Illuminare

well prepared food, delicate flavors. Portions small. Prices Very high more

My office had our 2005 Christmas lunch here. Overall, it was a pleasant experience. Ambiance in the back of the house is lovely; the fountain outside was an icy beauty; inside modern art and small tin ceiling to frosted, molded hanging lamp shades. Several coworkers liked it and would return (I chose the restuarant for the group--I take the credit!). Being a workday during a major holiday week the service was average. We waited a bit too long for our food but once it came, it was obvious that it was prepared fresh and to order. The bar area is cute but only sits about 5 people. Definitely not an intimate bar or a place to meet a new stranger. My main complaint is that no bread was served for lunch, yet there were bread plates and flavored oils on the table. I kept waiting for that bread.... Pros: Pretty decor, Nice patio, Freshly prepared food Cons: Where's the bread?!?, Street parking, Service mediocre more

The service was great the whole night. We never felt like we had to wait around for more water, bread, or other drinks. They were polite and very prompt. The room was decorated lovely with a holiday theme. The atmosphere made you feel comfortable and just happy to be there. The prices weren't too bad at all. For five people at our table our bill came out to about one fifty. So Illuminare is definately a place I would recommend you check out. I have been to the Easteren State Penitentary a couple times for their terror behind the walls, and it would be a good combo to eat there then take the short walk down the street to the Penitentary. I believe they even have specials were you get your ticket to the show plus a meal for a set price. more

We travel to Philly often and have used Illuminare as a local eatery many times. The food is good but the service is disorganized (may be slow or rushed). Tonight was a special occasion and, despite a reservation, the table was not ready. A dirty bread plate was not replaced without a reminder. The waiter brought the entrees while we were eating our salads and suggested we might be finished with the first course. We were not and sent the entrees back. I spoke with the manager who was unpleasant, arrogant and ""blew us off"", saying they'd had 150 great reviews about the service in the past week. We paid and left mid meal. There are now many good restaurants in the area. I suggest you check them out and skip Illuminare. Pros: good food, casual atmosphere Cons: unreliable service, dirty plate, rude manager more

the pizza kicks ass, the drinks are strong, and the pastas and other entrees are delicious. the room is beautiful and very nicely decorated. the service can be very slow and disorganized, although the servers are very friendly. bottom line? great pizza, great ambience, great drinks. Pros: pizza, ambience, drinks Cons: service more

This place was a true Hidden Gem!!!! I will recommended this place to all my friend. more

This is the best place for pizza and beer. You must go there and sit outside and just enjoy the food and drinks. Pros: Beer, Pizza, Outside Dining more

had dinner here and it was very good. they have wood-oven pizzas and a variety of pasta dishes. they also have an outdoor dining area. be sure to check it out. more