New/Newer/Newish Fine Dining Options?

[lillotis]

I have been out of the loop for the past year or so (new baby, etc...) and really want to wow my husband with a birthday dinner in the city or surrounding areas. We always loved celebrating at Lacroix, Vetri, Le Bec and Buddakan (yes, gasp.... we love a Stephen Starr restaurant) in the past. On a more casual note, we often used to dine at Parc, Osteria, Distrito and other places. Looking to take him to somewhere on the newer side that has great service and even better food. He loves French and many other cuisines, but his first choice is definitely not too ethnic (Indian, Middle Eastern, Spanish). He was a chef for over 10 years and likes to be wowed at a restaurant. So, let me know some of your favorite newer options. Tasting menu's are definitely something we enjoy, but not a necessity.

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Buddakan
1 Atlantic Ocean Unit 3108, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

[sylviag]

Have you been to Fish? Really great fish and seafood. It is casual, so if you want something more celebratory, this isn't it. But put it on your list to try.
The new restaurant in Chestnut Hill - MIca? - sounds like it might be just right for you.

[Buckethead]

I have heard some good and some not so good things about Mica.

[lastmorsel]

The last I heard, Fish was closed because there were infrastructure damages. (Voice recording). Although, I only checked this a few months ago.

[barryg]

That was LIttle Fish; they've since moved and it's up and running.

[Delucacheesemonger]

Do not know what the board thinks about this place, but went to Prime Rib for, surprise, a prime rib. Room lovely, service top notch, meat was perfect and the size of a hubcap. l would call it fine dining and if you want a steakhouse, best l have been to in Phila area. BYOB on Sun,Mon,Tues with no corkage.

[Seeker19104]

I like Prime Rib for the eponymous dish. Their prix fixe menu features a smaller portion of the meat which suits my smaller appetite just fine.

[Philly Ray]

While not on the "New/Newer/Newish" side, I don't see The Fountain on your list. I think both the food and the service will "wow" your husband. Next to Vetri, I think it is the best restaurant in the city.

[Beulah]

Bibou -- it's a tiny BYO but the food is fantastic, the service is excellent and we think it's one of the vest restaurants in Philly.

[Buckethead]

Me too, but I don't think it's "Fine Dining" of the type lillotis is looking for. If that is open to negotiation, I'd go to Bibou or Zahav.

[lillotis]

Thanks! I forgot about Bibou. We wanted to try it. It does not need to be ultra find dining. Really good and creative food first and foremost.

[Buckethead]

Then go there or to Zahav.

[cwdonald]

One other place to consider, (and I have not eaten there) is 10 Arts in the Ritz Carlton. Its an Eric Reipert restaurant, and the cuisine looks interesting.. Buffalo sweetbreads, foi gras, some game (rabbit etc). From an ambience stand point would be more formal than Bibou, but I am sure people on this board would agree Bibou has better food.

[lastmorsel]

Agree with Beulah. Bibou is one of the best restaurants in Philly. It is relatively new. It only costs $45 for a tasting menu on Sunday. The ingredients are all very innovative. Note: Reservations are hard to get. So I would get one early, if you could. The place is also BYOB.

I've been to all of the restaurants you have mentioned. Bibou stands out amongst all of them. Also, the executive chef, used to be the head (cooking) chef at Le Bec Fin.