Perelman Cafe

Over the last six months, I’ve been here several times and have been rather impressed each time at the quality of the food and the price. I’ve ordered a salad each time, and I’ve had their coffee and desserts as well, and everything has been fresh and delicious. While I definitely think there are even better places to eat in Fairmount, it’s highly respectable for the quality of food and the lovely atmosphere. A hidden little gem.

My sister & I took a friend to lunch there the other day & it was just embarrassing! Sis & friend ordered ham/​cheese paninis, only to be told there was no ham. So they decided to go with my choice — roast beef. Server checked, then said «sorry — they took all the rb paninis to the main building.» We settled for some kind of mozzarella/​veggie thing that was OK, but nothing special & not worth $ 8.50 (with no garnishes).
Used to be so nice before Starr took it over. Now the salad toppings are pedestrian & the greens looked wilted. There were more staff members using the space as a cafeteria & eating their own food than paying customers & I can see why. Won’t be returning any time soon — there are too many better choices in the area, including Little Pete’s.

UPDATE– now they weigh the salad at the Perelman too. Not as good a deal as it was.
This is the new café in the Perelman Building of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Now taken over by STARR Catering. It has the best made to order salads ever and they are very reasonably priced. Much better than the ones across the street at the main building were you pay by the ounce. Open Tues — Sun when the Museum is open. Closes around 2 or 2:30 most days. Consistently delicious and you can sit outside on nice days … not to mention the great exhibits.