Southwark Restaurant

It has been a while since I was truly surprised by a restaurant and this was a meal I did not see coming. From the outside, it's a pretty unassuming spot from the outside, sitting next to the sister restaurant Ambra. Admittedly, we would love to try Ambra but the pricepoint for the tasting menu is a bit intimidating so we may ultimately not. When you walk in, it's easy not to realize how big the place actually is. We were seated at a huge table in the back just inside the outdoor seating, which also would have been a nice option. We were not expecting the complimentary amuse-bouch, so that was a nice touch. We started with the warm breads, which came with a fascinating ricotta spread. Next was the whipped pork confit which at first I thought may be a skosh salty but in the end was reminiscent of a nice spreadable pate (that they were nice enough to give us extra bread for). The salad with trout and chili breadcrumbs also started off on the saltier side, but once you mix things together it ends up very well balanced and quite nice. For mains, we went with the lamb shoulder (my favorite of the two) and the tilefish-the latter was the recommendation of the waitress and we were so thankful it was as we probably wouldn't have chosen it but really enjoyed it. The real gem of the experience, however, was the service. It's such a homey vibe and not only was the food quick, but the servers were so delightful at every turn. They even folded our napkins every time once of us stood up, which I hadn't seen at many other non-course restaurants. Truly made for a lovely meal.

What an awesome dinner. Southwark had been on the list for a while and we were finally able to go. Perfect night to dig out back in the courtyard. Cocktails are great and clever. Wine list is small but solid and appropriate for the menu. The beef tartare toast appetizer was great, but the grated horseradish was a little too overpowering to appreciate the tartare. The duck was PERFECT. I say that rarely and it was perfect. Enough fat to want to eat the crisp. Little enough that fat wasn't your entire bite. Perfectly cooked. The chive mezze rigatoni was in a fantastic yet simple sauce, you'd want to drink it. The double cheeseburger was solid but the fries really stole the show. Ended the night with the corn soufflé cake which is both the weirdest and most delicious combination of flavors. So impressed with the meal. Can't wait to come back.

Came here for drinks last week. Best bar experience I've had in a long time in Philly! Food wasn't as good though. Got two seats at the bar easily on a weekday night. Bartender had the most positive vibes ever experienced in Philly. Gave us advice on drinks when we asked and was very attentive. Drinks were phenomenal. Flavorful and unique. Food was good don't get me wrong but just didn't blow me away like the drinks and service did. The hushpuppies were very well fried and crispy, but just not super flavorful. Also had the agnolotti. Perfectly cooked and a nice creamy filling but again just a bit bland on the flavor side. I've heard the entrees are fantastic, and the drinks and service will have us back for sure. The vibe for a weeknight drink was unbeatable.

Loved this restaurant! The apps were good but the two entrees I'd go back for:1. Double cheeseburger - requested cheddar instead of blue cheese. Fries were awesome2. Campanelle "cacio e pepe"

We came in for drinks before dinner at another restaurant. The bar is super cute and cozy. The playlist was fabulous. We enjoyed all the cocktails we tried but my favorite was the Everybody Loves Grandpa. We came in because I read a review of tue Mariah Carey Can't Dance. I tried it as well and while it was tasty, I preferred the other drinks. Enjoyed the homemade chips and ranch dip bar snack as well. We will be back!

Quality of the food was impeccable. You can tell they really put thoughts into their dishes. Ambience was interesting, definitely gave a lot of thoughts into curating a specific feel of the place.We felt rushed during our time there, from ordering to transitioning between courses. We wished we had more time in the establishment.

Vibes: intimate, subtle, familiar, classy casual; bring a date or a few friends Tasting notes:- Stop Flying in the House: green tea declares itself first on the sip, just sweet enough; strong but easy to drink - Lonza: thinly sliced, smoky and buttery; great paired with a swipe of the flavorful mustard and a bite of the slightly vinegary pickled sprouts and potatoes; lovely char and thickness to the bread - Duck breast: amazingly crispy skin wrapped around each indulgently tender slice; meatballs bite-sized; shredded radish perfect for picking up the umami-rich brown sauce - Double cheeseburger and fries: on the saltier side because of the blue cheese; excellent char to the patties and ratio of the bun to contents; enjoyed dipping the crispy, skin-on fries of various thickness in the aioliOther thoughts:- Loved the homemade hot sauces (husk cherry jalapeño and peach habanero) on the fries, a great tip from a neighboring table - Fast service - Portion sizes on the lighter side Impression: would love to come back for dinner or even just a drink at the bar!

It was a quiet summer Saturday night so why seat our party of two next to the group with a screeching child by the pantry, when there's a two top by the window (that the same server is working) that stays empty the whole time we are there? Happily, they left fairly soon after we arrived. But a strange start...The food - a complimentary gazpacho amuse bouche was delightful and the lamb bacon toast rich and umami. The scallop ceviche with green strawberry mole was fabulous with sweet and sour notes along with crunchy elements too. We both had the pork loin that came with sorghum, carrots and confit artichokes. There was a foamy delicious sauce too. My pork was cooked perfectly, however my spouses pork was red raw in spots and looked quite different and when we raised this immediately we got lectured by the server that it was supposed to be like that and overcooking it would be wrong. We felt bullied into keeping it. We didn't stay for dessert. The food was tasty. Overall the service was not very friendly from our primary server. The runners were very nice.

Would consider Southwark one of my favorite bars in the city. The outdoor patio is a wonderful place to grab a bite to eat and enjoy a nice glass of wine. They have special happy hours, the cocktail list is creative, and the food is absolutely delicious. they have options and accommodations that are gluten free friendly, & they even have zero proof drinks! Nice for a date night, ladies night, or just popping in on your way home from work.

Southwark is the best. Best burger in Philadelphia. I've had a lot of them! The cocktails are amazing. The staff is great. The Chef is one of the most talented in Philadelphia. Highly recommended this place! Really enjoy the Milk Punch. Unlike anything I've ever had as far as cocktails!