West Chester Restaurants
Gilmore's Restaurant
Local ReviewsWest Chester PA 19380
- Phone: (610) 431-2800
- Website: www.gilmoresrestaurant.com
mon
- - Closed -
tue
- 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
wed
- 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
thu
- 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
fri
- 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
sat
- 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
sun
- - Closed -
About Gilmore's Restaurant
After 22 years as chef de cuisine at the world famous Le Bec-Fin, Gilmore’s chef-owner Peter Gilmore brought his talents to West Chester. Gilmore’s now enjoys an ambience of an 18th-century townhouse adapted to contemporary French cuisine.
So popular has Gilmore’s become, that seating on weekends is often full. However, Peter and Susan want you to know that there is often immediate seating available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings so you may experience award winning cuisine without the wait. And to make it even easier, Gilmore’s now accepts Online Reservations.
Gilmore’s is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday with two convenient seatings each night. The first is at 6:00 and the second at 8:30. Gilmore’s also serves lunch for parties of 20 or more. All seatings are non-smoking.
On-street parking is free after 5:00 pm. There is also a parking garage on Walnut Street (turn right at the Post Office and it is on the left, half a block down), no charge on Saturday.
Gilmore's is easily the best restaurant in West Chester. The lobster entree is one of the best meals of my life…maybe a death row meal. The food is made with much thought and expertise – sure to please even the pickiest of foodies. Also, as a big Gilmore's advocate I have had many friends under the impression that it is really expensive but that is not true! You will spend the same amount or less than most other West Chester restaurants for the food and since it is a BYOB, you will probably spend less in the end. Also, it is French but not pretentious which I've found to be a rarity.
Our first visit and our high expectations were met in all areas. The space is small, but not overcrowded unless you are a large person. We were seated in the back area where there are 3 tables for 4 each by the kitchen and the bathroom. Someone has to sit there, but it was not terribly distracting. The decor is eclectic and inviting. Plenty to look at if the conversation wains.
Food was wonderful. A sampling of what we had included the Fois Gras, Escargot, Halibut, Tilapia and Choc. Mousse in the hand blown glass apple. What really sets Gilmore's apart is that the food has such a complex and wonderful taste and texture. We have no idea what he did to the capers with the Halibut, but they were "worked over" and added to the fish in an amazing way, not like the way capers go with salmon. Really, the food is above the class of other fine restaurants in the area. We're originally NYC'ers and this restaurant is comparable if not above some of the finest restaurants in NYC and Philly. Service was very good, friendly and attentive without being too much in your face. Requests are graciously accepted and the staff is not stiff. I could easily see becoming a regular there as it was apparant there were many repeat customers know by first name by Peter Gilmore.
We highly recommend
We had a wonderful meal at Gilmore's. I've heard the space described as cramped, but we found it to be intimate and charming. One of the neat things was that everyone seemed to be really excited to be there. Our service was wonderful – the pace for serving the courses and asking if we needed anything was spot on. I thought the lobster bisque was a bit thin, although it tasted good, and the hazelnut dressing on the salad a little too "subtle" for my liking – minor complaints. Highlights of our meals included the escargot appetizer and the lobster and crab cake dinners, It is worth going just for the coconut tarte with carmelized bananas. It was one of the best desserts I've had in a long time. I heard a lot of raves about the lamb. Next time I'll get the fois gras. Pete Gilmore visited every table while we were there, a really nice touch. We will definitely return.
My wife & I went for our 10th wedding anniversary. Choosing to celebrate at Gilmore's turned out to be just the right move. We have been to Le Bec Fin twice, but overall preferred the experience at Gilmore's. Nice & casual environment. Cozy and personal dining area, and outstanding food. The service was excellent. They even made special effort to help us celebrate by bringing an unexpected anniversary dessert & champagne. The little touches, and the food quality, will make it a place we'll return to and recommend often.
My husband took me to Gilmore’s for a date. He called ahead to let them know I’m a vegetarian. They made me a special entree that made me feel like royalty. It was maybe my best dining experience ever.
Absolutely incredible! The food is amazing from your first bite to your last. The lobster bisque is flavored with a hint of scotch and is out of this world. The menu changes frequently, so sometimes it helps to check online before you go.
I've returned again and again until I ate the whole menu. I'm now beginning round two. Everything is great. Gilmore's is truly one of the finest dining experiences not just regionally but nationally. Gilmore's also has great service. A rarity in West Chester. For a romantic dinner or just for a great dinner, Gilmore's will deliver every time.
Perfect for a romantic meal with you lovie. Be sure to choose the second seating of the evening if you like to take your time. Bring a bottle of red or white or both.