the Pastry is so tasty. But the service lady is so arrogant like I owe her sth. I came this morning near 7:30am , It seems she cannot stand my taking time to select and staring at me angrily, so I have to select scone quickly. no other guests waiting at that time, so I do not understand that. So if you want to go Pastry, do not go in the morning.
(2)
Maddie O.
Great meals, great service, great presentation. Top quality food at inexpensive prices. what more could you ask for?
(4)
Yuqing T.
The pastry in the bakery is well worth it, especially the chocolate panache cake. Great for birthdays. On a last minute decision, I came here for lunch at 2pm for the first time. think I might not get a table for 2 since its at a odd time, but I did. Their menu vary on the day, because the students at the college prepares them. I got chicken and waffles. It was inexpensive and surprisingly really good. It was just the right amount of food, and a good balance of sweet and savory. I would come back just for the chicken and waffles. There is an upstairs as well, and a balcony. I imagine it would look really pretty at night for big dinner parties. The decor is quite unique. Highly recommended for lunch. Would go back for dinner one day.
(5)
Jason R.
The restaurants are a great value, but the full compliment of stars is specifically for the Pastry Shop. At the pastry shop, they sell cakes, pies, croissants, danishes, cookies, and bread (including baggettes) at bargain prices. You can buy a velvet torte (cake) for $15 and, if you love chocolate, it will make you cry. Check out the website-they have a list of cakes that they can make to order. **Update** The prices nearly doubled at the beginning of the new year, but they brought them back down (thank you!). I paid $2.50 for a big, delicious blackberry crumble muffin and a cinnamon danish (still warm).
(4)
Ms C M.
Although the servers, chefs, etc are students, they do a fantastic job. The food was great and the service impeccable!
(5)
Jade V.
Wow, does bang for your buck get any better than this? Despite having our hearts set on the Great Chefs menu, it wasn't available on the Thursday night we went (Actually, it hasn't been available since the last quarter of 2012... sad face.), so we ended up going for the International Bistro menu. Not a bad choice at all. No matter which menu you order from, you eat in the same dining area. All of the food was well prepared; we felt the love. The steak was ordered medium rare, and it came out *perfectly* medium rare--the perfect shade of pink in the middle. The chefs here pull off technique perfectly, from poached egg to medium rare steak to a balanced but not soaked salad dressing (coming from someone who is usually disappointed to see that restaurants overdress salads with a pool at the bottom of a plate/bowl). Props to the baker for the excellent bread, which was *semi* free flowing. At first they kept giving us bread, but after the first course, that service stopped. Huh. A minor suggestion would be warming up the bread for service, but it's not a huge deal. The cheap booze is a big plus. The selection isn't the largest, but the prices are similar to what you would see for happy hour at any other establishment (including cocktails, beer, and wine). The service was professional and exceeded expectations, especially compared to any big name restaurant in the city. The price to quality ratio at the Restaurant School is amazing, and I would totally recommend the International Bistro to anyone looking for a great meal.
(4)
Jerry S.
This is an amazing experience. I recommend The Great Chefs. Tim and Gino served us and did an outstanding job. The food and service was excellent. Others have give mixed reviews I don't know why because despite the fact that students are preparing and serving your meal and do a very good job.
(5)
Kristin N.
Have worked in University City for over 20 years and just made it here last evening. I was pleasantly surprised. The staff/students were all quite friendly and eager to please, from coat check to bar to waitstaff. At times, the service was disjointed, but what they lacked in organization, they made up for in effort. We dined in the international restaurant and there was something for everyone on the menu...and three courses for $21. Appetizers included scallops, bao bun with pork belly and goat cheese pierogies with carmelized onion. Our table chose boef pot au feu, salmon, cavetelli with duck ragout. The chef even improvised a vegetarian entree for my friend. Desserts were stunning and yummy, too. They even brought out homemade chocolates with the check. Overall, we had a lovely evening and I would certainly go back. The rooms are gorgeous, btw....
(4)
Kate S.
This review is only for the pastry shop, it is my go to place for cakes/baked goods when we have visiting faculty or special occasions--been using them for over 7 yrs Very reasonably priced and delicious Sometimes there are hits and misses depending on the talent of students that semester --ie crooked piping and once I bought a chicago cheesecake that was def undercooked in the middle (eep!!) but 2 duds in a span of 7 yrs of excellence and on the cheap too--I'll take it! Just be sure to either call it in well in advance or plan to show up first thing in the a.m., otherwise all of their cakes are gone around 10ish
(4)
Aubrey E.
Took a cooking class here with my husband and we were both pretty disappointed. Not many good things to say about our experience here. First, we had to bring many of our own supplies (knives, dish towels, etc). This wasn't a big deal, but it's also sort of inconvenient if you want to take public transportation and you have to walk around with a few really large knives in your bag. As for the actual class, we didn't feel like we learned anything at all. Basically, the instructor gave us some recipes and told us where the ingredients were to make them. Each pair/couple picked something off the list of recipes to make and voila, that was it. We spent the rest of the class cooking on our own. Granted, the instructor was there to help if you had questions, but it was much less a cooking "class" than a "ready, get set, COOK." We had a good time, but we really wish we could have LEARNED something here. I hope they improve their classes and "teaching" technique.
(2)
Teresa L.
3 months later, I'm back... ...and it might be awhile before I make a third trip. We were a big group of 6 and ordered from 3 different menus: Timeliness was the biggest issue here, with both the kitchen and service at fault; (45 minutes - 1 hour for our appetizers to come out). We were also a bigger group of 6 sitting at one table and ordering from 3 different menus: Chef's, American Heartland, and International. I had known that we would all order from different menus beforehand, so I called the Restaurant School earlier, who gave me the okay-go. However, the waitress clearly did not get the memo, and made me feel that it was a taboo thing to do. I wouldn't harp so much on how late our drinks came since there was the post-dinner dilemma: paying. From her standpoint (and not the instructor's), I was under the impression that it would greatly inconvenience the Restaurant School if we asked them to split up our bill such that individuals pay for what they ordered...we ended up breaking out the pen, paper, and an ababacus. Unnecessary headaches ensued. The actual food: I ordered the Heartland's shrimp and angel hair pasta appetizer, which was waaaaayyy too salty. My pork chop entree with mushroom sauce was okay; it was a thick chunk of meat, and cooked on the drier side. But dessert, a moist cake with ice cream, was awesome...my sweet tooth was singing. Other people's comments about the International menu were overall very positive. Vegetarians, beware! If you order from the Chef's menu, as my friend did, as is the custom of "higher end menus," you will get approx. 5 mushrooms as an entree. Very beautifully arranged though.
(3)
Anthony M.
The food and service were pretty average -- I guess about what you would expect from a "Restaurant School." I ate in the Italian Room, which offers self-serve Bread, Salad and Soup and then a Five-Course all-you-can-eat Pasta Meal. At $13 a person, you get a lot of food for quite a low price. However, the two waiters were very awkward. They hovered over us and seemed pretty aloof. They had no idea what anything was on the menu and had to "go check" a few times what the next course would be. It's a great choice if you're looking for something cheap, fast and filling, but don't expect it to impress anyone.
(3)
terry b.
After years of wondering about it, I now want to know what took me so long! Went last night and our party of four was utterly charmed by the ambiance, the food, and especially the wait staff! Entertaining, efficient and eager to please. Granted, other than a large event in the piazza, we were practically the only other diners, so such attention might not always be possible; but who would care in such a sweet setting! We chose the International menu, but will be back to sample the other three options. As for price, we would have easily paid double anywhere else for what we received in both food and service. It was truly a fine dining experience. Kudos to the kids! oh yeah...they are open for breakfast and lunch, too.
(5)
Gourmet G.
Housed in an elegant Victorian complex with a courtyard and several mansion-like wings, this is a respected institution among Philadelphia restaurateurs. Following eight months of intense instruction, teams of students plan a menu and then take over the ground floor to serve the public for eight weeks. You have four dining choices, and since the students are paying for the right to cook for you, prices are extremely low. The formal, more expensive restaurant, Great Chefs of Philadelphia, is housed in a totally renovated parlor-dining room, and the city's premier chefs, who serve as mentors, are as active in the kitchen as the student staff. Three casual restaurants - traditional American, Italian, and a brasserie - offer a wide array of options, including three-course meals for as low as $13, with varying degrees of success. Like lab rats, diners are exposed to a variety of experiments, and while some are less pleasant than others, none will prove to be fatal. Given the inconsistencies inherent in such a program, a grade of three stars is a fair assessment overall.
(3)
Kelly O.
I took the 6-week Introduction to Culinary Arts class this past January/February. While I did enjoy a lot about the class, there were a few major elements that could have been fixed in order to make this a top-notch class. First, the teacher was not up to par. He graduated from the School a few years before he started teaching, and while he seemed knowledgeable and a great Chef, I don't think he was cut out for teaching. The first class we got done more than an hour early - fine if I were in high school, but I'm paying to be there and want to learn. That happened a few other times, so I don't really feel as though I got my money's worth. Also, several of the classes he taught us how to make a specific dish, rather than teaching us techniques to use in the future. I think if I had a different teacher, my experience would have been better. They do provide you with a great "textbook" if you will, as well as all of the ingredients used to cook each week. There is definitely the possibility for this being a great class, but I think my teacher wasn't able to actually teach :(
(3)
Dee M.
The premise of the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill is for students to get real time training in their areas of study. These students are trained in the art of fine dining and service. They are supervised by a maitre d type who is present but never intrusive. A man of obvious refinement. Depending on which area you dine, there is a prix fixe menu with 5 star selections which is reasonably priced per person. The wine list is impressive. Cocktails are very good. The interior spaces are beautiful and range from being able to, in my opinion dress business casual to being able to dress up. My daughter and I try to dine here at least yearly and would highly recommend The Restaurant School.
(5)
Mark Z.
My and girlfriend and I went here for a Beer vs Wine four course meal, and it was a great experience. The interior of the place was nice and classy. The students were doing very well as servers and the food was amazing. The sea bass I had was so tender and perfectly cooked, definitely the highlight of the meal! I would recommend to anyone to give it a shot because these students really work hard and the food is as good as any fine dining restaraunt.
(4)
J H.
My husband and I have been there for dinner and been to the bakery. We have also toured the school. It has different sections in which to dine. There is an American, Italian, The Great Chefs and a bakery. You are getting a fantastic meal, excellent service for such an inexpensive price. You are definitely getting a gourmet meal! We stopped in the bakery on our way to a party and picked up a layer cake with raspberry filling. It was a hit! If you aren't used to driving in the city, as I am not, it can be difficult to navigate for a parking spot and to know how to avoid traffic. Also, they close during the summer as the students are on break!
(4)
Amanda N.
Great cocktail menu and the dinner menu had good variety. The quality of the food is above average and we left the place very satisfied and stuffed! The students are definitely young and getting in the valuable experience, but we very much enjoyed our group dining experience. My flatbread appetizer was very difficult and chewy to eat but all of the other dishes made up for it. From our cocktails, bread/butter/jam selection, to the seared tuna (a bit too well done but still good) and pistachio cheesecake.. the entire experience was fun. Highly recommend this place for a group or special occasion. And HUGE plus: ample parking!!!
(4)
Jon L.
The other reviewer was more cautious with his stars on this one, but I have had nothing but great experiences eating at The Restaurant School. Like the other fellow said, you can dine at your choice of three different "restaurants" within the West Philly building itself. All meals on the prix fixe menus are prepared by the students, and the menu itself changes each semester. And, honestly, I don't think there's much room for error in any of these delicious dishes. That is to say, the menu itself is crafted by some of the area's finest chefs, who then teach the students the preparation process and oversee their progress in the kitchen. If spending $35 (the price at the Great Chefs Restaurant) sounds like a lot to pay to eat student-made food, then make a reservation at the European Courtyard restaurant, where the entire three course meal runs only $17, and where you'll still get a certifiable gourmet meal. The desserts frequently come from the school's respected pastry shop, which is open six days a week for take-away. As with the restaurant, you can expect gourmet goods for extremely reasonable prices.
(4)
Jenny N.
Oh, I wanted to love you restaurant school. I loved the idea, but in practice it was very disappointing. Let's start with the good. The restaurant itself is uber-adorable. It was an outdoor feeling "European Market." Tables were spacious, menus were cute and the perfect amount of candle light. Our server couldn't be more charming. A good mix of terrified and helpful. She was always there to get water, bread etc. Finally, the bathroom was clean which is a big plus in my book. Ok, so the bad... the FOOD! It was pretty terrible, god bless their souls. My entree was "Chickpea Ragout with parmesan breadcrumb crust." I've had similar dishes at other restaurants. It was literally chickpeas in pasta sauce with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. My partner likened it to being stuck home in snow storm and all you have is a jar of pasta sauce, can of chickpeas and kraft cheese in the fridge. You mix it up and think, "Well, that'll last until I can trek to wawa tomorrow." My partner's food was equally unpleasant, she got the chicken. The vegetables! I'm a big veggie person, but the only veggie they had was squash, which with the same seasoning was the appetizer AND the entree. In other news, the banana chocolate cake we had for dessert was delicious! Other people would probably be annoyed, but I was amused by the young-ness of the student servers. Some were seen sword fighting with giant spoons, the other doing a dance with a "fish face." We happened to be seated where they all "hang out" in between being wait staff. So, if professionalism is your thing steer clear. If you remember sweet youth enjoy the show.
(2)
Monica L.
PROS: Beautiful interior, good service CONS: Food was okay at best Having passed by the Restaurant School countless times before, I was overexcited to try the special Ellis Island menu. The inside of the restaurant was sectioned off into different areas with varying themes. Though very beautifully decorated, the school offered substandard food. The worst was the eggnog tiramisu... with the overuse of nutmeg, which mixed badly with the coffee flavor. Nothing really stood out, unfortunately.
(2)
BDouble U.
Went to The Restaurant School last night, and the overall experience was awesome. We ate the "International Bistro" menu in the courtyard venue. Here's the breakdown: Service: 5/5 Yes, the entire staff is students. Which, in this experience, meant they were more eager to please and impress than typical waitstaff. It's not just a tip riding on the service, it's their education. We were incredibly well-attended the whole time. Ambiance: 5/5 Super cute, perhaps a little over-the-top, but a quite welcoming vaulted-ceiling courtyard with soothing fountains, great music, and all the decor meticulously well kept. We had the place practically to ourselves on a Tuesday night, which definitely helped. Food: 4/5 VERY good. Delicious, even. Not the best ever, but super tasty. Made even better by the incredible... ...Value!: 6/5 $21 prix fixe for an appetizer, entree, and dessert. Come on, that's awesome. Portions were just right, meaning I wasn't hungry after the entree nor bloated after dessert. I'm someone who would rather eat a very good meal at a great value, than a best-you've-ever-tasted meal at exorbitant prices. So take that as you will. Overall, 5/5. I would definitely come back to check out their other menu offerings and their other specialized venue experiences as well.
(5)
Lauren B.
I know some of the reviews of this place mention "nervous waiters and waitresses" but I think that is quite unfair... 1.) They're students learning how to properly serve in a upscale restaurant and have to remember what side to serve on, how to position the silverware, the specials, etc. all while their teacher/boss watches. 2.) Depending upon what time of year you go, they can be NEW students and VERY nervous. I mean, weren't you a little shaky your first day of school??? Anyway- aside from the "nervous waitstaff"- which isn't that noticeable, the food is REALLY good. Like better than most restaurants where I cough up $150 for 2 people. There are a bunch of restaurant options in the building ranging from $13 for the Italian room which includes 3 courses to the French room that is $21 for 3 courses....SUPER REASONABLE. If you're in the area defnitely give this place a try. They are easy to get to, have FREE parking and are easy on your budget. You can't go wrong. :)
(5)
Jason B.
Not one of the prettier or more interesting works of architect Samuel Sloan. The food on the other hand...
(4)
George C.
What a great way to spend the night for something completely different . The students are always on their toes a little nervous but aim to please. There is a Pastry shop that is open during the day with exquisite desert's. There is also a lunch service during the week. More info to follow.
1st visit, Really impressed. 9.5 out of 10, its one notch off the top rated foodie/ michelin joints. Sure theyre just learning, but the cost & quality cannot be beat in Philly. Some of the selections were a bit too fancy for me, but if thats your sort of thing, then you cannot go wrong eating here. Will return.
(5)
Wesley C.
I've had variable experiences with staff and food from the bakery, but this last one just tops them all. I got a large tiramisu cake, small chocolate mousse, small fruit cheesecake, and 2 homemade oreos. Tiramisu cake - wow. first off, it was just beautifully prepared. mini lady fingers were lined up vertically around the entire cake and it was held together with a ribbon. Seriously - for $16.95? Anywhere else, this would have been $25 and up. When we actually go to eat it (a couple days later with family), it was delicious. It was light, moist, the coffee flavor wasn't overbearing, and EVERYBODY loved it. Everybody, from yours truly - a sweet-tooth, where nothing is ever too sweet - to my in-laws who aren't real fans of sweet desserts, enjoyed it. When you can find a cake that can satisfy everybody - that's pretty amazing. Chocolate mousse - wow. light, but rich in flavor, and creaminess. I didn't even care that there was a little piece of chocolate on the top. The mousse was perfect. And there was this glaze over the top that was just....mmmm Fruit cheesecake - the fruit was fresh, sweet and juicy, and the cheesecake wasn't overly thick and dry. The homemade oreos were good - but I think because they were eclipsed by everything else, I'm just not going to even try describing them. I hope the quality stays this high. I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Hannah T.
i never actually ate food from there but i did take an amazing 1-week cooking class there this past summer... we made some amazing foods, and i got to see the decor and it was beautiful... i remeber they were doin some redecorating in the hall way in soo it probably looks even nicer now.
(4)
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Address :Walnut Hill College,4207 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA, 19104
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Intimate, Classy Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
梦然
the Pastry is so tasty. But the service lady is so arrogant like I owe her sth. I came this morning near 7:30am , It seems she cannot stand my taking time to select and staring at me angrily, so I have to select scone quickly. no other guests waiting at that time, so I do not understand that. So if you want to go Pastry, do not go in the morning.
(2)Maddie O.
Great meals, great service, great presentation. Top quality food at inexpensive prices. what more could you ask for?
(4)Yuqing T.
The pastry in the bakery is well worth it, especially the chocolate panache cake. Great for birthdays. On a last minute decision, I came here for lunch at 2pm for the first time. think I might not get a table for 2 since its at a odd time, but I did. Their menu vary on the day, because the students at the college prepares them. I got chicken and waffles. It was inexpensive and surprisingly really good. It was just the right amount of food, and a good balance of sweet and savory. I would come back just for the chicken and waffles. There is an upstairs as well, and a balcony. I imagine it would look really pretty at night for big dinner parties. The decor is quite unique. Highly recommended for lunch. Would go back for dinner one day.
(5)Jason R.
The restaurants are a great value, but the full compliment of stars is specifically for the Pastry Shop. At the pastry shop, they sell cakes, pies, croissants, danishes, cookies, and bread (including baggettes) at bargain prices. You can buy a velvet torte (cake) for $15 and, if you love chocolate, it will make you cry. Check out the website-they have a list of cakes that they can make to order. **Update** The prices nearly doubled at the beginning of the new year, but they brought them back down (thank you!). I paid $2.50 for a big, delicious blackberry crumble muffin and a cinnamon danish (still warm).
(4)Ms C M.
Although the servers, chefs, etc are students, they do a fantastic job. The food was great and the service impeccable!
(5)Jade V.
Wow, does bang for your buck get any better than this? Despite having our hearts set on the Great Chefs menu, it wasn't available on the Thursday night we went (Actually, it hasn't been available since the last quarter of 2012... sad face.), so we ended up going for the International Bistro menu. Not a bad choice at all. No matter which menu you order from, you eat in the same dining area. All of the food was well prepared; we felt the love. The steak was ordered medium rare, and it came out *perfectly* medium rare--the perfect shade of pink in the middle. The chefs here pull off technique perfectly, from poached egg to medium rare steak to a balanced but not soaked salad dressing (coming from someone who is usually disappointed to see that restaurants overdress salads with a pool at the bottom of a plate/bowl). Props to the baker for the excellent bread, which was *semi* free flowing. At first they kept giving us bread, but after the first course, that service stopped. Huh. A minor suggestion would be warming up the bread for service, but it's not a huge deal. The cheap booze is a big plus. The selection isn't the largest, but the prices are similar to what you would see for happy hour at any other establishment (including cocktails, beer, and wine). The service was professional and exceeded expectations, especially compared to any big name restaurant in the city. The price to quality ratio at the Restaurant School is amazing, and I would totally recommend the International Bistro to anyone looking for a great meal.
(4)Jerry S.
This is an amazing experience. I recommend The Great Chefs. Tim and Gino served us and did an outstanding job. The food and service was excellent. Others have give mixed reviews I don't know why because despite the fact that students are preparing and serving your meal and do a very good job.
(5)Kristin N.
Have worked in University City for over 20 years and just made it here last evening. I was pleasantly surprised. The staff/students were all quite friendly and eager to please, from coat check to bar to waitstaff. At times, the service was disjointed, but what they lacked in organization, they made up for in effort. We dined in the international restaurant and there was something for everyone on the menu...and three courses for $21. Appetizers included scallops, bao bun with pork belly and goat cheese pierogies with carmelized onion. Our table chose boef pot au feu, salmon, cavetelli with duck ragout. The chef even improvised a vegetarian entree for my friend. Desserts were stunning and yummy, too. They even brought out homemade chocolates with the check. Overall, we had a lovely evening and I would certainly go back. The rooms are gorgeous, btw....
(4)Kate S.
This review is only for the pastry shop, it is my go to place for cakes/baked goods when we have visiting faculty or special occasions--been using them for over 7 yrs Very reasonably priced and delicious Sometimes there are hits and misses depending on the talent of students that semester --ie crooked piping and once I bought a chicago cheesecake that was def undercooked in the middle (eep!!) but 2 duds in a span of 7 yrs of excellence and on the cheap too--I'll take it! Just be sure to either call it in well in advance or plan to show up first thing in the a.m., otherwise all of their cakes are gone around 10ish
(4)Aubrey E.
Took a cooking class here with my husband and we were both pretty disappointed. Not many good things to say about our experience here. First, we had to bring many of our own supplies (knives, dish towels, etc). This wasn't a big deal, but it's also sort of inconvenient if you want to take public transportation and you have to walk around with a few really large knives in your bag. As for the actual class, we didn't feel like we learned anything at all. Basically, the instructor gave us some recipes and told us where the ingredients were to make them. Each pair/couple picked something off the list of recipes to make and voila, that was it. We spent the rest of the class cooking on our own. Granted, the instructor was there to help if you had questions, but it was much less a cooking "class" than a "ready, get set, COOK." We had a good time, but we really wish we could have LEARNED something here. I hope they improve their classes and "teaching" technique.
(2)Teresa L.
3 months later, I'm back... ...and it might be awhile before I make a third trip. We were a big group of 6 and ordered from 3 different menus: Timeliness was the biggest issue here, with both the kitchen and service at fault; (45 minutes - 1 hour for our appetizers to come out). We were also a bigger group of 6 sitting at one table and ordering from 3 different menus: Chef's, American Heartland, and International. I had known that we would all order from different menus beforehand, so I called the Restaurant School earlier, who gave me the okay-go. However, the waitress clearly did not get the memo, and made me feel that it was a taboo thing to do. I wouldn't harp so much on how late our drinks came since there was the post-dinner dilemma: paying. From her standpoint (and not the instructor's), I was under the impression that it would greatly inconvenience the Restaurant School if we asked them to split up our bill such that individuals pay for what they ordered...we ended up breaking out the pen, paper, and an ababacus. Unnecessary headaches ensued. The actual food: I ordered the Heartland's shrimp and angel hair pasta appetizer, which was waaaaayyy too salty. My pork chop entree with mushroom sauce was okay; it was a thick chunk of meat, and cooked on the drier side. But dessert, a moist cake with ice cream, was awesome...my sweet tooth was singing. Other people's comments about the International menu were overall very positive. Vegetarians, beware! If you order from the Chef's menu, as my friend did, as is the custom of "higher end menus," you will get approx. 5 mushrooms as an entree. Very beautifully arranged though.
(3)Anthony M.
The food and service were pretty average -- I guess about what you would expect from a "Restaurant School." I ate in the Italian Room, which offers self-serve Bread, Salad and Soup and then a Five-Course all-you-can-eat Pasta Meal. At $13 a person, you get a lot of food for quite a low price. However, the two waiters were very awkward. They hovered over us and seemed pretty aloof. They had no idea what anything was on the menu and had to "go check" a few times what the next course would be. It's a great choice if you're looking for something cheap, fast and filling, but don't expect it to impress anyone.
(3)terry b.
After years of wondering about it, I now want to know what took me so long! Went last night and our party of four was utterly charmed by the ambiance, the food, and especially the wait staff! Entertaining, efficient and eager to please. Granted, other than a large event in the piazza, we were practically the only other diners, so such attention might not always be possible; but who would care in such a sweet setting! We chose the International menu, but will be back to sample the other three options. As for price, we would have easily paid double anywhere else for what we received in both food and service. It was truly a fine dining experience. Kudos to the kids! oh yeah...they are open for breakfast and lunch, too.
(5)Gourmet G.
Housed in an elegant Victorian complex with a courtyard and several mansion-like wings, this is a respected institution among Philadelphia restaurateurs. Following eight months of intense instruction, teams of students plan a menu and then take over the ground floor to serve the public for eight weeks. You have four dining choices, and since the students are paying for the right to cook for you, prices are extremely low. The formal, more expensive restaurant, Great Chefs of Philadelphia, is housed in a totally renovated parlor-dining room, and the city's premier chefs, who serve as mentors, are as active in the kitchen as the student staff. Three casual restaurants - traditional American, Italian, and a brasserie - offer a wide array of options, including three-course meals for as low as $13, with varying degrees of success. Like lab rats, diners are exposed to a variety of experiments, and while some are less pleasant than others, none will prove to be fatal. Given the inconsistencies inherent in such a program, a grade of three stars is a fair assessment overall.
(3)Kelly O.
I took the 6-week Introduction to Culinary Arts class this past January/February. While I did enjoy a lot about the class, there were a few major elements that could have been fixed in order to make this a top-notch class. First, the teacher was not up to par. He graduated from the School a few years before he started teaching, and while he seemed knowledgeable and a great Chef, I don't think he was cut out for teaching. The first class we got done more than an hour early - fine if I were in high school, but I'm paying to be there and want to learn. That happened a few other times, so I don't really feel as though I got my money's worth. Also, several of the classes he taught us how to make a specific dish, rather than teaching us techniques to use in the future. I think if I had a different teacher, my experience would have been better. They do provide you with a great "textbook" if you will, as well as all of the ingredients used to cook each week. There is definitely the possibility for this being a great class, but I think my teacher wasn't able to actually teach :(
(3)Dee M.
The premise of the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill is for students to get real time training in their areas of study. These students are trained in the art of fine dining and service. They are supervised by a maitre d type who is present but never intrusive. A man of obvious refinement. Depending on which area you dine, there is a prix fixe menu with 5 star selections which is reasonably priced per person. The wine list is impressive. Cocktails are very good. The interior spaces are beautiful and range from being able to, in my opinion dress business casual to being able to dress up. My daughter and I try to dine here at least yearly and would highly recommend The Restaurant School.
(5)Mark Z.
My and girlfriend and I went here for a Beer vs Wine four course meal, and it was a great experience. The interior of the place was nice and classy. The students were doing very well as servers and the food was amazing. The sea bass I had was so tender and perfectly cooked, definitely the highlight of the meal! I would recommend to anyone to give it a shot because these students really work hard and the food is as good as any fine dining restaraunt.
(4)J H.
My husband and I have been there for dinner and been to the bakery. We have also toured the school. It has different sections in which to dine. There is an American, Italian, The Great Chefs and a bakery. You are getting a fantastic meal, excellent service for such an inexpensive price. You are definitely getting a gourmet meal! We stopped in the bakery on our way to a party and picked up a layer cake with raspberry filling. It was a hit! If you aren't used to driving in the city, as I am not, it can be difficult to navigate for a parking spot and to know how to avoid traffic. Also, they close during the summer as the students are on break!
(4)Amanda N.
Great cocktail menu and the dinner menu had good variety. The quality of the food is above average and we left the place very satisfied and stuffed! The students are definitely young and getting in the valuable experience, but we very much enjoyed our group dining experience. My flatbread appetizer was very difficult and chewy to eat but all of the other dishes made up for it. From our cocktails, bread/butter/jam selection, to the seared tuna (a bit too well done but still good) and pistachio cheesecake.. the entire experience was fun. Highly recommend this place for a group or special occasion. And HUGE plus: ample parking!!!
(4)Jon L.
The other reviewer was more cautious with his stars on this one, but I have had nothing but great experiences eating at The Restaurant School. Like the other fellow said, you can dine at your choice of three different "restaurants" within the West Philly building itself. All meals on the prix fixe menus are prepared by the students, and the menu itself changes each semester. And, honestly, I don't think there's much room for error in any of these delicious dishes. That is to say, the menu itself is crafted by some of the area's finest chefs, who then teach the students the preparation process and oversee their progress in the kitchen. If spending $35 (the price at the Great Chefs Restaurant) sounds like a lot to pay to eat student-made food, then make a reservation at the European Courtyard restaurant, where the entire three course meal runs only $17, and where you'll still get a certifiable gourmet meal. The desserts frequently come from the school's respected pastry shop, which is open six days a week for take-away. As with the restaurant, you can expect gourmet goods for extremely reasonable prices.
(4)Jenny N.
Oh, I wanted to love you restaurant school. I loved the idea, but in practice it was very disappointing. Let's start with the good. The restaurant itself is uber-adorable. It was an outdoor feeling "European Market." Tables were spacious, menus were cute and the perfect amount of candle light. Our server couldn't be more charming. A good mix of terrified and helpful. She was always there to get water, bread etc. Finally, the bathroom was clean which is a big plus in my book. Ok, so the bad... the FOOD! It was pretty terrible, god bless their souls. My entree was "Chickpea Ragout with parmesan breadcrumb crust." I've had similar dishes at other restaurants. It was literally chickpeas in pasta sauce with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. My partner likened it to being stuck home in snow storm and all you have is a jar of pasta sauce, can of chickpeas and kraft cheese in the fridge. You mix it up and think, "Well, that'll last until I can trek to wawa tomorrow." My partner's food was equally unpleasant, she got the chicken. The vegetables! I'm a big veggie person, but the only veggie they had was squash, which with the same seasoning was the appetizer AND the entree. In other news, the banana chocolate cake we had for dessert was delicious! Other people would probably be annoyed, but I was amused by the young-ness of the student servers. Some were seen sword fighting with giant spoons, the other doing a dance with a "fish face." We happened to be seated where they all "hang out" in between being wait staff. So, if professionalism is your thing steer clear. If you remember sweet youth enjoy the show.
(2)Monica L.
PROS: Beautiful interior, good service CONS: Food was okay at best Having passed by the Restaurant School countless times before, I was overexcited to try the special Ellis Island menu. The inside of the restaurant was sectioned off into different areas with varying themes. Though very beautifully decorated, the school offered substandard food. The worst was the eggnog tiramisu... with the overuse of nutmeg, which mixed badly with the coffee flavor. Nothing really stood out, unfortunately.
(2)BDouble U.
Went to The Restaurant School last night, and the overall experience was awesome. We ate the "International Bistro" menu in the courtyard venue. Here's the breakdown: Service: 5/5 Yes, the entire staff is students. Which, in this experience, meant they were more eager to please and impress than typical waitstaff. It's not just a tip riding on the service, it's their education. We were incredibly well-attended the whole time. Ambiance: 5/5 Super cute, perhaps a little over-the-top, but a quite welcoming vaulted-ceiling courtyard with soothing fountains, great music, and all the decor meticulously well kept. We had the place practically to ourselves on a Tuesday night, which definitely helped. Food: 4/5 VERY good. Delicious, even. Not the best ever, but super tasty. Made even better by the incredible... ...Value!: 6/5 $21 prix fixe for an appetizer, entree, and dessert. Come on, that's awesome. Portions were just right, meaning I wasn't hungry after the entree nor bloated after dessert. I'm someone who would rather eat a very good meal at a great value, than a best-you've-ever-tasted meal at exorbitant prices. So take that as you will. Overall, 5/5. I would definitely come back to check out their other menu offerings and their other specialized venue experiences as well.
(5)Lauren B.
I know some of the reviews of this place mention "nervous waiters and waitresses" but I think that is quite unfair... 1.) They're students learning how to properly serve in a upscale restaurant and have to remember what side to serve on, how to position the silverware, the specials, etc. all while their teacher/boss watches. 2.) Depending upon what time of year you go, they can be NEW students and VERY nervous. I mean, weren't you a little shaky your first day of school??? Anyway- aside from the "nervous waitstaff"- which isn't that noticeable, the food is REALLY good. Like better than most restaurants where I cough up $150 for 2 people. There are a bunch of restaurant options in the building ranging from $13 for the Italian room which includes 3 courses to the French room that is $21 for 3 courses....SUPER REASONABLE. If you're in the area defnitely give this place a try. They are easy to get to, have FREE parking and are easy on your budget. You can't go wrong. :)
(5)Jason B.
Not one of the prettier or more interesting works of architect Samuel Sloan. The food on the other hand...
(4)George C.
What a great way to spend the night for something completely different . The students are always on their toes a little nervous but aim to please. There is a Pastry shop that is open during the day with exquisite desert's. There is also a lunch service during the week. More info to follow.
(4)Jacy C.
Wow, where to start. The Restaurant School is, put quite simply, horrendous. I will outline exactly what makes it so terrible by regurgitating my experience (and quite possibly my meal) below: 1. When we arrived at the restaurant, the front door was locked. The host had to come and let us in. Strike number one. 2. The decor of the restaurant was in the category of, "so tacky, it was as if France and Italy had a baby which puked all over the restaurant". 3. After being seated, the waiter brought us our menus, and in the process, accidentally threw one on the floor. 4. When getting ready to order, the waiter had quite possibly the worst bedside manner I have ever encountered. He was awkward and unhelpful throughout the entire meal. 5. The restaurant staff graciously offered bread, which was lovely. Our options were plain, onion, everything, poppy seed, and sesame seed. I wasn't aware that The Restaurant School was also a bagel shop. I thought perhaps the bread might share flavors with bagels, but actually be regular bread, but alas, the bread was actually bagel dough. Cold, chewy bagel dough. 6. Finally, our appetizers arrive. The vegetable soup was chunky and lukewarm, with an overly strong balsamic glaze. The PEI mussels were decent, but very subpar. The "naan" that came with the mussels was more akin to focaccia, and had a distinct charcoal taste. 7. Entrée time! The pork had a decent flavor, despite being quite tough and chewy. The vegetables that came along with the pork were undercooked and somewhat tasteless. The striped sea bass was also decent, but the rice had an overpowering lemongrass taste, and the vegetables were nigh inedible. The perfect parallel to draw would be that of airline food. 8. At this point, needless to say, we were somewhat wary of what was to come next. Finally, our dessert menus arrive, after being asked if "[our waiter] can interest us in dessert, despite the fact that dessert is clearly included in the prix fixe menu, which happens to be the only choice when dining here. The dessert arrived and was quite underwhelming. The banana bread pudding was cold, but tasted relatively good. The pumpkin cake was extremely dense and a little stale. I would highly recommend dining at this fine establishment if you enjoy awful food, or if you have extremely unrefined taste.
(2)Rich C.
1st visit, Really impressed. 9.5 out of 10, its one notch off the top rated foodie/ michelin joints. Sure theyre just learning, but the cost & quality cannot be beat in Philly. Some of the selections were a bit too fancy for me, but if thats your sort of thing, then you cannot go wrong eating here. Will return.
(5)Wesley C.
I've had variable experiences with staff and food from the bakery, but this last one just tops them all. I got a large tiramisu cake, small chocolate mousse, small fruit cheesecake, and 2 homemade oreos. Tiramisu cake - wow. first off, it was just beautifully prepared. mini lady fingers were lined up vertically around the entire cake and it was held together with a ribbon. Seriously - for $16.95? Anywhere else, this would have been $25 and up. When we actually go to eat it (a couple days later with family), it was delicious. It was light, moist, the coffee flavor wasn't overbearing, and EVERYBODY loved it. Everybody, from yours truly - a sweet-tooth, where nothing is ever too sweet - to my in-laws who aren't real fans of sweet desserts, enjoyed it. When you can find a cake that can satisfy everybody - that's pretty amazing. Chocolate mousse - wow. light, but rich in flavor, and creaminess. I didn't even care that there was a little piece of chocolate on the top. The mousse was perfect. And there was this glaze over the top that was just....mmmm Fruit cheesecake - the fruit was fresh, sweet and juicy, and the cheesecake wasn't overly thick and dry. The homemade oreos were good - but I think because they were eclipsed by everything else, I'm just not going to even try describing them. I hope the quality stays this high. I'll definitely be back.
(5)Hannah T.
i never actually ate food from there but i did take an amazing 1-week cooking class there this past summer... we made some amazing foods, and i got to see the decor and it was beautiful... i remeber they were doin some redecorating in the hall way in soo it probably looks even nicer now.
(4)