Passerine

William Clark

a year ago

The area around Passerine is undergoing some construction so getting to the restaurant is a little challenging, but not awful. On street parking around the area unless you park in the garage across the street. From the moment you walk into this New York Times top 100 restaurants you can feel the buzz. Plenty of packed seating so reservations are highly recommended. There should be a better enforced dress code for such a high end establishment but the food and drinks make up for it. I may have had the best meal of my life and it was something as simple as roasted chicken but it was so much more than that from the first euphoric bite to my regrettable last. The team in the kitchen obviously know how to cook and they cook with passion which is hard to find these days. Again this is a high end establishment so don’t be shocked by the prices, it’s so worth it. We also had the rustic mushroom soup which was velvety smooth and so creamy and delicious. The cheese plate was a meal in itself and paired perfectly with our wine selection with was the red Wayvine. The citrus salad was earthy and crisp. The Passerine potatoes were crispy and soooo good! The duck breast was perfectly prepared and was just as good as the roasted half chicken. For dessert we had the house made sorbet and delicious tiramisu. Staff are super friendly and very accommodating. When you first arrive you may be placed at the communal table until your reserved table is ready but staff quickly start drink orders to pass the time. I would highly recommend Passerine the next time you are looking for a special occasion spot or a place to go with friends to enjoy excellent food and drinks.

Brianne Moore

a year ago

NYT Cooking brought us here, and thank goodness. Not only does the atmosphere immediately set you at ease and confirm you’ve made the right choice - the food was immaculate and the service was quick, knowledgeable, and friendly. From our brunch visit it seems their recent attention was completely unexpected - but selfishly I’m glad it brought me to their door! The mushroom soup was absolutely divine (I nearly licked the plate clean) and every dish was well-executed. Can’t recommend the Night Garden cocktail enough if you like something light and vegetal, and I’m already daydreaming about the Japanese milk bread French toast despite only having eaten it about two hours ago. Everything on the menu looks good because it IS good - highly recommend Passerine, and can’t wait to return!

Joshua Neyhart

a year ago

This is an unbelievable gem in Lancaster. A city that is lucky to have a number of absolutely culinary delights, this might be number 1. I don’t think I’m breaking news here as the NYT has noticed and it came highly recommended to me. It met all hype. First of all, the place just feels so cool. The brick work, the neat art, the stylish tables and place settings. It’s just comfortable and fun. The staff are excellent. Friendly. Engaging. There to help make the experience about more than just food. Then of course there is the food. My goodness it’s exceptional. Using local seasonable ingredients and just bursting with flavor. I was blown away. I had so much fun. The wine lists and the drinks. All incredible. Please please trust me when I say, go enjoy a meal here as quick as you can.

Steven Yurkonis

a year ago

Came with a reservation but the bartenders Jen and Leah were so fun we decided to just stay at the bar. We ended up getting almost one of everything by the time we were done and everything was more delicious than the last. The duck terrine was so smooth and well paired. The carrots with fennel soubise was so flavorful, but the snap pea crepe cake stole the show. The textures and flavors were unbelievable. For mains we had a butchers cut strip and grilled branzino, both perfectly prepared and the sauces were amazing. The cocktails, the bartenders, the restaurant, everything was phenomenal. Will be back.

Better Living

11 months ago

We had an incredible dinner at Passerine in downtown Lancaster. The space is beautiful with exposed brick, wood floors, and a welcoming vibe that works whether you're dressed up or casual. It’s relaxed but still feels special. The menu changes frequently based on what’s in season, and every dish we tried was unique and delicious. Highlights were the spring peas in broth (sounds simple, but blew us away), the beetroot carpaccio with crispy sunchoke chips, and the whole grilled branzino, which was perfectly cooked and easily the best we’ve had. The snap pea crepe cake with caviar was also fantastic. Everything is meant to be shared, and the staff was helpful at guiding us through the options. Big shoutout to Weston, who made us feel totally taken care of without rushing us. Cocktails paired well and there’s even a wine shop inside. Expect to spend $50–$100 per person, and definitely make a reservation, especially after their New York Times shoutout. Passerine is awesome. Hyper-local, hyper-seasonal, and deeply creative. One of the best meals we've had in Downtown Lancaster. Search "Passerine Better Living" to see our full review!

Fraser Martens

a year ago

We had a very pleasant vacation dinner at Passerine, which was quiet when we arrived but grew quietly busy as the evening progressed. We enjoyed the crudités appetizer (which is really more of a composed salad), several of the vegetable plates, the branzino, and the crepe chocolate cake. Cocktails were interesting and the focus of more regional offerings in the wines by the glass was fun. Service was attentive and helpful, for everyone in the room. A very flavorful dinner in a beautiful little space.

Abel B

7 months ago

It is difficult to save enough about how great my first experience at this restaurant was. The atmosphere is cozy and cool. Our server was so kind and thoughtful throughout the experience. And the food. My God. The freshness of every ingredient and the thoughtfulness behind its presentation and combination. I can easily say that every time I'm in Lancaster, I will make time to come back.

Jackie Rogers

7 months ago

A total gem! Had an amazing brunch for my son-in-laws birthday. Charming spot with a well-crafted menu of fresh and local products. We especially loved the Milk Bread French Toast—perfectly portioned and just a hint of sweetness, not too much. And the Shakshuka was delicious and the eggs perfectly poached! Even the OJ and coffee were top notch! Can’t wait to come back to our new favorite brunch spot in Lancaster!

Zak Shope

5 months ago

My girlfriend and I visited Passerine and it was one of the best experiences we’ve ever had. The staff was great. Super friendly and our server was awesome. The food was honestly some of the best food we’ve ever had. We ordered quite a bit. Everything we had was amazing. From the drinks to appetizers and entrees. The chef and his team do an amazing job. Highly recommend!

Kristina S.

3 months ago

We love it here. From the welcoming staff and atmosphere, to the fresh ingredients, their dishes cleverly marrying flavors, lovingly prepared and beautifully plated. Yeah, and the cocktails n mocktails! Oh my word!! From brunch to dinner, do not pass this place up! Support local! Vegetarian friendly and plenty for meat lovers!