Pif
Philadelphia, PA 19147-4730
Phone: (215) 625-2923
- Price:
- $$
- Best of Citysearch:
- French Food 2005
- Hours:
- Tue-Sat 5:30pm-10pm
Editorial Review for Pif – by Frances Nguyen
In Short
This tiny French bistro has definitely been discovered, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't call for a reservation and get in line with all the other foodies. Chef David Ansill and his French wife, Catherine, have turned up the charm at this former Vietnamese storefront with eclectic, French-country touches. The menu changes daily, based on Ansill's finds at the nearby Italian Market. Despite the source of his produce, the menu is most definitely French.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoThis is a place for intimate gatherings--it's very petite--so no parties of 10, and do make reservations.
Save MoneyTote along a nice French cab or a Chardonnay to go along with the poisson entrees. The nearest wine shop is at 724 South Street, or call (215) 560-6900.
User Reviews for Pif
07/02/2007 Posted by digdon
The Philly BYO scene is one of the best things about this city; Pif can't hold a candle to the other terrific BYO's we've been too. I understand that every restaurant can have an "off night", but we've been twice within the last year, and both times came away very disappointed. The food seems ambitious but was poorly executed (under seasoned, under cooked -- are they scared of their own shadows at Pif?) and the service was really, really slow (which was odd, since there's only a handful of tables in the place - you'd think the two servers could handle it). A co-worker reccomended the langostines, so I tried them both times I went, and both times I thought to myself, "Either these are old, or I just don't like langostines". But then I tried them at a new Philly restaurant (not a BYO) and they were delicious, so... My wife tried a lamb dish and found just about equal parts fat and meat (sure, lamb is fatty, but come on, learn to trim, people!)Bottom line is the food ain't worth the hefty price, the service is slow (although pleasant), and there is no atmosphere to speak of. With all the other great BYO's to go to in Philly, I say stay away from Pif!
Pros: I guess parking was easy to find...
Cons: taste of food, value, ambience, service, etc
06/20/2007 Posted by phillyfoodfan
Pif is the most overrated restaurant we have ever been to. We recently went to Pif as a party of four on a Friday night. Pif was half empty which tells you something. Bottom line Pif is by far the most overrated restaurant we have ever been in PHL or elsewhere. We had four appetizers and four entrees. None was outstanding or even good. The steak was a poor cut and badly prepared. The veal was inedible. Even the signature escargot appetizer was mediocre. Service was terrible. The coffee was cold and it took 20 minutes to get a warm cup. We have subsequently talked to other couples who love the Philadelphia BYOB scene and they have all been substantially disappointed by PIF. Don’t waste your time and money with so many other good BYOB restaurants in Philly. We were very embarassed to bring guests
Pros: None really
Cons: Mediocre food. Terrible service. Waited 20 minutes for cold coffee
