PHILADELPHIA - James Beard Award-winning chef Greg Vernick is expanding his Philadelphia culinary empire with the upcoming opening of Emilia, an Italian-focused restaurant in the Kensington neighborhood. This highly anticipated project marks a new direction for the chef, who is renowned for his flagship Rittenhouse Square bistro, Vernick Food & Drink.
A New Italian Concept
Emilia is described as a raw bar and pasta concept, focusing on the ingredient-driven cooking that has made Vernick one of the city's most respected chefs.
- Focus: The restaurant will spotlight fresh, handmade pasta and a curated selection of raw bar seafood.
- Connection to Flagship: Fans of Vernick Food & Drink can expect the same commitment to "pristine ingredients and seasonality" that defines the original restaurant.
Location and Vibe
The restaurant is situated at the Frankford Avenue and York Street circle in Kensington.
- Design Detail: Observers have already noted the restaurant's branding, with the name "Emilia" tiled into the building's entrance.
- Neighborhood Growth: The opening of Emilia further cements Kensington's reputation as a growing culinary destination, joining other acclaimed neighborhood spots like Fiore.
Opening Timeline
While a hard opening date has not yet been announced, reports indicate that the team is targeting a 2026 opening. This new venture adds to Greg Vernick's diverse portfolio of Philadelphia establishments, which currently includes:
- Vernick Fish: An inventive American oyster bar located at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia.
- Vernick Coffee Bar: A ground-floor café and takeaway bakery.
- Vernick Wine: A curated wine shop and private event space adjacent to the flagship restaurant.
