Ginger Restaurant — Restaurant in Philadelphia

I was very excited to bring my parents to this place because the food looked great, but I have to say, we didn't have a very good experience overall.

First, I called to make a reservation and struggled mightily to communicate in English with the woman on the phone. Fortunately, I speak passable Russian, so I was able to get my point across and finish making the reservation. (If you're not a Russian speaker, you're going to have a lot of trouble.) However, when we arrived at the restaurant, they had no record of the reservation. Fortunately, there was a table available anyway.

Our server was, in a word, clueless. She had no ability to answer any questions about any items on the menu. She also completely forgot about our drinks for about 20 minutes; the appetizers arrived before the drinks did. When I flagged down the other server and said we never got our drinks, she came and dropped two plastic 20oz bottles of water (????) on the table. There were four of us at the table. Our server then came back and told us they were out of iced tea (how long does it take to make new iced tea?!?!), which two of us had ordered. I got a replacement beverage, then 10 minutes later had to remind her that she still hadn't brought my dad's Coke. When she did, it was in a glass, dead flat with no ice at room temp.

The menu itself was dropped in three pieces; at first I thought that only three out of the four of us were receiving a menu, but in fact, between the four of us we received one menu and had to pass the pieces around. (There was some vague apology for this as though the restaurant was just getting things together, but this place has been open for a year!) The menu had translations, but no explanations for any of the items. What is "French Meat"? I don't know, and the server doesn't either.

At one point, about 20 minutes or so after we had ordered our entrees, the server came out along with a guy (not sure his exact role) and told me that they were out of the lamb chops I had ordered. Then the guy asked me whether I wanted the lamb cooked on charcoal or gas. I picked charcoal. They weren't out of the lamb. Very weird.

It's a small restaurant, and they were hosting a birthday party, which was taking up about 2/3 of the space, and the host/DJ guy was BLASTING extremely loud Russian music. I've been to plenty of Russian restaurants before, so I'm familiar with the vibe, but this was the only time in my life that I wished I had brought earplugs to a restaurant. Talking across the table was impossible. I did ask him to turn it down, and he did... the tiniest bit. I wasn't going to press the issue because I didn't want to ruin these people's party. It would have been nice to know in advance that they expected to have a dance party with extremely loud music starting at 6 pm.

The good news is that the food was pretty good. The stewed brisket was outstanding, my lamb chops were great (but were just 4 chops, not a rack as listed on the menu -- more of an appetizer than an entree), the duck appetizer was great. The chicken tabaka was not as advertised; it was supposed to be teriyaki-glazed, according to the website, but there was no trace of teriyaki to it. The chicken was well-cooked, though. The lamb kebab was not so good; it was pretty tough. The manti with beef was also not very good; the beef was horribly overcooked. The mozzarella appetizer had a delicious pesto sauce but the tomato was flavorless. They served us mozzarella sticks off the kids menu for my dad's benefit, and they were actually great, but they came with no sauce. When we asked for tomato sauce, we were brought ketchup (after she forgot about it for a while).

Overall, I'd give the food a 4/5 and the restaurant is generally nice decor-wise, but service is a major issue. Also, be aware they automatically tack a 15% service charge onto the bill regardless of...

Nestled on the edge of a small shopping center in Northeast Philly, Ginger is a hidden culinary gem that just opened up in May and promises an unforgettable dining experience. As soon as you step inside, you'll be captivated by the restaurant's enchanting ambiance. The indoor setup is nothing short of lovely, with tasteful décor and an inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for a perfect date night. However, if you're in the mood for an alfresco dining experience, their beautiful outdoor patio area is an absolute delight as well with just a minor noise coming in from the local traffic.

Top marks to the chef on this one as you'll have to prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary adventure as they take a modern flare on European-style dishes that take their menu to new heights of creativity. Their menu is a treasure trove of unique and enticing dishes, making for a hard choice of selections but I went for the MilleFeuille appetizer and the Dark Night dish.

The mille feuille was impressive and the sauce was amazing! It's a big slice that came out and had to slice it up and then dipped every slice into the creamy sauce at the bottom of the dish. As for the Dark Night, giving off those Batman vibes, the black fettuccine topped with black shrimp made for an interesting look, to say the least, and I only hope my photos came out good enough to capture its craft. All the flavors danced harmoniously on my tongue and truly showcased the talent and skills of the kitchen staff.

Not only does Ginger excel in its culinary offerings, but it also goes above and beyond to create a memorable experience for its guests. Attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the beautifully designed bathrooms to the elegant silverware that graces your table. The restaurant's commitment to creating an immersive dining experience is truly commendable, and the staff is very attentive to the needs of the table. It's truly a spot you must visit as a food lover if you're seeking a culinary adventure and one that I'm sure to be...

If I can give more than five stars, I would this is one of those restaurants

Experience Elevated Halal Fine Dining at Ginger Restaurant, Philadelphia!

Philadelphia foodies, prepare your taste buds for something extraordinary! I’m thrilled to introduce Ginger Restaurant, located on Red Lion Road—a culinary gem redefining the halal dining experience with elegance, flavor, and passion.

From the moment you walk through the doors, you’ll feel the warmth and dedication that makes Ginger truly special.

Here’s what makes Ginger stand out:

🍽️ Halal Fine Dining: Ginger blends the rich traditions of halal cuisine with gourmet culinary techniques, creating a menu that’s both sophisticated and unforgettable.

👨‍🍳 World-Class Chef: At the helm is Chef Temir Satybaldiev, whose impressive career includes working in Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide. Every dish is prepared with meticulous attention to detail, passion, and love—an experience you can taste in every bite.

What We Tried & Loved: 🥬 Romaine Wrap: Crisp, fresh, and bursting with flavor—an ideal start to your meal. 🍆 Eggplant Salad: Smoky, savory, and perfectly balanced, this dish is a must-try. 🥩 Soft Beef Cheeks: Tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection, showcasing the chef’s expertise.

🍚 Kinoko Kayu: A comforting bowl of buckwheat, shallots, mushrooms, eel, mixed nuts, and furikake—a true umami-packed masterpiece.

Whether you’re planning a special night out, celebrating an occasion, or simply want to indulge in something extraordinary, Ginger Restaurant delivers on all fronts.

Don’t just take my word for it—experience it for yourself! Trust me, this is one Philly dining destination you don’t want to miss.

📍 Location: Ginger Restaurant, 744 Red Lion Rd, Philadelphia 📞 Reservations recommended!

Who’s ready to elevate their next dining experience? Let me know what dish you’re most...