JAMES is an elegant, contemporary restaurant serving New American cuisine in Philadelphia’s Bella Vista neighborhood. James Burke is the award-winning chef and his wife, Kristina, runs the front of house. Together, they’re a dazzling duo.

We arrived a few minutes early for our reservation so had the good fortune to enjoy a cocktail and a chat with Kristina in the restaurant’s chic lounge. Kristina was warm, welcoming, and passionate about food and wine. It was clear we were in for a special evening.

The interior—glossy white and chocolate brown, crystal chandeliers and plush drapes—speaks to elegance and comfort, modernity and warmth. As does the food—our dishes were artfully presented, without being precious, and bursting with flavor.

The menu focuses on locally-sourced ingredients and changes with the seasons. We enjoyed the late winter menu (the epitome of elegant comfort food). Among our favorites were the braised and smoked octopus; oxtail agnolotti; ribbons of pasta with duck ragù and orange; poached halibut with hearts of palm and roasted tangerine; and the pork loin with lentils and apple ginger jus.

The restaurant also offers a Sunday Supper—three-courses including a weekly-changing pasta, entrée, and dessert for $40—as well as specially prepared tasting menus.

The wine list is thoughtfully chosen, with an emphasis on small, biodynamic producers. There’s also an alluring selection of dessert wines. Fortunately, we saved room, enjoying the apple fig charlotte and chocolate budino paired with sauternes and Mas Amiel. Heavenly! But, the real question is: Did we select the wine to go with the dessert or the other way around?!