The chef has mastered blending various flavors for fantastic and surprising outcomes. The presentation is beautiful. The staff is fully knowledgeable of the menu and can offer suggestions or pairings. A first class operation. Highly recommended.
LaurenceK
We have eaten here at least a dozen times. Food is fabulous, and the duck salad is probably one of the very best dishes one can find in the Philadelphia area. Whether it's fish or the amazing Wagyu beef, this place is amazing. We always bring a good wine, and we usually bring others with us. Volodymir is an outstanding chef!
Esther1958
Very extensive menu of seafood and meat dishes. Nothing for vegetarians or vegans. Style of cooking is traditional French--rich sauces and gravies. Everything was delicious but a bit too rich for me and skimpy on the vegetables (would be great for a carnivore). Service excellent. Expensive but worth it if you want that kind of meal.
Gail Furman
Hidden gem. We got the tasting menu which was a bargain compared to comparable ones in Center City.
The CHOICE is a rather small restaurant with LARGE welcoming open arms as soon as you walk in the door. There are many fish, meat, poultry (duck 2 ways and my favorite) and vegetarian options on the menu and the service? You feel part of the family (owners are UKRANIAN) Take home borsht ($10.00 for a "donation") YUM!
DoctorJ
Always spectacular food by Chef Vlodomyr and beautiful and creative plating reflecting the artistry of his wife Iryna. A true gem of the Main Line. Don't miss the scallops in filo, or any of the lobster dishes, or the duck....
Wendy Lewis
Sweet gem that looks like a neighborhood eatery but it is deliciously serious food. Highly recommend seafood…they know what they’re doing. Bravo.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Yvonne Chiem
We made a reservation for a Tuesday night dinner to celebrate our 9 year anniversary. Unfortunately, the service was terrible! We sat down and waited about 30 minutes with no service, no server came to talk to us. Meanwhile, 2 tables sat down after and received service. One of those tables were waiting for additional guests but they had received bread and water. I flagged our waitress, which she apologized and gave us water right away and took our order. 10-13 minutes has passed- no bread- and the NEXT table received bread/ water. At this point, we felt this establishment was not attentive. We had spoken to the owner, which was very apologetic and offered to make our stay better for the rest of the evening. However, what's done is done. We decided to leave. In my many years of dining, I have never walked out of a restaurant before.We were really disappointed, given with great reviews online. Unfortunately, we will never know the quality of the dishes there. I will never recommend this restaurant due to the poor service.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
MariaL
Food was great! Service was excellent! Noise level loud especially with an obnoxious and foul mouthed customer. Otherwise, noise level is what I would expect for an intimate dining experience.
EXQUISITE is the first word that comes to mind as I reflect on our meal last night at The Choice. We dined with wonderful out of town friends and I now think they visit just to make sure we go to the Choice! The guys started out with the pan seared foie gras—-perfection on a plate. The presentation is gorgeous only to be outmatched by the flavors. (I talked my husband into sharing a bite). My friend and I shared the scallops in a phyllo birdcage of sorts. Exceptional. Juicy scallops in a crunchy casing. I had the creamy spicy shrimp—again the burst of flavors is wonderful. The steak with teriyaki sauce (and the most amazing potatoes au gratin) is a fan favorite. No matching that dish! Our other friend loved the lamb chops—-beautifully presented with amazing flavors (the last one was saved for his breakfast this morning before they leave). I don't remember the type of fish my girlfriend ordered but she is a cordon blu chef with gobs of experience—-her verdict: The best she has ever had. We were lucky our friends brought outrageously special wines to pair with this dinner. Special thanks to The Choice for this exceptional experience. I highly recommend this BYOB restaurant.
My husband and I are still talking about our delicious dinner the next day. One of the beat meals out I have had out in a long time. We had the phyllo dough wrapped scallops and shrimp ceviche for an app, miso sea bass and rabbit for entrees and molten chocolate cake & ice-cream for desert. Everything was outstanding. Can't wait to go back!
blue2
It has always been consistent and excellent every single time. Close your eyes and pick anything from the menu. Every single dish will be exquisite from presentation, taste and service.
BobM
My wife and I recently enjoyed dinner at the ‘Choice-BYOB' in Bryn Mawr, Pa. We had seen a movie at the nearby film institute and had noted good reviews in seeking an after show dining experience. We were greeted pleasantly and quickly by our hostess/server upon arriving. The atmosphere is simple and elegant. We were quickly provided menus and warm bread and butter and water. My wife and I decided to have a ‘sharing' meal. We ordered the seafood soup as an appetizer to share, followed by the shrimp salad. As our entree, we shared the halibut almondine with a side of mashed potatoes. All of our choices were beautifully presented and, to our surprise, separated in their serving so we had individual bowls/plates. Each choice was fresh and flavorful. The soup broth and the sauce for the halibut were both very tasty without overpowering the selection. And the mashed potatoes were perfect. So often, it has been our experience that sides are treated as a part of a meal that are less important. Not so at the Choice. Finally, we rounded our meal with the chocolate meltdown with vanilla ice cream with a cup of coffee. The warm pastry was fresh and bursting with chocolate flavor, an ideal complement to the rich vanilla ice cream. Our server, attentive and pleasant, ensured that our table was cleared between servings and that we had fresh utensils as needed. Her service added greatly to a very impressive dining experience.
A fitting name for this restaurant because for us there is no better choice on the Main Line than The Choice. Chef Volodymyr Hyvel (from Ukraine) was trained from watching some of the top asian fusion chefs in the world at Nobu in London and BondST in NY. I almost don't want to write the review for fear I will not be able to get a reservation. The dishes are to die for Halibut Almondine, Peking Duck with Orange Sauce, Buratta Salad, too many to mention. The Pecan Pie and Coconut Ice Cream are must tries for desert. Volodymyr's children work in the restaurant as well so it's a family affair. Could not recommend more highly!
Donna
This was the third time that we visited this lovely restaurant. The ambience and decor is calming and beautiful. The staff is friendly, and the food is outstanding. Being able to bring your own wine, puts the icing on the cake. Do yourself a favor and visit The Choice.
The chef has mastered blending various flavors for fantastic and surprising outcomes. The presentation is beautiful. The staff is fully knowledgeable of the menu and can offer suggestions or pairings. A first class operation. Highly recommended.
We have eaten here at least a dozen times. Food is fabulous, and the duck salad is probably one of the very best dishes one can find in the Philadelphia area. Whether it's fish or the amazing Wagyu beef, this place is amazing. We always bring a good wine, and we usually bring others with us. Volodymir is an outstanding chef!
Very extensive menu of seafood and meat dishes. Nothing for vegetarians or vegans. Style of cooking is traditional French--rich sauces and gravies. Everything was delicious but a bit too rich for me and skimpy on the vegetables (would be great for a carnivore). Service excellent. Expensive but worth it if you want that kind of meal.
Hidden gem. We got the tasting menu which was a bargain compared to comparable ones in Center City.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pan-Seared Duck Breast, Octopus
The CHOICE is a rather small restaurant with LARGE welcoming open arms as soon as you walk in the door. There are many fish, meat, poultry (duck 2 ways and my favorite) and vegetarian options on the menu and the service? You feel part of the family (owners are UKRANIAN) Take home borsht ($10.00 for a "donation") YUM!
Always spectacular food by Chef Vlodomyr and beautiful and creative plating reflecting the artistry of his wife Iryna. A true gem of the Main Line. Don't miss the scallops in filo, or any of the lobster dishes, or the duck....
Sweet gem that looks like a neighborhood eatery but it is deliciously serious food. Highly recommend seafood…they know what they’re doing. Bravo.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We made a reservation for a Tuesday night dinner to celebrate our 9 year anniversary. Unfortunately, the service was terrible! We sat down and waited about 30 minutes with no service, no server came to talk to us. Meanwhile, 2 tables sat down after and received service. One of those tables were waiting for additional guests but they had received bread and water. I flagged our waitress, which she apologized and gave us water right away and took our order. 10-13 minutes has passed- no bread- and the NEXT table received bread/ water. At this point, we felt this establishment was not attentive. We had spoken to the owner, which was very apologetic and offered to make our stay better for the rest of the evening. However, what's done is done. We decided to leave. In my many years of dining, I have never walked out of a restaurant before.We were really disappointed, given with great reviews online. Unfortunately, we will never know the quality of the dishes there. I will never recommend this restaurant due to the poor service.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Food was great! Service was excellent! Noise level loud especially with an obnoxious and foul mouthed customer. Otherwise, noise level is what I would expect for an intimate dining experience.
EXQUISITE is the first word that comes to mind as I reflect on our meal last night at The Choice. We dined with wonderful out of town friends and I now think they visit just to make sure we go to the Choice! The guys started out with the pan seared foie gras—-perfection on a plate. The presentation is gorgeous only to be outmatched by the flavors. (I talked my husband into sharing a bite). My friend and I shared the scallops in a phyllo birdcage of sorts. Exceptional. Juicy scallops in a crunchy casing. I had the creamy spicy shrimp—again the burst of flavors is wonderful. The steak with teriyaki sauce (and the most amazing potatoes au gratin) is a fan favorite. No matching that dish! Our other friend loved the lamb chops—-beautifully presented with amazing flavors (the last one was saved for his breakfast this morning before they leave). I don't remember the type of fish my girlfriend ordered but she is a cordon blu chef with gobs of experience—-her verdict: The best she has ever had. We were lucky our friends brought outrageously special wines to pair with this dinner. Special thanks to The Choice for this exceptional experience. I highly recommend this BYOB restaurant.
Restaurantji Recommends
My husband and I are still talking about our delicious dinner the next day. One of the beat meals out I have had out in a long time. We had the phyllo dough wrapped scallops and shrimp ceviche for an app, miso sea bass and rabbit for entrees and molten chocolate cake & ice-cream for desert. Everything was outstanding. Can't wait to go back!
It has always been consistent and excellent every single time. Close your eyes and pick anything from the menu. Every single dish will be exquisite from presentation, taste and service.
My wife and I recently enjoyed dinner at the ‘Choice-BYOB' in Bryn Mawr, Pa. We had seen a movie at the nearby film institute and had noted good reviews in seeking an after show dining experience. We were greeted pleasantly and quickly by our hostess/server upon arriving. The atmosphere is simple and elegant. We were quickly provided menus and warm bread and butter and water. My wife and I decided to have a ‘sharing' meal. We ordered the seafood soup as an appetizer to share, followed by the shrimp salad. As our entree, we shared the halibut almondine with a side of mashed potatoes. All of our choices were beautifully presented and, to our surprise, separated in their serving so we had individual bowls/plates. Each choice was fresh and flavorful. The soup broth and the sauce for the halibut were both very tasty without overpowering the selection. And the mashed potatoes were perfect. So often, it has been our experience that sides are treated as a part of a meal that are less important. Not so at the Choice. Finally, we rounded our meal with the chocolate meltdown with vanilla ice cream with a cup of coffee. The warm pastry was fresh and bursting with chocolate flavor, an ideal complement to the rich vanilla ice cream. Our server, attentive and pleasant, ensured that our table was cleared between servings and that we had fresh utensils as needed. Her service added greatly to a very impressive dining experience.
A fitting name for this restaurant because for us there is no better choice on the Main Line than The Choice. Chef Volodymyr Hyvel (from Ukraine) was trained from watching some of the top asian fusion chefs in the world at Nobu in London and BondST in NY. I almost don't want to write the review for fear I will not be able to get a reservation. The dishes are to die for Halibut Almondine, Peking Duck with Orange Sauce, Buratta Salad, too many to mention. The Pecan Pie and Coconut Ice Cream are must tries for desert. Volodymyr's children work in the restaurant as well so it's a family affair. Could not recommend more highly!
This was the third time that we visited this lovely restaurant. The ambience and decor is calming and beautiful. The staff is friendly, and the food is outstanding. Being able to bring your own wine, puts the icing on the cake. Do yourself a favor and visit The Choice.