AMINA — Restaurant in Philadelphia

In the words of Tevin Campbell. Can we talk for a minute? Had no plans of visiting this restaurant. Had not heard about this restaurant. Was in town for a conference and was a recommended place. Since Covid, my restaurant experiences have been average. This spot is more than average. When we drove up in the Lyft, it is not easily identifiable. Signage is not prominent. Outside appearance could be considered underwhelming. You walk in and it's an intimate space. I won't say small because I've been in smaller restaurants. I didn't handle the arrangements to eat there so I am not sure if reservations are required. However, due to the size and culinary excellence coming out of dat (yes, dat) kitchen...call and ask if they take reservations. We had over 15 people in our group and were split up. That was fine.

Service Service was a little slow in the beginning acknowledging our table and providing beverage service. That is where the slow service stayed. Based on that, I just knew in my mind, the meal would be slow. It was NOT. We ordered 4-5 different appetizers. Waitress was excellent and was well versed on each menu item we asked about. The appetizers were at our tables within 15 minutes. I was pleasantly surprised. In my mind, I'm like ok. Now in my mind, I am questioning the food temperature. Temperature was perfect. Food was hot and nothing had to be returned. Service flowed. Water filled before requesting. Clearing tables quickly was quite good.

Food Appetizers Cornbread - excellent. Tasted like cake. Moist. Scallops - Fresh. Did not have a fish odor. Was not overcooked. Philly Cheesesteak Beignets - the elevated interpretation of this menu item. Delicious perfection. Deviled eggs - I don't eat everyone's deviled eggs. These were nicely presented. Filling firm and not running. Delicious.

Dinner Hamburger - I don't think I could call it a burger. Two HUGH patties with a decadent cheese sauce. The person who ordered couldn't finish it. It was delicious and looked delicious. Lamb chops - Cooked at the temperature requested and enjoyable. Wings - right amount of stickiness for the sauce. And yummy. Short ribs on grits - baby. I'm still thinking about it. Excellent. Brussel sprouts - excellent Macaroni and Cheese - excellent and looked decadent.

Please know other food items were ordered but the group was large and I couldn't capture all feedback. However, it was consistent from 15 + people that every item coming out of the kitchen was excellent.

Food presentation - Food presentation gorgeous and the food given was generous but not overbearing.

Why I gave 4 stars and not 5 stars - 1. Restrooms are in the basement. Challenging for anyone with mobility or handicap challenges. 2. You can see the entry into the kitchen..which is popular because it could give the feel that you are in a Chef's kitchen. It was clean. I believe the opening can benefit from a little sprucing up to match the atmosphere in the dining room. 3. Outside signage in my opinion is not as prominent as I feel it should. However, I am not aware of town signage requirements, etc..

Atmosphere - Cool vibes. Some can say sexy. Exposed brick wall. Tin ceiling tiles. Space was thoughtfully decorated.

Overall - would I return and pass all of the amazing NYC restaurants that I have access to? Would I jump in my car and drive 2 hours or take a train? Ummm....yeah. Already planning my trip back and others in the group who live in Delaware said they would return to Philadelphia for a trip centered around this little spot...

Finally got down here and glad I did...first, the decor was impeccable. If you remember The Mexican Post, they kept the layout but improved the flow of the restaurant and the lighting/art is MUCH better. Down to little things like gold toned silverware and conveniently shaped serving dishes.

Before you can absorb those points, tho, you're struck by the service! The Mrs & I were late evening walk ins and they were packed...however the hostess found us a seat at the bar (which had a nice crowd at it). The bar back got us situated swiftly and amicably, setting the bartender up so she could do her job (which she did very well). After setting us up with a round of drinks we started off with the lobster deviled eggs, which were flavorful and balanced enough to where you could enjoy the ingredients blending with each bite.

For our entrees she went with the grilled watermelon salad while I tried the Nigerian hot chicken sandwich while we shared the Doritos Mac and Cheese. The sandwich was HUGE (pics don't do it justice) with a nice tang, but it could've been spicier to me (I'm Ghanaian so I'm biased) with a nice sized serving of fries seasoned with something I didn't read on the menu but wasn't regular salt and made them even more delicious. The watermelon grilled salad was amazing, & the dressing pairs well with it (if I ordered it for me I'd do the dressing on the side since I prefer a lighter amount) highlighting the blue cheese crumbles. The Doritos Mac and Cheese was LEGIT!! Definitely one of my favorite spins on the dish, and the fact they bake each serving to finish it makes it hit that much harder.

Realizing if we finished everything we wouldn't have enough room for dessert we boxed up our food (take out containers are just the right size and will probably get repurposed in the near future in our household), and we finished our night with the apple cobbler with caramel ice cream which satisfied our sweet tooth without sending us into sugar shock. Overall cost for a good amount of food, a pair of drinks, fantastic service and cozy decor was still less than what I've spent at chain restaurants. Judging by the brunch menu we read while we were there, it's safe to say we'll be back.

Wish I could give this place Michelin stars instead of just...

I tried to cancel, as my Bestie wasn't feeling too festive for her Bday, nobody answers Amina's phn. I found someone to dine with at short notice, we arrived 20mins late...we were seated right @ the door. I appreciated them honoring my reservation, but I decided 2Not Go crazy w/ ordering My usual 2 entrees, 2 apps, drinks + dessert ( I love2eat/ try new dishes)...the tables are small. The decor is warm, the vibe was cute & the music seemed perfect from an R & B pandora station. I enjoyed a glass of Prosecco, the 4 deviled eggs w/ lobster 🦞 was DIVINE! I also enjoyed the lobster bisque and the wings( although👎 I Did request them to be well done..they were ok too. Here's where I should've stopped, as I was clearly full & satisfied. I went to the restroom which is dwnstrz below the dining area, I ordered for my friend the oxtails, mac n chz & the greens..in my opinion the beef was too salty, the collards was ok ✔️ but the tiny portion of greens, no comment on the Mac 😐. For myself I ordered the salmon, the skin was crisped to perfection, the rest of the salmon was a tad under temperature for my taste, the greens were served with a lite Thai dressing😋the flavors hit the spot; as I was already stuffed. I had no room to try the butter pound cake or cobbler..before I left the nice looking brown skinned bartender made me an wonderful Grand Merrier sour, it was awesome! 🍸 He made the evening enjoyable alongside Mia, she was a great server, all her suggestions were On Point! @ the end of the night, the person that accompanied me & paid $180+40 for gratuity advised that he told the owner/operator that the food was good+he gave him a thumbs-up....only to be met with a scowl 😶. I felt grateful to dine but felt bad for my friend's experience.... all patrons should feel welcome...coincidentally I noticed another black owner/operator dining from another New Awesome, breakfast brunch spot showing support that same night. I'm looking forward to returning to her spot near Fishtown, where All patrons are...