"When Spice Finch opened in 2018, it was easy to forget that it’s technically a hotel restaurant. The expansive Mediterranean spot is covered in modern wooden paneling, marble tile, and has a big, impressive bar smack in the middle that was always buzzing. It’s attached to the Warwick just off Rittenhouse Square, but it felt nothing like the 1920’s-era hotel (and there were no broken toasters or vats of crusty scrambled eggs in sight). But in spite of its still-chic interiors, the restaurant’s lackluster menu and service means its heyday has finally passed. photo credit: Max Grudzinski While the bar is still fairly busy with tourists or post-work colleagues, it now feels a lot more like a restaurant that only hungover guests staying a few floors up will be excited to check out. Sure, the Shabazi fries and Peri Peri shrimp are still solid, but most of the menu is tired and underwhelming. The blistered peppers have lost their spark, the broccoli salad was always boring, and while the duck wings are fine, who really wants to eat them over their chicken counterparts? photo credit: Max Grudzinski It works when you forget to make a reservation and need to feed a group near Rittenhouse, or want to grab a cocktail before dinner nearby. But if you can’t stand house music or want a really great Med meal, head to Suraya or Kanella instead." - Alison B. Kessler
