If you’re looking for one of our favorite wine bars in Philadelphia, go no further than the corner of 13th and Sansom Street where the Zavino Hospitality Group (ZHG) opened Tredici Enoteca in late 2015. The instantly popular restaurant is now opening at The Gregory Hotel in the heart of Dupont Circle at 2033 M Street, Washington D.C.within the next weeks and Bryn Mawr, PA later this winter.
And diners can rejoice because last week the restaurant started serving lunch in addition to brunch and dinner. The new lunch menu is offered everyday from 12 pm – 4 pm. Restaurateur Greg Dodge is also the owner of Zavino, across the street, and Zavino’s second location in West Philadelphia’s lively University City neighborhood. The ZHG are proud to bring authentic hospitality and good food and wine to their guests in a friendly, welcoming setting.
“Our chefs are doing incredible work, and the demand for their delicious food was so great that we knew we had to add lunch hours to our schedule,” says owner Greg Dodge. “We’re excited to have even more opportunities to serve our guests throughout the week, and we look forward to welcoming them for a tasty lunch as well as a cocktail after work or a relaxed dinner among friends.”
The lunch menu was created by Chef Francisco Ramirez in cooperation with Executive Chef Carlos Aparicio, and it features favorites from the restaurant’s instant-classic offerings, such as their Broccoli & Avocado with black sesame and Dijon vinaigrette.
Like their brunch menu, offered on Saturdays and Sundays, it also includes exclusive new dishes like the Chicken Bacon Avocado Sandwich with roasted chicken breast with crispy bacon, avocado and red pepper aioli, or the Tuna “Tartartine,” with raw tuna with smashed avocado on sourdough bread, or the Tredici Burger, 8 oz. of ground Wagyu beef with aged provolone, avocado and rosemary aioli on a brioche bun.
Whether you are stopping by for lunch, brunch, or dinner. The atmosphere at Tredici cannot be beat, boasting high ceilings, a glossy marble bar, and white oak floors. Philadelphia Magazine’s Jason Sheenan awarded Tredici a coveted “Three Stars” review, writing that “Tredici is light and bright and airy…[it] has made itself the easy choice for almost any situation – a magnet for those overwhelmed by options…it’s on its way to becoming indispensable – a neighborhood joint whose neighborhood is all of Philly.” The Courier Post described it as “a beautiful restaurant…no doubt. Tredici is a chic zigzag of rooms, and every vantage afford something to drink in,” not unlike the “tidy, interesting list [of wines].”
The Philadelphia Inquirer had additional praise, “There are good reasons to visit beyond its stylish design…including warm and well-informed servers who are able guides to the extensive wine list and menu.” We can’t help but agree from the food to the wine, we’re definitely fans.
Start off with one of our favorite glasses of their Super Tuscan ceppaiano violetta 2007 from Tuscany, Italy. With hints of dried cherry and plum it pairs excellently with the famous Bacon-Wrapped Dates stuffed with Manchego and bleu cheese . Every table is also served a delicate plate of green olives. There is also an excellent choice of cocktails offered including the Tredici Standard with cachaca, lime, and agave nectar or The Little Italy made with rye, cherry herring, antica, and fall simple syrup. We also very much enjoy the selections from the Raw Bar like Shrimp Cocktail, Oysters, and Tuna.
Tredici offers its guests a variety of small plates including veggies, sides, salads, pasta, meat, and fish. When dining with a group, the Mediterranean Tasting Board is perfect for sharing with a selection of hummus, falafel, vegetables, tuscan bread, and quinoa salad. One of our favorite salad’s is the Israeli Couscous with cherry tomato, avocado, basil, almonds, burrata, and basil pesto. This is a hearty grain based dish perfect for winter. Sip on a glass of the Barbera Blend trifula 2014 from Piedmonte, Italy and enjoy the subtle floral, tart cherry, and blackberry flavors.
We love to try a variety of dishes to make up a meal, when we stopped by for dinner we shared amongst the table the Chicken Meatballs with ginger tomato sauce, Cumin Carrots with yogurt and cilantro, Spinach Gnocchi with tomato vodka sauce, and Branzino with cauliflower purée, asparagus, and chive oil. Each of this dishes were light and flavorful. The gnocchi and meatballs were delicate and easily cut with a fork, while the Branzino had a perfectly crispy skin. And the carrots came out first in a surprisingly large portion.
We might have skipped dessert this time to indulge in a few more glasses of excellent wine. Tredici is unique in serving wines by the glass or bottle. Wine tasting is encouraged at the enoteca where they have created a wine program that allows you to experience great varietals while being adventurous, they offer two separate pours into half-pours at 3.17 oz. and full-pours at 6.34 oz. — compared to the 3 and 5 ounce standard pours offered at most restaurants.
So whether its a drink or a little something more you’re looking for, be sure to stroll by Tredici in Midtown Village for a memorable dining experience. Be warned this restaurant is busy and there are no reservations but call ahead seating is sometimes available.
Interior image credit: Halkin Mason Photography
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