Marigold Kitchen

I am not a «foodie», and this is the first restaurant I’ve been to for a tasting menu. I understand the premise and purpose of a tasting menu, and so I figured this would be an interesting experience. It was, however, I was a bit surprised. The menu is 13 courses, and therefore I figured I should come hungry. That was a mistake, I left hungry as the portions were really small. A friend who does this for fun said they were smaller than most places he’d been to. As for the tasting menu itself, I expected to really be presented with a series of spectacular dishes. Such was not the case, of the 13 only a few seemed like something special. The rest were good, but nothing to get excited about. I made the mistake of requesting a gluten free menu when we made reservations. I was told this was possible, which actually surprised me. About 4 courses in — we learned that they simply would not be making any substitutions. They literally just left out the main part of the dish if it contained gluten. This is something they should have made clear. Omissions are different than substitutions. It was a crappy move. The staff was nice enough, although really not at all meant to be the be in the service of any highly skilled chef. We brought red, white wine, and dessert wine. When my friend asked a staff member to recommend a wine to pair with the food, she had no idea what to say and just told him «oh, I don’t know — you definitely know more about wine than I do.» While that may be the truth, in an environment like this where you’re trying to pull off a high end tasting menu with weird culinary feats of tasty magic, it would in my opinion be the chef’s duty and job to make certain that if there were an appropriate wine pairing, he would train his staff about such a pairing for each applicable dish. Lazy chef. Probably ego. In all, the experience was amusing. I’m not sure what in the world the people running the place are thinking though. Little, basic things that are easy to do could make the restaurant better.

maybe 2.5 stars depending on what you’re looking for.
13 course so to break it down a little the main fish and steak courses were awesome and showed that the chef can cook, there was a salt infused lychee fruit that was creative and delicious. the ravioli (one ravioli and tiny) was delicious but is a great segue to my next point
most courses were so so small that they were laughable. (I know what a tasting menu is, (see my BIBOU review) and i’m a fan of Laurel as well), ever see a commercial or a comedy movie making a parody of a snooty french restaurant and they show a plate with one pea or string bean. yeah some courses were like that. when we left we were still hungry. again i’ve been to multi course tasting restaurants quite a bit and have never had that problem
all of us were hungry ended up at a diner a couple of hours later ordering egg platters
anyhow back to the food. i’d say about 6 of the courses were really just whatever, didn’t taste bad but they were just there to fill in the required number of courses i guess.
I think they try too hard to make a fancy tasting menu and leave much to be desired. some dishes felt forced and were awkwardly creative just to prove, hey i can be creative…
service now left a lot to be desired. nobody was rude but we had to ask for certain things several times like glasses for our white wine, our other bottle of wine to be opened etc.
also i’ve never been to a place including high end byob’s that only opened wine when you asked instead of asking you and also didn’t ever not once attempt to pour for you. it was like «BYOB? sure do whatever you want, you’re on your own, NOT MY JOB»
so go if you want to try something interesting (i’m sure they’ve had better nights) but make sure you are paying for the experiment and don’t hope for a fully awesome dinner. go for kicks and … and again it wasn’t like anything was bad
just for a place like this with the acclaim and a 13 course tasting menu I don’t see the point.
Sorry Marigold folk, I hope to hear that things improve in the future

Went here for my b day everything was awesome the gels are amazing … Duck sausage was crazy good service was outstanding !! Definitely goin back

Best. Culinary. Experience. Ever. From the moment you walk to when you leave, you will be treated like royalties and dine like Iron Chefs. Seriously, its every foodie’s dream! The $ 90 per person 13 course tasting menu is extravagant and fancy, perfect for special occasions. The boyfriend and I came here for our anniversary, and the staff reminded us of how special our day was on multiple occasions, like a ‘happy anniversary’ card placement, candles on dessert course and being the first to try the new dish-​passion fruit sugar cane. Plus they even offered to take care of our parking ticket if we get one!
Reasons for my obsession —
— Phenomenal customer service!!!
— The dishes may be small, but they are packed with flavor. Each bite is an explosion in your month. Literally a party for your palate. The ingredients married together beautifully. And don’t even get me started about the plating. The flavors were perfectly balance, yet potent, and it enhanced the freshness and integrity of the ingredients.
— Love that the ingredients are seasonal and local, which explains why the tasting menu is changed twice every season.
— Great at accommodating dietary restrictions while not compromising quality.
— You might expect to not be full due to the small portions, but remember there are 13 courses. My boyfriend and I are both big eaters, and we both left very satisfied!
— The pacing of courses was great. In between wine, conversations, food, we never felt rushed once. The staff was also very open to feedback and critics of the dishes.
— The first two floor are for customer seating, and the third floor are actually some living quarters for the chefs. Talk about dedication and commitment!
— Its BYOB! Tip: Bring two bottles of wine, you’ll thank me after 2.5 hours.
Places like Marigold Kitchen stay small to be customer service focused, while continuing to uphold their high quality of food. Maybe its the small portions or just the ridiculous delicious food, but dining here really made me savor every bite and appreciate all the details and work the chefs make for each plate.
Don’t go for dining days. Make a reservation for your special occasion and bring your favorite wine, you won’t regret it!

Excellent food for the price. BYOB! Had a lovely time last night. I wish they had a la-​carte menu. The service is also excellent. Very romantic and good for special occasion.

What a place! Marigold is a corner house nestled in the quite neighborhood streets of west Philadelphia. This makes for a very romantic settingto enjoy an exquisite dinner.
They only do set tasting menus the change with the season. We were there for their fall menu, it was 13 courses and not one was a miss.
The servers were friendly and knew everything about each ingredient that was served in each course. You leave feeling full but not gross. A must try for a special occasion!

We celebrated our anniversary at Marigold Kitchen last night. The restaurant is situated in a lovely, home from 1907. The atmosphere is cozy and charming.
What most impressed me during our experience was how flexible the kitchen was with my dietary restrictions. When I made the reservation, I mentioned that I can’t have gluten or dairy. The kitchen accommodated my needs, I never felt like I was left out. I really appreciated the gluten free bread substitutions I’ve never felt so taken care of. I really appreciate this service! I often feel like I miss out on tasting menus because the kitchen has to make so many subtractions. At Marigold, I got to enjoy each dish fully. It was amazing!
All of the 13 courses were truly remarkable. My favorites were the Walnut Bisque, Some of the Duck, and apple dessert. The dishes were flavorful and inventive. I love that the menu reflects the season and utilizes local resources.
I look forward to returning! It was a culinary experience that surpassed my expectations, and it’s BYOB. My fiancée did note, that while there were so many courses, he didn’t feel filled at the end. Perhaps some of the courses could increase in size ever so slightly. That was his criticism, but I felt satisfied.

Outstanding is an understatement. I cannot put into words what an exceptional evening I had dining at Marigold. To begin, the host was one of the most knowledgeable individuals I have ever met and was clearly well-​versed in not only the culinary skill-​set, but also, perhaps more importantly, the ability to interact with his patrons. I immediately felt at home after he greeted me in the reception area and this feeling followed through the entire meal until my departure.
The top-​notch service was rivaled only by the quality of food served at Marigold. The dishes seemed more akin to artistic masterpieces rather than mere dinner dishes. My personal favorite was the «Backyard Barbecue» complete with dipping dots salad, gnocchi, short rib with humita, and tartar. The mixture of textures and flavors was unique and I can honestly say that I have never had such a diverse experience elsewhere.
Admittedly, prior to my arrival, I was concerned that I was not going to be satisfied given the tasting menu consisting of smaller dishes. I am 6’2″ and about 230 pounds and the restaurant initially did not seem to fit into my typical restaurant profile. On the contrary, I can wholeheartedly say that Marigold exceeded my wishes and I was fully satisfied (and then some) after the experience.
I have already made a reservation for November when I return to the Philadelphia area and maybe by that time I will come up with a word better than «outstanding» to describe Marigold Kitchen. Perhaps «Marvelous», «Superb», or «First-​Rate» would work better. Either way, I look forward to my next dining experience at Marigold, because it is exactly that, an experience that will keep you coming back for more.

Incredible. Like «I want to lick my plate but will use every ounce of self control to refrain» incredible. Every dish was bursting with flavor. Unique, innovative concepts. Homey, warm atmosphere. And they were so accommodating with my «aversions» (no liver, sweetbread, etc) and came up with creative alternatives/​substitutes for each.
A really special gem for a fantastic experience with someone (or a group) you love. We will be back!

It may sound 12 courses is a lot but it’s actually just perfect. With a seasonal menu change and a lot and care by the chefs, this is a place when you want something delicious and special.

My hubby and I went here for our 1 year anniversary and this place did not disappoint! We had the 15 course tasting menu and they did an excellent job all around. Service was excellent, the food was awesome, and you can’t beat the price. I wish a couple courses would have been a little more protein heavy and some of the courses a little larger but everything was very flavorful. This is my second favorite restaurant in the city if I want to go out for a 10 – 15 course dinner. I would recommend it!

Got a gift card for here from family. 13 tasting courses that were nothing short of horizon expanding. The food was exquisitely prepared and presented. Every single course from the «Mojito cocktail» with its rum gel to the frogs legs to the cheese course — a delicous 8 year aged gouda cheese cake with chocolate stout foam — was spectacular.
The service was impeccable. We never wanted for anything and at one point, my wife asked that we slow the pace of the dishes down, so we could enjoy the evening and each other’s conversation a little more. The staff easily accommodated. Each server was extremely knowledgeable about each dish and was more than happy not only to describe each course, but to explain its origin and inspiration.
I can’t say enough wonderful things about Marigold Kitchen. As a serious home chef, this was an experience that has and will continue to change how I look at an approach cooking.
We will absolutely be back. The manager told me that Tuesdays are «Test Kitchen Tuesdays» and that if I really wanted to see the chefs in full creativity mode, that was the night to go. I think I know when I’m making my next reservation.

Took my wife here for her birthday. I love how cozy it is. It’s like eating in someone’s living room. The food was delicious, and the variety was very interesting. It’s a tasting menu, so relax and let them spoil you.

Went here with my boyfriend when they first reopened in the fall. The setting is much different than anywhere I had been out to eat before-​in an old Victorian style house tucked in a residential neighborhood in University City. We had arranged for the 12 meal course, and had no idea what we would be eating until it was presented to us. Looking at the portions, I didn’t think I’d be full by the end of the meal… but both of us were completely satiated!
Although I am not a seafood eater, I still wanted to try everything. The textures and different flavor combinations were unbelievable! There was a good spread of different types of foods, and it gives you the ability to try a little bit of everything. If you’re a person that always wants to try new things, you MUST come here.
However, I must say, I was not impressed with the dessert. We were served some sort of popcorn ball that lacked the creativity and flavor that we experienced with all the prior courses.
All in all, it was a great experience, and highly recommended. Also, it’s BYOB so don’t forget to bring a bottle of your own!

15 amazing courses for $ 85, BYOB, pretty good value in my opinion.
Marigold functions such that the only option is their tasting menu, so everyone gets the same courses. However, they do ask if anyone has any preferences or allergies before the meal and they try to accommodate it to the best of their ability. One of my dining companions did not eat escargot nor mushrooms, and they substituted equally delicious courses for them. Pacing was good and we were anticipating the next course every time we finished the current course. Servers were very friendly and patient in describing the dishes to us.
Highlights of the dinner:
— Thai scallop soup: Loved the inclusion of the mango, which melded perfectly with the various spices, and the fresh scallop was definitely the star.
— Wild boar: Tender and flavorful with a crispy skin.
— Escargot: I was very surprised to have enjoyed this course this much. This was the best escargot I’ve ever tasted, and there was not just 1, but 3 juicy pieces of escargot in our mini dish! They were extremely tender, and we were all left raving about it.
— Salmon: Very well-​executed. Pan-​seared, but still juicy. The onions added a very nice sweetness to the overall dish. I enjoyed this immensely.
— Chicken: No doubt the highlight of the entire meal. None of us had ever tasted chicken this amazing — not dry at all, very flavorful with the gravy and asparagus. Not only that, the serving was pretty generous. Our server explained that they raised the chicken on organic feed, which contributed to how tender it was, and also explained the process of them cooking the chicken. We finished every last drop.
— Asparagus Ravioli: Little pockets of heaven that exploded in our mouths. 1 ravioli per person was definitely too little :(
I think desserts were their weakness because none of the dessert courses wowed. The caramels were way too sweet despite the addition of the lava salt. The cheese plate was good but cheese went oddly with the lavender cake. The banana dish was their interpretation of a banana pound cake, with ice cream and caramel. We didn’t appreciate the odd banana jelly (which tasted slightly artificial) and had a texture of an omelette.
Definitely worth a second visit!

I visited Marigold about two years ago, and this is a dining experience I still reminisce back to frequently. My friend had made a reservation to Marigold, but his date backed out and he asked me to come along instead. Okay, that’s cool, I looked at the Unilocal reviews, American sounded good to me, why not?
I literally had NO idea this place specialized in molecular gastronomy and looking through the reviews at the time, I wouldn’t have guessed. Wow was I surprised. I remember this experience so vividly, even though it was quite awhile ago. When we got to the restaurant, they only had their prix fixed menu. Oops, apparently they only do a la carte for brunch. Fine, I’m here already and knew I needed to spend some money, let’s go all out for the full eating experience. We went for the more expensive option and wow, it honestly did not disappoint.
The amazing part about Marigold is that there are so many mini dishes between actual «courses» that you end up trying about 15 different dishes. Our meal started off with liquid nitrogen truffle popcorn. I don’t even like truffle, but the experience itself was phenomenal. I could feel the icy cold of the liquid nitrogen when I bit down on the kernels which seriously blew my mind.
Other dishes I recall include butternut squash bisque with cinnamon foam, the chestnut ravioli (this was really cool, they told us to eat it in one bite so the liquid chestnut filling wouldn’t leak out), chocolate foie gras, and beet and bleu cheese dippin’ dots. Everything tasted phenomenal. I’m pretty sure I liked the foie gras and bleu cheese dippin’ dots too, and I normally hate both those things!
This was honestly the longest I’ve spent in a restaurant – the entire meal took three hours! It cost probably around $ 130 with tip, but it was such a great experience and I’m glad I decided to go all out with the meal. I honestly don’t think I’ll go back due to the price, but Marigold is a place I would recommend everyone to try once, just for the experience and the delicious food. Definitely a hidden gem in West Philly.

Four stars for creativity, presentation, and being such a thoughtful dining experience. Of the 15 course tasting, plus three bottles of wine, I’d be hard pressed to name just one favorite though admittedly fois gras and oysters always get my attention!

I was in town for a work trip and I dragged my really good friend who lives in Philly to try marigold kitchen out.
Let me tell you: This was a great dining experience. It’s perfect for a date or for a group of foodies.
The cool part is 1) its located in University and tucked in a residential area. You walk into a house like restaurant.
2) The menu is always changing so go there with an open mind and enjoy the experience.
3) Gastronomical presentation/​food (my absolute fav)
4) its a tasting menu so don’t expect to think you are going in about to order something.
Because I’m from LA where the culinary is impeccable with new innovative ways of eating and making food, this place is up there. Probably one of the few good restaurants out there in Philly.
Go and enjoy …

Expertly crafted meals and unique flavor combinations. We did Meredith’s birthday dinner here and we were thoroughly impressed. The staff was superior– seriously, they knew everything about each plate and did an excellent job taking care of us. Fantastic 14 course tasting menu!

~~~~~~ CONTINUED ~~~~~~~~
Gruyère Popover
Surprisingly, it was at this point we were offered bread service in the form of a gruyère popover, reminiscent of BLT Steak and of course, Sbraga. This was nicely airy and cheesy. Perhaps the latter provided a transition into the cheese course.
Cheese Plate
Birchrun Hills Fat Cat, Jasper Hills Bayley Hazen, Valley Shepherd Creamery Oldwick, quince, green grapes, Marcona almonds
Valley Shepherd’s sheep’s milk, a Birchrun washed rind, and a Jasper Hills blue cheese were offered along with some sweet marcona almonds, gluttonous quince paste, and green grapes.
Pistachio Cremeux
Pomegranate caviar, green tea tuile
I was also offered what was somewhat reminiscent of a crème brûlée, with the brulee being replaced a green tea tuile, and the vanilla being highjacked by bright pomegranate caviar and a smooth pistachio crème. Nice.
Nitro Petit Four | Chocolate & Vanilla Push-​Pop
The GF received a nitro chocolate with ice cream within. It was accompanied a childhood treat — a creamy chocolate and vanilla push pop!
And with that the meal was over — for now. Along with the bill, we were gifted a box of caramel popcorn to be enjoyed at home.
Caramel Popcorn
Of course, I couldn’t help but take a peek at home and pop back a few kernels. The caramel really came through — rich, salty, sweet. Yum.
It’s unfortunate that Chef Halpern has decided to move on, but he has definitely left his imprint on Philly cuisine. Service on this night was good — a bit inconsistent at times, but overall very friendly and accommodating. Hopefully some iteration of Marigold Kitchen remains and it’ll be interesting to see what direction it may take. Be sure to reserve one of the final tables as service under the Halpern era appears to be fini on June 28^th!