The East Passyunk dining corridor has just welcomed a new concept to its dynamic restaurant scene. DaVinci & Yu, Philly’s first Italian-Asian fusion restaurant, has opened its doors at 1819 East Passyunk Avenue, bringing together the culinary worlds of Italy and Asia in an unusual dining experience. Chef and owner Marc Grika has transformed his former Southern comfort eatery, Flannel, into this innovative new hotspot after being inspired by a life-changing meal in Rome. With a menu that fuses the rich traditions of both cuisines, DaVinci & Yu is plated to become one of the city’s most talked-about new dining destinations.
A Culinary Epiphany That Sparked a New Concept
The idea for DaVinci & Yu was born during a trip to Rome, where Grika dined at an Asian-Italian fusion restaurant near the Spanish Steps. The flavor combination of black cod in Taleggio cream sauce forever changed his perspective on food. Gripped by inspiration, Grika decided to close Flannel and reimagine the space, bringing this unique culinary vision to life in Philadelphia.
With months of testing in the kitchen, new design elements, and a complete transformation of the dining experience, DaVinci & Yu is now open, just in time for East Passyunk Restaurant Week. The restaurant’s approach blends Grika’s experience in classic Italian kitchens with newfound Asian influences, creating a menu that is as inventive as it is flavorful.
The Vision Behind DaVinci & Yu
Chef Grika’s lifelong experience in both Italian fine dining and Asian culinary techniques informs every element of DaVinci & Yu. With a resume that includes working at iconic Italian restaurants like Mezzaluna, Café Fiorello, and Trattoria dell’Arte, as well as drawing inspiration from recent global travels, Grika has crafted a concept that feels both authentic and daring.
To bring this vision to life, Grika has enlisted Chef Lee Richards, an alum of Cheu in Philadelphia and Brickette Lounge in West Chester, as Executive Chef. Together, they have created a menu that bridges Italy and Asia in an entirely new way.
The menu at DaVinci & Yu offers a delightful fusion of Italian and Asian cuisines, featuring creative and flavor-packed dishes. Signature offerings include the Orange Chicken Parm, which combines Italian-American comfort with Asian zest through breaded chicken layered with ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, and a vibrant citrus-infused tomato sauce. The Black Cod Dumplings, filled with black cod marinated in sake, mirin, soy, and ginger, are served with a rich Taleggio cream sauce, a nod to the dish that started it all.
For those looking for a unique twist, the Aran-Sushi Trio blends arancini and maki rolls, while the Cacio e Pepe e Miso offers a rich chitarra pasta enhanced with Sichuan pepper and dandelion miso, adding umami depth to this Roman classic. Additionally, the Italian-Asian Wedding Ramen is a hearty bowl filled with shrimp dumplings, shaved brisket, Wagyu meatballs, and long hots, merging the traditions of Italian wedding soup with the complexity of ramen. To finish the meal, DaVinci & Yu presents playful desserts like Black Sesame Tiramisu and Tofu Flan with Gochujang Caramel, perfectly rounding out this innovative culinary experience.
The Bar at DaVinci & Yu
At DaVinci & Yu, the bar embraces a fusion philosophy with handcrafted cocktails that blend Italian and Asian ingredients. Highlights of the cocktail menu include the Sake To Me, a refreshing concoction of Japanese whiskey, yuzu, prosecco, and bitters, and the Ube Espresso Martini, which puts a creative twist on the classic with Stateside Vodka, coffee liqueur, house-made Mexican cold brew, and ube.
Another standout is DaVinci’s Manhattan, a reimagined version featuring Japanese whiskey, amaro, and bianco vermouth, alongside the citrus-forward Mandarin Cosmo, made with Stateside Vodka and cranberry juice. In addition to these innovative drinks, the restaurant proudly offers a selection of Pennsylvania-made spirits, craft beers, and sake, including options from Sango Kura, Pennsylvania’s only sake brewery.
Striking New Interiors
To complement its boundary-pushing menu, DaVinci & Yu boasts an entirely reimagined space. The restaurant features bold murals by local artists, including a dramatic back-wall mural of the Leaning Tower of Pisa next to an Asian-inspired portrait, symbolizing the harmony between the two cultures. The decor is infused with rich woods, warm lighting, and intricate Asian lanterns, creating an ambiance that is both intimate and lively.
The restaurant’s outdoor seating is another major draw, making it the only officially approved streetery on East Passyunk Avenue. When warmer weather arrives, expect a vibrant sidewalk café and deck adorned with flowers, offering one of the best al fresco dining experiences in South Philly.
Currently open for dinner service Wednesday through Sunday, the restaurant will soon expand to include happy hour, lunch, and brunch. Additional seasonal menu items and exclusive house-brewed beers are also in the works. For reservations, visit DaVinci & Yu on OpenTable, and follow them on social media for updates and special events.
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