I recently dined at Irwin’s in Philadelphia. The restaurant is located on the rooftop of the Bok Building, a former school turned collective of small businesses, non-profits, artist workshops, a bar and restaurant. I previously visited Bok for the bar and yoga classes, and I was excited to experience the restaurant.
We arrived ahead of our reservation and decided to have a drink in the open seating area before making our way to our outdoor table. Irwin’s currently requires diners to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, which we showed the hostess upon arrival. It was a beautiful September night and we were happy to take in the city skyline while enjoying our meal.
The restaurant serves modern Sicilian cuisine. Our waiter took our drink order, explained the menu and asked about any allergies. We decided to participate in the chef’s tasting menu, which included a selection of most items from the small menu.
Our friend mentioned a melon sensitivity to our waiter and they still brought us a dish with watermelon from the mezze menu. They apologized and took the dish away immediately. They brought a fritto misto plate in its place, which came with fried sea bass, shrimp and lemon. We agreed frying the lemon was an odd choice, and the bite of fried lemon rind I had was too bitter for my liking. I did enjoy the fried seafood.
Up next was the pastas. There are five on the menu (gnocchi, bucatini, spaghetti, trofie and maisino) and we tried each. I enjoyed the various pasta sauces, though the pasta itself was more al dente than I prefer. Of these, my favorite was the bucatini, with tomato sauce and ricotta. The rest of my group wasn’t impressed with the pastas.
There are only two entrées on the menu and we had both: chicken and fish of the day. The chicken was prepared bone-in, in a sweet and sour agrodolce sauce. The fish of the day was mahi mahi served whole, grilled with citrus and salsa verde. I enjoyed both dishes, though the chicken was the more interesting bite. We had a fennel salad and broccoli rabe on the side with our entrées.
The view is one of the big draws to Irwin’s. While I enjoyed the meal more than the rest of my group, there are other Italian restaurants I would prefer to revisit.
Bok Building
800 Mifflin St.
Philadelphia PA 19148
tel 215 693 6206
Read This Next
Review: Sage Lodge Resort & Spa
eFlyer Reviews
Sep 23, 2026
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedAirlines
Sep 23, 2026American Airlines, Condor Airlines Announce New Interline Agreement
American Airlines and Condor Airlines expand their international partner network with a new interline agreement, providing travelers with a wide range of new connections. Passengers can expect connections to more than 150 cities through Condor’s trans-Atlantic gateways in major hubs like JFK, BOS and LAX.
Sponsored Content
The Art of Balance in Seoul: Beyond the Boardroom
The value of a destination is no longer defined solely by infrastructure, efficiency or scale. Increasingly, it is measured by a city’s ability to balance productivity with well-being — creating opportunities for focus, restoration and more meaningful connections.
eFlyer News
Sep 23, 2026Amex to Open First Centurion Lounge in Continental Europe at Amsterdam Schiphol
American Express officially became the first global credit card company to operate a lounge at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The brand’s Centurion Lounge opened at AMS Sept. 17, spanning nearly 6,000 square feet and offering a plethora of amenities.
eFlyer News
Sep 23, 2026Panamá Introduces No-Cost Tourist Insurance for International Travelers
Strengthening its appeal as more than a connection or stopover point, Panamá recently announced a series of new initiatives to encourage international travelers to stay longer and experience the destination in a more immersive way. Part of these initiatives includes no-cost tourist insurance for eligible international tourists, with coverage automatically available during the first 10 days of their stay. No additional payment or registration is required.
Sponsored Content
An Adults-Only Resort for All the Milestone Moments
On Saturday, Feb.14, Devossion by Live Aqua celebrated its grand opening, marking a significant milestone for Grupo Posadas and the Live Aqua brand. This adults-only resort focuses on celebration, authentic Mexican experiences and elevated hospitality — perfectly situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
eFlyer Deals
Sep 23, 2026Save on Stays at Independent Collection Hotels & Resorts with Fall Sale
Dive into fall with Independent Collection’s exclusive sale across a wide range of resorts and hotels.
What’s in Store for Finnair in 2026/2027?
Daily
Sep 23, 2026Daily
Sep 22, 2026Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music Opens in Long Branch, New Jersey
Earlier this year, COOKFOX Architects announced the opening of Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music at Long Branch, New Jersey’s, Monmouth University. This new cultural landmark is dedicated to telling the story of music in this country while celebrating Bruce Springsteen’s work within that tradition. The 30,000-square-foot building houses exhibits about the music of Bruce Springsteen and of other American musical genres; the Springsteen archives; a 240-seat auditorium for concerts, academic lectures and video screenings; and gallery space for changing exhibits.
Sponsored Content
What Actually Happens If You Get Sick or Hurt on a Cruise?
You’ve booked your cabin, mapped the ports and packed the sunscreen. Hopefully, you also bought some insurance. But have you ever thought about what actually happens if a medical emergency strikes mid-voyage?
Melt into Mediterranean Charm in Barcelona and Costa Brava
Usually regarded for its Modernist architecture, centuries of artistic influence and polarizing football team, Barcelona has come into its own as a growing tech hub. The capital of Catalonia hosts the annual Mobile World Congress each March, and its Poble Nou neighborhood cradles some of the world’s most recognizable startups like TravelPerk and Typeform.
ShareThis