Branzino
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 790-0103
- Cross Street:
- Manning Street
User Reviews for Branzino
03/29/2008 Posted by gabsao
Apparently the idea that the customer is always right does not apply to this restaurant. My friend had made reservations for 7:30 on a Friday night, and when we got to the restaurant they said that they had us down for 5:30. My friend even showed them her confirmation e-mail saying that the reservations were for 7:30. Instead of being apologetic and offering us the next available table, the host staff was extremely rude and said that it was our problem, not theirs. Despite the fact that there were MANY empty tables, they showed no signs of wanting to seat us, so we were forced to leave despite the fact that we had made reservations. This is the second time that Branzino has had trouble accommodating reservations. I had been there once before and they had set up our table for the wrong number of people; we ended up waiting another 20 minutes before they had a table ready for us. Once we were finally seated, the food was forgettable at best. If you're looking for a good Italian BYOB, skip this place and go across the street to Fontana della Citta. Unlike Branzino, they are very accommodating (and their risotto is delicious).
12/03/2007 Posted by tdn115
I made reservations this past Friday night. I called and confirmed the reservations also reiterate that it was my boyfriend's bday and I would like a candle in his dessert. I was reassured that it would not be a problem. We got there for our 8pm reservation, they couldn't find my name and when she did we were told our table was not ready and to return in 20 minutes. We were had to go to the bar down the street- due to the lack of room inside. (Mind you it was not a warm and fuzzy night for a walk) We came back still hoping that the rest of the evening would run more smoothly, then our grand arrival. After we were seated, the busboy came over and gave up water and corked our bottle, however I had to flag down the hostess to get us menus. Our waiter came over, he was very cordial and knowledgeable about the menu. The filet mignon carpaccio was my favorite- I highly recommend it! He had the caesar salad and was quite happy with it, we then split a veal and chicken raviolis, again our taste buds were pleased. He then got the steak and I got the Osso Buco. He said his steak was good, unfortunately my entree was very salty and as a huge fan of dish- there was no bone marrow to speak off- which is the best part of the whole dish!! Finally, dessert came, no candle. I was actually really upset considering the party across the way had a five alarm fire on their dessert!! I decided at the end of the meal that I was going to ask to speak with the manager about our experience. As the check came- a waiter, that had been their 2 weeks came dashing over apologized with a piece of cheesecake and candle on the house. He said he had caught some of my glances and went to the hostess to see if their were any special request on my reservation and she stated that in fact I had requested a candle. I am grateful that they did put an effort to rectify their mistake, but my relaxing romantic dinner fell short of that. Overall, I'd try it again, maybe it was an off night, hopefully.
Pros: food, ambience
Cons: service, underagers chucking alcohol across the way
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