in there. And the portion sizes are TINY. I know this isn't Applebees, so I wasn't expecting tubs of soup or 16 oz steaks, but for what they charge, they should give more generous portion sizes. For those reasons, I can't give Pumpkin 5 stars, but I would definitely go back!
(4)Mike G.
We had the perfect meal here on a Sunday evening. This small BYOB is a place my friends and I had been wanting to try for ages but never seemed to get there. As another birthday dinner popped up on our calendars, we made our decision based on geographic location since birthday boy lives kind of close to Pumpkin. We went for the prefix Sunday 5 course meal for $36. and We booked a 6pm table of 6 since it was a work-night. Timing was perfect. The restaurant was relatively quiet as we arrived and we had such an attentive welcome and service. Rather than describe specifics, I get the pleasure of saying that everything we had was perfect, beautifully presented and prepared. Servers kept our glasses full and introduced each of the complex components of every dish with the authority of a museum guide and built up anticipation one experiences from a magician. Months later, a simple mention of this meal in conversation, we are all easily salivating at the idea of a return. Please, do not make me regret sharing this info with you. If you read this, I'd appreciate you not attempt to reserve tables on nights I intend to go there. Thanks.
(5)Ryan T.
Dont go hungry because you still will be when you leave and bring a wad of cash cause its expensive and well they only take cash was really disappointed
(1)Kristin W.
We loved the laid-back intimacy of Pumpkin and the fantastic, fresh food. I started with the Sunchoke-Hazelnut Veloute, which was a silky soup with great flavor. Upon our waitress' recommendation, I ordered the Moulard Duck with the dark and white meat separated and prepared differently. The white meat was tender with crispy skin and the dark meat arrived in a ramekin with an unique potato and grain mixture. I sampled the Sea Bass and was impressed by how fresh it was. For dessert, we tried the Financier, which was a little on the small side although very flavorful; we did like the accompanying ice creams, especially the Banana although we had some reservations about the amount of "crumble" that finished the dish.
(5)J C.
Nice romantic atmosphere. Food is tasty and beautifully presented but portions are very small. BYOB is nice. Cash only. Waitress was pleasant but broke a full glass of wine on our table and did not apologize. We were also not offered any compensation for the spilled wine.
(3)Brian S.
Came here for a birthday date dinner for two. The tiny dining room was packed and the waitress greeted us warmly. She quickly cleaned off the one unoccupied table and sat us down. The service was attentive without being overbearing or stuffy, just like I like it. We ordered an appetizer to share and our entrees. The server brought some warm sliced bread and olive oil. The appetizer was a coddled egg over polenta. It was an eggy delight. We ended up mopping every last bit of it with our bread. As I said before, the place was packed to the gills. There was a overly long wait between appetizers and the entree, which could be chalked up to the kitchen being as busy as possible. However, even full, the restaurant was only 15 seats and most of the other parties were well into their meals when we arrived. It wasn't an interminable dealbreaker, but it was longer than it needed to be. Once our entrees did come out they were fantastic and made me forget all about the wait. I got a hangar steak and my dated ordered pork prepared two ways, with a shared bowl of mashed potatoes. The hangar steak was perfectly medium rare and came with an assortment of sauces and preparations that added a variety of sweet and savory flavors to the steak. The pork was a loin cut and a piece of belly. The belly was the better of the two. Its bacony saltiness was amazing. The loin kind of faded into the background as a result of the comparison. The mashed potatoes were fantastic. Very simple, just boiled potatoes with loads of butter and lightly mashed, no milk. It's the standard by which mashed potatoes should be judged. For dessert we shared the goat cheese cheesecake. It was fabulous and came with a wonderful berry dressing. The only drawback was that it was an extremely small portion -- I could have eaten two or three more helpings! Overall Pumpkin is foodie heaven, a place to come for a great gastronomic experience. The dishes are prepared and presented with a great deal of skill and creativity. A minor drawback is the value for price -- this isn't bucca di beppo. They won't load you up with a massive quantity of crappy food. Like most BYOB's the prices are high and the portions are smaller than you'd get at a comparable place with a liquor license. But Pumpkin more than makes up for that with a great seasonally rotating menu of excellent food. Be prepared by bringing cash and expecting a one of a kind meal and you'll leave very happy.
(5)Mike H.
Extremely small place, may have been the smallest nice restaurant we ever ate in (not a bad thing). The food was fresh and inventive. Limited menu, maybe only five entrees and five appetizers. I had the appetizer of Escargot with hominy, bacon, and garlic. Very refreshing take on escargot, smoky and unique. Entree was Long Island Duck with plum, trumpet mushrooms and almonds. The duck was perfectly seared and med-rare, delicious. The almonds were barely cooked and whole crunchy, was a very interesting texture. Others had appetizers of pickled watermelon and specks salad (great), Cremont Cheese & beet salad (never ate so many different types beets and radishes in my life!), entree of Bucatini with Pekytoe crab sauce, Poconos Trout with pea puree and Chanterelle mushrooms, and Hangar steak with alliums and confit potatoes. All prepared perfectly, can't wait to return.
(5)Olivia M.
Came here on a Sunday for a 5-course meal and loved it.
(5)Elizabeth M.
A group of 5 of us went here last night for their restaurant week menu. It was one of the best meals I've had. Everything was delicious. No one had a problem or issue with their meal, and the staff was incredibly accommodating for a few special requests. I definitely will be back for the regular menu. I can only imagine how great it will be! Pumpkin definitely tops my list of great restaurants in Philly!
(5)Tatyana M.
After 3 amazing experiences here we've decided that this is a keeper.
(5)Chris W.
We went here for my fiance`s birthday. At first glance it is extremely small. Maybe only about 12 tables. The cool thing about this menu is that it is always changing, they use only the freshest local ingredients and create the menu accordingly. We started off with some fresh bread and infused garlic olive oil, very good. For appetizers we got the Pork belly. Also got the Pil Pil which was strange looking in a cocktail glass of foam, but turned out it tasted like blue crab when mixed in. It was good but my least favorite of the 3 apps Third app we had was the octupus, it was very good serves with a black emulsion. ' For our entrees we ordered the special beef short ribs and a side of beans which were both excellent. Portion sizes were perfect. We alsao ordered the Pan seared cobia (like a white fish/yellowfin tuna taste) Only complaint here was the "sea foam" crap they put on top of it. Not a fan of restaurants that use the foam on anything. Overall I would say Pumpkin is a very good restaurant geared more towards the gourmet diners. Although this is not generally our style it turned out to be a good pick. BYOB always makes it easier to deal with the bill :}
(4)Maurice R.
One of the top ten Philly BYOB restaurants, Actually, in 2013, the food got even better! The chef is very creative and the ambiance is great. We went there in Aug of 2013, and we were very impressed as usual. The garage across the street is very convenient.
(5)MaryAnn Z.
I often reacted to people's statements that fresh food tastes better the way many people react to me when I say that different waters taste differently and that Fiji water tastes "soft." However, Pumpkin restored my faith in the fact that fresh, local food really does make a difference, and that even if it's a meal I could technically make at home, it's worth spending extra money sometimes to have someone make it for me. There is no way I could milk that magical flavor out of anything in my own kitchen. As I am not big on seafood and a couple other people ordered the steak, I went for the red-headed stepchild and ordered the chicken. I always feel judged when I order chicken, as if it makes me really dull and unadventurous. Can't a girl just dig on some f'ing chicken? I digress. The chicken was the most delicious thing on the table. The brussel sprouts served with it were straight up orgasmic. There was so much chicken on my plate, I got to share with the table, and everyone agreed it was their favorite dish. The staff is amazingly friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is cozy and private-feeling and it's just such a great experience. I wish it were just a littttttle bit cheaper. But I can't really argue. I'd pay it again.
(5)Jessica H.
I was teetering between a 3-star or 4-star but I decided to go with the 3-star. This restaurant was still good. Standard good. Nothing phenomenal but good quality. The decor is quaint and cute inside. Very small. Good for a party of 2. On to the food: Appy: Spaghetti alla chitarra - it was good but a bit salty. I love salty foods and of course, I still finished the dish - but I think the mojamo may have contributed to the saltiness. Escargot - one of the best escargots i've had. i'm not a fan usually of escargot but the creamy polenta with the coddled egg - soooooooooo good. Entrees: Duck - two pieces - not for the hungry folk. but i looooooooooved it. it was cooked to perfection. roasted corvina - my friend saw really good reviews on it - i mean it was good but not great. don't get the hype. she had truffle sauce but was a bit too subtle. Note: my other friend had the corvina and she said there was a lot of truffle sauce in the dish. Guess you'll never know. Dessert: Almond Financier - the bomb. it's a very solid restaurant. anyone should try at least once.
(3)David A.
Fantastic food and great service made this a 5 star night. James and Chris worked the kitchen with artistry and very also great to speak with. For appetizers really enjoyed the grilled squid, main courses loved the scallops and chicken, desserts warm chocolate cake with mint ice cream. Everything from start to finish were fresh and creatively prepared with hard to find ingredients and local/organic sources. Diane was great server and hostess. Knowledgable on food with recommendations (dead on) and good conversation. Add this to your must list. Very small which helps with you enjoying food with memorable flavor and perfect plating and taste!
(5)Chris W.
After careful research, my party of 6 choose Pumpkin for our NYE dinner. I have been here multiple times before and always been impressed with the fresh flavors and execution of the dishes. The $50 tasting menu for this event was well thought out although some courses shined more than others. Here is the breakdown: As per usual, Pumpkin nailed the opening soup. This particular sweet potato was a perfect combination of flavors and reminded me of the creamy winter vegetable soup I dream of. There was ground up pumpernickel to add some texture to this rich bowl of goodness. The next course was an individual seared scallop which was somewhat of a letdown. Mine was not seared as nicely as others at the table and although truffles were a component, there were very few if any. For an additional $10 I added a sweetbreads course which drew mixed reviews from my party. I have only had sweetbreads once before, but these were less tender and more chewy. The main course brought me back to where I usually am at Pumpkin with a perfectly cooked duck breast. See my picture, it was perfect and complemented nicely with the crunchy grilled endive. I finished with cheesecake which was better than average but not that memorable (or maybe the gratuitous amount of BYOBing had set in at this point). The service was 5 stars as per usual. Someone broke a glass and it was no big deal. I understand that restaurants make their money on these gimmick event nights but overall for my $60 plus tip I had hoped for a little more at a BYOB (a single scallop as a course in particular was a let down). Nonetheless I highly recommend this little neighborhood graduate hospital South Street joint and make sure you do not miss whatever soup they are offering!
(3)Matt B.
My recent meal at Pumpkin was so thoroughly mediocre, and so far below the standard level at this price range, that I am actually creating a Yelp account to review the restaurant. Obviously I don't usually take the time to do this, but I consider it a small public service: either Pumpkin needs to improve, or diners need to enjoy better meals, elsewhere. For the moderate-to-high prices Pumpkin charges, you can get much better food in Philly. I was primed to like Pumpkin. I like small, charming, informal restaurants. Unfortunately, the food here simply did not taste good. My dining partner and I had two appetizers: a firm grilled Greek cheese [the name escapes me] served with Romesco, and grilled romaine served with a rich, creamy dressing. The cheese was fine - the best thing we had I suppose. Not particularly interesting. The grilled romaine was nothing more than that - a plain romaine heart that had been grilled, served with too much of a too-rich dressing. Honestly, it seemed a little amateurish. The overall effect was not very different from a cafeteria salad doused in Ranch dressing. Incidentally, there were only two vegetables on the menu (the romaine, and a cauliflower soup that we didn't order). Our entrees were bad. We didn't finish them. We ordered hanger steak and pork "cooked two ways." When we ordered the steak, the waitress asked if medium rare would be okay. We said yes. The steak was served very rare - closer to raw than rare. It was very chewy. But its fundamental flaw was that it just didn't taste good. (Generally, I love the flavor of steak.) The steak was served with two asparagus. The pork "cooked two ways" consisted of several slices of tenderloin (chewy, uninteresting), and a hunk of "pork belly," which was primarily fat and which tasted like a piece of lightly cooked pork fat. We didn't bother with dessert. If we had only had one or two bad dishes, I never would have taken the time to write this. But literally everything we ordered was either mediocre, or bad. As we paid, I actually felt ripped off, which is a rare feeling for me. (For what it's worth, though I don't post on Yelp, I have eaten at a wide range of restaurants in most major American cities, so I have some idea of what can reasonably be expected at different price levels.) In this city, in this neighborhood, Philly diners can do much, much better.
(1)Philly P.
They will never get my $$$!!!! Were really looking forward to this place on a sat night. Me an my bf liked this place b/c they advertise the kitchen closing at midnight. Called and made a reservation for 10:15 on saturday (yes, their kitchen closes at midnight but they take their last seating at 10:00 ??) arrive at 10:35 because of terrible traffic. They welcome us and seat us at a table. 3 minutes later the waitress returns and says "Yea, so sorry for the bad news but we can't serve you. The kitchen said they just cant handle it." How rude and weird is that??? We left hungry and annoyed b/c what "fine dining" restaurant can seat someone and then be like, Oh, sorry nevermind????? We'll never come back here do to their obvious lack of need for a good customer. This was a big mistake on their service end and trust me, I will spread the word of how bizarre and weird this was.
(1)Hannah M.
Dare I say that this is the BEST byob in all of Philadelphia? I'm a bit of a byob connesoir and this is the best one. Awesome date spot, very reasonably priced with a great ambiance! Love the decor, the duck was INCREDIBLE, and the service was impeccable. The menu is very small, but that's okay because everything on it is delicious. It's a bit of a hike to get to South Street, but worth it!
(5)Emily C.
Absolutely fabulous. My husband and I made a last-minute reservation (only possible because it was a Tuesday!) and loved every part of our meal. The presentation was wonderful - creative and fun - and the flavors were outstanding. The only hiccup was when my fish came out a bit under-cooked, but as soon as I asked our server about it she whisked away my plate to sort it out. Five minutes later she was back with a whole new plate, perfectly seared fish, and a big apology. She offered us complimentary dessert and apologized again for the error - more than ok given how gracefully it was handled! I'd absolutely recommend Pumpkin to anyone who's looking for an intimate dinner and some adventurous flavors. It was outstanding.
(5)Bridget M.
We had a wonderful experience at Pumpkin last night. First of all, the space is cozy, but our party of five didn't feel cramped at all. The lobster cavatelli appetizer was delicious and we could've eaten an entire soup bowl full of the sauce that they used. The sweet potato soup was creamy and sweet. The main courses were enjoyed by everyone. Everyone claimed that their own entree was the best. You can tell that Pumpkin takes pride in its presentation of the meal. Everything on the plate is explained when they set it down. We couldn't pass up the idea of goat cheese cheesecake and we're really glad we didn't. The savoriness of the goat cheese was well complemented by the sweet lemony sorbet. A true culinary treasure in the Philadelphia landscape.
(4)Anusha S.
Good (not great) food and cozy atmosphere. I took my boyfriend to Pumpkin for his birthday and I asked the server to bring out their chocolate cake after we finished our entrees when I made my reservation over the phone. He remembered to do so and also checked with me if our experience was perfect. The service here gets two thumbs up from me.
(4)Annie C.
Pumpkin embodies the organic movement for me. You feel good that you're being healthier and more earth-conscious, but it's hard to stomach buying a smaller head of lettuce for double the price of the behemoth down the aisle. At this point in my economic life, I have seldom been moved by organic. However, I did come to Pumpkin for their $35 restaurant week deal and had a really nice meal. Their berkshire pork terrine was beautiful, with colorful chunks of pistachio and cherries throughout. Their skate wing was crispy and tender and the young root veges were cooked to al dente perfection. As dessert, their chocolate cake was perfect - warm, light, but still a bit gooey, accompanied by a nice scoop of coconut ice cream. Each of the courses was also accompanied by a couple finely made sauces and garnishes that were just as tasty as pretty. Everything was cooked very well, and I have few complaints. But I think I met Pumpkin at the wrong time in my life. One day when I'm older (and richer) we may yet become soul mates. But for now, I'm looking for less demure and more portly companions.
(4)Danan R.
I had the escargot app and duck entree. The escargot were very well seasoned and the duck was succulent and flavored with a hint of coffee. A bit different but delicious all the same. The Pinot noir that we brought added a nice touch. Their wine pairing recs were right on target. The nutella pot du creme was just heavenly. Chocolate, coconut, and hazelnut creme all in one dish! I will come back just for that alone. Service was okay but they did refill our bread basket, which was much appreciated because I love warm, fresh bread with olive oil.
(4)Jessica B.
Oh Pumpkin.... the many ways I love you. My boyfriend and I went here for a celebratory dinner when we found out I was being offered a job at a great architecture firm here in Philly. I made the reservation that day, and they managed to fit us in at 9:30 (the perfect time for us, since we're sort-of-late eaters). We showed up right on time, and they seated us immediately in a cute little booth nearish to the kitchen. (One point for Pumpkin!) The staff there is AWESOME. Everyone seems to do everyone else's jobs in the front of the house (in other words, they have one another's backs -- a true indicator of a well-run restaurant). The woman who sat us went and got us bread and put our wine somewhere to chill. The woman who was our server came over very quickly to talk to us about the menu (which was amazing...). We were very curious about the braising liquid that was the base for the sauce for the short rib with porter sauce (what I eventually ordered) and the base for the sauce of the fish dish (ordered by my boyfriend). The woman who was acting as hostess/runner/bread server/wealth of knowledge couldn't totally answer our questions about the sauce, so she went back to the kitchen and got us a taste of the sauce so we could try it out. (50 points for Pumpkin!!!) It was delicious, as were the dishes themselves. All the flavors worked in a gorgeous harmony together -- the short rib was perfectly tender in its Guinness sauce, the potatoes gratin were cheesy, but not too much, the mushroom salad was nutty and... well... mushroomy. (Even more points for Pumpkin!!!) Needless to say, we closed the restaurant down after having some simultaneously rich and fluffy chocolate cake with the most luscious coconut ice cream I have ever tasted. I could give them more points, but I've lost count, so we'll just chalk it up to infinity.
(5)Nicole K.
My husband and I have been dying to go to this restaurant for some time now. We are members of the online reservation site Open Table, and have been for years. I made a reservation for my husband's birthday (1/23) online. Unfortunately there was a big snow storm up here and we had to cancel. That same day I made a reservation for today 1/29 so we could still go where wanted for his birthday. I received a phone call the day before (1/28) around 0930 am from this establishment about our reservation. I was not able to answer due to the fact that I am in school full time and work full time. I got home around 530 and checked my email, only to find out that pumpkin sent me an email at 1200 pm cancelling our our reservation for 1/29, with no reason why. I called and spoke to a gentleman who said he was not sure why this had occurred and allowed me to make a new reservation, which I confirmed with him while on the phone. The next morning 1/29 around 1000 am, I received a phone call again from pumpkin asking to call back, I immediately called back. THE WOMEN WHOM I SPOKE TO WAS THE RUDEST MOST IGNORANT PERSON EVER!!!!! She informed me that since we had made reservations in the past and did not show up ( this was over 6 months ago and we had a family emergency) that she was going to need a deposit in order for us to keep our reservation. I explained to her what happened the other day about my reservation being cancelled by them and assured her we were definitely coming for my husbands birthday. She was so rude to me on the phone that I told her to cancel my reservation for the night. If their customer service was the bad on the phone I CAN NOT IMAGINE HOW IT IS IN PERSON! I will NEVER visit this restaurant.
(1)Jim B.
The service was great. The restaurant is a cool, tiny little spot. Food was super creative and overall very delicious. Would have given 5 stars if not for a couple missteps on some of the elements of a dish or two (some vegetables a little raw). Duck confit was off the charts good. As were our desserts, especially the ice creams that accompanied them. Will definitely be back.
(4)Becky S.
I've been hearing great things about Pumpkin and finally got the chance to go. As with many byos, it is tiny. My friend was from NYC and she was totally shocked by the atmosphere. Even though byos are small, I will admit - Pumpkin is really plain! The floors look gross/old and there is very little effort put into the decor (not in a way that appears to be on purpose). So you would think that starts us off on the wrong foot so obviously with 4 stars they really impressed us with the food! Byos can be tough with changing menus and finding something you like but the food was sooo delicious and presented very nicely. Made up for the lack of walls etc. My friend and I split the scallops and duck - both of which I loved! We had a cheesecake dessert and a chocolate cake. Also had calamari which had some interesting sides. I love grilled calamari though. It was good but not the best I've had. The waitress was nice - refilled water often - and after the fact she overheard us talking about how it was my birthday and she expressed her dismay in not knowing bc she would have put a candle in my dessert which I thought was nice. Go. Try it. Love it.
(4)Frank R.
I went here for the 5 course tasting menu on Sunday, 28-Dec-08. From start to finish, Pumpkin delivered a fantastic meal. I would definitely return without an iota of hesitation. Make sure you call about a week ahead for a reservation. I really enjoyed everything about this place. It was a small, cozy place that was well decorated. The service was top tier. The servers were passionate about what they did and always had a smile. Service is one of the most controllable and influential aspects of dining out so its nice to go to a place that really cares about satisfaction. The meal was good sized portions for a tasting menu which is nice considering the potency, complexity and balance in each bite was worth revisiting. I really enjoyed the walu appetizer and flank steak entree. The only part of the meal that was just OK was the salad. This meal was really good because for the week before hand, all I ate was Polish holiday food in my hometown so the freshness and flavors were a great break to that monotony. The only potential downside of this place is that it can be loud. When I was at Pumpkin, there was a table of six people who apparently could only communicate by shouting to each other despite being 3 feet away. Also, I cannot understand how a restaurant like this doesn't take credit cards. I can see the point of not taking cards from a logistic and managerial standpoint but I hope they start taking cards in the future. They also should have a real website. If your a fan of an ever evolving menu and fresh, wholesome ingredients, then you should definitely visit Pumpkin. Great place that I hope is around for a long time.
(5)Michael G.
So we went to pumpkin a while back, and it was a bit of a disaster, so a couple of years later and I felt like it was time to give them another try. After all, where else can you get a 5 course meal for $35 on a Sunday at short notice? Between myself and my wife we tried everything on the menu, and for the most part I was impressed. The food was nicely cooked and artfully presented. The service was attentive, wine was poured, water regularly topped up, everything was looking pretty good really. Some might call the food presentation a little too much, but it's OK for 'date' food. This is not the sort of place I'd go with friends or family, especially with a normally limited menu. The only issue that really stood out was the bread. Upon arriving we were told that the waitress would fetch us some bread. In the middle of our soup course we were told that it was just in the oven, and after our shrimp/escargot apetizers we were presented with the olive oil dip.Somewhere in our third course (vegetable) we were presented with the bread, which was stone cold. Normally I wouldn't mind, but it means that it had not been anywhere near an oven while I'd been in the restaurant, and we were lied to. It looks like a bought in baguette. How did it take so long to get it? And the point of bread is to give guests something to nibble on before the meal, not during the entree. Frankly, it was just a distraction from the food at that point. Anyway, all in all it's not bad value ($35 per head on Sunday), but with food that is fancy (bordering on the pretentious), and no vegetarian options, it's not for everyone. I think it'll be a while before I'm tempted back form the crowd of potential BYOB alternatives.
(3)Jenny L.
I agree with some of the other reviews that Pumpkin just tries too hard with the food. The atmosphere was pretty good - small, cozy, and intimate, but too dim for my likes, as it seemed the only lighting in the restaurant was candelight. Anyways. I had high hopes for Pumpkin judging by their RW menu, but it was kind of a let down. The mushroom and potato amuse-bouche was incredibly salty. For apps, I had the sweet potato veloute and my bf got the pork belly. The veloute was amazing - the only part of the meal I think I enjoyed. However, it would have been a much better experience without all the little things they dumped into the soup that they then had to explain to me as they served me my food. The soup should have been the main star, probably only with the subtlest of garnishes so I could fully enjoy each smooth, creamy bite. For entrees, the bf got the duck and I decided to mix it up and get the salmon. Our server warned me that the salmon was cooked medium rare (I forgot why - something about amplifying the flavor I think) and I figured it would be fine so I told her to go for it. When it came out, I instantly regretted not telling her to cook it medium-well done, because the texture of the salmon was not what I had in mind at all. Again, the entrees were served with a multitude of small sides that had to be listed to us - and still we didn't catch all of it, so we weren't 100% sure of what we were eating. The salmon was a huge letdown, also because it was too bland. My bf's duck was good, but he said it had way too much connective tissue - to the point where he had to spit some of it out because he just couldn't finish chewing it. For dessert, we both went with the cheesecake because I heard good things about it. My bf adored it, I wasn't so sold. It was a really dense, brown butter (? the server explained this to me, but I don't recall) cheesecake, and I think I personally prefer a lighter, fluffier cheesecake. The apple sorbet on top of the cheesecake was amazing, though. All in all, I loved the environment but the food sadly didn't leave a good impression on me. Like I said before, Pumpkin should cut out the quirky, fancy side "amusements" and let the locally-sourced food shine on its own with minimal support. I probably would not go back, unless with someone else who wanted to. PS: the bf also really liked the small pack of pumpkin seeds delivered along with the check - a cute touch.
(2)Beth R.
The place is small, but my party of 7 was very comfortable, and we loved our meals. We split the octopus and gnocchi apps to start, both were above average, but the gnocchi was truly outstanding. My entree of pork two ways was good, as were the scallops and chicken entrees that my friends ordered. For dessert I had the chocolate cake with caramel ice cream. But seriously I want more of that gnocchi. Their menu changes daily, so I can only hope the gnocchi are there next time I come here. Oh and it's a byob. The mild downside is that it's cash only, and a bit pricey... entrees are ~ mid 20's, the apps were around 12 each, and desserts were 8ish.
(4)Margaret M.
Everything was perfect. I'm serious. The staff was incredibly attentive, the food was interesting and played well together. Bring a bottle of pinot noir and you're set! I went here with my boyfriend for Restaurant Week. Besides the huge table of very noisy people speaking Russian (made me giggle; made the boyfriend irritated), the atmosphere was romantic and intimate. You really have to try this place out. Their flavor combinations actually made me think. The brown butter cheesecake was what I had been waiting for my entire life.
(5)Sean G.
Food: 4 stars Service: 5 stars Ambiance: 4 stars Location: 3.5 stars Price: 4 stars Recommendations: I highly recommend going with a surf and turf combination with your dining partner. The Filet and Scallops were delicious and very well prepared. The staff was so courteous and generous, giving us a complimentary appetizers (Green Gazpacho- which was delicious and refreshing) and dessert (Fruit Sorbet). The Calamari appetizer was just OK, prepared by being steamed or grilled. I wouldn't recommend it if you like your calamari fried. Overall, the restaurant is quaint and personal. It has everything a fine dining restaurant has without the pretentiousness. We had a great experience at Pumpkin and will go back again soon. Bonus: BYOB Negative: CASH ONLY Overall: 4.5 stars
(4)Therhyme R.
Went there with my husband for restaurant week. The place was cute, simple, and cozy. The heirloom tomato was delicious, its a great sign when a tomato can taste so amazingly different and delicious. The escargot and polenta that was paired together perfectly and had a delicate divine taste. The seared scallops were cooked perfectly and seasoned very well. For Dinner, we had Duck and the Char. The duck was prepared perfectly as was the Atlantic char. The char was deliciously paired with fennel and a delicious sauce. For dessert, the butterscotch pudding was amazing...one of the best desserts I have ever had. We can't wait to return for another delicious dinner. Highly recommended.
(5)Nicole H.
Expensive, but worth it!!!! Cash only, but worth it!!! Everything I had was delicious. Plus, it's BYOB, so you save some money there. Staff was wonderful. This place is a must try!
(4)Diana J.
My friend took me there for my birthday dinner, and I have to say - their food was absolutely divine! We ordered the quail to start, which was well-presented and exquisite. For the entree, I got the Scottish salmon, which was absolutely cooked to perfection. The meat melted in my mouth and flaked perfectly. I'm a huge salmon lover, and it was by far one of the best I have ever had. We got the cheesecake for dessert, which had hints of coffee and other ingredients that I didn't quite catch. I'm also a cheesecake fanatic, having had some of the best cheesecakes in NYC, but this was unique and delicious in its own way. It was a perfect way to polish off a beautifully cooked and presented meal. I would highly recommend this place for anyone looking for the best in dining. The atmosphere was very small and cozy, the ambience a bit loud, but you can't go wrong with their food and attentive waitstaff.
(5)Daniel M.
Once upon a time I went to Pumpkin. It was a very special evening. I was on a date. The restaurant just opened. There was a buzz of expectation in the air. One of those nights where you can just feel like magic is going to happen. Being cutesie, my date and I opted to share everything: two appetizers, two entrees, two desserts. To sum up, for more reasons than just the food, I was left rather unfulfilled :/ On account of my dinner and my date that evening, they both boasted a lot of showmanship, without much flavor. Course after course of food and conversation left me feeling nonplussed. YEARS later, and one week ago, I returned to Pumpkin with a couple good friends for their Sunday prix fixe: 5 courses for $35. The whole experience brought back memories of my original visit, then outdid them at every turn. First of all, 5 courses of anything that isn't ordered by number for $35 is a steal. Secondly, the menu was hyper-seasonal, fresh, summery and with home cooked rustic charm, yet the delicate grace and flair of a fine dining kitchen. Green tomato gazpacho with lump crab--vibrant, clean, delicious. Quail that was perfectly cooked, served spread eagle with figs--how else? Pork loin with grilled peaches. Even for not being a chocolate guy, the warm chocolate cake for dessert was outstanding. The space is small and warm, in that Philly BYOB style, service was polite and efficient, and my company was as great an upgrade from the last time as the food. If you haven't checked out this BYO Philly institution in a while, it's definitely worth a revisit. It's so wonderful (and rare) to see a restaurant that's getting better with age.
(4)Vinh T.
I love how they keep their menu to small an tight but every dish will make its own statement. Have to try: Long Island Duck North Carolina Shrimp.
(4)Chris M.
Here Saturday, very impressed with the quality of food, speed of service, attentiveness, and ambiance of the restaurant. Portions are slightly small, compared to their counterparts.. but we still had a great time. We had a small, almost unnoticeable wait that didn't bother us.. the hostess rewarded us with their special Gazpacho.. very good. Very nice date spot...the plan was here..then Jet or Bob & Barbara's.. Pumpkin might be overlooked, but not for its quality.. go here.. bring the wife, GF, boyfriend or date you're trying to impress.
(4)Anya R.
This is wonderful for a romantic date - it's small, cash only and BYOB. The food is organic and the menu changes (I believe daily?) Service is great. Highly recommended.
(5)Benjamin S.
A very disappointing experience! One-half hour before our reservation time, I called to let them know we would be a half-hour late. I included a call-back number. (They always call-back to confirm reservations.) The called rolled over to voice mail. We showed up at the time I said we would. But they had given away our table. The host said he did not pick up the call until ten minutes before the new time. His first excuse was we had not called in time but my cell phone showed otherwise. With such a small space and high demand, simple things like picking up messages or wearing an ear-phone are not unreasonable expectations. They would have lost no money or a second seating of our table. The ultimate insult of the evening was they reported us to Open Table for failing to show up for our reservation.
(1)Maria C.
I've been meaning to go to Pumpkin for a while and I finally made it this last weekend with a group of 5 people. The restaurant was emptying out by the time we arrived. The one negative I can come up with here is that they don't have a vegetarian entree and that my gazpacho wasn't great. I got the green gazpacho as an appetizer. Our server said it was a pea and avocado gazpacho, but I couldn't really taste neither the peas nor the avocado. It was mostly herbs and maybe some peas. The presentation was BEAUTIFUL. It looked like art with rose petals and what I think was lemon sorbet but I would've loved it if it had had a bit more flavor. A bit of salt, perhaps? A bit of cream? I got the shrimp appetizer and side of mashed potatoes as my main. The shrimp -- I hate to say it but even though the presentation was amazing, three of them were overcooked and had a very mealy texture and not too much flavor. The mashed potatoes with creme fraiche were really tasty. The rest of the table got steak, duck, and skate. The only issue, I guess, is that portions were a bit small and the steak was cooked medium-rare even when it wasn't supposed to. Dessert was very good -- not a huge fan of the lemon curd. However, my table got complimentary appetizers as well as a complimentary flourless chocolate cake that was delicious. The food here looked like art and I enjoyed that. The service was good and everyone was kind and attentive. However, I just wish my two dishes had been a bit more flavorful. They're easy on the eyes but my mouth wasn't a fan. I give it 4/5 stars because the ambiance is nice, the service is great (they gave us free stuff!!), the dessert was tasty, and so were the mashed potatoes, and because of the beautiful and careful presentation. PROS: intimate, quiet, nice ambiance, great service, great presentation, fit for a foodie, BYO CONS: small menu (some small portions), no vegetarian entrees, no credit/debit cards
(4)Nancy A.
Food was delicious. Service was lovely. We really enjoyed the atmosphere. It's neat how they use pumpkin in small unexpected ways in various dishes.
(5)R H.
Like the other reviews, the food is AWESOME! I have gone to Pumpkin about three times now, and every single time, the staff has been super friendly and nice. Definitely recommend taking advantage of their Sunday $40, 5 course tasting menu. Cash only, BYOB, a bit small so wouldn't recommend going with large crowds.
(5)Jayma K.
We totally enjoyed our dinner the other night. We took my nephew who lives in Manhattan so I wanted to impress him. I was concerned about where to take him since he is a vegetarian and I'm just the opposite, a meat and potatoes girl. They made up a special entree for him out of a veggie appetizer for him and they gave me a great trade of potatoes instead of onions for me. We all loved our meals and the presentation was the best I've seen in a long time. We also shared a dessert which included mint ice cream. I was expecting it to taste something like the mint ice cream in a chocolate chip mint from the store but we were all surprised to get ice cream that tasted like mint out of the backyard mint. All in al we had a great dinner a was able to show off a great Philly restaurant to my nephew from NYC.
(5)Stefanie A.
BLOWN AWAY. Service was fantastic--I called to say we'd be late and they said they could accommodate us whenever we got there. And they were super polite, helpful, and full of smiles all night. But the food. Wow. It was. Just. So. Yum. Warm and crusty bread with olive oil and garlic was a great snack. The scallops app with chorizo in black squid ink sounds busy and conflicting but it was a symphony of lovely flavors and textures. Scallops were cooked and seasoned perfectly. We also had the escargots with veggies--those veggies included ramps and fiddlehead ferns. They don't skimp here. And the fish may have been the best I've ever had. Swordfish with carrots and peas. Sounds simple but was complex, delicate, and brimming with flavor. The carrots came cooked and raw--with coriander and cumin, and with chili powder and both were an amazing accompaniment to the perfectly-cooked fish. Peas were also whole, and pureed. Again, flavors and textures melted well. And the peanut butter pot de creme was decadent but not too heavy and overly delicious. As it's BYO, price was much lower than what you;'d get in a comparable restaurant with a liquor license. But for the quality, price was s till low. Can't wait to try the Sunday night tasting menu... or just do dinner again.
(5)Christine C.
I can't say enough good things about Pumpkin. Their menu is small, but perfect for the adventurous foodie. I've eaten there several times for their Sunday tasting menu, and had a fantastic dinner there this past New Year's Eve. The staff is always knowledgeable and friendly, and since they change the menu often, you can always try something new.
(5)Lauren H.
I was this close to giving Pumpkin 5 stars because I've rarely experienced food that's tasted so exquisite. Pumpkin sets out to create a menu that highlights fresh, local and seasonal foods and I've never met an argument for using fresh, local and seasonal foods that has tasted better. I was here on a Thursday night with a group of 7 for our BYO-of-the-month club's April outing. We started with the octopus and the gnocchi as appetizers for the table - which were both heavenly, but the veggies that came tossed with the gnocchi were so, well, vibrant, if 'vibrant' can be a taste. I do not like cooked carrots, but the carrots in this dish tasted unlike any carrot I had previously had, as did all of the other veggies. What was most intriguing was the way all the components of the dish were so distinct, but perfectly enhanced each other at the same time. Looking for the same revelation with my entree, I ordered the chicken. I was not disappointed. This chicken was succulent, and I've never been able to use that word to describe chicken before. I also had a taste of my friend's scallops, which were delicate, yet meaty and perfectly cooked. Despite being a small BYO, Pumpkin accommodated our large group and a few others that evening quite easily, without making the dining room seem overly crowded. Pumpkin is a smidge on the pricey side and I found the desserts to be so-so, which prevented me from ramping this up to a 5 star review, but any place that can make me wax lyrical over a carrot has got to be tried.
(4)H S.
Charming restaurant with excellent food! Each bite was fantastic. Please make a visit to this tiny BYOB if you have not yet already!
(5)Jill C.
The space at Pumpkin is a bit cramped (albeit lovely and romantic), but once the food came, the small space really was not an issue for myself and my boyfriend. We chose their five course Sunday pre-fix for our Valentine's celebration and we LOVED every bite. Being that they have a farm-to-table concept and their menu changes daily, it doesn't get any fresher and more flavorful than this menu. Plus, the five course offering lets you taste so many of these fresh flavors that are perfectly blended into each special dish...it is, in my opinion, what food should taste like! The staff was also so friendly, accomodating, and informative, without being intrusive. They even poured our wine for us as we dined, which they kept chilled in the back. We absolutely loved it and will definitely be back!
(5)Connie S.
Cute little (emphasis on little) cash-only BYOB with a daily-changing menu with local and seasonal ingredients. Very few tables and very good business... the good news is that they take reservations, so you should definitely call in advance. But even so, we had a reservation set for 9pm and we weren't seated until after 9:30pm. I might have eaten the table by the time the food came. I will say: Best. Shortribs. Ever. They almost melt in your mouth. If you eat red meat and you see them on the menu (also available and updated daily on the restaurant website), don't bother with anything else. And although I would have happily eaten the shortribs for dessert, too, the flourless chocolate cake with coconut ice cream was also heavenly. The food didn't disappoint, but our server seemed a little flustered by all the chaos in the restaurant, and I wouldn't go back if I had to go through the same wait.
(4)Leah G.
So I hadn't been to Pumpkin in about a year until last night . . . and I now am so angry with myself for waiting so long! I went for a friend's birthday. We had a reservation for 12, as did the table next to us. I was worried we would feel cramped. Not at all! The staff was great and didn't miss a beat. Our food came out promptly and I never felt like either of the large groups was overtaking the tiny restaurants (although some of the smaller tables around us might beg to differ). My food was excellent. I had the hanger steak, and I cannot remember the last time I had such an excellent steak in Philadelphia. I did not order the squid appetizer, but I had definitely had appetizer envy over it. Everything was excellent; no one I dined with would say otherwise. It will definitely be less than a year until I go back this time!
(5)Bryan S.
Sunday is the day to go. The 5 course a la carte menu was awesome. BYOBs are always great and the service was amazing. Definitely a place you should try if you enjoy food. 100 bucks total for 2. It was my first time eating beets and the beet salad was delicious. A great place for a date.
(5)Nishika V.
So I've been to Pumpkin a few times and it's been delicious...however, that was when they kept my reservation and let us sit down! I was absolutely appalled last night when I went there for dinner. For WEEKS, two of my besties and myself had planned to go to dinner here at 6pm. Our original dinner was for last week but we had to move the reservation to this week- no biggie. We logged onto OPENTABLE change the reservation, got a confirmation number, and figured we were set. This past weekend, my friend "S" that made the reservation got a confirmation phone call. On monday, my other friend "B" called pumpkin to double check the reservation and ask about an OPENTABLE dining cheque. ALL WAS SET! I arrive at 5:57 on Tuesday, December 4th, with a bottle of riesling in my hand and a wad of cash to spend. I was told that there was no reservation under "S". Okay...I said i'd wait til the other two ladies got here and maybe it was under a different name. One minute later, "S" walks in and asks about the reservation. The semi-nice hostess said that there wasn't a reservation under her name. THEN a really rude and snarky wait-staff member barges in on the conversation and with her nose in the air says "Was it through open table? Sometimes those reservation time out and we don't get the reservation." REALLY? We got a confirmation email, code, call AND we called to double check. They told us that we could have a table until 7:15 so we sat down and debated on whether to have apps here or just go to another place all together. We decided to go to another place all together and when we left the hostess said "Come visit us another time." Right...when pigs fly. Normally I wouldn't be so upset about this, however, they just blatantly lied to us and I'm sure that one of their cronies slipped them a hunnie and wanted a table at 7:30 so they bumped our reservation. They made NO effort to reconcile the situation and I was thoroughly disappointed. Thank you FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY for an AMAZING dining experience last night!
(1)Kathy D.
I'm a byo-aholic, and went here to celebrate a friend's engagement. It is located on South Street, but don't let that scare you as South Street has a reality check on Broad Street, so you're safe from Flash mobs, and cheesy tshirt stores and Duck Tours. Pumpkin is a big name in that neighborhood, with a Cafe and a to-go store all in Grad-ho. The space is small, but this cute spot is great for a special occasion. To be honest, none of the food really stood out or was very memorable, but the cozy, candle lit atomsphere was very comfortable and would tempt me to come back.
(3)Sub S.
Very good food, great casual service, nice ambience. Feels like we ate in a nice family's living room with some other strangers. All of the dishes were excellent. The gnocchi app, pork belly and lamb shank were excellent and something I would go back for. Menu changes, but I am sure everything is good. The Panna Cotta was excellent with a nice tart fruit sorbet and fresh rasberries. Pros: They take reservations! BYOB, great food. nice portions. Excellent service. Cons: Not any great bars in the immediate area, but within 4 blocks. Nitpicking
(5)Anne H.
Even though I had a reservation for 8 last night, we still had to wait a good 20 minutes for a table for 2 to open up. But boy was it worth the wait! My boyfriend is a veggie, so we got the $35 three-course vegetarian menu they had for that night (their menu changes daily). This consisted of autumn vegetable soup, beet salad, and potato gnocchi. First off, we got bread (yay!), served with olive oil with roasted garlic in it (the garlic was in almost everything, must have had an abundance of it). Very tasty, and of course I'm always a fan of free bread. The vegetable soup was the BEST soup I have ever tasted. A close second would be the Maine lobster cappuccino from J.G. Domestic (which I had for lunch that day, a good soup day all in all). We were served bowls with slices of apple (or pear, not sure which), some leafy thing, and some spices on the bottom, and the rich, creamy soup was poured on top at the table. This resulted in a different flavor combination with every bite! One bite would be sweet with the bit of pear/apple, another would be garlic-ey with some house-roasted garlic, another spicy with some kind of red pepper. A really impressive, multi-dimensional dish that just blew me away. Was also not too salty, which is a common problem with many soups. The beet salad was pretty good; definitely not as good as the soup or gnocchi. But it was served with this cheese that was kind of like a combination of goat cheese and blue cheese, which was just delicious. The dish was served with shaved fennel, a foamy beet type thing (meh) and grated walnuts. Was a nice, light second course. And the gnocchi. Ohhh the gnocchi. Heaven on a plate! Perfectly plump, not-too-doughy pumpkin gnocchi, served with some of the most flavorful mushrooms I've ever tasted. Squash puree, cheese and fennel - again, the word multi-dimensional comes to mind. It was a flavor explosion in my mouth, and though I was already full from the first two courses, I ate the entire thing! Regrettably, we were too full to try the flourless chocolate cake or the goat cheese cake served with coconut ice cream. But if their desserts are half as good as their entrees, I'm sure they were phenomenal. Would definitely recommend, MAKE RESERVATIONS A FEW DAYS AHEAD OF TIME, and be prepared to wait for a table. BYOB and cash only. Worth the wait - I will definitely be coming back soon!
(5)Sara L.
Went to this byo for a Wednesday night dinner with a friend. The menu was full of fishy options that we good for my pescatarian friends. I really enjoyed the ambiance--cozy and intimate. Service was good. My pumpkin gnocchi with mushrooms were excellent and very much enjoyed. Its that time of year when I get a craving for all things autumnal and this hit the spot. Our fish dishes were perfectly cooked, and a little bit different from the ordinary run of things. Only complaint is that its cash only. I'll still come back, but I never carry cash anymore.
(4)Calvin C.
4 for ambience. 2 for food. 3 for service. The food is not memorable. It's decorated nicely but nothing wows me unfortunately. I've had better.
(2)Rob R.
Great place to take a gf/wife but I reckon the small space and quiet ambiance would not work well for a first date. The food was great. An app, two entrees, and a desert set us back $75 + tip. We started our meal with the wonderful pumpkin gnocchi (that actually tasted like pumpkin). I enjoyed the hanger steak while she enjoyed the trout. Both meals were prepared, portioned, and presented perfectly. Desert was a special treat - a small chocolate cake with passion fruit sorbet, strawberries, and granola. The combination was spectacular - ad that's coming from someone who isn't a big fan of deserts! This place supposedly changes the menu nightly and you won't know what's on until 4pm that day. While that makes planning a reservation difficult, this nice BYOB is worth checking out. It's not over the top and the perfectly portioned entrees will satisfy your palate. Oh, and be sure to bring enough cash for desert.
(4)Danielle W.
I'm sure the food is good. It would have been wonderful to try it. I read nothing but rave reviews in the week leading up to it. Hell, I even made reservations. Bad idea! We showed up for our 7:30 reservation and were promptly told to go to a bar down the street, and they'd give us a call when they had space. Sure it's a small place, but why would you even agree to let someone make a reservation if you know you can't honor it? Or can't be bothered to honor it?
(1)D. P.
Great dinner but pass on dessert. The menu really pushes the envelope in terms of creativity and the portions are on the small side but satisfying. The sides are farm to table meaning they're fresh and local and were wonderful. It's a BYOB and they're so accommodating they gave us a decanter for the wine. It's a really small place so I'd avoid a big group, but 2 or 3 is perfect. Basically only negative was dessert. Wasn't very sweet and after such a rich meal we expected an indulgent ending but it was small and too contrived. Save your money (Since dinner will run you $100+ easily) and get dessert somewhere else. But don't miss this restaurant as its a gem of Philly.
(4)Katherine K.
Just went to Pumpkin with a group of 8 friends. No problems with seating, but the place was full-up when we got there, so reservations are a must. I ordered the seared scallops, which came with a cilantro-based sauce that was absolutely delicious paired with the scallops. My boyfriend ordered the grilled octopus as a starter. I've never had grilled octopus before, so I can't make a judgement on whether it was made well, but it tasted fantastic. For my main dish I ordered the Hanger Steak, which was very good paired with a bleu cheese butter. Chewy, but I think this is what the texture of hanger steak is supposed to be. Boyfriend ordered the lamb shanks- the bite I had was tender and flavorful. BYOB, bring some great wine and great friends and this place is definitely worth checking out.
(4)jackie p.
Had a great birthday dinner with a bunch of girlfriends. Everyone enjoyed the menu. The pumpkin were my favorite and I can't wait to go back for then.
(3)Tracy K.
Pumpkin is a cozy, intimate little BYO that I should have tried a long time before now. Yumm. I went last night, to try the $35 5-course tasting menu they offer on Sundays. The menu is small, but that is because it changes daily, to leverage the freshest offerings--and that comes across quite clearly. The dishes are elegant, innovative, and beautifully presented. The combination of flavors is somewhat deceptive: they're very clean and seemingly simple, but the layers of tastes come through on cue to reveal their true complexity. Kids, don't try this at home--you'll want to, but leave it to the experts. My 5 last evening: =roasted vegetable soup =waluu (fish) appetizer which came with something-I-can't-remember and chorizo (which I left off, since I don't eat meat. This is an opportune time to mention how accommodating the kitchen is) =mixed green salad with beets, goat cheese, and a hazelnut viniagrette =a trout more reminiscent of delicate salmon with minced apples and a meyer lemon sauce, atop lentils =pumpkin cake dulce de leche... this was the only item I didn't love. The cake was good, but dry. Full disclosure, my long-lost cousin is a server here... but I think she'd be just as attentive to all of you. Note: Cash only!!
(5)Josie L.
Very cute place. I like how the place is low-key. I think this place is good for date. It has the romantic feel to the place. Went there for Sunday $35 Five Course Tasting. Autumn Vegetable soup was the best dish out of 5. It was the STAR! What a way to start the meal. I think it was butternut squash soup. The flavor of the soup was addictive. I didn't want to put the spoon down. I wanted more. The beet salad was delicious. I can totally taste the freshness. Not much to say with blow fish ceviche. It tasted like cold buffalo wing. Frisee salad was nice and fresh. Chicken dish was ok. Nothing to write home about. The salmon was good. It was nicely cooked and the pickle-ness of red cabbage helped cut down the richness of the salmon. Chocolate Cake with Coconut ice cream was yummy. The Chocolate Cake was very moist. Buttermilk Lavender Panna Cotta was good. The wait staff were nice. There were only 2 of them and they were extremely busy. This place is BYOB and only takes CASH.
(3)Leslie K.
We went for the Sunday night five course tasting and the portions are tiny! The food is pretty good but it was disappointing to spend that time and money and leave really hungry. The space is a bit cramped as well as my chair kept bumping into the person behind me.
(3)Sarah B.
If there's anything Philadelphia isn't short on, it's good restaurants! While the food was amazing, what stood out to me was the restaurant's unique philosophy. It is my understanding that the menu is prepared daily based on the products of local farmers. We enjoyed lovely appetizers (a mushroom ravioli and a chilled soup), as well as a fantastic chocolate cake with coconut ice cream, but the real superstars were the two entrees -- a salmon dish and a steak dish with shitake mushrooms both prepared so exceptionally, I have never, and fear I will never, eat more perfectly cooked steak or fish again! As are many Philadelphia restaurants, Pumpkin is a BYOB. Reservations are necessary, so call ahead! Considering the quality of the dishes, we were most surprised at how inexpensive the dinner was - approximately $30/person for 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, and a shared dessert. Bottom line: I'm hooked and look forward to returning throughout the year...tasting my way through the seasons!!
(5)Jenny K.
I'm going to go out on a limb and say this is the best BYOB I've been to. I love the shabby chic decor, the roomy seating (compared to most BYOBs), the logo, bringing my own wine, the handwritten check, and of course, the food. My bf and I debated the pros and cons of ordering each item on the menu for a good 10 minutes. Each one sounded amazing, and we wanted no regrets. It came down to the scallops and the steak. I ordered: Scallops with braised artichokes and an olive salad. The olive salad was perched atop a delicious little cube-shaped chickpea cake, which is now one of my most favorite things on the planet. The scallops were perfectly seasoned and all the flavors combined perfectly. Bf ordered: Steak with blue cheese aoili and onion rings. The portion size was a little on the small side, but we were both blown away by the blue cheese aoili, and how well the onion rings paired with the meat. O.M.G. Dessert was a goat cheese cheesecake with figs, which knocked my socks off. A+++
(5)Kate S.
We had the pleasure of spending a night out at Pumpkin this week for Philly's Restaurant Week and boy was it worth every penny! Pumpkin is a delightful BYOB with the perfect setting for a nice relaxing evening. We mostly went because we're supporters of nutritious eating with local foods, which is Pumpkin's main idea: local fresh food and seasonal eating-couldn't be better in our opinion :) Portions were perfect, service was friendly and warm and the restaurant itself is conveniently located btw 17th and 18th on South Street-parking was not a problem (note: we went at 6pm). The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is because I could see how if it were mid July/August the restaurant itself would get quite hot with only the use of fans, but it's more a heads up for people looking to visit in the summer. HIGHLY recommended and definitely worth a try!
(4)Gary S.
Had a lovely anniversary dinner at Pumpkin recently. Had been meaning to get there for years - especially since now we live in the neighborhood. Food was excellent, as was the service. Unfortunately, have waited too long to write this review and can no longer remember the details of the meal. Have a good excuse though - the next morning my wife went into labor!!! So lets start a little rumor - if you (or your wife/partner) is really pregnant and eager to deliver, maybe a dinner at Pumpkin will do the trick! Worst that could happen is that you will have a great meal and still have to wait a little longer. Will definitely be back (maybe even with baby), probably to try the Sunday tasting menu!
(4)Luke K.
This place was mind blowing. I'm one of those snobby type New Yorkers that always assumes food isn't as good anywhere else in the country. Pumpkin bitch slapped me for thinking that way. The food was super creative and absolutely delicious. I would go into more detail about the food, but I'm not a good enough writer to do it justice. We did the prix fix on a Sunday, which is an totally awesome deal. The waiting staff seems to be a group of serious foodies and seemed to really know their stuff. I will say that this place was one of my favorite dining experiences in the past 5 years and easily in the same league as famous restaurants like The Spotted Pig, if anybody reading this knows what that is (snobbery coming out again).
(5)Melissa R.
I can't remember the last time I heard my boyfriend describe a dish as "unbelievable" or "fantastic." These were the words he used during our meal at Pumpkin. And I would have to agree. The waitress told us all the ingredients were organic and it was a farm-to-table concept. I can't even begin to describe how fresh everything tasted. I started with the Gazpacho Consomme, with crab and fennel sherbet. It wasn't a traditional gazpacho at all, but nonetheless delicious! My boyfriend got the gnocchis and I had to act quick for a taste, as the bite-size pasta would soon be gone. Same goes for the skirt steak he got as his entree. I opted for the scallops, which I found a little salty, but I couldn't get over how fresh and perfectly cooked the vegetables were. It is BYOB, so bring your wine of choice. We just happened to bring an organic wine from a Santa Barbara vineyard, and the waitress made sure to tell the chef.
(4)Justin S.
I had a great meal with my Fiance here. It was very intimate and romantic. The place is so incredibly small, you get a real nice and personal interaction with the very friendly and attentive waitress. And the meals were very unique. I would recommend as a great date spot.
(5)Jippity Q.
Good stuff. I took a local friend here as a thank you for letting my partner and I stay at his place. I love the BYOB concept! Fun! Anyway. Food was quite good. Not terribly expensive, and generously portioned. My flatiron steak was quite huge and good. Service was casual, informative and decent. I am writing this review from memory however. I dined there about 4 years ago. The fact I can remember this much is a good sign. I would go back.
(4)J P.
Happy Valentines day to me and my soon to be wife. Pumpkin came out swinging. Quaint, small, and the house was packed. You could see the smug look on every guys face in the place. Two reasons for the smug look. Reason 1: The cote de boeuf. Big mutha truckin steak and it was perfect. I swear this is one of the best steaks I've had ever. It came with a nice helping of fingerling potatoes and haricot vert. It was an amazing meal and it made me let out a primal scream. Reason 2 for the smug look on the guys faces: The restaurant was sure to impress their date. The place was firing on all fours. Bring your date here. She will love you for it.
(5)Mike P.
Really nice, albeit tiny, space. The waitstaff is uber-friendly and extremely attentive which is great. The menu is a bit limited - however, don't let that deter you from eating there; the menu changes every night. I went there on a Saturday night and had the Strip Steak and roasted cauliflower... AMAZING! It was flavorful and cooked to perfection - trite, I know, but true!!! All of their food is organic and free range and you can clearly taste that in the quality of their food. This is also a BYO joint so why not stop by your favorite liquor store and pick up a nice bottle of wine to go with your meal? This place gets 5 stars!!! FANTASTIC!!
(5)LaRocha L.
We went with a group of six, and ordered an assortment of appetizers, main dishes and desserts -- everything was quite good, but a few things really stood out. First, the grilled rock octopus was fantastic, as was the eggplant puree it was plated with. Not everyone in our party had been enthusiastic about ordering up tentacles, but after tasting it was the clear favorite of the appetizers. Then, for the main dishes, my Pork Two Ways was very tasty, but the hanger steak with blue cheese butter was really above and beyond what we were expecting -- and we had heard good things! Wonderful presentation, cooked perfectly, no complaints at all. And then dessert -- the vanilla bean panna cotta with cassis sorbet was my personal favorite, and most of the table agreed. I feel like cassis get forgotten sometimes, which is too bad, because it is interesting and tangy and goes amazingly with a rich, creamy dessert like panna cotta. It's a small place, BYOB, and cash only, so planning ahead makes it much more enjoyable - we showed up with reservations, plenty of wine, and cash in hand, and it was fine. All in all, we had a wonderful time at Pumpkin, and will definitely be back in the future.
(5)alli b.
Our party had to wait 30 minutes for our reservation to start. My duck was pretty good, but the quail appetizer was dry. Luckily it had stuffing, but not enough to save every bite. Unfortunately, my husband went with the cod which was completely tasteless and didn't show the least hint of seasoning; served with a barely there champagne sauce. It was a step up from boiled chicken you would feed your dog. Service wasn't that great, friendly but inattentive. Much better BYO's in the city to go back.
(2)Simon E.
I had the pleasure of visiting Pumpkin on New Years Eve. Staff were very friendly and no complaints about the service. The menu was a four course affair. The first course was set as winter vegetable soup, which was excellent. I had the Sweetbreads for the 2nd course with a parsnip puree, which was also well executed but could have been slightly crispier if I was being very critical. I had the hangar steak for the 3rd course. Unfortunately this just didn't do it for me, a little tasteless. The panna cotta for dessert was also very good. The big problem I find with Pumpkin is the presentation. I can understand why people think the portions are small. In fact, they are not, but they stick to some aspects of nouvelle cuisine. The main courses of all our party were generous in terms of meat portions, but would have been lifted by a better use of sides. There are only so many purees you can get away with! I was left longing for a few vegetables. But possibly worst of all was the coffee. Apparently brewed on the belief that coffee grounds are only designed to color the water and not provide flavor. Unforgivable for a decent restaurant. I don't believe anyone would be disappointed by the food but there is work to be done compared to comparable restaurants at this price point in the area.
(3)Meghann p.
Went last night with a friend. I went a few years ago, but loved it much more the second time around. What a cozy place We split pumpkin ghnocci-so amazing! Both got the hanger steak-amazing as well me: pumpkin poundcake over carmel sauce-ok friend-flourless cake-good both got coffee meal was $90 for everything, not too bad! Service was great! and was pretty crowded for a thursday night in todays economy! only one table was empty (i am sure reservations were for later)
(4)Trina K.
My siblings and I took our parents out to Pumpkin for their 35th anniversary dinner and we had a great meal and a fun time. Pumpkin opens at 5:30 on Sat and that's when we arrived; we were the first people in the restaurant so it was nice and quiet (good for my parents -- dad wears hearing aids and mom has some sensitivity to loud noises). There were 5 of us, and 5 appetizers and 5 entrees on the menu -- so we ordered everything! (also 4 desserts, we ordered those too) We also drank about 4 bottles of wine between us, so excuse me if I forget some of the details on the food. :) Appetizers = uniformly delicious -scallops were cooked perfectly and had a bean puree -mixed green salad incl. arugula was fresh and tasty with toasted almonds and a creamy cheese -octopus confit with pipperade and yukon gold potatoes -- very tasty, and a different way to eat octopus than I had before -quail stuffed with prosciutto and a bunch of vegetables with a pistachio pesto -- very tasty; none of us had had quail before -sweetbreads cooked with asparagus -- this was the winner of the night -- again, none of us had had sweetbreads before and they were incredible! Entrees = mixed -tilefish with polenta cake, swiss chard, and some other veggies -- this was the worst of the dinner entrees because the tilefish was pretty bland -new york strip steak -- unfortunately the seasoning was off and the texture was kinda rubbery -- very weird for steak -pan-roasted chicken with spring vegetables -- simple, tasty, but not terribly exciting -salmon with risotto, spring peas, and mushrooms -- the salmon was cooked perfectly and the flavors of the peas and mushrooms just popped! I wasn't a big fan of the risotto but everyone else liked it -lamb t-bone with goat cheese gnocchi -- the best of the entrees -- lamb was fantastic Desserts = fairly good -panna cotta with cherry confit -- the panna cotta was pretty bland and the cherries were the only thing that saved it -flourless chocolate hazelnut cake with coffee ice cream -- I didn't like this but everyone else loved it -apple rhubarb crisp with vanilla ice cream -- very tart but tasty -goat cheese cheesecake with candied pineapple -- best dessert! Portions are smallish so it was easy for everyone to eat all of this food, plus bread with garlic oil, and drink 4 bottles of wine, and then stumble down South St. As noted by other reviewers, you probably shouldn't even come here if you are a vegetarian. My dad doesn't eat pork and there was only one dish that he couldn't have (the quail appetizer). Overall we had a great experience. Our server, Mori, was knowledgeable about everything although at times she did have a bit of an attitude. The rest of my family thought their coffee was horrible, which was a bit of a downside. But this place is still 5 stars for the experience of getting to eat carefully prepared, local, delicious food. Plus, how often do you get to order the whole menu? I highly recommend Pumpkin for special occassions.
(5)Boyang Q.
A very small and intimate restaurant. Although the service could be improved to accommodate the waiting time (obviously due to high demand of seatings), the food is downright gorgeous. They carry a small menu but every dish is stunningly pleasant. The menu is very seasonal and food fresh. The pumpkin soup and atlantic char we had at the time was really something special. Overall it's a very cozy and satisfactory experience.
(5)Grace H.
I was so excited when I was able to snag a reservation at Pumpkin during restaurant week, but was sadly disappointed by the evening. A friend and I arrived for dinner and were greeted and seated promptly by the hostess. The ambience was intimate, but so much so that I could distinctly overhear the entire conversation at the table over. I had the cauliflower soup to start, which was hot and rich and delicious. But unfortunately everything afterwards fell somewhat flat in comparison. The burrata cheese course was a little bland, and my friend's rainbow trout second course smelled extremely fishy to the point where she could not finish it. I was really looking forward to my winter vegetable risotto with maitake mushrooms, but it was served a bit colder than I would have liked and was too rich and cheesy to finish. Dessert was probably the best course after the cauliflower soup. The pot de creme was yummy and the almond financier was decent but not particularly memorable. Overall It was a decent meal, but not worth the 40 dollars.
(3)Christina E.
Awesome. Just plain fabulous. Reservations def required of this tiny locale. A friend brought us here for dinner and while the steak was cooked delectably and massive, the envy were the pork chops w/ fava beans. I can't even begin to describe how tasty they were! Definitely worth checking out. BYOB and cash only. Beware of bad acoustics.
(4)Bianca B.
Over rated
(3)Jean-Bernard L.
Fantastic food at this little establishment. Reservations are a must, as it is very small. It has a very nice, cozy, reclaimed wood feel to it, and is BYOB. This place, sadly, is NOT vegetarian friendly, not even the appetizers had a selection without some type of meat in it. So, I got the skate as my entree and it was some of the best fish I've ever tasted in my life. Perfectly prepared and presented, and a reasonable portion for a restaurant of this type. Had the goat cheese cheesecake as a dessert, and it was very good as well, but I thought my dessert portion was a little on the small side. All in all a very nice dining experience, perfect if you want to celebrate something special, and just feeling like having a classy night out, without going over the 100 dollar price point for two.
(5)Larry W.
Restaurant week menu was outstanding. Skate was delicious and the dessert and appetizers equally good. Nice choices.
(5)Cynthia X.
Had dinner with a friend there tonight and loved the ambiance of the place. However, it is really really small. The table for two was really really small. Not good for large groups. We ordered several items to share: Appetizer: the rock octopus, extremely tender and well seasoned. Entree: Strip steak - juicy with a delicious gravy and yam puree; Spanish mackerel - light and flakey, cooked to perfection Daily sides: quinoa with farro and beets & some other veggie dish Everything tasted fresh and delicious, but I thought it was a bit pricey for what was served. The entrees are all around the $30 range with a separate charge for the side dishes. My biggest complaint is that this place is cash only. That is really annoying when you are putting down $$$ for the meal. I usually don't carry around that much cash.
(4)Sheila D.
I heard that Pumpkin among the top restaurants in Philadelphia and had super high expectations going in - the food definitely exceeded them! I was so pleased with my meal and will definitely be going back. Although the venue is small (make your reservations early), it does have a "classier" vibe, despite being a BYOB. The service is relatively slow... though it's definitely worth it considering the quality of food that you're receiving. I went for restaurant week this year, and the menu was nothing short of amazing. Started off the night with a Beet and Mozzarella appetizer (I forget the specific name), and the flavors and textures of the dish just meshed so well together. I loved pairing the tartness of the beets and dressing with the creaminess and lightness of the mozzarella. It was definitely a unique taste, but I loved it nonetheless. My friends all wound up getting a lamb pasta dish as their appetizer, and they did nothing but rave about it for the entire night. Now for the entree. The entree was by far my favorite part of the meal. I ordered the Rainbow Trout, and I can surely say that this trout was the best fish that I've ever had. It looked almost like salmon upon first glance, but the taste was so different and had a lighter and more delicate texture than salmon. I absolutely LOVED the char on the skin of the trout - I could eat it all day. Weirdly enough, the trout skin was probably the best part of the entire meal and made the entree dish. I highly, highly recommend getting any fish that is on their menu because with the way that Pumpkin chars the skin, it's simply perfection. To finish it off, I had an cake (I want to say almond financier?) topped with dates, apples, and a wonderful scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was an incredible dessert and just a great way to finish off the meal with a bang. The combinations of flavors was just delightful, and the dessert was rich but not overly rich. My friends all wound up getting the Chocolate Pot de Creme, which my friends thought was too sweet and decadent for their liking. Personally, I have a huge sweet tooth, so I thought that the dish tasted great, but I definitely do understand how the richness of the dish can be a little overwhelming. Overall, I loved my experience at Pumpkin, from the freshly baked bread at the beginning to the small bags of pumpkin seeds at the end of the meal. I highly recommend grabbing a nice bottle of wine and bringing your closest friends and loved ones here - it's great!
(5)A B.
First dish, super. Doubt crept in if the entree could be as good. It was better!! Then dessert, and I'm not even a sweet tooth! A definite must!!!
(4)Mara K.
Don't walk, RUN to this amazing byob. Total foodie spot. Great service to boot. Just remember to bring your wine, the closest store is a bit of a hike.
(5)Jason T.
Really enjoyed this small, 20 seat BYOB place. We had their Sunday night wine dinner for $40 which included five courses of tasty food...highlights of our meal included a warm, silky cauliflower soup; amazing ravioli stuffed with ricotta & parsnips; a steak with roasted parsnips, purple carrots, and turnips; and lastly -- the best dish of the meal -- pot de creme with praline and caramel. OMG! This meal was an incredible bargain for the five courses. Couple of things to note -- reservations are highly recommended and they are cash only.
(4)Jessica S.
Wow. This was such an unexpected wonderful treat. I can't believe it's taken me so very long to visit this petite dining room after living so nearby for so long. I made a somewhat last minute reservation on a Saturday night for 8:15pm, got called almost immediately by the restaurant reminding me that they are "byob and cash only." I didn't need the reminder, but good that they are very serious about this as to not to leave any diner dry. After arriving at this teeny tiny spot, I was surprised that I found such a last minute table on a Saturday night. There's just about 8-9 tables here? Thought I didn't find any tables super close together and I certainly wasn't claustrophobic or cramped. The vibe is just relaxed, kinda New England style rustic. Is that a thing? If not it is now. I hear they have a $40 tasting menu on Sundays (which I'll be back for!), but for Saturday it was all a la carte. The menu is small and at least the night we were there, without specials. The menu changes very frequently, almost daily, we were told, due to availability of local ingredients. Me and DM had some of the absolute best food we've had in the city in a while. Like, hands down, 5+ stars for this meal. OUTSTANDING. Grilled octopus salad and cauliflower soup for starters, and seared bass and a duroc pork chop for entrees. I don't even really like pork chops, this one was ridiculous. My fish was so perfectly spiced and seared, I was left feeling like I'll never be able to have a perfect sear to live up to this one. Dessert was a pineapple upside down cake that was a perfect finish to the meal. You can't go wrong with BYOB, and we brought a Barolo that paired really well with all of the earthy flavors. It complemented the very romantic feeling we had here very nicely. How spoiled! I will most definitely be coming back here, and soon. I want to bring everyone I know who is a food lover here and enjoy the lovely ambiance and stellar cooking again. There is no longer any surprise to me that this restaurant was recently very highly (top 5) rated in Philly Mag top 50 best restaurants of 2015. Thank you, Pumpkin!
(5)Amanda M.
Despite my excitement for trying Pumpkin, my visit got off to a rough start. The day of my reservation, I received FIVE phone calls about confirming. I'm in school and couldn't answer the first three - when I called back during lunch, I found that I could only leave a message, not actually talk to someone. Apparently nobody checks those messages, because I received two more calls before finally being able to answer and confirm that yes, I was coming. I get that you want to fill every table at a small place... but c'mon. When I did arrive, I was rather surprised to see just how tiny the restaurant was. The host/waiter (he seemed to be doing double duty) offered to take our coats, which was gratefully accepted because there was really no room for them at the table. Expect to sit absurdly close to your neighbors. We ordered everything at once, as is the custom for Restaurant week, and the whole meal was finished in about an hour. I started with the cauliflower soup - pureed cauliflower served over a few veggies. Piping hot, I had to wait a few minutes before being able to try it, but when I did, it was delicious - perhaps even the best part of the meal. As an entree, I had the rainbow trout - it was ok, but I wasn't terribly impressed. No strong flavoring, and it wasn't served with much on the side. For dessert, I had the malted milk pot, which was very good. I think I would have perhaps been happier with just the appetizer and dessert! Not sure I would come back, as it seems fairly difficult to get in on a weekend and the prices are high. To be honest, there are enough other places in the city that I'd prefer to spend my money.
(3)Casey B.
Can't believe it took me this long to try this place, but I'm glad I did. Suuuuuper cozy lil BYO (ie. packed in there like sardines) but I really didn't mind. First thing's first, I must comment on the two random, unimportant-in-the-grand-scheme-of-things details that ultimately won me over. 1. The bread, which is delicious on its own, is served with olive oil with a crushed roasted garlic clove in it. BE MORE DELICIOUS- OH WAIT, YOU CAN'T. Bread everywhere else now dims in comparison. 2. Sent us home with two lil packets of pumpkin seeds. Ya know, cause the place is called Pumpkin. How cute are you? On to the food. We ordered: spanish rock octopus- this was good, garlicky, and not weird and rubbery the way I always imagined octopus would taste before I became an adult and decided not to judge things I've never even eaten. wild duxbury mussels- these were over-the-top good, but I can't tell if that's just because I was majorly craving mussels. Broth was saffron/vermouth/dijon mustard, and was also an excellent vehicle for bread-dipping. striped bass- i ordered this solely because it was served with white beans. I'm talkin big, buttery white beans cooked to perfection. It was served in a lightly herbed broth and came with rapini, which I found a little bitter. The fish, though, was fantastic. Perfectly cooked and not overly fishy. arctic charr- my boyfriend ordered this because the description said 'borscht, horseradish and smoked turnip'. Not so sure how/where the borscht was involved in this one, but the fish was, again, very tasty. side of potatoes- these came plain, roasted with olive oil and lightly salted. Good, but could have been more flavorful. Pricewise, slightly on the more expensive side, but could be worse. Our bill was $100 for everything above. I probably would have given this place 3 1/2 stars if that was an option, but I will definitely come back and order differently to get a fuller picture of how I feel about it. For sure worth trying, though.
(4)Herbie H.
I was excited to try Pumpkin, especially after reading their write-up in Philly Mag's Best Restaurant issue. My expectations may have been on the high side, but overall, the meal was fine. I think my mistake was going for Restaurant Week. As a few other reviews have mentioned, I was underwhelmed by the food. I ordered the Cauliflower Soup, the Berkshire Pork, and the Pot de Creme. I enjoyed all of my dishes just fine (the soup and dessert were high points of the meal), but I left wanting more... something. More impact? More flavor? More wow-factor? The Cauliflower Soup was delicious - silky, creamy, and flavorful with the bits of extra flavor (quince, etc.) My boyfriend ordered the Lamb Ragout, which was okay. The ragout had a lot of flavor, but wasn't as satisfying as my soup. The Berkshire Pork left me scratching my head a bit. It was a reasonably enjoyable entree (pork was cooked well, the sauerkraut was flavorful, presentation was nice) - but the knackwurst seemed an odd choice. I won't pretend to know what the chef was going for, but it read to me like trying to do high-brow/low-brow...and kind of falling in the middle. I sampled some of the trout, and it was kind of light and bland. I did enjoy my dessert, a small portion that packed a lot of flavor. Service was decent, but we were in and out in an hour flat - something that is rare at a more upscale/highly reviewed restaurant like this. I can't really give Pumpkin a bad review - I ultimately enjoyed my meal. I was just expecting...more. Maybe their standard menu is better.
(3)Gretchen E.
Perhaps the 4 stars is because I built up too much anticipation for this meal. To celebrate we dined at pumpkin this March. The menu items we ordered are no longer offered, so I won't go into detail. (Plus, my pictures speak for themselves.) Rather I will review general highlights. The tasting menu is a good bet. Appetizer, entree, dessert. Bread with oil. Standard fare. The scallops taste fresh and creamy on the tongue. The broths are not too buttery or oily. I absolutely loved my seafood stew dish, however would've liked more seafood. There was like one mussel. The service was lovely. Our waiter was personable and quick to refill water. What knocks a star is the tight squeeze. The ambiance is dark, intimate, and soft, so you cannot help but hear everything your neighbor tables say. It's also a bit awkward squeezing in and out of your space. Luckily we had commonalities with our neighbors and made friends. The same will likely happen to you. Going to Pumpkin is like being on vacation, everyone is in a good mood and happy to make your acquaintance for the benefit of all.
(4)Gautam G.
One of the top 50 restaurants per PhillyMag and it did not disappoint! Its a small and quaint restaurant. Service was great. Food was spectacular. We had the sunday prix fixe menu which was well priced and had a good deal of food. Would highly recommend trying their steak and trying their desserts. Remember its BYOB and cash only. Enjoy!
(5)Majlinda K.
Pumpkin - I really wanted you to be in my top restaurants in the city, unfortunately it was not the case. The place is small and you are sitting awfully close to the people next to you, but that's the case in most place in the city these days. I got the strip steak which came with maitake mushrooms and root vegetables. The steak itself was pretty tasty and flavorful but it literally came with one tiny piece of potato, one piece of mushroom and one small piece of carrot and they were not exactly flavorful. I would suggest sautéing the vegetables so they can complement the steak better. Also for $30 for that entrée, it was definitely a little overpriced, don't get me wrong the steak was good, but for that price I expected better. Overall my experience was pretty average, I guess I had my hope way too high. Oh just a little head's up its BYOB and Cash only.
(3)Corey M.
It may be a little pricey, but it's unbelievably worth it. Pumpkin totally keeps Philadelphia fresh. All their ingredient are fresh and local and it shows. I've been here twice, both of Sundays during their 5 course menus. We called ahead of time to tell them we eat only fish and no meat. They happily obliged. From beginning to end it was a fantastic experience and I recommend to anyone.
(4)Carla F.
While the menu is inventive and the food is fresh, I still find this place to be so-so.
(3)Alexandra G.
I went to Pumpkin this week with friends after month of having it on my 'list'. There was 5 of us who haven't seen each other in a while so in Pumpkin's defense maybe we should have picked a bigger place. The restaurant is adorable and the greeter was nice but I have very choice words for our waitress. She was very animated which at first seemed nice but we soon realized how fake it was. When we asked us for a minute to look at the menu she gave us a stern face and pointed at her watched with a few other rude comments and looks. Her saving grace was that she did listen in to see we were celebrating a birthday and graduation so she brought candle but it wasn't worth being so rude. The food was great, small portions which I expected but definitely a great meal. After I left I spoke with other friends that want to try Pumpkin and I told them they should we just had a bad waitress. Maybe Pumpkin is a restaurant that it's the 'experience' to have a rude waitress but I really don't think that is the case. I wish I knew her name so I could warn all of you but unfortunately I did not. Enjoy the meal but don't expect the top service. Philly is so lucky to have so many great BYOBs... so I highly doubt I would go out of my way to have rude service again. The pumpkin seeds they bring with the check are so good!!!
(3)Elle D.
I took my boyfriend to Pumpkin for date night, and we were very happy with our overall night! With its cozy atmosphere and candlelight, it certainly is a great spot for a romantic night out! The menu here changes regularly to reflect seasonal food. We enjoyed our pumpkin soup, and wild bass. It is also BYOB which is great! Just as a heads up, it is on the pricey side!
(4)E. F.
Great food and attentive service! The chilled beet soup has a refreshing taste with cucumber. The asparagus with beets was the most delicious plate. It was cooked well and the vegetables were quite fresh. I opted for scallops as the entrée and they were perfectly cooked. Definitely recommend. Keep in mind it is BYOB and cash only, got a gentle reminder as I was seated.
(4)Micaela M.
My boyfriend and I enjoyed the Sunday Suppers prix-fixe here last weekend on a whim. We made a reservation online earlier in the day, and then grabbed a couple beers when it was time and walked over. It was an unassuming start to a pretty perfect, casual Sunday date night. We were shown our table and served by Kim, who set the tone for an amazing night straight away with her bright smile and warm welcome. I don't usually remember names, but she was that fantastic! We never wanted for anything - for example, she always came at the perfect time to have us choose a new beer from the stash we brought, which was kindly kept cold in the kitchen through our meal. Between the two of us, we were able to try the whole prix-fixe menu. The cauliflower soup, which is on their regular menu, was a strong start. We loved this soup! Another favorite for me was the Spanish rock octopus, which was perfectly tender and paired with chorizo. $40 each for five courses and BYOB is a pretty stellar deal already, but with the quality of the food at Pumpkin, it felt like a STEAL. The place is small and it was busy through the time we were there, so I think reservations (even if done earlier in the day like in our case) are a must. I hope to be back and try more prix-fixe menus!
(4)Matt D.
My wife and I went for the Sunday prix fix menu and were satisfied with the food and service. The service was above average and the food ranged from average to above average. Overall, it met our expectations for price, flavor, and ambiance but lacked the wow-factor of a 5-star restaurant. Our courses were cauliflower soup, octopus with chorizo and peppers, gnocchi with duck bolognese, cheese, lamb shoulder, mackerel, butterscotch crime, and chocolate cake. The cauliflower soup was a bit underseasoned, but the apple slices were a pleasant addition and the pumpkin seeds gave the soup a good texture. The second course was our favorite of the evening. My favorite bite of the meal was the chorizo with potato and peppers. The well rounded mix of spice, heat, and texture from the potatoes made it a highlight. The octopus was cooked very well and had a nice, crisp flavor. The gnocchi was also delicious, fresh, and delicate and the sauce had a nice balance of duck and bolognese. The third course of cheese was underwhelming and was our least favorite of the evening. The cheese did not mix well with the grapes, sauce, and salad and felt like two separate dishes on the same plate. The fourth course of mackerel and lamb shoulder was pretty good, with the mackerel edging out the lamb. My lamb was slightly dry for my taste, and the delicious sauce was a bit runny to accompany the meat. The mackerel had a nice char and was very moist. It also felt like a more complete dish with the mussels and beans. I'm drawing a blank on the specifics of the deserts, but they were both pretty good. I remember there was a custard, which I liked, and a chocolate cake that seemed run of the mill. Overall, pretty good, but not blow-my-socks off. There's a good chance we would go back at some point for a special occasion because it's that kind of place.
(4)Suzanne H.
I love Pumpkin! It's very small and intimate so may not be the right choice for a romantic dinner! The food is creative , fresh and expertly prepared. Menu highlights: Berkshire grilled pork chop with grilled Napa cabbage and white peaches, grilled shrimp appetizer and the Pot de creme. You definitely need a reservation! The restaurant is a BYOB and only accepts cash.
(4)David D.
This was our first time here. Our party of six enjoyed the 3 course pre fix, the courses were awesome . Our server was also 5 star! My dinner guest where talking about this dining experience all weekend. Next time we are in Philadelphia we will make this resturant a priority.
(5)Michael A.
Had a great meal here. Only bad reviews called gazpacho "cold soup".... Anyhow the gazpacho was amazing served over sorbet. Entrees where perfect portioned and done perfectly. Wife had one of the "best steaks ever" I don't think you would eat here every night but when you do you will have a great meal.
(5)Elizabeth C.
Great place to go to with friends for a fun night out. The staff was very nice to us, the place is clean, the food is tasty. I would come again.
(4)Kimberly Y.
Probably more of a 4.5, but the service was so nice that I'll round it up! Plus, it's a 1000-point OpenTable restaurant, so essentially it's like $10 off your meal. The food was great, but a little over-seasoned. I ordered the sea bass, and my s/o had the pork chop (which was huge). Whereas some restaurants try to bring out the flavor of the meat, Pumpkin prefers to add a lot of spices and sauces to the plate (and I like blander food)... but that being said, it was still very tasty. My sea bass in particular looked amazing and tasted just as tender. Unfortunately, I deleted my photos before I uploaded them here (looks like I'll be paying Pumpkin another visit!). Though the inside of the restaurant is simple, I think it looks better that way since it's such a small place. All the colors and decorations go well together, and I even took a picture since it looked so cute (unfortunately, also deleted). Location is great; I love South Street! The only problem is that it's pretty small, so I would recommend making reservations or coming early! It may also be hard to bring large groups here for a BYO. The service was excellent and attentive, but that was probably because we were one of three tables in the restaurant (we ate early). Everyone was nice, patient, and made sure we had what we needed. At the end of the meal, they also give each person a packet of pumpkin seeds--very cute touch!
(5)Beth K.
We went here for Easter dinner and had a wonderful meal off their tasting menu at a great price.
(4)Jennifer C.
I went here with a friend during restaurant week and while I am still excited to try their full menu that I have heard many good things about, I was underwhelmed by their restaurant week menu. For appetizers, we got the cauliflower soup and lamb ragout - the lamb was tasty but was a small portion and wouldn't be my first choice for an appetizer again. The cauliflower soup was delicious and creamy and my friend devoured it. Second course we both got the Berkshire pork loins. I thought it tasted fine, but definitely expected something more unique and flavorful while my friend simply said it tasted like a hotdog. On second thought, I guess I really couldn't disagree with that either. The desserts we ordered - almond financier and pot de creme - were both delicious and were in my opinion the best course of the meal. Overall, eh for restaurant week. The wait staff was attentive and it's a BYO which is always great and made the night enjoyable, but am aiming to go back and try the full menu at some point.
(3)Meg R.
Overpriced- food was okay. The waitress was wayyyy over the top and loud in the small, quiet restaurant. Will not be back.
(2)Alison S.
Service: HORRIBLE. The reason for only two stars is pretty much because of the service (and the fact that I've heard awesome things about the food, but I was not impressed). Five of my girlfriends and I came on a Saturday night and had 8:45 reservations, but were not seated until 9:00. Once seated, the waiter nicely opened our wine for us and gave us time to look at the menu. He finally came back to take our order and my friend asked if the chef could possibly make sure that none of what she ordered is placed anywhere near the hazelnut dish that they had on the menu that night (my friend is severely allergic to hazelnuts). The waiter then processed to say "well I haven't killed anyone yet, so I'm sure you'll be fine." I'm sorry, WHAT? Actually, she could definitely die if anything that she ate was close to a hazelnut, but thanks for your concern douche. Our food came out in a reasonable time, but the waiter forgot one of our sides which came out and was disgusting (see the butternut squash review below). Once we were done our dinners, the server cleared the table and we proceeded to enjoy our wine and have the usual after dinner girl talk. Around 10:45, we were having a good conversation and a random server came out and started clearing ALL of our water and wine glasses. I mean EVERYTHING. I had wine left in my glass and he grabbed it from in front of me stating, "I just want to get all of these in the dishwasher thanks." Again. IM SORRY WHAT? It was now 11:15 and the restaurant doesn't close until 12:00. I then asked for my glass back and we all finished the rest of the wine by sharing from this one glass since but cleared everyone else's. At this point I was going to stay until 12:00am on the dot just because I was so annoyed. The kicker was around 11:40 when our server brought us our jackets and said, "I am just going to put these on the table behind you." We finally decided to chug our wine and get the F out. Needless to say, I will not be going back there and believe that this place is completely overrated. Food: JUST OK. The appetizers were pretty good. We shared the mussels and the burrata. The mussels were amazing actually, but burrata was eh. We also ordered the roasted butternut squash as a side, which was not good. It tasted sour and honestly there was no one at the table who didn't spit it out. As for entrees, two of my friends ordered the sea bass, which they believed was undercooked and in a weird red sauce. Two of us had the steak, which was probably the best entree out of them all. The sear was amazing. I also tasted the pork dish that my friend got and had good flavor, but I wasn't overly impressed. Anyway, I really don't write a lot of reviews on here, but felt I needed to considering how excited I was to eat here and how disappointed I am now.
(2)Jacquie D.
This is a cute little restaurant with fantastic service. Open table allowed us to make reservations on blacked out dates and Pumpkin had to call and inform us about this a few days later and the hostess said she would make up for it. We didn't find time to go there after this cancellation until about 7 months after and at the end of our meal the owner came over and apologized for the error, while taking care of some things on our check. That to me was amazing. Also everything we ate was fantastic and cooked to perfection.
(5)Nora S.
Pretty much lost for words! We were seated within 5 minutes of, arriving. Our server was gracious and seated us We had rhe octopus and cauliflower soup. Pork chop striped bass!! So good! So,happy we,made this choice!
(5)Payal P.
malted milk pot de creme heirloom pumpkin soup tuna crudo striped bass burrata with beets and salsa verde that is my order from most favorite down to just pretty good from the sunday tasting i went to this past weekend. i went with others so i was able to sample the whole menu but above were my choices. i am not a dessert person so the fact that my absolute favorite thing was the dessert, says A LOT! everything was fresh and delicious, the wait staff was friendly and knowledgeable...aside for a silly question about what animal the burrata came from....after a lot of back and forth, we were confirmed with cow (this was just sheer curiosity). all this food (real portions and all) for $40 a head is an incredibly good deal...make a reservation and make it quick, it seems to be booked on good times about 2 weeks out and completely booked before the week of so just risk it and reserve!
(5)Omar B.
We did the 5 course prix fixe. And it was awesome!! One of the best meal I ever had in Philly! Every thing was cooked to perfection! This place is a hidden gem! I would eat there every weekend if possible!
(5)Abby W.
Sweet Jesus. It's been about a month since I had dinner here but I still remember it like it was yesterday. Pumpkin is one of those places that has been around forever and I've always heard good things about it, but I never found a reason to go. I'm generally not big on the BYO scene because I'm more of a cocktail fan than a wine drinker and I don't drink often, so I use going out to dinner as my excuse to get tipsy. I planned ahead for this meal and met up with a friend for drinks beforehand and scheduled a late dinner on a Saturday night (1000 Open table points hell yeah!). We each got an app to start- I went with the lamb garganelli and she got the scallops. The scallop dish came with two big scallops, which I felt was a good value, and they were really delicious. The lamb ragu on the pasta was phenomenal - I attempted to re-create it at home a week later. The fresh mint really made it work. I wasn't as fond of their pasta choice - garganelli is like a small penne pasta but I would have preferred it with fusilli. It was hearty, spicy, and really delicious though. I ate it all. We both ended up getting the same entree, the duck cassoulet. I really enjoyed it, but my duck was incredibly salty and when I compared it to a bite of B's hers was just right. Not sure how that happened but it was definitely on the salty side, even for this salt fiend. That being said, I heated up the leftover beans, blood sausage, and duck the next day, topped it off with a fried egg, and had the most epically delicious post-gym breakfast of all time.Then I took a nap. We also got dessert to share - the malted milk pot de creme. Order this!!! It is one of the best restaurant desserts I've ever had. It was glorious- smooth, creamy, crunchy bits, just sweet enough. Total damage was about $100 before tip, so this place is not cheap. It was a bit pricier than I expected once I saw the menu actually, but I felt it was worth every penny. Definitely a special occasion meal for the future. Also, are there more than 6 tables in this place? It felt like the tiniest restaurant I've ever been in which is saying something for Philly. Reservations very much needed.
(5)Minh C.
I would give Pumpkin five stars for its appetizers and entrees, but the restaurant lacked a couple key elements that brought it down to three stars. The bread came with roasted garlic olive oil, which was a nice twist. We started off with the barenegat light scallops with chorizo and squid ink ragout, as well as the cured king salmon with sweet potato, corn, and habanero. The scallops were tenderly cooked and paired with what tasted and looked like jello! That was a total surprise. The cured king salmon was delicious - in a mouthful there were the salmon, popcorn, and sweet potato in a sorbet format. I was expecting the sweet potato to be warm and mushy, but the second the bite hit my taste buds, the cold and sweetness of the sorbet lit me up and I didn't want to share the other half. For the entree portion, we both had the arctic char - a freshwater fish found way north - with a lobster vinaigrette. The fish was cooked perfectly, and being true to the fish's name, the chef left a nice char on it. There is quite a bit oil on this plate, and perhaps could be made a bit less greasy / heavy. For dessert, we had the lemon chiffon cake and warm chocolate cake. Both were blah. The savory dishes were definitely on a different playing field as the desserts. Onto non-food elements...Pumpkin is a small little joint, with the seating area no bigger than my Philly apartment. I was told that the restaurant had reconfigured the seating arrangements, taking out a couple tables to give more space in between each table. Despite the good intentions, the spacing is still a little tight. As a result, our waiter alternated between bumping into my head and my shoulders (insert shampoo advertisement) several times throughout the night. Since the restaurant is so small, that means there's a lot of loud conversations packed into a very confined space. So, be prepared to scream all night. The waiter himself wasn't that stellar either. He lacked grace - aside from bumping into me, he just didn't know how to gracefully interrupt a conversation. Instead, he just started talking and expected us to shift our attention to him. Further, when he brought out our two desserts (and without any indication from us that we cared), he started talking to us like we were children, explaining that he couldn't put both dishes in the center because the plates combined were wider than the width of the table. Yeah, thanks for the geometry lesson. Pumpkin is also a cash-only joint. For a restaurant where the cost per head can be ~$70, it's a little absurd they can't eat the credit card fees or pass it on to the consumers. It was even worse when the waiter came back to tell us he had to go across the street to break a twenty. I'd expect that from a place that took credit cards, but for a cash only place?? Lastly, the receipt is handwritten. For most folks this is unimportant. But, for someone who's on a business dinner and needs to file it as an expense, a handwritten receipt is not going to fly with the expense team. Since it's cash-only, there's also no credit card statement as supporting evidence. Urgh, Pumpkin!
(3)Christina H.
Went with a friend for dinner on a Saturday night. Neither of us liked our dishes. My fish was over cooked an salty. Additionally, we were asked to leave because the next party had arrived. Mind you, we were on time for our reservation and had been there for less than an hour.
(2)Lou L.
Loved everything. Byob at its finest. Scallops were wonderful, beet salad was perfect. I love how they make great use of such a small space. I will be coming back
(5)Abdulelah A.
The food Was Delicious and Very top notch. the reason I gave it a four is the steak was good but it felt a little tough wish they made it more tender.
(4)Mags M.
Went for a Friday dinner. The host was friendly and we got seated promptly. The food was good - from the reviews and the prices (NY prices for a Philly BYOB? I better be blown away!), I expected more. The black bass was tasty but the star was the Pot de Creme for dessert. Service though was another story. We waited at least 30 minutes in between courses from when our plates were cleared. No apologies. When I asked my waitress if our entrees would be coming soon, she couldn't have cared less. There are so many other delicious restaurants with better service and prices that I will not be coming back to this one.
(2)Kristen T.
I LOVE the food here. I think "special" is a good word to describe your dining experience at Pumpkin. Delicious, fresh, unique, and very well executed. My only complaint is that they have changed the interior. It is now rather cramped to be honest. If you don't mind bumping elbows with the person next to you, which I personally don't considering the food here is out of this world, then go to Pumpkin. In my opinion, Pumpkin is the BEST of the "fresh/farm to table/local/seasonal ingredients" type restaurants in Philadelphia.
(5)ruth y.
What has happened to customer service.? Making diners feel welcome and appreciated. I should have taken the cue when I called one week in advance to confirm my reservation and ask if I could push my 530 pm reservation until 6:00 pm. I was told by the host"we need the table back by 7:15 ", loudly, firmly and passionately. We arrived at 5: 30 pm on the dot, to see one other table of two dinning and the host did not turn and greet us but said, "you will have to wait a moment " we greeted him with a "good evening". He couldn't lift his head from the computer screen and when he did engage he inquired if we had a reservation. We bought a bottle of white wine with us and at no time were we asked if it could be put in a bucket of ice. Our server poured us the first class and never touched the bottle again. She took every opportunity to correct us on our pronounation of the dishes and added a chill to the air even though I tried to make her feel comfortable and welcome with compliments. Now to the food. I had the foie gras excellent my husband had the pasta with Lamb Ragu, huge disappointment, tsp of Ragu totally bland, I had the Strip Bass with roasted carrots, carrots amazing fish dry and under seasoned. My husband's Strip Steak, server never inquired what temp to prepare it to, the meat was under flavored and served as a very thick cut of steak, if the Chef took the time and sliced it on the bias it would have been more edible. My husband also request the bacon Au jus to be served on the side, it was not served at all and the Chef served it with a completed different sauce never checking with him first. Dessert chocolate cake with Goat Carmel, dried cherries and coconut ice cream excellent. Decaf coffee delicious, although when I requested if it was possible to have honey instead of sugar I was given a clear and distinct disapproving look. But it was worth it , the honey was dark, rich and not overly sweet, perfection. Pumpkin has been around for a longtime, I believe since 2007, in those 8 years I have eaten there over 15 times, Shame on you ! This is the city of Brother Love and Hospitality. I hope this was just a bad night for a restaurant who I held in high esteem.
(2)Mr P.
Given how busy this place is, I feel lucky to get a reservation on Friday night on very short notice. Walked in and was immediately impressed. I am not one who go ga ga over deco, but the decoration was very low key and plessent. For a small restaurant, it also feels spacious. Most small places are so tightly pack, hack even for some bigger restaruants, you feel so intimate with the persons sitting next to you, and the waiter is going to drop something on your head every time he squeez by behind you. Enough about the place, the food is what I came here for. We ordered shared the octopus, tomatoe salad, rosotto, and steak. They were all excellent. The rock octopus was tender and delicious; the tomatoe renewed my search for these elusive tasty fruits that everyone is talking about, now I know they can be had; the rosotto appitizer went very well with the steak which hit the spot since I was in the mood for some raw red meat; the lightly pickled vegie that came with the steak was a surprise, it kind of keep your palet clear so can appreciate the meat more. The waiter was excellent, attentitive but not intrusive.
(5)Jessica B.
I have been here twice now and both times had just hands down a great experience! The first time I went was on a Sunday and we got a great surprise when we found out they do Sunday tasting menus. A chilled beet soup to start then you chose between two options for appetizer, entre and dessert. Of course we tried one of everything - I have to admit we were weary of the soup but it was SO good, perfect for summer, light but super flavorful with just a touch of pickled beet. The two appetizers were totally opposite from each other - a light and citrusy salmon tar-tar and an earthy escargot with lentils - both great and the contrast is perfect for those who like to share and try everything. One entre was a beef dish the other was fish and both again were fantastic! By the time we were done I could barely fit in the dissert... but I did of course and it didn't disappoint. The second time I went it was a regular Saturday night, we could only get 5:30 reservations and the small place was still full! That being said I'll take a second to comment on how much I love the atmosphere of the restaurant, it is so cozy and warm. We got two appetizers - the scallops and the risotto - I'm not even a big scallop fan but these were cooked so beautifully and the flavors were so on point that I gobbled up my portion. On the other hand I do LOVE risotto, I always compare it to when I lived in Italy though, and Pumpkin's belongs among the top of the list. We then shared the special of the night a New York Strip with rustic vegetables and horseradish cream It melts in your mouth! And the side of white beans with beef cheek - my friend commented that it was a fancy version of franks and beans - and it was delicious, if not a little rich, definitely something to be shared, I'm not sure if we could finish it by ourselves.
(5)Sean E.
Really intimate setting, food was absolutely delicious. Little cheeky with the already added gratuity, but was great service too so it's all good.
(4)Melissa P.
LOVE IT. Brought friends from out of town here and we had the BEST time! I'd been wanting to try Pumpkin forever, and when I had friends coming and found out we could get 1000 Opentable points for a reservation (Thursday at 9, but other times were available) it was a done deal. I also just got the City Dining Cards and there's one for Pumpkin (half the reason I bought them). The atmosphere is great: intimate, low lighting, not too many seats, roomy tables, but not too loud. The service was wonderful: the waitress took our coats, and was SUPER helpful about describing (in detail) everything we asked her about (which was pretty much everything on the menu). When someone says, "these are the best scallops I've ever had" and describes raw fish like it's a piece of art, you listen. THE FOOD (see photos) Kanpachi Crudo-with pomegranate seeds, mustard seeds, and Asian pear: this was my favorite, so fresh, the raw fish just melted in your mouth, the flavors were amazing together, and just the right amount of kick. Scallops- with lentils and beets: these were my friend's favorite, pan seared perfection and amazing (only 3 though, so don't order if you are more than 3). Beef Cheeks-with black garlic and root vegetables: SO TENDER. the meat just fell off at the touch of a fork, the orange flavor was amazing but not overpowering, sauce was delicious, and vegetables were cooked great too. Monkfish-with brussel sprouts, potatoes, and creme fraiche: the waitress described this as a "deconstructed chowder" and it was really good. Fluke- with artichoke puree, trumpet mushrooms and read wine: my friend described it as "the best thing she'd eaten in a looooong time." Cooked perfectly and delicious. Creamed Spinach- with gruyere: crunchy on top, delicious all over. Chocolate cake-with banana caramel, coconut, passion fruit sorbet. DELICIOUS and the perfect way to end a perfect meal. Crunchy delicious bits of chocolate/cookie crumbs/coconut, delicious caramel drenched bananas, moist, rich chocolate cake, topped with great sorbet. After the appetizers and main course and sides, we were pretty full. The portions look small but the food was so delicious that we really savored it and it ended up being more than enough food. But when the dessert menu came around we couldn't resist and as my out of town friends said "you only go to Pumpkin once!" (hopefully that's not true) so we ordered dessert and I was glad we did. We were working on a good amount of wine and were the last people in the restaurant but they were super sweet about letting us stay as long as we wanted and we did not feel pressured at all even though they were clearly closing. And the seeds they send you home with are just icing on the cake. HIGHLY RECOMMEND AND CAN'T WAIT TO GO BACK!
(5)Uliana S.
I always wanted to try Pumpkin but my boyfriend already ate there and didn't like it. Last Friday I decided to book a table there regardless. I'm so happy I did and so is my boyfriend. Pumpkin is a cute little place with lots of charm and personality. The menu changes very often so I'm not sure if the description of the dishes is very helpful. Anyways we ordered Spanish rock octopus, escargot, risotto and steak. All four items were amazing. I always order octopus if it's on the mane and this one was the best I've ever tried. I would normally give 5 stars for this kind of experience but I had to take one star for the sides. I think it's outrages to charge $8 for a raw sliced tomato with some sea salt.
(4)Catherine L.
Am so pleased that Pumpkin is still on the market - available if you will - single and ready to mingle! I remember when she first came on the scene, ready to make a splash - she took up residence a in a pretty white boring box and served some pretty good food. I went out with her again a couple times, but I never called her back. You know, my life was really complicated back then. Fast forward years later - she's got a whole new look, a makeover, and her menu it seems, more exciting, elegant, changing as the market and the seasons demand (different every week - sometimes days), and wow! So beautiful and so delicious. I'm ready to make a commitment. With its renovated interiors (romantic lighting, reclaimed wood), intimate but roomy seating despite the tiny dining room, the whole place is perfect for a lovely night out. The plating is simply gorgeous (the likes of which I have not seen in quite a while) - and the food is well executed. Service is attentive, involved (pouring us wine, providing fresh glasses between bottles - not common at most Philly BYOBs) and knowledgeable. Pumpkin prides itself on using local and sustainable products wherever possible - and it shows. Solid appetizers, entrées and the most delectable dessert (Flavors of a Banana Foster! yummers) -make for a good, responsible meal -
(4)Katie R.
This is a great little BYO in the Rittenhouse area for a small dinner. The restaurant itself is tiny, so come with a small group (no more than 5-6, tops) and make sure to get a reservation in advance. The menu is pretty small with 5-6 main items, but they change it fairly regularly to adjust to the seasons. This can be both good and bad. I've been there before and not really seen anything that I liked much (especially since I have a dairy allergy), but then I went back a few weeks ago and loved my meal. End result: I'm somewhere between 3-4 stars on this one based on food. I settled on 4 because I have had 4-worthy food here, and I've never been with someone who didn't enjoy their meal.
(4)Brian H.
If you are a "foodie", you "get" this place. If not, you won't....simple as that. Presentation and creativity wins here. And the textures of the adorning crisp vegetables, the depth of flavor of the food, actually have you dropping superlative adjectives as you eat, e.g. "this is fucking amazing". When the plates appear in front of you, the conversation at the table jumps from whatever topic (whether it be some bullshit family issue or sex later that evening) to the food, the artistry on the plate, and how the buds on your tongue respond...oh my. Starting with the service, every server helped out at this 39 seat cozy gem, and each person had a happy, pleasant disposition. Even the chefs in the kitchen beyond the doorway were smiling, and on a busy Saturday night no less. Their verbal description of the items on the menu was from a root of knowledge, not just brain cramming prior to opening. The dinner was well paced, and never had to turn over my shoulder to seek attention. For apps, we had a delicious cauliflower veloute, a nice creamy soup with wonderful additions for garnishment and palate pleasure. Also, the spring lamb terrine was fascinating, and complimented perfectly with amazing pickled vegetables. Entrees ordered were the Arctic Char, an excellent fresh piece of the tender white fish with crispy skin served up, oh how I love crispy skin, served with artichoke hearts and a blend of crisp, colorful, eye and mouth pleasing textures and flavors. The pork "two ways" were sliced pork loin and pork belly, very tender, delectable pieces of pork, and the shell beans served with the dish were to die for. For dessert we split the Peanut Butter pot de creme. Very creative peanut butter custard with bourbon marinated raisins and crushed peanuts added for texture topped with a very smooth and creamy cream. It was dreamy ;-)
(5)Tyler L.
This place is intimate (or tiny depending on your point of view) and I liked the atmosphere immediately. I have been so friggin' busy with work lately that I haven't been able to review very much, so this meal was from back in August...sorry for the delay. I can't remember the appetizer, but remember it being a lot of ingredients that I wouldn't have thought about putting together and that it was good. I then had hanger steak for dinner and it very good for that cut of steak. Much more tender than I would expect from a hanger. This place also has a very unique clientele and the people watching that my gf and I enjoyed that night definitely made the experience more enjoyable. There was this kid sitting next to our table commenting on every sip of his wine and his gf/who knows what was writing down every word. I had a hard time not laughing out loud (and the wine was like a $10 bottle of wine...if you are going to act that ridiculously pretentious please do so with good wine). There were others that I could write about, but I'll keep this review about the food. Overall it was very good and I would go back for sure. My only complaint is that it was uncomfortably hot in there...like I was sweating. They must not have had A.C. or something. Anyways, still very strong little spot...I'm a fan.
(4)Lauren C.
I think the food is wonderful at Pumpkin. I have only dined here twice, first when they had just opened and again a few years later. I love that it is a BYO. The food is truly delicious. The intimate atmosphere is great for dates or a small party. If you know Philly, you don't mind that it is cash only, that's standard in this city. Plan ahead. :)
(5)Steve S.
First time back since our first visit 4 yrs ago. The food is still exceptional and the staff & service is perfect. We loved the new decor with the reclaimed wood walls - absolutely awesome! The meal: The escargot was phenomenal - and very different form the usual preparation. The fluke was great. The duck while very good, was over salted (maybe too much in a brine?). It was close to crossing the line where we would want to ask for something else - but it didn't cross the line and we were still able to enjoy it. But that's why I gave 4 not 5 stars. Had both sides available that evening: broccoli rabe and a white bean cassoulet? Both were exceptional! Also got the pumpkin bread and accompaniments for dessert - it was very good, but the bread seemed to be missing a little something. Oh, the coffee was one of the best 2 cups I've had in a restaurant in a long time. Great rich, bold flavor - and freshly brewed (or at least kept in an air pot after it was brewed). There's way too many good restaurants that screw up making a good cup of coffee.
(4)R. O.
BYOB, cash only! An absolutely lovely experience. Intimate atmosphere, and top notch food with gorgeous presentation. My husband and I dine out often so it's wonderful to be able to still find a restaurant that surprises us with new pairings and flavors. The scallops were perfection, the escargot was refreshing and light (as opposed to being drowned in butter or pesto - they're delicious that way too, but heavy!), and the veal tongue was presented with so many other complementary flavors that it was hard to decide which combo was our favorite. The pork entree was presented very simply in a way that showcased spring/summer beans and the mild sweetness of the meat itself. I loooved the butterscotch pudding dessert as it was a small serving and not too sweet. The bourbon raisins that came with it were amazing. Service was spot-on and very friendly! We had a couple dietary restrictions at the table that could have complicated things but they took it all in stride. Bravo, Pumpkin!
(5)D M.
The food gods were with us last night. Had plans to have dinner at Audrey Claire but wait was hours. Walked to a few others spots...all the same. Took a. Nance and called pumpkin..and we got in. Amazing experience. First time there. Really small and well done space. Service and food were amazing. Highly recommend it!
(5)Elizabeth D.
Pumpkin is a very charming BYOB on South Street. I absolutely loved trying their $35 Sunday tasting menu. It's five courses (but you can choose your appetizer and entree). My tasting consisted of sweet potato soup (one of the coolest presentations I've seen), squid ink risotto (it was black! so cool), morbier cheese, duroc pork loin, and the caramelized white chocolate cheesecake with goat cheese. The portions were perfect. I was able to finish everything but wasn't overly stuffed or left hungry. It's a tiny space, but cozy. Our server was lovely and it is such a nice way to cap off the weekend. BYOB a bottle of wine and it's a steal!
(5)Dianna L.
This is really a 3.5 star review. Went there tonight for their Sunday Prix Fix menu. 5 courses- for 40 dollars. I thought of all the courses the first course of soup was the best. Every other dish had something that I didn't like....like the palenta that was too salty and buttery...the dessert that was too savory and not sweet at all. And the cheese dish that was just a slab of brie covered with some beets. I must say that the service was great. Very attentive and always made sure our wine glasses weren't empty. I probably will not come back here again. For a prix fix menu of this price I can go to several other places in the city for a better meal.
(3)Abby B.
Goat cheese-cheesecake...nuff said. Went here for the first time for restaurant week. Started with the chilled tomato soup, which was excellent, and I'm not really a fan of tomato soup either. For the next course, I went with pork , which was just okay. However, I tried some of my friend's skate, which had me wishing I would've ordered the fish for once. I didn't even know that goat cheese could be used to make cheesecake, but it was pretty much the best thing that happened to me all week. If they sold this stuff by the slice at their market location, I'd devote a good portion of my paycheck to it. Great date spot, so once I get one, I'll definitely be back.
(4)Holly T.
Wow wow wow. We recently took a staycation in Philly, in which we stayed in town and tried a bunch of restaurants on our short list, and I think Pumpkin may well have been the highlight. We went for the $40 5-course Sunday prix fixe, which is a total steal. The space is intimate - small, a bit tight, but surprisingly not very loud. The service throughout the evening was excellent and attentive; our wine and water glasses were never empty. The pacing of the courses was perfect, and all the food was amazing. My dinner was as follows: 1st course: cucumber gazpacho with buttermilk, white grape 2nd course: fregola sarda, with coddled egg and duck confit 3rd course: cana de cabra cheese, with baby beets, pickled ramps, and pistachio 4th course: hangar steak with black garlic, red wine, and cipollini onions 5th course: "flavors of banana foster": cardamom pot de creme, salted caramel, and walnut All the dishes were a wonderful melding of flavors. I really liked that the hangar steak was served with interesting accompaniments, but that nothing was actually poured on top of the steak, so I could combine the flavors per my own choosing. Everything was simply perfect, and beautifully presented. We lucked out with our wine pairings, a Fiano di Avelino and a Barbera d'Asti. We saw another couple with some Unibroue beers, which I imagine would work very nicely as well. All in all it might be one of my favorite restaurants ever, and certainly in Philadelphia. It will probably be just a special occasion place, but I do look forward to coming again.
(5)Aaliyah P.
Everything just clicked. My birthday happens to be on a Monday it blows I know but my gals and the staff @ pumpkin made this a very special night . The space has limited seating so resevrvations are a must! 5 courses came and went balanced flavors, beautiful presentation,and impeccable service made me fall in food love with pumpkin . I arrived a little after my reservation time but they held our table and made us feel welcome. Our 1st bottle (moet) was popped and ready to go.. Flutes filled with the bubbly nectar .our other bottles of white were chilled until we were ready for them. The gazpacho is served in an artsy way the components of almonds,flowers, a grape sorbet served as a base for the velvety broth of avocado a pea. Though not my favorite course the soup was very good I Just think there were too many elements involved. The shrimp app was amazing. There were a few additions to the plate but the Greek yogurt was my favorite. Another friend had the escargot - she enjoyed them very much. Carrots and beets two ways a beet cake , grilled beet an foie gras foam . My skate was divine, chipolini oinions and potatoes . The skate was perfectly cooked; flaky , moist ,seasoned well . Very good hit of the night . Two friends got pork tenderloin and they enjoyed it very much. Dessert was a sweet ending to an amazing meal. Let's discuss the ohhhs and ahhhs goat cheese - cheesecake , and chocolate cake mmmmm! (see the pics for all your salivation needs). Our service was Attentive and our gracious hosts put a candle on my desert plate . I'm very glad I chose pumpkin as my birthday dinner venue. It exceeded all my hopes !
(5)Jeremy B.
Went Friday night for Restaurant Week with 3 others...typical number (3-5) choices available for apps, dinner, and dessert. I had not been there in a little while and forgot just how small the place was. We had to wait about 20 mins or so past the reservation for a big enough space to open up but no biggie. My pork terrine app w/ a fried egg was good, maybe a tad salty. The others had a duck/rabbit (can't remember) ragu over pasta & said it was good. For dinner 3 had the steak and 1 the trout...fish was done nicely and steak was fine as well. Desserts were all good...can't remember what all had. Service a little spotty here and there as far as opening our wine bottles, but all in all a good experience.
(4)Ray L.
I had heard some good things about Pumpkin before dining here, but it just felt a bit...meh. The food is good though the portions are small, and factoring that in with the price of entrees and appetizers, it gets 3 stars in my book. The atmosphere is cute enough--a lovely date place that doesn't sem too pretentious. I don't get the feeling that people really need to dress up here. But do you ever get the feeling that the restaurant is, you know, trying too hard? You know, like in Top Chef, when they start adding cute little things to a dish for no good reason? For the appetizer we got a foie gras plate, and it just seemed like there were so many different (unnecessary, incoherent) components to the dish. A smear of sauce here, greens there, another smear of something there. It looked kind of like the chef didn't know what to do so he vomited random ingredients on the plate. It was a bit odd really. Anyway, the 3 stars is based on the price and so-so-ness of the food (which wasn't bad, mind you). The bit about trying too hard is more of a side observation. Anyone else get this sense?
(3)Michelle M.
I went to pumpkin with my friends and we really enjoyed our time. All of the food was excellently prepared, and the service was attentive but not rushed. What's even better is that the restaurant is BYOB.
(5)Kristine B.
The food was absolutely delicious and the presentation was spot on. In addition, the decor was visually pleasing and the serving staff was responsive, pleasant, and knowledgeable. However, the portions were definitely on the small side. My $15 scallop appetizer had two scallops and the cheesecake wasn't much bigger than a Polly-o string cheese. I'm definitely an eater, but not one to usually clean the plate at a restaurant or to think that quantity is more important than quality. However, I left not exactly feeling full. That being said, it was what I expected and the quality of the food is superb. My biggest complaint is that the place was absolutely freezing. The little space heater they were using showed a reading of 57 degrees. The server tried to warm the place up, but it didn't really help. If I'm paying almost $200 for a meal I want to at least eat it without my coat on. It was so cold that we left in under an hour and headed to cook and shaker in fishtown for heat, the Eagles, and more food.
(4)Michelle C.
Saturday night at Pumpkin had all the trappings of a great dinner for two. The intimate space was lit by candlelight and the heavy curtains by the doorway kept out any chill. The seasonal menu had some variety, but there were only one or two selections from both the starters and main courses that appealed to me. I ultimately chose the celery root soup followed by pan roasted monkfish. Warm, crusty bread was delivered to our table alongside roasted garlic olive oil. It was a delicious start to the meal. Starters came out quickly, and my soup turned out to be heavenly. The bowl was presented with some sauteed shallots and small rounds of apple, and the broth was poured tableside. I couldn't get enough of the velvety broth and incredible flavors, but luckily the portion size was generous. My boyfriend very much enjoyed his appetizer, which had tender pieces of octopus and squid. After the soup, I couldn't wait to taste the entrees. They were delivered shortly after our apps were cleared and were nicely sized. Unfortunately, they didn't live up to the starters. My monkfish was slightly too salty and came served along a river of capers. Next to that was a gelatinous square of pork belly that lacked meatier bits. Across the table, a ridiculously large piece of beef cheek was tender like a short rib, only not as moist, and much fattier. Our favorite part of this course was the side, the name of which escapes me. It was grainy like brown rice and served in the style of risotto, with some minced vegetables throughout and a sprinkling of parmesan on top. Even though we didn't love our entrees, the things we did enjoy were truly special. Service was also attentive and very informed. I absolutely see the potential here and I already have plans to return for an upcoming special event.
(3)Liz C.
Pumpkin is absolutely phenomenal. It's a little pricey - dinner for 4 came to about $200 with tip, but we did have several appetizers and dessert - but well worth it, and it's BYO, so that helps. Our group shared the scallops and the cheese plate for appetizers - both delicious. I had the duck confit for dinner - it was so good I practically chewed on the bones! My fiance had the beef cheek, which was also delicious - so tender. For dessert we had some kind of pumpkin bread with sorbet - we usually don't even order dessert, but it sounded so good we had to have it - and it was well worth it. The service was great as well. I'm actually still thinking about the whole meal two weeks later! We try not to repeat restaurants often since there are so many great restaurants in Philly - but we might have to make an exception for Pumpkin.
(5)Andrea S.
Delicious. I had been wanting to try this place for a while. I love BYOB's ad I love that they have a rotating menu. So, on Nov 1, my husband and I made the trip to our lovely city and tried it. Phenomenal. GREAT service and great food. I don't think I left a single thing on my plate. The desserts were very delicious too. Highly recommend.
(5)Paul C.
restaurant is very tiny...but tables were very roomy...and was able accommodate our group of 6 people. Server was very friendly and explained everything on the menu. I had sweetbreads as an appetizer...absolutely delicious...entree I had was beef cheeks...it was good...but bit salty...
(4)Aviva L.
Wow. One of the best dinners I have had in Philly. It's a very small, intimate space, which I actually loved. The wait staff was so attentive (it's almost guaranteed with such a small space!), very much accommodating to our party, and the food was superb. There were some new ingredients in my dish, which was fun! I had the scallop dish that came with this new vegetable I have never tried, can't remember the name but it looked like a succulent, and it looked like it was going to be dry but it was crispy, juicy, and so so delicious.
(5)alexis g.
Sweet holy moses, how have I not yet yelped Pumpkin?? I literally cannot imagine a better restaurant than Pumpkin. BYOB? Yes. Menu is seasonal? Yes. Menu changes daily... DAILY, people! Yes. Life really does not get any better than this. Oh wait! Yes it does. Know how? Sunday evening $35 tasting menu. Yes, you read that right. $35. Five courses. $35. $7 a course. What kind of courses, you say? Parsnip soup garnished with a perfectly crisp mushroom and lightly sauteed chantrelles. Some kind of fish (memory failing...) with grapefruit supremes and fennel. Arugula salad with apples and a light vinaigrette. Tilefish with cauliflower puree. Layered chocolate mousse cake with whipped cream. Hop on the mailing list and get the ins on other special menus, like the 4-course sparkling-wine taster coming up... I go out to eat to experience something I don't think I can do at home. I want grilled octopus AND I want it paired with the unexpected chorizo and fingerling potatoes. I like a seasonal dessert that features fall spices and poached winter pears. Pumpkin pulls all of this off and more. A lot of the low ratings for this place seem in large part due to the meat-centric nature of the menu. I agree that any great city restaurant worth its salt should have at least one vegetarian (preferably one that can be made vegan) entree. However, I wonder if the chef wouldn't be able to accommodate if you asked... the last time we were there for the Sunday night $35 menu, someone at the table across from us asked for something off menu and they seemed happy to oblige.
(5)Morgan F.
Incredible dinner. Everything was delicious and the chef worked with my food allergies with no problem. He even made a special hot dessert for me and was so excited to do it. One of the best meals I've had in Philly!
(5)Jose A.
Didn't really feel it. Yeah the food is good, it better be for what you're paying. The presentation is nice, the ambiance is romantic. It's byo... but I guess I just don't see the point in paying that much for that quantity/quality of food. It's pretty cool that they use local ingredients and they have a rotating menu. If I want to impress someone with how refined I am, this would be at the top of my list, but if I want a great meal there are so many other great places in the city.
(3)Justin W.
Amazing food that has the freshest and best tasting ingredients. Each of their dishes is unique and the menu changes daily. Its BYOB and romantic. I keep coming back because each time I try a great meal where the flavors are crisp clean and layered perfectly.
(5)Michelle T.
Great ambiance! Small BYOB restaurant. Delicious food! Local ingredients which means menu changes often. Only two servers so service is slow. A great place for a date or a group of 4. Servers are helpful in explaining the dishes.
(4)Alexander G.
Sarah and I strolled into Pumpkin at 17th and South St. slightly before our 6p reservation with a bottle of both red and white, ready to chow down. We were met at the door by our server who sat us and kindly asked to take our coats. We obliged as we stood and welcomed the rustic minimalism that littered the empty dining room. My gaze became fixed upon the elegant centerpiece, an armless antique love seat with two conjoining tables that laid along the wall under swooping sashes of fabric. We had specifically come for the five-course Sunday tasting menu that was a steal at $35. Shortly after sitting down our professionally knowledgeable server explained some of the finer points of the cuisine as we were slid some bread and oil. We debated our options over our first glass of wine and decided just to get everything. The first course weaved through the slalom of customers, coats and breadbaskets and proved to be deceivingly delicious. The parsnip soup's warm intrinsic creaminess was the perfect way to forget the icy cold lying outside the door. The intimate dining room was nearly filled as the second course arrived. Sarah received the Pheasant Crepenitte with broccoli florets and beet puree. I grabbed the seared scallops that were served with grapefruit and a citrus glaze from the food runner and we quickly swapped plates. The beet puree added a casual sweetness to the crepenitte which was basically a crumbly sausage of rich flavorful textures. Sarah's scallops were quite the antithesis. The slightly seared white mollusk achieved a simple tanginess with fruity highlights. Her tilefish plate, however, was gone long before I could catch a glimpse of it. My sturgeon dish had an intensely dense and flavorful texture mimicking the taste of a complex meat. My heart was soon longing for dessert as I cleaned my plate. To kill some time we ordered coffee with dessert as we siphoned out the last of our wine, which was politely kept chilled in the kitchen by our server. Now, as any self-aware chocolate fiend will tell you, addiction is hard to resist but this time of year I become more obsessed with the culture of the autumn season than anything else. How could a full-blown fall aficionado turn down pumpkin cheesecake from a place called Pumpkin? Plus I was totally planning to snag some of Sarah's chocolate moose cake when it hit the table. Each dessert was down-right incredible and the cheesecake was among the best dining decisions I made in a long time. We asked for the check and happily tipped our server for her openness, positivity and invaluable expertise. She snatched our coats out of the back and we stepped bravely out into the frosty air with a renewed sense of warmth.
(4)Stephanie Y.
We took our roommate here for her farewell dinner and loved the place! Cute little place for small parties and chatting with friends. We ordered practically everything on the menu that day and loved every dish. The fish I had, Red Drum, was just how I like it. The dishes were a bit on the salty side, but overall very flavorful and delicious! Definitely need to make reservations because they were busy the entire time we were there.
(5)Todd V.
My meal last night was pretty gross. The pork was tough and the sides were uninspired. The presentation looked ridiculous. The shrimp and grits we ok but I wasnt blown away. I have not been here in years but it seems like there was a different chef. I hate to review a place based on restaurant week but I doubt I will ever eat here again. This would be a 2 star review if I had not already had a great meal here.
(3)Zina R.
I ended up here after meeting the Chef/owner at Tangier the night before. He 's an awesome guy and invited us to check out his restaurant. When we arrived, he had a delicious, chilled bottle of wine waiting for us. Then he informed us that we'd be getting the tasting menu. He personally delivered each dish, explained the motivation behind it and passionately described the fresh ingredients used. It was obvious that he loves to cook and that translates into beautifully plated, absolutely delicious dishes. The standout for me was the roasted chicken. It was juicy and flavorful and perfectly browned. I had foie gras for the first time and was not a fan but my friends said it was the best they'd ever had. If I'm being perfectly honest, my favorite part of the whole meal was the dessert. The dinner was great but the cheesecake was out of this world. Indulgent and light at the same time. After dessert, out came the bottles of apple cider. 12 bottles later we were sufficiently drunk, full of great food and exhausted from laughing till we cried. I may be biased but I highly recommend this place, the ingredients are fresh -the chef knows each farmer personally. The waitstaff is incredibly warm and accommodating. And the food is great.
(5)Kasia H.
The best restaurant in Philadelphia. The food is magical and indulges all senses.
(5)Liz K.
loved it! we went for the sunday night tasting menu and it was outstanding value for the quality and quantity of food we got. the food was the right amount of upscale for me -- inventive but not so crazy that i couldn't tell what i was eating (a somewhat common complaint from my nyc tasting menu experiences). and i liked that we had a choice of two dishes for four out of the five courses. i highly recommend it! i would give it 5 stars except that we had to wait a half hour for our table after arriving (and this was after being called and asked to come 15 minutes after our reseravation time).
(4)Patrick K.
If I were writing this review for the dinner I had Friday night (two weeks earlier) when I went to Pumpkin, then I would give 4 stars. The problem is this review is for Pumpkin and not for Pat's PIzzeria in Aston where the delicious and filling part of the meal was involved. I am not a fine diner and rarely head downtown for a restaurant so when I do, I tend to hold a higher standard to those experiences that require me to pay to park. In this case, Pumpkin is a great idea in concept and theory. Fresh from the farm ingredients in classy presentation. The delivery was lacking. I left hungry and I sat through appetizer, meal, and dessert. A disappointing dining experience.
(2)Rachel G.
A fresh, local BYO...restaurants like Pumpkin are one of the only perks of living in a state-controlled liquor Commonwealth. In addition to the sweetness of being able to bring our own wine, our dinner was utterly fantastic. We went to town, and each dish we had was better than the next: pate, scallops, uni, steak, panna cotta. I'd recommend Pumpkin to anyone interested in an innovative and simple dinner...though maybe not with a crowd, since the restaurant is tiny and close-quartered.
(5)dara m.
This restaurant is a favorite of my man's brother. So much so, we have celebrated his birthday there for the last two years. And each time, we leave hungry and little bit annoyed. Why? Well, we're looking at things differently than your average meat eating customer. We're looking at it from the perspective of vegetarians. And nothing makes a vegetarian angrier than a $38.00 bowl of pasta. With nothing but pasta and sauce. Maybe some butter too. That would make Mother Theresa pretty pissed off . The other dishes aorund the table look nice and I admit I tasted Larry's chicken dish ( average and over $30 with nothing included except some green beans) and somebody else's fish dish ( sea bass- average- over $30 with a spoonful of mashed potatoes). Now maybe I sound unsophisicated- one should not attend a fine dining establishment and expect reasonable for the masses pricing. Agreed. But I'm not convinced that this place is fine dining. The room is tiny. The staff is average. They make it obvious they need to turn the table. The food is nothing special you can't find at any other place. The bathroom feels like some sort of space age pod one might find on a spaceship and it's kind of right there in the dining room. Bottom line: if the service is fantastic and the food is fantastic, one will pay the prices and not complain. That is not the case here. Skip it and save some cash.
(2)Lisa Q.
Pumpkin is really small but the food was amazing. It's BYOB, cash only, and you have to have a reservation. Even if you have a reservation, the later in the night it goes, you may have to wait. There aren't very many tables inside and if folks want to sit and chat after dinner, you may end up waiting. The ambiance inside is really nice. It was lit with candle light and made for a romantic date. The food was excellent. I had skate. The waitress was very friendly and was very attentive on bringing out wine every time our glasses got lower. The menu changes almost every week because they use local, fresh ingredients, so check the menu online. They give you pumpkin seeds with your check, too. I thought that was cute! I would definitely go back.
(4)GC N.
This cute, nondescript gem is tasty, uses locally grown foods, and has a different menu every day. We shared two appetizers, the cider blazed pork belly topped with pureed green tomato salsa served with a grilled peach and cornmeal, and the grilled octopus served over arugula, pine nuts, and pureed eggplant. For our entree, we had the lamb chops (which came on the bone) served over a bed of greens. The lamb chops were tender, juicy, and peeled right off the bone. We ordered the flourless chocolate cake with sauteed bananas and passion fruit sorbet. It was surprisingly very good and flaky, and did not have that "overly rich" taste many other flourless cakes have. Very good. At the end, the server gave us a bag of pumpkin seeds with the bill. It was cute and memorable. Note: BYOB, Cash Only
(4)Christiana P.
My fiance and I went for restaurant week a while back and it was a romantic and delicious date! It is a BYO, so make sure to bring your favorite wine :) We brought Cupcake! The restaurant space is very small, which the reason I did not give it 5 stars. We were seated about 6 inches from another couple, which was kind of awkward. I can't imagine going there with a party larger than 2. All of the food was amazing! We had cold tomato soup, filet, and coconut chocolate cake. I was in heaven! I'll be honest, my fiancee said he was still hungry after the meal- it is definitely fine dining. I would recommend not coming starving because the portions are definitely on the smaller size. Overall, it was a perfect night out and the atmosphere is incredibly romantic! I recommend making a reservation! Thanks for a great date, Pumpkin!
(4)Robert G.
Average at best. Space is incredibly bad, servers are disconnected, food is good, but the total experience is average at best.
(2)Jen M.
The $35 sunday tasting menu is one of the best, tastiest deals in town. The place is cozy, the service is always impeccable, the menu is creative, and it's BYO so the wine is always perfectly chosen. ;-)
(5)Donnie V.
Amazing. Really good. Well worth the price on a Sunday night pre-fix. Fresh, new and interesting. I need to go back to make sure it's still there. EVERYDAY. Maybe when I'm rich and can get rid of my fat gene.
(4)Rob B.
Nice little BYO on a none busy part of South St. Food was good to very good. Love that all the food is local and natural.
(4)Evan L.
We came to Pumpkin to celebrate our anniversary (28th!) and we were drawn by the locavore/organic/BYO menu and the great reviews, both on Yelp and in Philly mag. Unfortunately, the experience did not live up to the expectation; although the atmosphere was suitably and casually romantic, we were less than impressed by the food. The appetizers were quite good -- my wife had the mixed greens with avocado and I had the fava bean and chorizo cassoulet -- but the entrees did not live up to the expectations set by the starters. The scallops were small and numbered only three, and though delicious, the portion was appropriate for an appetizer and not an entree, and accompanied by a sadly soggy piece of overly fatty pork belly (horrors!!). The beef cheek was delicious, but also inappropriately fatty, rather than the dense and fine grained meat I was hoping for. Dessert of a flourless chocolate cake with coconut ice cream was again, very tasty but maddeningly small, with hardly 3 small bites for each of us. In all, a tasty disappointment primarily because of small portion sizes and some troubling missteps. You may want to check out my review of another locavore/organic restaurant we were at just the night before for comparison.
(3)Timothy L.
We've been to Pumpkin more times than we can count. We usually go for the Sunday night tasting menu. It's reasonably priced and consistently amazing.
(5)kathy t.
I've had a perfectly lovely beet soup, an amazing bacon whole grain mustard on half a grilled romaine heart salad, a nice fig and goat cheese tart on filo topped w/ microgreens, a nice crispy skinned trout, and some nice moo. Also some relatively average tomato and fish plates, an average duck confit. A terrific pot de creme, an average chocolate cake.The menu changes daily but relatively slowly- a few new things add on and a few things drop off. Service has been friendly and competent for me. Space includes two tables for two larger groups, but it's mostly 2-4 tops, be sure to make a reservation. Actually, even if you're a smaller party, call ahead if you're going at prime time. Handicapped accessible into the dining room- the bathroom might have a step and the pathways are narrow for wheelchairs.
(4)Kristin S.
4 stars.. but since when is 17th and South considered Rittenhouse Sq.?
(4)Claudia C.
I ate here yesterday and liked it. Tried this Hawaiian fish that was extremely interesting to look at and to eat. Maybe on the pricier side but the food is worth it.
(4)Stephanie M.
Ooooh Pumpkin, you are my new favorite place in Philly. We went on Friday night and got a charred cod (I think) and the steak. The fish and the steak were cooked so perfectly. Everything in the dish tasted beyond fresh, this must be what organics are about. I felt good eating the dishes and even better after. I felt like I had eaten a really good meal that didn't weigh me down but was delicious. We also got the gazpacho which was quite beautiful. There is something to be said about presentation, they brought out this white bowl with grapes and crab meat artfully displayed and poured from a little vase the soup which was a nice mint green. It tasted beyond wonderful, light and crisp. Very cooling on a super hot night. Our server was really sweet and helpful. Oh and it's BYOB. I will be back.
(5)Kati K.
LOVE this place! I went once while in town on business and once last year on New Year's Eve (in fact, I wish I could go back to Philadelphia this New Year's and eat at Pumpkin)! The dining room is small and cozy, which makes for a great intimate dinner. The staff were so wonderfully accomodating when we made our New Year's plans last year. The bf and I are both mushroom-loathing vegetarians, and when we called ahead for reservations, the hostess assured us that the chef could whip up a delicious, mushroom-free adaptation of their tasting menu. Same thing when I visited during my business trip. In fact, the kitchen came out to ask if it was all right if they added an egg or if I preferred not (I'm not a vegan, but the thoughtfulness was nice). The portions look a little on the small side, but I think we're conditioned to expect oversize food portions in most restaurants (and at home), and honestly, once we got through the several courses, we realized the portion sizes were perfect--satisfying, but not so much that you leave sickly-overstuffed. And yes, it's a little pricey, but not too much so for a special dinner--plus, I brought a $10 bottle of wine and saved a boatload of money versus if I'd spent $10+ per glass at a non-BYOB.
(5)Liz B.
Delicious food, adorable little restaurant for a date. And they give you a snack for the road...
(5)Thor T.
Other Yelpers (like Alexis G. and Frank R.) have already superbly described Pumpkin's fabulous Sunday night dinners - an amazing quality/price ratio at $35. The five courses are carefully chosen and the restaurant offers a choice for several of the main courses. I am a huge fan of chefs who attempt to source local and seasonal ingredients, many of them organic, and Pumpkin follows this philosophy. The first time I ate at Pumpkin, I ordered the risotto dish with fresh peas and mushrooms. For me, risotto is the triple axel of restaurants - most stumble badly attempting it and I always order it with trepidation. Pumpkin served a perfect rendition - so good it would have been happily at home in Milan. Now a small comment to the vegetarian scolds below: I think it is great that you are vegetarians - you eat healthily, humanely, and you reduce the carbon print for the earth. I want to emulate vegetarians for most days of the week for all those reasons, but please, display some tolerance, for Gandhi's sake! No need to rake a restaurant over the coals, so to speak, for not being vegetarian enough for your exacting standards. Ask in advance for some consideration and you just might be happily surprised.
(5)Serge B.
I've been to one tasting menu on a random Sunday and the food was great. I wish I had put some more thought on the wine I brought but it did the job. The place was tiny (that's OK) but the service was a bit slow (OK as well). Big fan of the gazpacho as well as the dessert options. Everything tasted fresh and perfectly seasoned. I'm glad places like these are still part of the Philly food scene. Will try to go back to see if they keep their momentum.
(4)Kathy L.
What a great BYOB. While there isn't a large set of options (maybe like 8 types of appetizers, 5 entrees, 4 desserts) the menu is seasonal and the dishes were very thoughtful. There were several things we wanted to try - but didn't like the chilled english pea soup and gnocchi. The rillete was delicious and had the consistency and flavor of pulled pork (but a pan-fried seared patty). The lancaster chicken with oyster mushrooms was amazing - moist and flavorful with crispy skin. Great execution. I thought the dishes were timed well and relatively speaking, time between some dishes were long. OK by us given how heavy the dishes were. Prices for appetizers were around $12 and entrees were $24. Not bad but not cheap by any means. Want to try their Pumpkin cafe now!
(4)Lily S.
Went with my friends for the five course tasting menu and was very impressed. Thought it was going to be one of those places where the food is good but expensive and the portions are small. Instead found the food to be not only excellent but portions perfect. First time we actually we're stuffed by such excellently executed and picture perfect food. I've always wanted to try this place but sometimes the menu seemed too intimidating. With the Sunday tasting menu you get a choice during the appetizer and entree and dessert. The soup and salad are the constant for everyone. For starters, I had the cauliflower soup which came in two deconstructed parts and assembled at table. A large bowl with crisp cauliflower, foam, seasoning of some sort and then the waitress poured the cream base into our bowls. It was a creamy, flavourful rich delight. This was served with hot french bread pieces and a side of garlic and olive oil. The beet salad was nice and refreshing palate cleanser after the creamy soup but I'm not a big fan of frisee so much. Next I chose the Berkshire pork terrine with pickled mustard seed and drops of sour cherry sauce. Some of my friends got the butternut risotto which they loved but said they sort of wished they had picked the terrine as the portion on the risotto was enough for a full meal. I found the terrine to be a great combination of flavors, great textures and very inventive. I was expecting more of a traditional country pate but this was far better. For the entree I had the stout braised beef cheeks. Holy cow, literally. When it came out it was like a black flower glistening on the plate. Whatever stout they used for the sauce was awesome - the meat was lovely and moist. I was pretty full by this point but couldn't stop eating it and shared what I couldn't finish with my friends as well. When dessert came I was so happy I chose the pancotta with the tart black currants and ginger snap dusting. It was light and refreshing end to the meal. My friends had the chocolate cake which any unfinished plates got quickly scooped up by the chocoholics at the table. The service was very efficient - taking our coats, opening wine, filling glasses, replacing silverware at each course. There was a nice gap in between courses so we didn't feel rushed or overwhelmed. In such a small place it was nice that we weren't being hovered over. I can only remember one server's personality which was a little quirky as the younger one seemed to be waiting on a lot more tables. They seemed pleasant and I'd rather remember my food and conversation than a waiter's personality. Overall it was one of the best meals I've had in about two years dining out. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star is the place is quite small and seating crowded. The acoustics in the place are odd and make it seem sort of loud as well. Hope they get to move to a bigger place or expand some how. Through the curtain, it looked like the kitchen might be bigger than the dining area. Can't wait to bring my family there when they come to visit and will definitely be back for more!
(4)Meg S.
I came here with a friend for Restaurant Week, and everything was way beyond my highest expectations. I have a dairy allergy and only briefly mentioned it to the server to double-check the ingredients: our server went above and beyond to accomodate me, even switching out the dessert for sorbet instead of the price-fixe options without me asking. The food, though, was so good. My favorites would have to be the heirloom tomato salad (so amazingly fresh) and the arctic char with saffron. I don't know what addictive element they put in that food, but I will definitely be coming back. Unlike the other reviewers, I had a sizable portion of char and my friend had a good portion of the long island duck (which she also enjoyed). The space is very small, but not overly loud-I couldn't hear any particular conversation around me and the whole restaurant was incredibly inviting. Obviously not for groups, but I'd recommend it in a heartbeat for a date night.
(5)Shereen C.
Scrumptious Pumpkin! What a lovely place. Enjoyed a wonderful dinner at this little restaurant a few months ago. The $40 5-course Prix Fixe is a supremely satisfying way to spend a Sunday evening, whether it's a special occasion or you just feel like pampering yourselves. Everything I tried was carefully prepared and tasty. Sunchoke-Hazelnut Soup was delicious. Sweetbreads were crispy and tasty. Smoked Quail was cooked just right, succulent and flavourful. White Chocolate Goat Cheese Cheesecake was sublime. Service was great. Scrumptious food in a pleasant, intimate setting. Cash only. BYOB.
(5)Matt K.
We dined at Pumpkin last night and it was out of this world. I can understand how some people would not call it their favorite, but if you're a foodie, this place is incredible. What makes the cuisine at Pumpkin so special is not just the combinations of flavors and textures, but also that it actually makes you think. Not just guess at what's in a sauce or what that funny looking red thing is, you actually think about why everything goes together. The camembert and beet salad seems like something you've had before, kinda like beet and goat cheese, but the comparison ends there. What you get is a huge mix of things which aren't simply put on the plate to impress or confuse you, they actually make sense. There is a heavy concentration of umami and a touch of everything else to highlight it. The camembert is an earthy variety, the beets are earthy, even the walnuts, while a little bitter, are earthy. Each ingredient picks up from where the last one leaves off. The salad isn't "balanced" in the sense that you get earth, sweet, sour and bitter all on one plate, but you get hints and highlights of everything but the umami. The point of the salad is the earthiness of the flavors and how the earthiness is repeated but never the same from one ingredient to the next. Add to that the wonderful color and varied textures, such as raw rhubarb, a crispy bread, a dollop of hibiscus, and it is a masterpiece. What was even more impressive was that the salad actually paired with an older American cabernet. Amazing. OK, I'm not done yet! The pork crepinette was incredible. The pork was pink which suggests saltpeter or some other nitrate was used to enhance it. yum. A horseradish foam garnished it, and it actually had a good flavor which didn't overpower, which was probably the intent. Prunes, a chestnut puree, a chestnut, and even a bit of apple added a nice balance of interesting things to put in your mouth. The pastry of the crepinette was a good texture, too. The beef cheek was marvelous, melt in your mouth faster than any short rib I've ever had. The demi-glace poured over it, surrounding it was beautiful looking and perfectly rich. There were interesting and tasty bites all around the plate, again, the chef kept you guessing. Potato, rutabaga, turnip cut in cool shapes, some drenched in butter, yum. And a black garlic puree dotted around which was extraordinarily rich and deep in flavor. A French press coffee to end it all, good coffee. Bibou has been called a lot of wonderful things, like in the top five restaurants in Philly, best bistro in America, etc etc, but last night at Pumpkin, the meal was just as good as any I've had at Bibou. Highly recommended!
(5)Maddie V.
I have good news and (sort of) bad news. Let's start with the bad. Went to to Pumpkin earlier this month with two girlfriends for a girl's night dinner. We made a reservation a few days before and our only options were 5pm and 9:15pm. We chose the latter, which really wasn't the bad part since it was a Friday night and I had heard from several people this place was really good. We arrived right on time and were greeted by a friendly host and an intimate setting...VERY intimate. Hope you like whomever you're dining with because you will be seated close. We were informed of a short wait since our table was not ready due to diners still enjoying the end of their meal. This was fine, so we waited. And waited. Soon 30 minutes had passed and we were still not seated. Wasn't that the point of a reservation in the first place? We were finally seated about 10pm. Although I was a bit miffed about the wait (I was hungry!), the staff and food made up for it and then some. During our wait, the host and waiter continually kept us updated on our table situation and even gave us glasses to crack open our BYOB wine. After being seated, almonds and olives were presented immediately since they knew we were probably hungry. And let me say the food we ordered was decadent. Note: their menu does change monthly, but if you go soon, may I insist you order the sweet potato soup (which, by the way, was kindly taken off our bill as yet another gesture of gratitude for our long wait). It was creamy, sweet, and all kinds of delicious. I also ordered the beef sirloin which was the perfect portion and cooked magnificently. All in all, despite the snafu of the reservation, I would highly recommend this place for a date or a small group of friends to enjoy delicious food and a friendly staff.
(4)John K.
Went here for Valentine's Day - they had a 4 course tasting. Amazing food - good service. GF thought it was cute that they gave us toasted pumpin seeds as a take away. Please keep in mind - cash only! That's the reason for 4 stars - a bit inconvenient as dinner can run three digits. Luckily for us I knew the policy ahead of time. Unlucky for the couple who was seated next to us. We felt so bad for the poor guy as he had to go out to use the ATM across the street - considering he was on his Vday date.
(4)Alison E.
I went here this past Tuesday for restaurant week with my bf. It was amazing! I have to agree with some previous reviewers. Sometimes trying out a place for restaurant week- you don't get the same quality in service or food. Well that was not the case at Pumpkin! Service was awesome- everyone was so friendly and attentive. All the "Mike's" were working that night. It is a small place and pretty close seating- so if you going for a first date be prepared to be close to your neighbors. Food was awesome! We got the squid and the Dante cheese panna cotta for apps. Both awesome! The panna cotta was delish! For entree I had the Pork two ways and my bf had the chicken sausage. Both phenomenal! And dessert- the pot de cream was great! My fab of the desserts. All and all- an awesome experience and I can't wait to go back!
(5)Hang T.
Had dinner here with some girlfriends. Very small and cozy BYOB spot. Food is delicious, but the plates are fairly small - perfect for more intimate groups of 2-4. Excellent presentation! I recommend the scallops!
(4)Julie N.
Pumpkin sat on my to-try list for such a long time. And I am so glad that we finally had dinner here. Let me just say, we had reservations for a party of 4 for the Sunday prix fixe, and the other two in our party did not show up. As we patiently waited and apologized profusely to our server, she was nothing short of gracious. She brought us drinks and olives, to keep us busy while we waited. When we decided to start dinner without our friends, my fiance and I selected one of each from the prix fixe choices, so that we could taste the entire menu that night. Pumpkin's ambience is intimate and romantic. Dinner was by candlelight with beautifully plated seasonal selections, sourced locally. We started with a sweet potato soup with honey miso. Served warm, it offered a slight sweetness to tickle the tastebuds. Up next was the pork crepinette, with chestnut puree, prune, and horseradish, as well as the burgundy snails, with red wine, hazelnuts, and ivory sauce. Both dishes served up a little something salty, coupled with savory and a dash of texture. The next course was actually a cheese course -- hudson valley camembert with beet and pistachio. Sadly, I am not much of a cheese person, so I only picked at the beet and pistachio this round. My other half thoroughly enjoyed the camembert and told me I was crazy for not liking cheese. For the entree, we had the steel head trout with beurre rouge, and the duroc pork loin with spring ragout. Oh my gosh. The entrees were sooooo delectable! We ate slowly and quietly, only to enjoy every little bite in front of us. Dessert served up a goats milk cheesecake, with huckleberry, lemon curd and almond, and a peanut butter pot de creme with bourbon raisins. Yum! Our friends were dearly missed that night. But we enjoyed a beautiful dinner. BYO and cash only, don't let Pumpkin fall to the bottom of your to-try list!
(4)Christine L.
Came here for early dinner at 545pm. Cute little restaurant with a rustic interior. Really friendly staff and a true-farm-to-table / simple food done well type of restaurant. I had the halibut, boyfriend had the hanger steak and we started with the scallops. Everything cooked perfectly.
(5)Alex G.
I immediately loved the ambience of this byob. You feel like you are eating in a log cabin. The service was great. However the food was mildly disappointing. I thought the artic char tasted similar to an average salmon. It lacked character. We got haloumi cheese and smoked mushrooms on the side. Both were good. The warm molten chocolate cake was the worst part of the meal. The texture was rather hard, the chocolate was not very molten, just a weak product overall.
(3)