A Night Out at Sonata on Liberties Walk

On a Friday night in Northern Liberties, we had a new Philadelphia transplant to show around the city, and no reservations for dinner. Big misstep. Even on this cold night, tables were full in all of the usual spots. We stepped into Sonata on Liberties Walk, hoping they could squeeze us in. The hostess apologized and we headed back outside.

A few seconds later, she ran back out and told us there was one table. Back into the warm BYOB we went.

Our guest, fresh from a small town in Virginia, went straight for the potato-wrapped black cod with sweet onion cream and hedgehog mushrooms. This fellow enjoys a nice meal that is refreshingly different from the offerings in his former zip code.

We also tried the spinach and mushroom ravioli and asked the chef for a vegetable plate (a way of challenging any kitchen and finding a nutritious option). We split the Shellbark cheese tart with grilled Seckel pear and frisee and arugula salad for a starter. Chef Mark Tropea delivered and even came over to our table to inquire about the meal.

Not only had we lucked out with a table at a one-of-a-kind Northern Liberties destination, our meal was quite impressive and the setting was perfect for catching up. We finished with coffee and complimentary chocolates. Oh, and those vegetables? They were cooked with as much care as everything else at the table.

Haven't been to Sonata yet? Have a go on Tuesday or Sunday nights for the $31 three-course prix fixe menu.

Sonata Restaurant
1030 N. American Street, Liberties Walk
(215) 238-1240
http://sonatarestaurant.com/

Looking for a home in Northern Liberties? Search our Northern Liberties listings.