Philly

Ancient Spirits & Grille features 50′ Green Wall & organic menu

A new restaurant in Philadelphia debuted in September with unique features.

Customers can fill out a few questions on an app and receive a customized menu featuring organic dishes and cocktails.

Ancient Spirits Bar and Grillé is inspired by Ayurveda, a practice dating back 5,000 years to restore and maintain the harmony between the body and the mind. It focuses on holistic food to promote wellness by remedying the body’s imbalances. According to a press release:

According to Ayurveda, the body and mind is ruled by life forces or Doshas. Ayurveda divides body types on the basis of three doshas: Vata (Air), Pitta (Fire) and Kapha (Earth). These doshas are constants in life with each person’s physical and mental characteristics being defined by their predominant dosha. Ancient Spirit & Grille assesses each guest’s predominant dosha through a short classified questionnaire (assessing each individual’s emotion, behavior, and activities) to help them balance their dosha for a healthier lifestyle created by co-owner Syam Nambella. 

Drink options include over 50 varieties of organic and biodynamic wines. Although the menu features vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, the menu has a variety of omnivore specialties including Grilled Octopus, Braised Lamb, Lobster, Rack of Lamb, Braised Rabbit, Ginger Duck Breast, Lavender-Cardamom Ice Cream, Creme Brulee with Saffron Custard.

Photos by Eddy Marenco

The three-story, 7,000 square feet, 150-seat dining room features a green wall, plants, artwork by local artists, unique wooden sculptures and other decorative details. 

Cover photo by Society Hill Films


Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Advocates want the district’s long-term facilities plan to prioritize climate preparedness.

The Philadelphia school system is undergoing a facilities planning process and will be announcing school…

4 days ago

New SBN leadership, new round of city cleanups, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Sustainable Business Network welcomes new executive director. Zoraida…

4 days ago

Local activists tackle waste with ‘Philly Talks Trash’ newsletter

How neighbors in Northwest Philly are communicating waste reduction. This story was originally published in…

6 days ago

Kinetic Derby, Illegal Dumping Task Force, LIHEAP delays, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Philadelphia Water Department appoints new commissioner. Benjamin C.…

2 weeks ago

Harnessing People Power: How Councilmember O’Rourke advocates for the environment and the working class

Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke discusses affordability and access to green initiatives in our latest Civic Catalyst…

2 weeks ago

Drumroll for the 2025 SustainPHL Award Recipients

Let's sail-ebrate the latest changemakers who are moving the region towards a sustainable, equitable place.…

2 weeks ago