Enjoy fine dining outside with greenhouses that are sure to warm you up.
Escape the winter chill in a greenhouse at Harper’s Garden.
1. The Greenhouses at Harper’s Garden
When the greenhouses at Harper’s Garden launched last year, they were nearly fully booked within days. And now, the greenhouse structures are back, just in time for the wintery cold. This year, brand-new head chef Chaz Brown, formerly of Le Bec Fin, is at the helm, prepping dishes like brined pork chop with tatsoi (an Asian green veggie similar to bok choy), apple apricot chutney and blueberry chicken jus. Pair it with a Rosemary Boulevardier and watch the snow fall from inside the private pods. 31 S. 18th St., 267.886.8552, harpersgardenphilly.com
2. A.kitchen
Just off of Rittenhouse square, executive chef Eli Collins’ a.kitchen is dishing up all of our favorites beneath heaters, tea lights and an abundance of potted plants. Two of our favorites to order: the octopus Lyonnaise with bacon lardons and the whole grilled branzino for two—decorated with grilled winter vegetables, it’s not to be missed. Finally, enjoy a seasonal cocktail or peruse the acclaimed wine list to find a great combination for your meal. 135 S. 18th St., 215.825.7030, akitchenandbar.com
Savor French-American bites while warming up with blankets and heaters at Laurel.
3. Laurel
Keeping comfort and minimalism in mind, this intimate space designed by David Dowling can seat eight to 12 guests. For larger parties, opt for the chef’s table, which is available in the outdoor garden. Cozy up with blankets provided by the restaurant and heaters throughout the patio while savoring an exclusive six-course French-American meal from James Beard Foundation Award finalist Nicholas Elmi. Speak with one of the on-site sommeliers to find a perfect wine or cocktail pairing for the multiple-course meal. 1617 E. Passyunk Ave., 215.271.8299, restaurantlaurel.com
4. Juno
Lush plants, life-size flowering murals, bright colors and a wooden patio make the perfect Instagram moment at the Spring Garden eatery. Led by chef Miguel Hernandez, the delicious Mexican-American restaurant has added several new outdoor dining options since its opening in 2019: a giant rooftop greenhouse that can accommodate 120 people, as well as intimate greenhouses for up to six guests for private dining experiences. 1033 Spring St.,267.639.2892, junophilly.com
Flavorful fare and tasty drinks await at Lola’s Garden.
5. Lola’s Garden
Snuggle up and enjoy flavorful fare and warm drinks under this outdoor enclosure with beautiful trellis, wood features, hanging Moroccan lantern lighting and plenty of seating. Chef Andrew Wood has created favorite menu selections including a grilled portobello sandwich with smoked mozzarella, succulent seared N.J. scallops with black truffle aioli and baked French toast with brown sugar-apple compote. Wash it down with a hot apple cider, flavored with a cinnamon stick. 51 St. Georges Road, Ardmore,484.412.8011, lolasgardenrestaurant.com
Dine on heirloom polenta with poached egg in Fork’s heated alcove.
6. Fork
Tasty delights await at this Old City establishment with a heated alcove. Owned and operated by James Beard Foundation Award nominee and Wharton alumnus Ellen Yin, Fork offers a seasonal menu, with delicious offerings including sustainably sourced seafood and locally sourced vegetable dishes. Think bites like heirloom polenta with poached egg or a traditional burger and fries with ooey-gooey raclette cheese and caramelized onions. The wine list is a passion point for Yin and her staff, and tends to skew domestic, including great options from Va La Vineyards in Avondale, Pa. 306 Market St., 215.625.9425, forkrestaurant.com
Photography by: Courtesy of: FCM Hospitality/Alistair McDonald; Laurel Philadelphia; FCM Hospitality/Alistair McDonald; High Street Hospitality Group
