Best way to describe Chef Phil's fine dining restaurant is "Wow!"What does a small town have offer a worldly chef to open and operate at this level of excellence? I can't say for sure but Merchantville should be proud to have this level of dining available, even if it is only three nights a week. The Maître d' Josh is accommodating and key to ensuring that your experience is delightful. Overall original and exciting meals await your presence.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best Food Critic 101
One of the least impressive atmospheres I've seen, well ever frankly. Very childish. Food was mundane. The "fresh" ingredients are questionable at best. Plus the toilet wouldn't even flush, what?? We will not be returning ever.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Rena J.
The most excellent cuisine in the Philadelphia area! This 4-table find is the home of James Beard award chef Phil Manganaro. Everything was OUTSTANDING
Lisa Eisler
Delicious, beautiful details go into every bite, in a lovely, intimate space.
Lor W.
We visited Park Place Cafe and Restaurant after a long-awaited reservation (two months out). It is a 6 course tasting menu, so all you need to do is show up. The four of us were impressed by how relaxed the atmosphere was. Places that offer tasting menus tend to be a little on the stuffy side. Not here! We were warmly greeted, and the journey began. -- Hamachi Loin Crudo - not much of a presentation but the buttery notes of the fish stole the show -- Bar Harbor Seaweed Butter Roasted Cod Loin - this was melt-in-your-mouth good -- Black Trumpet Mushroom Risotto - again, the presentation was underwhelming, but it was cooked perfectly -- Lard Seared Quail - juicy and flavorful -- Crispy Suckling Pig - nice texture with smoky notes -- Mascarpone Cheesecake - yes ma'am! Loved the blueberry puree In the spirit of Christmas, the chef provided us with eggnog and a few pieces of homemade torrone. Nice touch! We didn't realize you could customize your experience based on your culinary preferences (our friend made the reservation on our behalf), There was a seafood option (no meat) and had I known that I probably would have gone that route. But I enjoyed everything that was placed in front of me. The portions were just enough for me, but my husband was snackish when we got home. You won't leave stuffed. BYOB. Small parking lot in the back. Go on with your bad self, Merchantville!
Dennis P
Outstanding meal. Not cheap but well worth the visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lisbet Selas
The food was outstanding, a dinning experience with amazing ingredients.
Deb H.
Gone but not forgotten!!! The pandemic put a knife in their hearts! This was the best restaurants in Merchantville!! A true loss
B Gilbert
An amazing gem of a restaurant.
Justine J.
Truly a hidden gem! I came here on a double date, recommended by our friend who made the reservations. It was 6 courses and everything was just perfect. According to our friend, each menu is customized to your liking and everything is locally sourced so it is super fresh and you can taste it too. The first two courses were fish. My fiance doesn't like fish unless it is sushi/sashimi but he loved it here. There was also baby goat with their homemade tomato sauce and parmesan cheese and had a slight kick to it. This was probably my second favorite, next to the seared hamachi with pickled mustard greens. The other fish dish was breaded fluke. It was so lightly breaded and perfectly fried to give it that nice crunch when you initially bite in without the breading breaking off in all different directions. This is not your Long John Silvers fish 'n chips. The quail with wine berry jam was also delicious, and I think was the winner at my table. I don't tend to gravitate towards sweet and savory which was why it wasn't my top two,but I'd definitely eat it again. Duck leg with honey comb and duck bone reduction - another favorite of the table. I absolutely loved the novelty, creativity, and presentation. Again, not a sweet/savory kinda gal, so I broke rules and ate honeycomb and duck pretty much separately. Would I eat this dish again? Absolutely. Sugar cookie foie gras with juneberry preserves - sounds exotic? Because it is. I saw foie gras with sweet on sweet?! But it works. The foie gras was sandwiched between two sugar cookies. I am in love with the creativity of this. Dessert was a flourless chocolate torte. Unfortunately, I considered myself finicky (not in a good way) with desserts. You won't really see me snacking on sweets thats not sugary beverages/soda or sour patch. So I would say the chocolate torte was my least favorite. That absolutely does not mean it's not good, I just don't eat tortes like I refuse to touch cilantro. When I go to other restaurants,I almost never order dessert on my own volition unless it sounds super unique like sage ice cream, so take my dessert comment with a grain of salt. BYOB with great service. Small place, intimate environment. The only complaint that we unanimously had was towards the end of 9ur dinner was when wine club came which was like 10 people so it got very loud in such a small setting.
Chef Phil is amazing! His dishes are so creative; the ingredients are the finest, and many items are actually foraged locally. The service is excellent; so attentive and personable, and each dish is timed so you never feel rushed. Presently, there's a fixed menu with five courses, including a homemade pasta dish. Because of covid, only three tables are occupied in the restaurant at any one time, so reservations are a must. Dinner is served on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, beginning at 5 o'clock. We travel to Philadelphia often to have dinner, and Park Place is still our favorite. If you're a foodie, you must experience Park Place immediately!
Jim R.
Somewhat hidden on Park Avenue is the Park Place Cafe. It's hidden only by its facade because it takes months to get a reservation. It's a very small space with approximately 4 tables for 4 people and 1 table just for 2. At this time I think it may only be a Tasting Menu. There were 6 items on the menu - all picked by the Chef so you must be a little adventurous and trusting. We were taken there by friends and therefore I don't have any idea of the cost because there were no prices on the menu. I'm sure when you make your reservation those details will be explained. I guess at some point close to your reservation date, you can get a copy of the menu. But on to the delicious meal. All of the picks were fantastic. You can see our menu by clicking on the picture I included. All items were served individually, with the 2nd course not served until everyone had finished the first, etc. The selections ran from 2 different fish, a Kanpachi with Lard Roasted Ramp Bulbs, to a Wild Mushroom Infused Cream Sauce over Red Snapper. The Strozzapreti pasta with Pheasant Bolognese was probably the "winner" of the night. This was followed by Braised Rabbit Leg and a Venison Loin. All the sauces were different as well as delicious. A New Jersey Black Walnut Cake was served for dessert. Josh, our Server/Manager (and the only one serving all 5 tables) was really fun to talk to and was very personable. He kept the flow of entrees at a very comfortable pace. After dessert he invited us to go into the kitchen to meet Philip Manganaro, the Chef/Owner. It appears he works the kitchen by himself, a task that many Chefs could not do. If you have the patience to wait to snag a reservation, this is a spot to definitely try. It's a BYO.
Nancy Quarella
The food here is consistently top notch. The chef actually forages locally for delicious edibles like wild mustard greens, green briar tips and cherry blossoms, to name a few. The menu offerings are varied, unusual and wonderfully delicious.Another plus is that it's BYO, so you can bring the wines you love without paying restaurant prices. The service at Park Place is attentive and gracious. We've eaten here several times and it's always been a great experience.
Hank Alexander
Last week was the first time in this place. But It is no doubt not the last time. We had a good time with the excellent service, with the excellent food and booze and with the decent cost. We will absolutely come back soon.
Amari S
Had a excellent experience in this spot with my daughter. The food comes out quickly and the service is just good. Prices are affordable.
Best way to describe Chef Phil's fine dining restaurant is "Wow!"What does a small town have offer a worldly chef to open and operate at this level of excellence? I can't say for sure but Merchantville should be proud to have this level of dining available, even if it is only three nights a week. The Maître d' Josh is accommodating and key to ensuring that your experience is delightful. Overall original and exciting meals await your presence.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of the least impressive atmospheres I've seen, well ever frankly. Very childish. Food was mundane. The "fresh" ingredients are questionable at best. Plus the toilet wouldn't even flush, what?? We will not be returning ever.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
The most excellent cuisine in the Philadelphia area! This 4-table find is the home of James Beard award chef Phil Manganaro. Everything was OUTSTANDING
Delicious, beautiful details go into every bite, in a lovely, intimate space.
We visited Park Place Cafe and Restaurant after a long-awaited reservation (two months out). It is a 6 course tasting menu, so all you need to do is show up. The four of us were impressed by how relaxed the atmosphere was. Places that offer tasting menus tend to be a little on the stuffy side. Not here! We were warmly greeted, and the journey began. -- Hamachi Loin Crudo - not much of a presentation but the buttery notes of the fish stole the show -- Bar Harbor Seaweed Butter Roasted Cod Loin - this was melt-in-your-mouth good -- Black Trumpet Mushroom Risotto - again, the presentation was underwhelming, but it was cooked perfectly -- Lard Seared Quail - juicy and flavorful -- Crispy Suckling Pig - nice texture with smoky notes -- Mascarpone Cheesecake - yes ma'am! Loved the blueberry puree In the spirit of Christmas, the chef provided us with eggnog and a few pieces of homemade torrone. Nice touch! We didn't realize you could customize your experience based on your culinary preferences (our friend made the reservation on our behalf), There was a seafood option (no meat) and had I known that I probably would have gone that route. But I enjoyed everything that was placed in front of me. The portions were just enough for me, but my husband was snackish when we got home. You won't leave stuffed. BYOB. Small parking lot in the back. Go on with your bad self, Merchantville!
Outstanding meal. Not cheap but well worth the visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was outstanding, a dinning experience with amazing ingredients.
Gone but not forgotten!!! The pandemic put a knife in their hearts! This was the best restaurants in Merchantville!! A true loss
An amazing gem of a restaurant.
Truly a hidden gem! I came here on a double date, recommended by our friend who made the reservations. It was 6 courses and everything was just perfect. According to our friend, each menu is customized to your liking and everything is locally sourced so it is super fresh and you can taste it too. The first two courses were fish. My fiance doesn't like fish unless it is sushi/sashimi but he loved it here. There was also baby goat with their homemade tomato sauce and parmesan cheese and had a slight kick to it. This was probably my second favorite, next to the seared hamachi with pickled mustard greens. The other fish dish was breaded fluke. It was so lightly breaded and perfectly fried to give it that nice crunch when you initially bite in without the breading breaking off in all different directions. This is not your Long John Silvers fish 'n chips. The quail with wine berry jam was also delicious, and I think was the winner at my table. I don't tend to gravitate towards sweet and savory which was why it wasn't my top two,but I'd definitely eat it again. Duck leg with honey comb and duck bone reduction - another favorite of the table. I absolutely loved the novelty, creativity, and presentation. Again, not a sweet/savory kinda gal, so I broke rules and ate honeycomb and duck pretty much separately. Would I eat this dish again? Absolutely. Sugar cookie foie gras with juneberry preserves - sounds exotic? Because it is. I saw foie gras with sweet on sweet?! But it works. The foie gras was sandwiched between two sugar cookies. I am in love with the creativity of this. Dessert was a flourless chocolate torte. Unfortunately, I considered myself finicky (not in a good way) with desserts. You won't really see me snacking on sweets thats not sugary beverages/soda or sour patch. So I would say the chocolate torte was my least favorite. That absolutely does not mean it's not good, I just don't eat tortes like I refuse to touch cilantro. When I go to other restaurants,I almost never order dessert on my own volition unless it sounds super unique like sage ice cream, so take my dessert comment with a grain of salt. BYOB with great service. Small place, intimate environment. The only complaint that we unanimously had was towards the end of 9ur dinner was when wine club came which was like 10 people so it got very loud in such a small setting.
Restaurantji Recommends
Chef Phil is amazing! His dishes are so creative; the ingredients are the finest, and many items are actually foraged locally. The service is excellent; so attentive and personable, and each dish is timed so you never feel rushed. Presently, there's a fixed menu with five courses, including a homemade pasta dish. Because of covid, only three tables are occupied in the restaurant at any one time, so reservations are a must. Dinner is served on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, beginning at 5 o'clock. We travel to Philadelphia often to have dinner, and Park Place is still our favorite. If you're a foodie, you must experience Park Place immediately!
Somewhat hidden on Park Avenue is the Park Place Cafe. It's hidden only by its facade because it takes months to get a reservation. It's a very small space with approximately 4 tables for 4 people and 1 table just for 2. At this time I think it may only be a Tasting Menu. There were 6 items on the menu - all picked by the Chef so you must be a little adventurous and trusting. We were taken there by friends and therefore I don't have any idea of the cost because there were no prices on the menu. I'm sure when you make your reservation those details will be explained. I guess at some point close to your reservation date, you can get a copy of the menu. But on to the delicious meal. All of the picks were fantastic. You can see our menu by clicking on the picture I included. All items were served individually, with the 2nd course not served until everyone had finished the first, etc. The selections ran from 2 different fish, a Kanpachi with Lard Roasted Ramp Bulbs, to a Wild Mushroom Infused Cream Sauce over Red Snapper. The Strozzapreti pasta with Pheasant Bolognese was probably the "winner" of the night. This was followed by Braised Rabbit Leg and a Venison Loin. All the sauces were different as well as delicious. A New Jersey Black Walnut Cake was served for dessert. Josh, our Server/Manager (and the only one serving all 5 tables) was really fun to talk to and was very personable. He kept the flow of entrees at a very comfortable pace. After dessert he invited us to go into the kitchen to meet Philip Manganaro, the Chef/Owner. It appears he works the kitchen by himself, a task that many Chefs could not do. If you have the patience to wait to snag a reservation, this is a spot to definitely try. It's a BYO.
The food here is consistently top notch. The chef actually forages locally for delicious edibles like wild mustard greens, green briar tips and cherry blossoms, to name a few. The menu offerings are varied, unusual and wonderfully delicious.Another plus is that it's BYO, so you can bring the wines you love without paying restaurant prices. The service at Park Place is attentive and gracious. We've eaten here several times and it's always been a great experience.
Last week was the first time in this place. But It is no doubt not the last time. We had a good time with the excellent service, with the excellent food and booze and with the decent cost. We will absolutely come back soon.
Had a excellent experience in this spot with my daughter. The food comes out quickly and the service is just good. Prices are affordable.