Have been to both Kanella and Koo Zee Doo. Both wonderful. Exactly what I'm looking for. Would like to experience something new. Thank you for the recs though!

It's downtown, and expensive, however the Sunday brunch buffet at the Four Seasons is the best I've had anywhere. Never seen the quantity (variety) and quality like that. And of course the staff/service is impeccable.

+1 for Mediterranean Grill. Really great little Persian BYO.

In search of a quaint byo to visit with my wife. Something along the lines of Kaffa Crossing in West Phila; Trio in Fairmount; Sazon at 9th & Spring Garden; Erawan (123 S 23rd St).

Small to medium sized gem; a bit off the beaten path. Preferably reasonably priced. We love all types of fair!

We're coming from Havertown and would like to venture downtown however we'd entertain Main Line area as well; even Chestnut Hill.

Thanks so much in advance!

I liked Effie's just fine. Dined using savored.com. Pleasant service. Owner was very friendly. Good food I felt. Patio is very nice.

Mediterranean Grill
870 W Lancaster Ave
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Very very good! Authentic Iranian food. Wonderful atmosphere. Quaint BYO. Delicious food. Highly recommend.

The desserts were all fantastic. As were the traditional breakfast items: lox (smoked salmon) and bagels, omelets, sausage/bacon, waffles, etc. The pasta dishes were very flavorful. The jumbo lump crabcake with purple potato and basil sauce was delicious. I was unfortunately not able to try each and every offering but do not remember a single item that wasn't wonderful. I would gladly make the Swann Lounge Sunday brunch buffet a personal annual tradition.

We decided on the Sunday brunch buffet at the Swann Lounge in the Four Seasons. I can't speak highly enough of the variety of options and the taste of them all. Absolutely amazing on both fronts. The service at the Four Seasons - from start to finish - is of course far superior than that at any other restaurant I've been. The meal is not inexpensive, however as a treat, if the menu fits what you are searching for, I can't imagine a more enjoyable experience.

Thank you, Hungryin theBurbs. Swann Lounge's Sunday brunch menu is unbelievable.

The Sunday brunch at LaCroix looks wonderful; difficult to find a larger and more interesting menu I'm sure. Though it does appear however to lean more towards the lunch end of brunch than breakfast.

While we are searching for items such as a carving station, we are hoping to find the traditional breakfast staples as well including fresh Belgium waffles, made-to-order omelets, breakfast pastries, etc.; on which LaCroix does not seem to focus. Though again, their brunch menu looks creative and delicious.

Thank you, Delucacheesemonger. How would one secure the 30% off?

I do remain interested in alternate recs as well.

A close friend and I are searching for the most recommended Sunday brunch buffet - preferably within Philadelphia, though we would consider the suburbs as well. I have read that the offerings at Water Works are very good; and I presume a very pleasant atmosphere would be found at a table overlooking the river on a nice day. We are of course searching for quality food and impressive selection. Cost is not a concern.

Thank you in advance for your direction!

We dined at Fountain Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel and the evening was wonderful. We each enjoyed the six course tasting; one with wine flight. Amazing service - never experienced that level of attention and menu/drink knowledge. Wonderful atmosphere. Prearranged for flowers at the table - this was executed perfectly. A pleasure to deal with all involved.

Happy to report, at the end of the evening my proposal was accepted :) From what I understand, planning a wedding will be a bit more difficult. Hopefully equally magical results!

Sincere thanks to all who offered suggestions!

I will be making a reservation soon. Some great recommendations so far. Again, much appreciated. Any additional suggestions are quite welcome. Thank you!

A big thank you to the recommendations thus far! Any additional ideas?

I am aiming to create a memorable evening at the end of which I will propose to my beautiful girlfriend and am searching for a superior Center City restaurant to set the stage. (not proposing at restaurant)

My girlfriend and I enjoy all cuisine types and generally gravitate toward the city's many unique, often quaint/rustic/byo ethnic restaurants. That said, for this occasion I am in search of an impressive space (small or large), stellar food and superior service - be it ethnic or contemporary American. Brilliant view or people watching a plus though not requisite. Cost is not a concern.

I am hoping to capture some magic this special evening and can use a bit of direction. Any recommendations that don’t fit the above bill are quite welcome. Your advice is greatly appreciated!

Kaffa Crossing - very very good.

4423 chestnut st, Philadelphia Pa 19104 USA
http://www.kaffacrossing.com/

Thanks very much madgreek99. It appears our party will be closer to 8-10. So no need to accommodate for a medium to large group. It seems like we'll be having lunch and not brunch. Still looking for reasonably nice, contemporary, in/near the mix in New Hope. Good food. I will do some homework on Lillys and Havana. Thank you.

Lunch would be a fine substitute gaffk. What restaurants are among or within walking distance of the shops and galleries, etc. that satisfy what I mentioned in my initial post?

I appreciate your help.

Any recs? Your help is appreciated.

I am searching for a somewhat refined yet contemporary restaurant to hold a Saturday birthday brunch for a 30 something friend of mine. We have a group of approximately 15. Our intention was Hamilton's Grill Room, however Hamilton's does not offer brunch after mid-October (save for larger parties than ours).

We are looking for an attractive atmosphere, preferably within a few minutes walk of the shops and galleries; and a menu that can offer something to a variety of palates. Nothing too stodgy or too hole-in-the-wall would be great. An attractive view would be a plus.

I know New Hope has a lively, enjoyable atmosphere this time of year and we'd love to take advantage of it! Your help is much appreciated.

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Hamilton's Grill Room
8 Coryell Street, Lambertville, NJ 08530

We ended up at Effie's (1127 Pine St.). Very nice meal. Lovely atmosphere in the small interior courtyard (4 tables). Good food, pleasant service. Would return.

I'm searching for an al fresco dinner date spot for this weekend. Our starting point will be Northern Liberties though anywhere in/near center city - from Univ City to South Street or Old City - would be great.

I'm seeking a reasonable price; preferably though not necessarily interesting ethnic fare; and quality people watching.

(I've heard the small courtyard at Effie's is nice. I realize no people watching there.)

Your help is much appreciated!

One of my close friend's birthdays is on Halloween and I would like to order a custom ice cream cake for the occasion. Are there any quality shops in the western burbs or downtown that can create such an ice cream cake?

Just moved to the area. Looking for reliable Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, etc in Northern Liberties. (delivery would work as well)

Any recs? Thanks for the help!

Thank you for the rec Bigley9. Trio was perfect. Not the best Thia I've had but very solid; wonderful seating on the second floor deck - very quaint and romantic; nice small neighborhood feel; very pleasant staff. Even comp'd two desserts because we had to wait 15 or so mins for the outdoor table. Not necessary at all, quite nice. Again, just what we were looking for for the evening! Would return.

http://www.triobyob.com/

The lovely girlfriend would like to enjoy simultaneously a pleasant August evening outside and some delicious Thai (or Vietnamese) in the city, but I'm at a loss. Any recommendations that satisfy? I'd love to make her happy here.

BYO a plus! Thank you for the help!

Count me in. I strongly feel that Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs (including nearby South Jersey) should have it's own dedicated board. Thank you.

Thanks very much for the tips. I am thinking of going with the $120 Omakase and possibly the larger chef's combination. I am assuming this would offer a nice variety of their best dishes. The table-side prepared tofu does sound appealing as well. I will try to report back.

My girlfriend and I will be dining at Morimoto next weekend; neither of us have been and are very much looking forward to it. From apps to entrees to desserts, what are the must eats?

(within walking distance, post-dinner dessert recs appreciated as well!)

Thanks very much!