Kimmel Center unveils Leo as its new flagship restaurant, named after a renowned Philadelphia Orchestra maestro.

Conductor Leopold Stokowski, renowned for elevating the Philadelphia Orchestra to international acclaim and famously sharing moments with animation icon Mickey Mouse in “Fantasia,” is set to have his name grace a new dining establishment at the Kimmel Center, the orchestra’s home base. The forthcoming restaurant, named Leo, is anticipated to open its doors later this spring and will replace Volvér, which previously occupied the Spruce Street side of the center. This transition is part of a collaboration between the Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts Philly and the Rhubarb Hospitality Collection, which has been in place for over a year.

Rhubarb, a distinguished hospitality group known for its culinary ventures in venues such as the Historic Royal Palaces and Royal Albert Hall in London, as well as Peak in New York, has appointed Chef Chris Cryer to oversee the operations at Leo. Cryer, who previously managed Peak before his departure in 2023, has already begun transforming the café on the Broad Street side of the Kimmel Center. This café, once Garces Trading Co., is now branded as Curtain Call. It offers coffee and light fare during the day and transitions into a cocktail lounge at night, featuring dishes like crispy chickpea fritters and confit yellowfin tuna.

The upcoming Leo restaurant, now under renovation, is designed to accommodate approximately 100 guests, alongside eight additional seats facing the chef’s counter, allowing patrons to observe the culinary action. Diners can expect an à la carte service, complemented by a fixed-price pre-theater menu, ensuring options for a variety of occasions. The previous pricing policy at Volvér, which required patrons to purchase dinner tickets at a set cost, will not be replicated in this new venture.

Cryer’s culinary philosophy emphasizes coastal cuisine and the use of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Entrees will likely include squid ink campanelle prepared with lobster and aged ham ragù, lamb merguez dumplings with cardamom yogurt, and fennel-cured hiramasa paired with smoked olive and calamansi. Dessert options promise to delight with offerings such as blood orange custard accompanied by coconut rice and finger lime.

With the aim of creating an inviting atmosphere, Cryer hopes that Leo will become a neighborhood hub that resonates with the local community in Center City. He aspires for the dining experience to be accessible and welcoming, free from intimidation, while providing high-quality food and service. As he settles into Philadelphia, Cryer has expressed appreciation for local favorites, which exhibit the vibrant culinary scene of the city. This commitment to community engagement signifies a promising future for Leo as it prepares to welcome diners in the spring.

This emergence of Leo at the Kimmel Center represents an exciting development in Philadelphia’s culinary landscape, blending the arts with a rich dining experience that connects with both locals and visitors alike.