05/19/09

Want to sit at a table and have lite fare, DON'T come here

by MJLaba

There were 2 of us who just wanted some drinks and lite bar menu fare - but we wanted to sit at a table instead of at the bar. There were plenty of tables available and no others were waiting to be seated.

The hostess said the only way we could have drinks & items from the bar menu was to sit AT THE BAR. So we left. This was Monday, 7:15pm, 5/18/09. Thanks to her we found anew place that we prefer.

• Pros: It was on the way to our destination
• Cons: Inability to accomodate a simple request

03/15/09

I'm just amazed by some of these reviews!!!!

by pHiLLyPhOOdiE

I don't know where these people that had these problems ate, but I've never had any of these problems at Valanni. The food is always prepared perfectly and the service is ALWAYS top notch. I personally don't know anyone that works there and I've never been made to feel anything less than welcome. With this being said, I need to touch on the new menu items, excellent changes without shaking up the menu to much (a fault that I see happen at many restaurants). I hope that these nay-sayers don't discourage people from experiencing one Philly's truly wonderful places to dine.

• Pros: SERVICE!!!!! and of course the food.
• Cons: Withou a reservation on the weekends you may have to wait.

03/10/09

great food, great atmosphere, great service

by Hendrix2889

After having an amazing meal and great experience, I was completely astonished to read some previous reviews. My dinner was almost perfect, the octopus cooked to perfection, the lamb, although a little over seasoned was delightful. My waitress was on top of everything, never had to ask for another drink, and she even had an actual personality which is always refreshing. I highly recommend Valanni.

• Pros: service, octopus

02/15/09

WORST SERVICE EVER

by smf1123

Went on Valentine's Day. Had a reservation at 9:15. We were sent to the bar because our table was not ready at 9:15. It took about 10 minutes to get the attention of a bartender to get a drink. The bartender did not even know how to make a french martini. Drinks were expensive and not that great. At about 9:45, we were finally seated. Our waitress was very rude. and rushed us to order our meals. The food was good, but the service was absolutely awful. I would not go back because of the service.

• Pros: Food, ambience, date spot
• Cons: Awful Service, Portions are very small

02/02/09

Worst service in the city!

by NLescaped

Perhaps it's my fault. I don't know any of the staff here and maybe they don't think that I'm cool enough to wait on me. I'm not really sure what they think my faults are, but i can not get any kind of service here that would deem even a half decent review. I've tried the bar-got ignored while the bartender chatted with his friends. Tried the wave, tried the um...excuse me, finally flagged down a waiter to ask the bartender to come down with the check.

Next time we tried sitting at a table, even worse. easily the worst staff with attitudes in the city. Guys, just so remember you are waiters! You actually have to wait on the customers. Who pay the bills. Your bills as well.

Never ever again! Terrible.

• Pros: Locale
• Cons: Everything else. wait staff, bartenders, food, drinks. Everything.

12/21/08

Good food, bad service

by jaeida

I agree that this place has great food and the atmosphere was good as well. The problem is that it is really noisy and cramped. I sat about 2 feet away from another couple and heard their entire conversation. The service is horrible. My waiter was more interested in talking to the couple next to us because he knew them and I didn't even get dessert because I didn't want to wait an extra 15 minutes to get my check. I would not recommend it on weekends. Try weekdays if you want decent service. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because of the service.

• Pros: Great food!
• Cons: Parking and service are problems.

11/08/08

Best Brunch in Philly

by sarahrose4

has the best brunch on sundays! - the drinks (say bloody mary or mimosa..) are as expensive as the meals, but are very delicious. Valanni offers breakfasty foods, as all brunch restaurants, but also lunch-type foods, so if you're not a big breakfast person, like me, you can order something else you prefer.

We found this when we were going Morning Glory for breakfast, but were turned off by the 1.5 hr wait -- we found a place with better food...........and no wait!

• Pros: nice neighboorhood, good service and food
• Cons: can't think of any

After a major expansion, charming and convivial Valanni is double its original size and every bit as popular.

by Tara Nurin

In Short
If Philadelphians can agree on anything, it's that everyone loves Valanni. And since owners knocked down a wall and took over the adjacent property, there are twice as many reasons to love it: 120 seats instead of 60 and a bar that's 100% bigger. The crowd is full of joyful contradictions, luring both the gregarious and refined, the yuppie and artsy, the young and old, the gay and straight, the fodie and the drinker. They flock in droves for the cozy, yet never boring, brick-walled atmosphere, the Latin-inspired menu, the tapas, the extensive cheese plate selections, the authentic paella, the meaty wine list, the famous sangria and the cocktails whose genesis comes from all over the globe. Come with a date, your in-laws or by yourself; either way, you'll leave with a full tummy and a smile on your face.

09/22/08

Amazing Brunch

by stacib05

I had a birthday brunch for myself and 4 other 20-something friends. Everyone loved the dish they got and the prices are very reasonable for brunch. The staff was curteous and the atmosphere seems more chill than other places (perhaps this is different at other times). Menu had a good variety of items and I would go back again. Only about 10-12/person and great morning drinks!

• Pros: great food and atmosphere, friendly staff, in a great neighborhood
• Cons: may need reservations

07/23/08

Yummy Paella

by PC126

Parking stinks in this part of town but there are a few really great restaurants that it's worth the driving around the block 10 times for a spot. The portions are definitely plentiful and there is alot to choose from on their menu. Everything I ate was great and I definitely would go back.

• Pros: food- especially dessert
• Cons: parking in the area is hard to come by