Best of the Best: New Concepts to Revisit
Rosemary
25 E. Hinckley Ave., Ridley Park
610-671-3770 / RosemaryRP.com
The place that put Ridley Park on the culinary map after a Philly Mag shoutout (worth driving to the ’burbs for) got a new chef and new focus last year. Its once ambitious menu ($50 ribeye, truffle aioli) has been streamlined, now with 40% lower prices ($22 crab cakes, cheesesteak French dip) and simplified yet exceptional food. Arriving in March, Chef George Sabatino, once anointed “Best Chef in Philly,” took over for departing Chef Elijah Milligan. He’s cooking less pasta and more pizzas along with chicken with charred lemon and harissa vinaigrette, plus the best fingerling potatoes one food critic ever ate. Happy Hour will be a priority. Still worth a trip.
Il Fiore
915 Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr
484-380-2059 / IlFiorePHL.com
The highly anticipated Marc Vetri venture of a meat-focused Fiore Rosso (tomahawk steaks + Picasso paintings) ended last summer when a revamped concept, Il Fiore, appeared in its place (without a Vetri connection). Gone are the many steaks, most of the expensive art and high prices, replaced by classic Italian dishes with a twist, a warmer, cozier vibe and less shocking tabs. You’ll even find pizzas and chicken parm from Executive Chef Marie Lavizzo-Mourey (Zahav, Starr restaurants and sous chef at Fiore Rosso) along with a few steaks (8-oz. filet, 14-oz. striploin, 32- oz. ribeye). Try the limoncello flight.