We had an awesome time at Vernick Fish! The food was incredibly flavorful and just the right amount. For the two of us we got one small plate and 2 large plates no room for dessert! The complementary sourdough with honey butter was a pleasant surprise! I LOVE octopus and Vernick’s take was perfect, my favorite part of the meal! Just the right amount of crunch and flavorful, don’t sleep on the verde sauce, I wish I could have taken it home to eat more often! The curried cod was wonderful and the olive flavors with the sea bass was a refreshing and flavorful! We loved the eggplant too! Everything was perfect!!! It’s not cheap, but you certainly get what you pay for, and we loved it for a social night out!
Overview
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Vernick Fish is a vibrant, upscale seafood restaurant situated at One N 19th St, 19103. Offering an extraordinary experience for seafood lovers, it’s a must-visit spot for those in search of fresh, high-quality dishes that highlight the flavors of the ocean.
The menu at Vernick Fish reflects the philosophy of chef-owner Greg Vernick: to create a culinary experience that marries the freshest ingredients with innovative techniques. Whether you’re dining in for a casual lunch or enjoying a dinner celebration, the restaurant provides a diverse selection of seafood dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate.
One of the highlights of the menu is the raw bar, where you can indulge in a variety of oysters sourced from the finest locations. Their seasonal selection changes regularly, ensuring the freshest catches are always available. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, the restaurant also offers hearty seafood options like the roasted striped bass, served with a delicate herb-infused broth, or the famous lobster roll, a crowd favorite that combines tender lobster with a perfectly toasted bun.
The restaurant’s ambiance adds another layer of charm to the dining experience. The modern, yet warm interior makes for an inviting atmosphere, ideal for both casual dinners and more formal gatherings. The open kitchen design allows guests to watch as skilled chefs prepare the exquisite dishes, adding to the experience of dining out. The attentive staff ensures a seamless dining experience, making each visit memorable.
For those looking to complement their meal, the wine list is carefully curated to pair perfectly with the seafood offerings. A variety of white wines, sparkling options, and even some light reds are available, allowing for a well-rounded dining experience that enhances the natural flavors of the dishes.
If you're looking to step outside for some fresh air, the outdoor seating area provides a lovely option with views of the bustling Philadelphia streets. It’s perfect for enjoying a light breeze with a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc while savoring some shellfish.
Beyond just excellent food, Vernick Fish has earned rave reviews from both locals and tourists alike. Many patrons praise the restaurant for its consistency in offering perfectly prepared seafood, and the intimate atmosphere makes it an ideal place for both solo diners and groups. Word of mouth continues to spread, with many recommending the restaurant to friends and family who seek authentic, flavorful seafood in a beautiful setting.
It's important to mention that Vernick Fish stays committed to sustainability. The restaurant sources its seafood from responsible fisheries that adhere to ethical harvesting practices. This ensures that each dish not only tastes incredible but also aligns with a broader commitment to environmental stewardship.
If you're in Philadelphia and craving exceptional seafood, Vernick Fish offers a dining experience that is both sophisticated and approachable. Whether you're enjoying a special occasion or simply indulging in a delicious seafood meal, this restaurant is a standout in the city's vibrant culinary scene.
Good to know
Service options
✓ On-site services ✓ Dine-in ✓ Delivery ✓ TakeawayHighlights
✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine listPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile paymentsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Paid parking lot ✓ Paid street parking ✓ Parking ✓ Valet parkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 560 reviews
Vernick Fish is absolutely worth the splurge for a special occasion, date night, or an elevated seafood dinner. From start to finish, everything tasted incredibly fresh and thoughtfully prepared- easily some of the best seafood I’ve had in the city. While it’s definitely on the pricey side, the quality of the food, attention to detail, and overall experience make it worth every dollar. Our server was exceptionally kind, knowledgeable, and happy to walk us through the menu and answer questions, which made the night even better. Not an everyday spot price-wise, but one I’d happily return to when the occasion calls for it. Highly recommend to anyone looking for an outstanding seafood experience.
Incredible meal, fish was all so fresh and flavorful. Lots of creative dishes. Desert is a must as well, enjoyed the meringue yuzu pie (says for two but could’ve devoured the whole thing myself)
We had a wonderful dinner at Vernick Fish at the Four Seasons Philadelphia. The service was excellent- attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. Everything we ordered was fresh, delicious, and full of flavor, truly showcasing the quality and creativity the restaurant is known for. We ordered a side of crispy potatoes, grilled black sea bass braised mustard greens, peanut broth, cornbread, roasted cod coconut curry, bok choy, shiitake, thai basil and warm apple cake granny smith apples, cinnamon, honey oat crumb with vanilla ice cream. If anything, we felt the portion sizes on the dinner menu could be slightly larger, even at a higher price point. With such great flavors, you just want a bit more! Aside from that, the overall experience was fantastic. A helpful tip: secure parking in advance, as the street construction in the area can make finding a spot challenging. Overall, a refined dining experience we’d definitely recommend.
The staff was just as incredible as the meal. The seafood was some of the best we’ve ever had! Going for lunch made getting a reservation easier and the atmosphere more laidback.
Today we visited this restaurant for the first time and made a lunch reservation in advance. The atmosphere was pleasant, and the restaurant was nicely decorated for the holidays. We enjoyed the food overall, except for the crispy potatoes, which were overly dry and much too spicy . Unfortunately, the service was disappointing. We were served by a young woman who was not very friendly and spoke in a strict tone. At one point, she took the menu from my hands before I had finished looking at it. I understand that everyone can have an off day, but as a guest, this made us feel uncomfortable. At first, I thought this attitude was directed only toward us, but after observing her interactions with other guests, it appeared to be her general manner of service. The bill for two people was $150. We stayed for about 1 hour and 10 minutes before leaving.
The interior was charming, and the food was delicious. It was a restaurant with a lot of business lunch meetings. Our server was also very friendly. However, the woman who brought us the check at the end was a bit rude, which left a slightly disappointing final impression. The female staff need a bit more training in basics such as attire, grooming, and overall professionalism in a restaurant setting.