Rittenhouse Square is Philadelphia’s premier downtown neighborhood, offering upscale shopping, dining, hotels and nightlife within walking distance of attractions citywide. Within its leafy square sits an abundance of restaurants ranging from casual cafes to fine dining institutions, facilitating any culinary craving. From Italian and French fare to farm-to-table and contemporary American, the options in Rittenhouse are as stylish and sophisticated as the surroundings themselves. In this review you will find information about the best restaurants in the area of the Rittenhouse Square.
Lacroix Restaurant at The Rittenhouse – Is One Of The Best Restaurants
The Rittenhouse Parc is Philadelphia’s premier boutique hotel, and Lacroix is their acclaimed on-site restaurant. Offering contemporary American cuisine with French influences, Lacroix features elegant surrounds with crisp white tablecloths and impeccable service. The menu features high-quality, seasonal ingredients prepared simply but skillfully. I had a seared scallop appetizer that was heavenly, and the strip steak was flavorful and tender. The wine list is curated by a sommelier who guided us to some delicious choices. Overall, Lacroix is an upscale splurge-worthy experience for a special occasion.
210 W Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
+12157902533
Parc
Parc is an elegant French bistro located within the Rittenhouse Parc hotel, offering charming ambiance and top notch service. They serve classic French fare made from the freshest seasonal ingredients. I started with a crisp duck confit salad beforemoving on to a delicious coq au vin, fragrant with thyme and served with creamy mashed potatoes. For dessert, the creme brulee was stunning. Everything from the food to the wine list to the stylish surroundings felt like a sophisticated European adventure. Parc is perfect for a romantic occasion or celebration.
227 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
+12155452262
The Goat Rittenhouse
If you’re in the mood for something more casual and eclectic, The Goat Rittenhouse is a popular neighborhood spot. They are known for creative yet comforting fare using fresh, artisanal ingredients. I enjoyed a hearty bison chili, grilled cheese sandwich and a glass of craft beer. The outdoor patio is a perfect place to watch the world go by on a nice day. Service is friendly and prices are reasonable. At The Goat, you get creative, homemade cooking with zero pretension – it’s the perfect low-key lunch or dinner option.
1907 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
+12672390982
Barclay Prime
Barclay Prime is Philadelphia’s premier upscale steakhouse, offering high-quality steaks, chops, and seafood with sophisticated chic decor. They feature expertly aged prime cuts along with fresh catch of the day and seasonal produce prepared simply and skillfully.
The wine list is curated by an expert sommelier with an impressiveselection of wines from around the world, many unavailable anywhere else in the city. Cocktailsand appetizers are equally impressive, from lobster bisque to crab cake to Wagyu steak tartare.
Barclay Prime is ideal for a special occasion, date or business meeting. The service is impeccable yetunobtrusive, delivered by knowledgeable servers in a polished settingwith crisp white tablecloths, white linen napkins andtop-quality glassware and cutlery. There are private dining rooms for more intimate gatherings.
Overall, Barclay Prime is Philadelphia’s highest caliber steakhouse, delivering an unparalleled diningexperience with expertly prepared prime cuts, fresh catch and sumptuous sides in a sophisticatedchic space. While the prices are certainly high-end, the quality and experience justify the splurge. Thenext time you crave an upscale, indulgent meal, Barclay Primeis the pinnacle of dining in Rittenhouse.
123 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
+12159728742
Scarpetta Philadelphia
Scarpetta is a stylish Italian restaurant from chef Jeff Michaud featuring innovative rustic specialties and an excellent menu of Italian wines. I enjoyed prosciutto crudo with melon, beef carpaccio with Parmesan, and roasted veggie lasagna which was creamy and packed with flavor. The space has a sleek design with long communal tables, encouraging interaction. They also offer weekend brunch with upscale Italian-American fare and a cocktail menu featuring classics. Scarpetta balances traditional flavors with contemporary style for a cool downtown dining experience.
210 W Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
+12155584199
The Dandelion
For farm-to-table fare with a sunny vibe, The Dandelion is a lovely choice. They offer made-from-scratch breakfasts, salads, flatbreads, sandwiches and snacks using the freshest local and organic ingredients. I had a veggie scramble, strawberry salad with ricotta, and chai latte – everything was vibrant, balanced and simply delicious. There’s a charming covered patio for dining al fresco, or you can sit at communal tables indoors. Service is warm and unpretentious. The Dandelion embraces the season with small plates, large format meals and a menu that features what’s freshest. It’s the perfect cozy spot for brunch, lunch or dinner.
124 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
+12155582500
Rittenhouse Grill
For classic American comfort food with a twist, head to Rittenhouse Grill. They serve up high-quality burgers, sandwiches, salads and more using the freshest ingredients. I indulged in a grilled cheese with bacon and tomato soup, and a bison burger with chipotle mayo and arugula salad. The space has a stylish diner vibe with hexagonal booths and counter seating. Service is friendly and attentive. Rittenhouse Grill does upscale diner fare right, from breakfast through dinner, with a menu featuring seasonal specials and craft cocktails. It’s the perfect spot for casual comfort cooking in an upscale environment.
1701 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
+12157721701
Friday Saturday Sunday
For brunch, lunch or dinner, Friday Saturday Sunday offers creative yet comforting fare. I started with a Brooklyn blackstrap muffin with chestnut butter before moving on to a chicken pot pie with spinach, leek and carrot. For dessert, the cookie dough bread pudding was decadent. They use high-quality, seasonal ingredients to produce comfort food with a unique twist. The space has mid-century modern decor, communal tables and counter seating. Service is personal, relaxed and unfussy.
261 S 21st St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
+12155464232
Vernick Food & Drink
Vernick Food & Drink is a popular farm-to-table restaurant serving globally-inspired cuisine with a seasonal, locally-sourced menu. I started with mussels steamed in coconut curry broth before moving on to a crispy potato veggie cake sandwich. Everything is made from scratch using high-quality, organic ingredients. The space has moderncounter seating, communal tables andsliding glass doors opening to a patio. Service is knowledgeable and attentive. Vernick is pure, unpretentious cooking at its best, highlighting fresh regional produce and artisanal products. It’s the perfect spot for a satisfying, nutritious meal with zero fuss.
2031 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
+12676396644
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Her Place Supper Club
For a stylish supper club experience, head to Her Place. They offer innovativeShareable plates in an upscale setting with classic supper club vibes. I enjoyed fried green tomatoes with remoulade sauce, steak tartare on toasted bread, and fried oysters. Thespace features plush banquettes, antique accents and cocktails crafted with high-proof spirits, herbs and spices. Service is warm yet professional. Her Place combines upscale dining with shareablesmall plates in an elegant yet relaxed supper club atmosphere. It’s ideal for a fun,interactive meal with a group. From farms to supper clubs, there are plenty of optionsin Rittenhouse for engaging cuisine served in contemporary, stylish spaces. Whetherit’s nutritious fare, globally-inspired cooking or an upscale supper club experience,the neighborhoods delivers.
1740 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Whether a leisurely brunch, power lunch, date or business dinner, the restaurants of Rittenhouse Square deliver memorable experiences with every visit. Within these pages, you’ll find recommendations highlighting the freshest seasonal ingredients, expertly curated wine lists, impeccable service and chic yet unpretentious ambiance. From Tria Cafe to Barclay Prime, Scarpetta to The Dandelion, Friday Saturday Sunday to Rittenhouse Grill, treat yourself and your tastes with a dining tour of Rittenhouse. Bon appetit! The best of Philadelphia awaits within this charming neighborhood, with cuisine as refined as the address.
