Brass rails, silvered mirrors, claret-hued banquettes, and oak wainscoting reclaimed from now-shuttered Parisian restaurants, imbue patina—while small touches like newspapers on wooden poles, create extra realism—in the meticulous stage set placed on Philadelphia's most desirable corner by restaurateur Stephen Starr. Similarly, standard menu items (roasted chicken, trout amandine) hold their own, but the little things—desserts and salads, fresh-baked goods (including house-made macaroons), and excellent onion soup—stand out. Ask for an indoor-outdoor table overlooking the park: you'll get generous views and the pleasant din of the 150 diners behind you without the deafening buzz that is the restaurant's one true downside.

Located on 18th Street, right alongside Rittenhouse Square, this French bistro from nationally acclaimed restaurateur Stephen Starr offers some of the best people watching in town. (When the weather's nice, and the front windows are opened up to the park, we could spend hours watching fashionable Philadelphians stroll by.) But, even when the weather is cold and gray, brunch at Parc is worth the trip. Starr’s well-trained staff serves a long menu that splits the difference between Philadelphia and Paris: There’s oatmeal brulée, salade Lyonnaise (frisée with lardons and a poached egg), French toast with caramelized brandied apples and Chantilly cream, and a perfectly executed light omelette.

Parc is a special place, partially because it’s slowly fused into Rittenhouse Square’s permanent architecture, but also because you can pull it out of your back pocket for pretty much any situation–including weekday lunch. It’s a classic French bistro with things we love like steak frites, french onion soup, and a juicy burger. They also have some of the best sidewalk seating in the city, so when you skip work on a nice day, you can eat something great while watching people walk dogs that look like them or head to meetings that have nothing to do with you.

Rittenhouse’s most beautiful brasserie is an ideal locale to while away a weekend afternoon. Mimosas seem downright pedestrian when compared to Parc’s line up of sparkling daytime cocktails. Classics like quiche Lorraine and eggs Norwegian arrive picture perfect on bistro tables alongside baskets of buttery housemade croissants and pastries.

There’s really nothing better than dining al fresco in summer in Philadelphia. Parc Brasserie is a throwback to French café culture, where people-watching and fine food combine for a perfect leisurely afternoon. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, book ahead if you plan to have brunch on the weekends.

Long considered a Philadelphia institution, this crown jewel from restaurateur Stephen Starr will transport you to the streets of Paris — complete with many design elements imported directly from Europe. Soak up the fragrances of fresh-baked bread; sit back at the charming tables dotting the sidewalk while soaking up views of Rittenhouse Square; and fill up on delicious escargot, steak frites and duck l’orange. For an essential Philly experience, drop in for brunch or a glass of champagne on a nice day, when you might find the giant windows open for a breeze that mixes perfectly with the laid-back joie de vivre pulsing through the eatery.

18th St., 215-545-2262, @starrrestaurantThere’s not much chance of peace and quiet at Stephen Starr’s always buzzing brasserie on the edge of Rittenhouse Square, but the constant din provides its own kind of privacy. And the menus (which change throughout the day) are varied but concise, making ordering decisions easy — an important bonus when every minute counts.Order to impress: The petit plateau is a tiered personal raw bar fit for a king. Follow with trout almandine if you’re trying to be calorie-conscious, steak frites if you’re not.

Parc was named a Family Fave in our LOVE Awards, which is no surprise, since it serves up French sophistication and prime people watching on Rittenhouse Square while still being kid-friendly. They have the fanciest changing table in town, a bread basket that puts all others to shame, and are very attentive and accommodating to little ones—they had no problem making off-menu scrambled eggs for our picky toddler and brought her meal with a side of frites in place of the potatoes Lyonnaise.

The always-bustling bistro on Rittenhouse Square specializes in French-inspired fare, including croque madame and nicoise salads at lunch, and seafood towers and a perfect steak frites for dinner. There’s not an official kids menu, but there’s plenty that appeals to all tastes, and the kitchen will also make plates of buttered noodles for the pickiest eaters. They have highchairs and the restroom (at least in the women’s room, I haven’t checked the men’s) has a changing table.

For another chance at European style, head to Philly’s most popular French spot, right on Rittenhouse Square. Parc will take you right back to the Belle Epoque as you take a peak at the stunning interior made up of glowy lights, cloudy mirrors and brass fixtures. Dessert aficionados will be seduced by the traditional Crème Brûlée, tarte tatin with caramelized apples and tahitian vanilla bean ice cream, or the profiteroles with bittersweet chocolate sauce.

Other romantic dining destinations include Starr Restaurant concepts such as Barclay Prime, Butcher & Singer, Parc, and Talula’s Garden. Not to be missed are the cozy settings found at Schulson Collective’s Harp & Crown and Double Knot restaurants, with the latter serving a full range of Japanese cuisine including sushi, robatayaki meats, mochi and more in an underground, candlelit izakaya (or outdoors along the boutique-lined 13th Street).

Paying homage to traditional Parisian bistros and evoking the romantic atmosphere of the city of love, the restaurant is a classy date spot for those who enjoy the finer things in life. With entrees like veal escalope and lobster frites, Parc has a wide range of both surf and turf. For people who love splitting dessert after dinner, the menu also includes iconic French classics like profiteroles, crème brûlée, and apple tarte tatin.

Then, the restaurant that cannot be missed in Philadelphia is Parc. It doesn’t matter what kind of celebration you’re planning, an anniversary, a birthday party, or a get-together with friends, this is the go-to restaurant. Parc, with its French heart and Philadelphian soul, its onion soup, Salade Nicoise, bustling patio, and truly excellent burger, has earned that kind of reputation by being so good at every single thing it does.

The Brunch: One of the prettiest, most popular restaurants in Philly, Parc also boasts an excellent brunch heavy on French classics — think quiche lorraine with bacon and gruyere; French toast with cognac chantilly; smoked salmon tartine with creme fraiche; croque monsieur with prosciutto. And unlike many Center City spots, it’s not a major hassle to reserve a table for a party of six or more, so long as you plan a little ahead.

Spend the afternoon in Rittenhouse Square, then head over to Parc, a delightful French bistro that uses food as a love letter to Paris. This incredible space offers ample room for dining, so unlike some of its contemporaries on this list, you won’t be part of a select crowd dining that day. From pastries to escargot, café au lait to fine cocktails, Parc has the essence of French food mastered.

Whether it's over weekend brunch or daily breakfast, the best spot in the city for people watching and a caf� au lait is on the sidewalk or by the floor-to-ceiling windows at Stephen Starr's Rittenhouse Square paean to Parisian caf� culture. The brunch menu, not surprisingly, contains more French entrees, eggs and hors d'oeuvres than the breakfast menu. But neither comes close to being petit.

This Philly mainstay is located right by Rittenhouse Square—but you'll feel like you're in Paris, especially if you dine outdoors. The warm shrimp salad is quietly the most popular dish on the menu (and doesn't disappoint), but you can't go wrong with the steak frites or the cheeseburger either. And while an unexpected choice at a French bistro, the Pasta Jardinière is delicious.

Parc is a cozy and upscale AAA Three Diamond designated restaurant designed after Parisian bistros and it exceeds beautifully in both presentation and taste. The European decor has an air of elegance and the food is expertly prepared in a traditional French style. From beef bourguignon to pasta and even escargot, Parc is a great place to dine when visiting Philadelphia.

Parc is a traditional French bistro located right on the edge of Rittenhouse Square’s park. The dining experience will transport you to Paris and is the perfect place for your next night out in Philly. Stephen Starr, a restauranteur, and former entertainment promoter opened Parc in 2008, a cafe and bistro with the idea of making Philadelphia feel just like Paris.

The French brasserie from Stephen Starr is renowned across Philadelphia and beyond because of its cheesy French onion soup (a Philly favorite), its fruits de mer, and many other items. People will travel an absurdly long distance just to indulge in the bread basket here. We’re particularly fans of the quiche Lorraine, steak frites, and fabulously briney oysters.

Parc is a traditional French bistro located in the heart of Rittenhouse Square overlooking the park. Parc has been well received by locals and visitors alike for their classic French brunch items, raw bar, impressive wine list, and nice atmosphere. Once the weather turns, Parc offers outdoor bistro seating with beautiful views of Rittenhouse Square.

Man cannot live by bread alone unless we're talking about Parc's house-baked baguettes. Copious slices are provided for every table, filling the restaurant with their deliciously yeasty aroma. Like genuine French loaves, these have a richly browned, crackling exterior and a flavorful, chewy interior that's substantial without being dense.

Parc is one of the top restaurants in Philadelphia, and one of the most profitable restaurants in all of the United States. This bistro transports you from Philly to the streets of Paris thanks to its classic French menu and sidewalk seating overlooking picturesque Rittenhouse Square. Order the steak frites for a hearty, delicious meal.

The French bistro vibe draws avid fans to this sophisticated park-side restaurant destination. It’s always lively at brunch, and patrons range from business movers and shakers to international tourists with their children. A few delicious favorites include the eggs Benedict, avocado toast, salade Lyonnaise, and fresh pastries.

Parc: This bustling French brasserie on Rittenhouse Square boasts a menu as diverse as its clientele. Kids enjoy the homey bread baskets and macaroni au gratin, while adults can savor the oyster towers, pâtés, and delectable omelets. It's a welcoming spot for the whole family with booths, high chairs, and a lively atmosphere.

Parc Brasserie: Parc Brasserie is a traditional French Bistro located on the east side of Rittenhouse Square. It is great for people watching as you enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or brunch. I had lunch there on my most recent trip and loved the smoked salmon tartine while enjoying the view of the square.

In Rittenhouse, you'll find more heated streeteries at the beautifully-landscaped English pub, The Dandelion, at Gran Caffe L'Aquila, an authentic Abruzzi restaurant, at Via Locusta and Parc. Ellen Yin's a.kitchen has a covered streetery with individual heaters next to each table to keep diners warm.

Post-run on Friday, I ate lunch at French cafe Parc Restaurant in Rittenhouse Square. I had an omelette with spinach and greens, and the roasted carrot & beet salad with goat cheese mousse, avocado, and toasted walnuts. It was fun to eat outside along Rittenhouse Square and people-watch as I ate.

On the east side of Rittenhouse Square at 219 South 18th Street, Parc Rittenhouse Condominium and Club offers every modern convenience and amenity of a premiere condominium residence. Learn more about living at Parc Rittenhouse View homes for sale or rent at Parc Rittenhouse

I had a memorable dining experience at Parc, this French restaurant in Philadelphia. The ambiance was quite enchanting with excellent service. As someone relatively new to French cuisine, I’d heard a lot about it and was excited to dive in.

If you have mini foodies living at home, Parc is the ideal family-friendly restaurant in Philadelphia. This classic French bistro may not seem kid-friendly on the surface, but it has plenty of options for even the pickiest of diners.

This is a beautiful, old-school spot with a fancy vibe, perfect for a special occasion. The service was outstanding. Quite attentive and friendly and made the morning feel even more special.

227 S 18th StPhiladelphia, PA 19103(215) 545-2262 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Parc Brasserie brings a classic French bistro vibe to the Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia.

On the square, theres parc, which is your standard bistro--good food, but nothing special. Dandelion is also good and right in the middle of rittenhouse square.

I love to sit outside and have a charcuterie board with a nice glass of white wine. It's right on Rittenhouse Square, and it makes for awesome people watching.

Even from the outside, Parc brings to mind the trendy brasseries in Paris, with traditional bistro fare being served on the sidewalk patio.[Learn more]