Planchette Bistro and Creperie

Review summary

1. G

   Geoffrey

   Philadelphia

   20 reviews

   4.0

   20 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   We enjoyed our Valentines dinner at Planchette--our first time there. The tables were VERY packed together so I didn't even dare put on my coat till we were outside, for fear of knocking over someone's water or wine glasses. It was a very cheery crowd and the attentive waiters worked very hard--yeah, there were some longish waits but there wasn't ROOM for more waitstaff and we admired how well they did given the crowding!! The food was good but not exceptional (given the jacked-up prices for V.Day, I would have hoped for MORE wild mushrooms in my duck/mushroom crepe and a not-off-the-shelf chocolate sauce on my mousse cake [it tasted like Hersheys or something similar!). But the food was very tasty and abundant, the plates warm (!!!) and the presentation attractive. We'll even go back and try this place on a NOT special day situation. It DID feel very FRENCH--which was fun in the middle of Ambler. It's hard to do French cuisine and take it to the next level where dishes are exceptional. But this was comfortable bistro food--done well on a very packed night. I would hope the dessert offerings could be a bit more French---do you really need Red Velvet cake on a bistro menu??? But there were many more pluses than minuses and we like having places of this quality in our area!!
   

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2. D

   Deborah

   Philadelphia

   7 reviews

   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   What a delicious meal in a romantic environment! And the service was outstanding. I have had lunch and dinner here several times and enjoyed every meal. Highly recommend!
   

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3. N

   Nancy

   Philadelphia

   29 reviews

   4.0

   29 reviews

   Dined on 2 February 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Love the food but it is noisy. Service is very good
   

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4. S

   Sandy

   VIP

   Philadelphia

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on 1 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We had a fabulous experience and I can’t wait to go back. We had onion soup and grilled octopus to start and rack of lamb and filet mignon for entrees.
   

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5. S

   SAMANTHA

   VIP

   Philadelphia

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on 1 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We dine here a lot. Big fans of the fish specials, steak, salads. What i especially like about Planchette is that you have a great meal but leave feeling like you still eat healthy.
   

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6. K

   K

   Philadelphia

   7 reviews

   3.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on 25 January 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Cute French bistro with warm atmosphere: loved the 19th c posters, and the brick interior wall made to look like the exterior of a French building with balconies. Small tables quite close together allows this restaurant to sit more diners than may appear. This makes the place lively & helps the European vibe/experience but also unfortunately means that if a diner at the next table orders smelly food or (unfortunately in our case) has B.O., that will be part of your experience for as long as they are there. The food was good but not exceptional, depending on what you order, and feels a bit overpriced. The French classics are done better than you would get elsewhere (ie, French onion soup was very good), but the more crossover dishes (steak & frites, salads) are better other places. That said, I’m thinking of fine dining places (William Penn Inn, Bridget’s) and they are even more expensive than Planchette. Also if you’re going to a French bistro you should probably order uniquely French food. I bet the Coq Au Vin would have been great. I did not order that because I’m vegan, and the menu says they can accommodate vegan diners, which is why I chose this place for our anniversary. Unfortunately “accommodate” turned out to mean “we can give you a salad with quinoa and no cheese” and that’s about it. I had that & a side of spinach, and also shared a side of haricot verts with my dining partner. I would not consider that an especially good meal. Also the salad was just ok. The service, however, was very prompt & attentive, especially given how busy it was.
   

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7. R

   Rodney

   VIP

   Philadelphia

   15 reviews

   4.0

   15 reviews

   Dined on 18 January 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 3

   I love their crepes. Great menu. A bit too crowded and noisy.
   

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8. h

   henry

   Philadelphia

   3 reviews

   3.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on 18 January 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 3

   First time dining at Planchette overall experience was average. Food was ok, i guess I expecting a more French taste and amiance. Table were too close to each other
   

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9. K

   Katie

   Philadelphia

   52 reviews

   5.0

   52 reviews

   Dined on 11 January 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This was a great experience for after the movie. We had reservations and were seated immediately (It was very busy too). The service was impeccable with very friendly and helpful wait staff. The salad had too much dressing on it, but was otherwise good. My branchino fish was delicious as were the green beans and potatoes. The coc au vin was good but a bit too salty. I would definitely eat here again!
   

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10. J

    Jean

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    80 reviews

    5.0

    80 reviews

    Dined on 11 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Love their menu choices. Atmosphere is very close to a traditional French bistro.
    

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