Best Restaurants for Foodies in Springfield

My colleague and I stopped into El Vez for dinner last night and the food, service and overall experience exceeded our expectations. We followed the waiter's recommendations for the roasted garlic guacomole, short rib tacos, open-faced shrimp quesadilla and pomegranate margaritas. All were to perfection! Just wish I lived locally so I could go again!

Wonderful Sunday Brunch experience. They have fantastic cocktails. Enjoyed a spicy Bloody Mary or two. You have to order your complete meal at once which was odd, but there is a reason for this to discourage dawdlers and table squatters. I get it.. Our meal was paced perfectly and we did not feel rushed. The Salads and starters were freshly prepared and delicious. We enjoyed the royal benedict and local breakfast which were so delicious and tasty. Overall made for a really enjoyable brunch. The service was excellent with a nice balance of attentiveness. Ended with doughnuts and coffee which were savory and delicious. An deliciously indulgent experience left us comfortably satiated for a one meal only day but well worth it.

We had a fantastic time on Saturday 11/30/24. Everything we ate was better than the last, and portion sizes were generous. We started with pork belly bao buns bc I have been craving them for weeks and boyyyyy they did not disappoint!! The pork belly was perfectly cooked and paired so well with the soft bao bun and crisp refreshing cabbage. We also had shrimp lo mein (amazing!) and char grilled aged beef. DO NOT MISS OUT ON THE BEEF! It is seriously melt in your mouth delicious, you won’t be disappointed. Our server was attentive, friendly, and great at her job. We were sat right on the edge of the kitchen but didn’t feel cramped or in the way. Ambience was a little loud but it was a Saturday night and you could still hold a conversation at your table without yelling, which was nice. Free birthday dessert was a coconut sorbet, you’ll love it if you like coconut. There are coconut bits in the sorbet which was refreshing, I’m just not a big fan of coconut. I felt bad that it was wasted on me! Bathrooms clean and well maintained. Valet was super quick and easy. All around a lovely birthday meal and we cannot wait to return. Thank you!

The Love is an exceptional choice for a quick yet delightful lunch experience in Philadelphia. If you're planning to visit, it's advisable to secure a reservation in advance to guarantee your spot, or consider arriving after 3 pm to avoid the lunch rush. The restaurant boasts an upscale and contemporary ambiance, creating a perfect setting to enjoy a meal. One of the standout features of their menu is the unique twist they put on classic Southern cuisine. Among their offerings, the side potatoes are a highlight—cooked to perfection, they are simply one of the best I've ever tasted. Additionally, the Brussels sprouts paired with sweet potatoes are a must-try; the combination of flavors is both intriguing and satisfying. For the main course, the ravioli is nothing short of exquisite; it's prepared flawlessly, featuring a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors that leaves a lasting impression. With its innovative dishes and inviting atmosphere, The Love is undoubtedly a fantastic dining destination worth visiting in Philadelphia.

Our Thanksgiving dinner at Fork was everything we hoped for, from inventive takes on traditional dishes (like cranberry sauce flavored with star anise) to the newly renovated (moody, sophisticated) dining room. Highlights included fresh oysters and perfectly dressed tuna crudo, and roasted butternut squash stuffed with tangy labneh. No detail is overlooked—even the parsley butter for the dinner rolls was memorable. Creative cocktails like the “Sibling Rivalry” and a surprisingly smooth barrel aged Wild Turkey (a nod to the presumed centerpiece of the holiday meal) set the vibe, and service found the sweet spot between unobtrusive and efficient. Can’t wait for the seven fishes on Christmas Eve.