Achieving an atmosphere that is both cozy and sleek can be a difficult task. But for Twenty Manning, a neighborhood bistro whose menu combines traditional American cuisine with Asian-inspired dishes, doing two things at once seems to be no problem.
Tucked into 20th Street between Spruce and Locust streets, the restaurant maintains the elegance of the surrounding Rittenhouse Square.
Tabletops are adorned with candles and small vases of wheat grass. And although the tables are close together, myriad large windows prevent the space from feeling cramped. It also hosts a modern bar and lounge area.
The restaurant was relatively subdued during my Sunday evening visit, but I expect that it often comes alive. With tight seating, liveliness means loudness, but take that as a sign that you've found the hip place to be.
The professional and attentive staff was not the only thing that set Twenty Manning apart. I knew there was something unique about the food as well when our bread came not with butter but wasabi cream cheese.
The appetizer menu, which features items ranging from about $7 to $16, offered a few surprises of its own. The calamari was spicier than expected but very tasty. The vegetable spring rolls, served with a sweet sauce, provided a delightful taste of the restaurant's Asian influence.
I was refreshed to see that the entree portions were appropriately-sized - neither overwhelmingly large nor disappointingly small. My friend, who confessed she judges a restaurant by its salmon, thought the salmon dish with vegetables and potatoes ($19) was excellent and represented the restaurant's flair for simplicity. I tried the pumpkin ravioli ($17), which had a subtle flavor but was overall delicious.
Among the array of desserts, a chocolate fondue ($12) stood out. It arrived with an impressive display of fruit and brownies to dip into the warm, rich chocolate.
And if you're in the mood for a Mediterranean flavor, try owner Audrey Claire Taichman's first Rittenhouse establishment, Audrey Claire -- a BYOB located on 20th and Spruce streets.
Either way, you're sure to enjoy the great food, chic scene and simple style.
