We had reservations for 10 p.m on New Year's Eve but had to wait on the curb until 11:35 p.m with all other groups with 10 p.m reservations. Not acceptable. Then although arrived second of the 10 p.m groups, we got seated and served last. 20 mn before a bread basket made our table after our request. Another 5 min we had to grab the chef to get champagne glasses. Our waiter forgot and no one reacted although we had an obvious bottle of sparkling on the table. Then out of the 4 entrees on the New Year's Eve menu, they had run out of lamb. We got to the desserts 2 and a half hours later and had only one of each dessert left. So you got the point, the service was terrible. Maybe since it is a small restaurant, avoid the big days. In any case, your waiter/waitress will be no "5 star hotel" trained. It is your regular joe waiter. I did not like the chef's attitude either.
The food was good but as a french citizen, I was not impressed. Nothing but classic french food. A five course special New Year's Eve menu at $65 (Surprise. Nobody told us when we made reservations 2 weeks ealier). First course, a "charcuterie" platter. Good but not the best quality. Second, "one" big grilled scallop. Dry-packed scallop because of the "above american average" taste. Third, salad ( I forgot, I had to request the "goat cheese" supposed to come with. They had the last one. Fourth, veal sweetbread, very good. My wife had the "shrimp and suzuki", good but disappointed with the sauce. As for desserts, I had the saffron pear, light and tasty, I recommend. My wife had raspberries in whipped cream rated "nothing special".
We expected much better from one of the "so-called" top BYOB in Philadelphia. A bit pricey for what you get in other "casual" french restaurants. I notice a trend of "bad" service in so-called "casual french" restaurants and Pif was certainly no exception. No real french nor french experience at Pif. We do not plan to go back because of the service.
Cons: Service, "french" experience
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