Walnut Street Café Awards

Walnut Street Café Restaurant Review:

About the décor: University City’s sleek all-day café occupies the ground floor of the Cira Centre South tower, its elegant design befitting the airy, dramatic architecture. Midcentury modern marble tables and club chairs are arrayed in front of an open kitchen and beneath striking brass lighting fixtures.

Likes: Atmosphere; wine list; the burger; pork loin; bread.
Dislikes: None.

Food & Drinks: West-facing windows make an ideal place to take in a sunset with a cocktail or small bites like ricotta and lemon toast or blistered shishito peppers with flaked salt. Chef Daniel Eddy's menu accommodates all eaters with a grilled pork loin with hazelnut-studded forbidden rice and romesco, a rich flounder in brown butter sauce with cauliflower, or a standout burger on homemade brioche. Come earlier for pastry chef Melissa Weller's precise baked goods (chocolate hazelnut kouign-amann; spelt and raspberry jam scone) or a slice of quiche and a cup of hometown favorite Rival Bros. Coffee. The wine list, with over 50 glass selections, savvily balances new and old world, while teetotalers can enjoy homemade sodas such as turmeric and ginger. Finish off with a silky buttermilk panna cotta with pistachio crumble or milk chocolate mousse with caramel corn.