I very much enjoyed this restaurant, it had a comfortable atmosphere and good food for a diner. It was not the best food I have ever had, but very good. I had the creme brûlée French toast which was amazing. The servers, who were certainly attentive, brought out the food very fast, which was nice. The other people at my table were happy but not as happy as me. I also shared a sandwich with someone at my table it had eggs, turkey bacon and cheese. I thought this was good but not great. However, I hold egg sandwiches to a very high expectation because I eat them a lot. Overall very good experience, but not the best I have had. read more

Fitzwater Cafe - Creme brûlée French toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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We had great food and great service. It's awesome that they've got parking! They only accept cash. I love the neighborhood because it's so diverse, and I was happy to see that their fantastic staff were equally as diverse as the area! read more

Fitzwater Cafe has been one of my favorite brunch places for years. Great family run business. An omelet with broccoli rabe, italian sausage and provolone is one of my usuals, accompanied with the croissant (when they're not sold out). read more

Maybe I'm missing something, but with places like Hungry Pigeon just blocks away, I'm failing to see the allure of a place like this. It's an over-priced, cash-only, regular ole' diner. The items on the menu were priced differently than on the check, and the food was just eh. Our server was sweet, so that wasn't a problem, but we were surprised by the "cash only" at the end of breakfast (our one fault, I'll grant you). Plus, they don't have an atm in the place, which is surprising for a cash-only place. Maybe we didn't get the right food (eggs any way and avocado toast), but I would recommend a better place to someone looking for a breakfast/ brunch place. read more

My new favorite breakfast spot!!!! This place is absolutely wonderful. Adorable set-up, very nice staff and most importantly, delicious food! They have these two-level tables, which came very much in handy with all of the food we ordered! You could just slide your little side plate under the main table until you made room for it! Great idea for a small, corner cafe! Now, onto the food... Four of us went and we could not stop raving about the food! I had a special sandwich from the brunch menu- Eggs, potatoes and cheese on Sarcone's bread with a side of Turkey Bacon. If you've ever had Sarcone's bread, you'll understand why that helped my decision! It was SO GOOD! I will have a hard time trying anything else next time! Everyone else was very satisfied with their food as well- french toast (was raved about as the best french toast my friend had ever had), breakfast burrito and a good old eggs/bacon platter. Based on our breakfast experience, we are all very interested in going back for lunch sometime. This place does NOT accept cards, but they do accept personal checks with ID. Definitely check this place out if you want a great meal and great service! read more

Met a couple friends for brunch here and we all had a great time. The restaurant is nice, the staff are friendly, and the food is great. I got a delicious loaded-with-all-kinds-of-goodies omelette and it was great. BIG. Delicious. They had a reasonably priced menu, too, which is sometimes hard to find for brunch in this city! Wish they accepted credit/debit, but that's okay, it keeps the patrons from overrunning the place! read more

Went on a Sunday for brunch. Hawthorne's had an hour wait and I was glad to go to a quieter place with no wait. Nice, sunny interior. A bit of a classier diner feel. The menu has a nice selection of brunch items. I'm a sucker for omelettes and I had difficulty choosing. They had some tasty sounding Italian inspired omelettes like a pesto/mozzarella/tomato omelette and a prosciutto omelette. I ended up getting the avocado/bacon omelette. Comes with toast and a (tiny) side of breakfast potatoes. The omelette itself was tasty. A bit runny/watery for some reason. They had Tobasco on the table which is nice, but a tastier hot sauce would have been nice. The potatoes were good, but the portion was small. The main issue for me was service. Our waitress was friendly, but as she spilled a bit of coffee she announced, "It's my ditzy hour. The last hour of my shift." I'm not sure about ditzy, but we didn't see her again until she brought the food and then brought the check. People at our table were dying for coffee and I was so dehydrated for want of water that I could only muster up 3 stars for this place. read more

Delicious & very affordable breakfast! They also have friendly service and great specials only complaint would be they should get a nicer sign outside they have a huge bakery sign in the parking lot and it's confusing. But over all a great breakfast & linch spot read more

Fitzwater Cafe - Yummy shrimp & avacado omelette special & French toast breakfast deelish - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Fresh, hot, picture perfect food every time. The price is right too, always an A+ all around.

Parking was a little tricky but I found it worth it. I had a frittata which was really really good, lots of flavor and not over cooked. The coffee was great and the service friendly. I also bought some pastries before I left, which were a big hit with my coworkers who I picked up from the airport shortly after. read more

Fitzwater Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Okay, so I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by my experience here. I didn't know it was a small, neighborhood diner vibe, but it was amazing! Great service and quality food. This place I'll keep coming back to. read more

Two words: Italian eggs. Seriously, Italian eggs. This is one of my top 3 meals of all time. So deliciously simple, yet amazing every time. After coming here a few times for brunch over the past few months I can safely say that this is one of my top spots for a Sunday bite. The food has been top notch, the service has always been quick and attentive, and I've never had to wait for a table. Why would you put yourself through the stresses of waiting for a table at Sabrina's or Morning Glory when this hidden gem is hiding right around the corner? Actually, I take that back. Keep going to those places. I don't want any competition for a table. read more

Creme Brulee French toast Apple pie French toast soooo delicious you don't need to use syrup!!!! And the omlets are the epitome of absolute greatness. Want hot tasty food and A+ service. Fitzwater Cafe is definitely the spot to come too! Yummm + M M M GOOD + Satisfaction portions + All time greatness = Fitzwater Café read more

Horrible Wait Time. Wouldn't recommend for a quick bite. Left me starving for a while.

This place gets between 4 and 5 stars! I live around the corner and have been here many a times. Brunch places abound in Bella Vista and this place is certainly a standout. There is usually a line on weekends but they are pretty efficient at seating people. The place is actually associated with/owned by the same people that own Saloon down the street. Fitz Cafe cranks out brunch staples at reasonable prices and generous portions. If you are craving sweet you must get the creme brûlée french toast (or any french toast they are offering on special!!). The portion is HUGE so if you're a light eater the half portion will more than fill ya up. The sandwiches, burrito etc are all good too. Be aware that they are cash only and the nearest ATM option is Rite Aid or the PNC about 3 blocks away. Great service too!! read more

This is the best neighborhood spot ever!! Awesome omelettes and pancakes and French toast. They have a dish I think is phenomenal: the pesto, tomato, mozzarella omelette. Delicious. Cash only. And you'll probably have to wait a bit being that its very small inside. read more

Had a really great breakfast here. There was a decent-sized crowd waiting, but since I was solo, I slotted in at the end of the counter (the advantages of being a loner are many). It's a pretty small place that takes advantage of the spacial perception advantage that mirrors give. Diner waitress - a sweet middle-aged, gravelly-voiced woman who was extra nice. Diner coffee - not the finest of caffeines, but it's familiar and gets the job done. Diner menu - but much much higher quality. I had a mixed fruit bowl, which pleasingly was not the usual cantaloupe and grapes in a cup. Bananas, mixed berries, tangerines, etc. It was fruit. In a bowl! Just as advertised. Main part of the meal was the Tomato Pesto Mozzarella Omelet. So good! The eggs were fluffy, the flavor was great, and they use small tomatoes, which are the best kind of tomatoes. Sides were home fries - flavorful and not greasy (!!!) and wheat toast. You know, warmed up stale wheat bread. Excellent! read more

Dinner service, too! Awesome Italian food as a BYOB several eves per week. So few even know this due to "0" advertising. I only figured it out from some evening runs, surprised to see it open with candles on tables. Check it out on Friday or Saturday night. Call in advance for table or to check on other eve openings. Order chicken parm, any pasta and you won't be disappointed. Everything I have had here has been superb. read more

Wait until you hear the specials! This Bella Vista Cafe is as good as it gets for breakfast and lunch. I go here at least once a week and they never fail to exceed expectations. Nicole and Sally are extremely attentive wait staff during the week. PRO TIP: Go on days when "Mom" is cooking and the portions are slightly larger and the cup of soup is the equivalent of a bowl anywhere else. All the salads are solid, and they all come with delicious pesto toast that is extremely addictive. Prosciutto sandwich is great with sharp provolone. The daily specials are all great, and extremely varied, from jumbo lump crab and pasta to chicken salad, you cannot go wrong with any of the specials. read more

Best French Toast ever. They also have some of the most well prepared home fries ever. I'm not sure what they do to those potatoes, but they rock. Also try the breakfast tacos. I've only ever done breakfast here. The prices are great. Friendly, south Philly staff. Same crew every time we are there. We live across the street, go here all the time, and still love it as much as when we first started going 2 years ago. read more

My boyfriend and I try to come here for breakfast/lunch/brunch as much as we can because we absolutely love it. It's clean, it's friendly, it's cute and cozy, and it's not pretentious. It's mostly a neighborhood-y joint, which, to me, translates to awesome food. Unfortunately, its strong sense of community means it fills up fast for breakfast/brunch on the weekends. Luckily, we've found a way around this problem: since the Fitzwater Cafe is frequented by mostly working class locals, we've noticed that if you come for breakfast/lunch during the week (which they offer and I greatly appreciate), you will be seated immediately! One of my favorites is the Prosciutto sandwich. It comes with the perfect ratio of pesto, greens, tomato, and meat on a satisfyingly crispy Sarcone's roll (which I am always a sucker for). I also add some fresh mozzarella to put it over the top. You get your choice of a side salad or homefries (both of which are worth trying). I always pretend that I'm only going to eat half of the sandwich and save the rest for later, but I always give in and devour the entire thing. read more

Service was great - potatoes were great. The French toast was hard around the edges as if it were microwaved. read more

Fitzwater Cafe - Dana had the croissant sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We had the Creme Brûlée French toast that was superb. And the Good Ole Potato and egg sandwich which was good but not award winning material like advertised. Bread was way too hard and taste was a little bland. But nice atmosphere and good staff. I will return if we are ever in the area again. read more

Fitzwater Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Their breakfast was hands down the best breakfast you can get in all of Philadelphia. Their pancakes? SLAPS. French toast? SLAPS. Omelettes? SLAPS. Coffee? SLAPS. Menu has good variety and the fruit my montrer got was fresh and tasty. Everything here is amazing. My server was incredibly friendly. They are taking good measures to keep staff and consumers safe during the pandemic. Cash only so make sure you have some before you go. read more

Breakfast! Then dont think too much, just go here.. For you live around south street, this place is best for having breakfast. I got myself omelet with pancakes.. So delicious and the prices is cheap, waiter services is so friendly and the store location is convenient. Really recommended for you to start your day. read more

Fitzwater Cafe - Omelet with ham and spinach. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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My favorite place to have brunch is the Fitzwater Cafe. The menu is always changing. Everything is delicious. Friendly staff, great atmosphere and plenty of free parking. When I want a guaranteed yummy meal I go to the Fitzwater Cafe. read more

My husband and I stopped in here the other week for a to-go coffee and the dessert case had us drooling. We avoided temptation, but everything looked so good that we decided to stop in for brunch this Saturday. The place was packed, but after a 10-minute wait we got two seats at the counter. Service was quick and friendly and our waitress was attentive in that she refilled drinks and took our order after we had a chance to review the menu. I ordered grilled cheese and soup of the day, which was mushroom. It was tasty. My husband got eggs, which were cooked correctly, English muffin, potatoes and a delicious plate of andouille sausage---boy, was that good! He must have liked his meal, because the plate was practically licked clean. The coffee and iced tea were really good, too, and that isn't always the case at diners. I loved the atmosphere and would definitely return. read more

Love this place for breakfast/brunch!! The broccoli rabe omelette is my favorite! The soups & sandwiches r always very tasty! The service is beyond excellent!! And the desserts...OMG!! Don't miss this gem in S Philly!!! read more

I seriously contemplated not writing this review, so as to not turn any more people on to what is now my new favorite brunch spot in the city. Thankfully I kinda like you guys, so here I go. I stumbled upon Fitzwater Cafe whilst eating my way through my city dining card deck. When I told my husband it was in South Philly,I was met with much opposition regarding the parking situation. However, we were both delighted to find that Fitzwater has a parking lot! That's worth a couple stars alone right there my friends. Although the cafe is exceedingly small, we were thankfully seated right away by a lovely waitress. My husband ordered some sort of breakfast sample situation, and I the breakfast burrito. Both were simply phenomenal. The french toast was unreal-like no french toast I have ever tasted before. As other reviewers have mentioned, the potatoes were spot on. My burrito was delicious...the avocado, mushrooms, sausage and everything else in there was just so fresh. This is definitely my new hot spot for brunch in the city. I am in love! read more

I've been wanting to check out the Fitzwater Cafe ever since I moved to Bella Vista 2 years ago, but just never got the chance until this past weekend. Truth be told, it wasn't exactly what I thought it was - I was thinking it would be more casual, eggs and bacon kind of place. Instead, it was a fancy brunch kinda-deal (think over the top waffles and omelets). The wait wasn't too bad, about 15 minutes - you can choose first available and risk sitting at the counter, or get one of the very few tables. I really liked the decor - simple and bright. The bill for 2 was about 25 bucks. The chocolate chip muffins are delicious - ask for yours toasted. read more

Average diner food. I went for breakfast with my sister. She ordered a breakfast sandwich that she was happy with but after being told they were out of everything bagels despite being there at 8 am. They were also out of scrapple. The omelet I order was slight over cooked and a bit dry. Too bad they put the mushrooms in with seasoning and sautéing first. The coffee is just okay. I like strong coffee but this tasted a little bitter like reheated coffee. My toast was okay on one side but almost burnt on they other. Just not bad enough to send back. All and all there are better breakfast places. read more

This really is becoming one of my favorite brunch places. I never have to wait long to get a seat, the staff is always friendly, and while the menu is not the most "original," it's a feel-good, reliable place to get brunch. read more

This is another place we've passed while riding our bikes. We finally tried it today with our son and his girlfriend. We started with coffee: salted caramel and cococcino. (Not sure if I have the coffee names correct.) the caramel was fine, but the cococcinos tasted watery with little flavor. We had expected something rich and flavorful; we were sadly mistaken. We added half and half to the mugs but still the coffee was disappointing. After the coffee, the meal was a surprising delight. Creme brûlée French toast was excellent, the bread light and flavorful, the custard sauce perfectly made. Eggs Benedict were excellent, the yolks soft and runny and the whites firm but not at all rubbery, with a smooth and creamy hollandaise. My husband ordered his usual eggs over easy, sausage and potatoes. After eating it he pronounced Fitzwater Cafe as his new favorite brunch place. I had the frittata with cheese, sausage, spinach and potatoes. The dish was very good, but it wasn't a frittata; it was a round open-faced omelet with the other items on top. Delicious, but not a frittata. Overall it was a very pleasant meal, and I'm sure we will return many times. Just, please - make the cococcinos without so much water! read more