How Many Restaurants Does Nicholas Elmi Have?

Nicholas Elmi Restaurants: Key Takeaways

Nicholas Elmi currently owns 3 restaurants exclusively in the United States.
His portfolio includes two fine dining venues and one casual dining café, all located in the Philadelphia metro area.
Elmi’s restaurants offer a range of dining experiences from French-influenced tasting menus to casual all-day dining.
Plans for expansion focus on Center City, Philadelphia, maintaining a strong regional presence.

Chef Nicholas Elmi is known for his focused and refined approach to hospitality, operating a select group of restaurants centered in Pennsylvania. His establishments balance intimate fine dining with welcoming casual settings.

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This article explores how many restaurants Nicholas Elmi owns, detailing each concept's style, location, and pricing, as well as his future expansion plans and ownership model.

Nicholas Elmi Restaurants: Global Presence and Restaurant Count

Nicholas Elmi owns 3 restaurants worldwide as of 2025, all of which are situated in the United States. His portfolio is concentrated exclusively in Pennsylvania, specifically around Philadelphia.

These venues represent a mix of fine and casual dining concepts showcasing different culinary styles and atmospheres—ranging from Michelin-worthy tasting menus to relaxed café environments.

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Region	Approx. Number of Restaurants	Notable Examples
United States	3	Laurel (Philadelphia, PA), The Landing Kitchen (Bala Cynwyd, PA), Lark (Bala Cynwyd, PA)

Note: All restaurants are fully owned and operated by Nicholas Elmi, with no franchising or licensing involved.

Michelin-Starred Flagship Restaurants

Nicholas Elmi’s restaurants are highly regarded but currently do not hold any Michelin stars. His focus remains on crafting memorable experiences and elevating regional dining scenes with carefully curated menus and intimate settings.

While Michelin recognition is not part of his current portfolio, Elmi’s emphasis on quality and atmosphere places him among respected chefs building a strong reputation in the fine dining space.

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Notable Nicholas Elmi Restaurant Concepts and Locations

Elmi’s portfolio consists of three distinct restaurant concepts, each designed to deliver a unique experience from casual café fare to refined dining:

Laurel

Laurel, located in Philadelphia, is Elmi’s flagship fine dining restaurant. This establishment offers a French-influenced tasting menu in a highly intimate setting, perfect for those seeking a detailed culinary journey. Opened with a focus on elegant plating and seasonal ingredients, Laurel represents Elmi’s refined approach to contemporary gastronomy.

The price per person typically ranges from $100 to $150, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship and premium ingredients employed in the menu.

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The Landing Kitchen

The Landing Kitchen is a casual dining concept based in Bala Cynwyd, PA. Designed as an all-day café, it provides relaxed dining with riverside views, serving breakfast and lunch options centered around comfort and accessibility.

With prices ranging from $15 to $30 per person, The Landing Kitchen caters to both locals and visitors looking for quality fare in a welcoming atmosphere.

Lark

Also located in Bala Cynwyd, Lark is another fine dining establishment showcasing coastal Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. This restaurant features rooftop settings and private dining spaces, ideal for both casual meals and special occasions.

The dining experience here generally costs between $75 and $120 per person, balancing upscale offerings with a distinct coastal ambiance.

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Nicholas Elmi Restaurant Empire: Conclusion

In summary, Nicholas Elmi owns three restaurants exclusively in the Philadelphia region, comprising a combination of two fine dining establishments and one casual café.

Though there are no Michelin stars associated with his portfolio, his restaurants are celebrated for their thoughtful menus, inviting atmospheres, and dedication to quality. Elmi’s ownership is direct and not based on franchising or licensing, allowing him to maintain high standards across all venues.

Elmi’s focus on geography and slow expansion—with plans centered on Center City Philadelphia—demonstrates a commitment to deepening local roots rather than pursuing aggressive global growth.

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Elmi’s thoughtfully curated restaurant group offers diverse dining options, from elegant French-influenced tasting menus to relaxed all-day cafés, making his presence in the Philadelphia food scene both distinctive and valued.

01. How involved is Nicholas Elmi in day-to-day restaurant operations?

Nicholas Elmi is closely involved in the operations of all his restaurants. Unlike larger celebrity chef empires, he personally oversees the culinary direction, menu development, and quality control across his venues.

His direct ownership structure allows him to maintain consistent standards, often collaborating closely with his team and partner Fia Berisha to deliver a cohesive dining experience.

02. Are Nicholas Elmi’s restaurants expensive — and which ones offer the best value?

Nicholas Elmi’s restaurants vary in price, reflecting their style and dining format.

Venue Type	Price Range (per person)	Notes
Fine Dining (Laurel)	$100–$150	French-influenced tasting menus in intimate settings.
Fine Dining (Lark)	$75–$120	Coastal Mediterranean menu with rooftop seating.
Casual Dining (The Landing Kitchen)	$15–$30	All-day café with breakfast and lunch options.

For value seekers, The Landing Kitchen offers quality casual dining at affordable prices, while Laurel and Lark provide elevated experiences that justify their higher price points.

03. How does Nicholas Elmi choose new cities or countries for expansion?

Nicholas Elmi has maintained a deliberate, regionally focused growth strategy. His expansion targets areas near his Philadelphia base, such as Center City, where he can leverage strong local expertise and relationships.

He emphasizes quality over quantity and seeks locations that support his culinary vision, ensuring consistency and sustainability rather than broad geographic dispersion.

04. Are Nicholas Elmi’s restaurants sustainable or locally sourced?

Elmi’s restaurants prioritize local sourcing and sustainability where possible, incorporating seasonal ingredients from regional producers.

Though not marketed under strict farm-to-table branding, his menus consciously reflect local availability and reduce environmental impact through careful supplier selection.

05. Can you book Nicholas Elmi restaurants online — and are there loyalty programs?

Reservations for Elmi’s restaurants such as Laurel and Lark are available online via common booking platforms and the individual restaurant websites.

The Landing Kitchen typically operates without reservations due to its café style.

Currently, there is no unified loyalty program across the Nicholas Elmi portfolio, but individual venues may offer occasional promotions or partnerships.