Lionne - The Nittany Lion Inn

Review summary

1. KG

   KGZee

   Philadelphia

   3 reviews

   4.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   We were excited to go to the Nittany Lion Inn with another couple for the first time since they reopened a few months ago. Our server, Timothy, was professional and courteous. The food was pricey and a solid B. When it was time to receive the check, we asked to have the bill divided, and our server said, “That isn’t our policy, but since it’s not busy tonight, I can probably do that for you.” Having lived in this college town for most of my life, this is the first place we’ve been to that doesn’t have that “policy.” And, as we were preparing to leave, another server tossed a cleaning rag onto a table near us as she was walking by—a toss of about 8 feet. We found this peculiar in a restaurant that purports to be “upscale.”
   

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2. M

   Mike

   Philadelphia

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Abbie was excellent and the hostess Lisa absolutely awesome!
   

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3. J

   Jerry

   Cleveland

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great food. Great service. Expensive but commensurate with the quality. This was our first time back since the remodeling. We were impressed.
   

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4. G

   Gary

   Philadelphia

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 1, 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   We had a lovely evening despite the limited staff on hand. Staff that was there was very attentive and apologetic. The food was Excellent. It was creatively prepared and nicely plated. We would definitely plan on going there again.
   

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5. J

   Jon

   Jacksonville

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 1, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I emailed the restaurant about one of us having celiac and Richie the chef replied that he would take care of us. Once at the restaurant, our waiter Ryan confirmed with the kitchen as to which options were gluten free. These efforts helped to make a great evening. Big Thanks to Nittany Lion Inn.
   

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6. A

   Amber

   Raleigh

   16 reviews

   vip
   1.0

   16 reviews

   Dined on November 28, 2024

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 2

   I was disappointed that when making the reservation for Thanksgiving dinner I was not told that it would be a buffet style dinner in a large meeting room. I made the reservation expecting to be in the very nice Lionne restaurant. The price charged was very high for what was served and it did not include even a cold drink of iced tea or soda. Those were charged separately. The wait staff was not helpful. This was a bummer of an experience for Thanksgiving dinner at such a nice hotel.
   

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7. B

   Barry

   Philadelphia

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on November 28, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Extremely good service and preparations. Buffet was well organized, accessible, and of high quality. Great holiday experience in tremendous upgraded setting overall of Nittany Lion Inn.
   

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8. S

   Stephen

   Washington DC

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on November 26, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Wonderfully creative dishes. Well-prepared. The staff was fantastic and the experience was great. Note that the dishes are very large, and the appetizers are more appropriate for two or more people. The filets, scallops, and chicken were all great entrees.
   

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9. S

   Sam

   Washington DC

   9 reviews

   3.0

   9 reviews

   Dined on November 26, 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 4

   We were excited to try Lionne now that the Nittany Lion Inn has reopened. The experience was disappointing on several levels, overpriced for what they delivered. Valet is provided and while they don't validate which they should for the cost of meals at Lionne for $5 + Tip parking in state college is is a good value. If you don't want to use valet the Nittany parking deck is close by. Decor is beautiful! Service was slow and it appeared that they really just did not have enough staff to cover with our waiter and the hostess seemingly doing water and service for the whole dining room. Warm-ish rolls with a small portion of two different flavored butters and oils arrived with the waiter who took drink orders we each got a modest wine by the glass. Our advice warmer, better rolls, and pick one good oil or butter and provide enough for the whole table. Wine selection is good and we had no problems finding good wines by the glass and could easily have picked a great bottle. I had a Caesar salad requested no anchovies got them anyway waiters reaction yeah they miss that a lot and my wife got the mixed greens. OK except for the missed request. We split the lobster bisque and the bisque had great flavor sadly the chunks of lobster were way overcooked rubber. It is not easy doing Shrimp or Lobster bisque well to avoid overcooking but we have had a lot we love that does just that. Mains she got the petite filets and the steak was perfect! It was good beef and we both tried it and liked it. The accompaniments were sparse (one piece of asparagus? really?) and the potato hay reminded us both in a bad way of Potato Stix snacks. The sauce was excellent but sparse suggest put it in a ramekin and provide enough for the whole steak. My special Mahi-Mahi was overcooked and the lobster risotto was gummy and sad with again an overcooked piece of lobster. We skipped dessert and got out for $200 including tip. We probably won't be back soon they have a lot to fix.
   

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10. R

    Regina

    Chicago

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    My first time dining at Lionee , but have been to 1855 Lounge before . The cocktails were very good and the bar service was excellent . Thank you Cody. Dining experience was wonderful. It was a quiet night , but service was excellent as well as the food and wine list . Thank you Richie, the GM ,for making our night out with friends special !
    

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