PHLReview
photo credit: PHOTO CREDIT: GAB BONGHI
Lark
Included In
A romantic gesture could include bringing home flowers, making a slow jams playlist, or even getting a cute couple's photo framed. While any of these things might get you a little extra love and attention, they can’t compare to bringing your person to the city’s ideal date night spot: Lark. It’s a bit outside Philly proper in Bala Cynwyd, and you might momentarily get lost trying to find it since it’s located in a building that looks similar to the Marriott next door. But once you take the elevator up to the rooftop, you’re in for a Mediterranean meal that’s going to be one of the best you can have in the whole Philly area.
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
Everything about this restaurant makes you actively feel as special as Nick Foles anytime he comes back to Philly. You’ll find cozy booths near fireplaces, a long 20-seat bar, big arched mirrors, chandeliers, and more lit candles than there are in the ballroom scene of Beauty and the Beast. The atmosphere inside is what makes it perfect for date night, but the balcony elevates it to the most romantic spot in the city. There’s a great view of the Schuylkill River, and while you can't have a full meal out there, you can still lounge at one of their outdoor fire pits and drink a cocktail. You'll feel like you’re in a supercut of Titanic (before the iceberg), and it's the perfect setup for dinner.
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
The menu changes often, but all of the bigger plates work great split between two people. Most of the mains are expertly executed, and even the sides are given an equal amount of time to shine. Just take the steak for example—you’ll probably want to have those crispy potatoes or green beans coated in savory truffle oil at every holiday dinner going forward. They change up the preparation of the mains most often, but nothing has ever disappointed us (we do miss you though, juicy green grapes and almond flakes that came with the trout). Make sure to order things from every section of the menu, including a few plates of pasta and definitely a large entree—the grilled trout and strip steak are favorites.
photo credit: PHOTO CREDIT: GAB BONGHI
After you eat here a couple of times, you’ll start to think about Lark every time you’re in an elevator, see a roaring fireplace, or even when you walk past the candle section of Target. So hopefully the next time your anniversary rolls around, you can ditch the lame Hallmark card and just book a table at Lark instead.
Food Rundown
photo credit: PHOTO CREDIT: GAB BONGHI
Grilled Octopus
Escargot
photo credit: PHOTO CREDIT: GAB BONGHI
Blue Crab and Pink Peppercorn Strozzapreti
photo credit: PHOTO CREDIT: GAB BONGHI
Roasted Beet Mezzalune
photo credit: PHOTO CREDIT: GAB BONGHI
Grilled Trout
photo credit: PHOTO CREDIT: GAB BONGHI
Roasted 14-Ounce Strip Steak