Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Rittenhouse Square

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

CamdenPhiladelphiaWestern Suburbs

Neighborhoods

ArdmoreArt MuseumBala CynwydBella VistaBrewerytownBryn Mawr

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

James Beard Award

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

94 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Parc

4.8

Exceptional(17818)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 246 times today

Stephen Starr's stylish addition to Rittenhouse Square pays tribute to French cafe culture, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, ideal for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Parc recalls the chic brasseries of Paris, serving classic French fare in a charming space. Red leather banquettes topped with frosted glass provide a sense of intimacy. Details such as well-worn wooden chairs, vintage framed paintings and photos and antique brass fixtures transport guests across the Atlantic. French doors spill onto a sidewalk terrace covered by a dark red awning perfect for dining "en plein air."

2. The Love

4.8

Exceptional(7672)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 217 times today

Aimee Olexy and Stephen Starr's The Love is a bi-level sanctuary features 150 seats, split between the main dining room, sidewalk seating, and an upper-level loft. The restaurant is a spirited and carefree neighborhood café celebrating everyday American cuisine. The menu is crafted around what’s truly seasonal and local, while the beverage program reflects the best of the region. This creative energy is matched by a front-of-house service staff passionate about providing homey hospitality morning, noon and night.

3. Barclay Prime

4.8

Exceptional(5547)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 73 times today

Barclay Prime is a luxury boutique steakhouse serving a traditional yet modern menu in a comfortable & contemporary setting.

4. The Dandelion

4.7

Exceptional(8256)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Gastro Pub • Center City

Booked 145 times today

London's culinary revolution comes to Philadelphia with this unique gastro-pub. Cozy rooms and intimate bars create a storied, Old World aura, while updated seasonal takes on British food make up the menu. In keeping with tradition, our casks and tap craft beers are always rotating and classic family-style roasts are served on Sundays.

5. a.kitchen

4.7

Exceptional(2168)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French American • Center City

Booked 40 times today

a.kitchen, situated in Hotel AKA Rittenhouse Square, is a French-inspired American restaurant led by Executive Chef Eli Collins. The bistro-style menu offers everything from small plates to more traditional lunch and dinner options. Known for its innovative wine list, a.kitchen is a top destination for natural and terroir-driven wines from regions around the world. Reservations are available for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.Adjacent to a.kitchen, a.bar offers a cocktail-focused experience along with a menu of snacks, burgers, salads, and seasonal dishes. Guests of Hotel AKA Rittenhouse Square can also enjoy in-suite dining for a more private experience.

A photo of Estia - Philadelphia restaurant

6. Estia - Philadelphia

4.8

Exceptional(8945)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Greek • Center City

Booked 59 times today

The stunning restaurant, which is first of its kind in Philadelphia, will transport guests to the Greek Islands with an atmosphere reminiscent of an inviting Mediterranean home & a menu of authentic specialties, simply prepared, that represent the best of Greek cuisine. The restaurant specializes in whole grilled fish which are flown in from the Greek Islands, the shores of Morocco, Tunisia, & Portugal. Guests are able to choose from Estia’s expansive display & watch chefs cook their fish to perfection over a charcoal grill in the sparkling open kitchen.

A photo of Oyster House Philadelphia restaurant

7. Oyster House Philadelphia

4.8

Exceptional(248)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Center City

Booked 49 times today

Philadelphia’s premier destination for seafood lovers since 1976. With a menu that is as traditional as it is innovative, this family-owned business run by third-generation restaurateur Sam Mink has been a community cornerstone for almost 50 years. Cherished by Philly locals and visitors alike for its decadent lobster rolls, signature crab cakes and crispy fried oysters, Oyster House continues to honor the region’s culinary roots while constantly cooking up tasty, new favorites. Oyster House’s robust seafood menu curated by executive chef Joe Campoli, promises high quality cuisine along with an excellent dining experience. Enjoy a seat at Philadelphia’s most famed oyster bar while enjoying a show by Philly’s most legendary oyster shuckers. The weekday Happy Hour is always abuzz with a lively mix of coworkers and friends.

8. Tria Rittenhouse

4.8

Exceptional(440)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Wine Bar • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 37 times today

Welcome to Tria, Philly's original casual wine bar since 2004.Our two Center City wine bars have helped elevate Philly’s wine scene while keeping it fun. Tria’s seasonally curated wine, cheese and beer menus showcase super-cool smaller producers who are driven by passion. The friendly Tria team will help you discover new flavor sensations if that’s your jawn. If you prefer, we’ll bring you more wine and leave you alone. It’s all good.We love wine and it shows, but Tria above all is a community where guests come to relax and connect. There are no TVs or other distractions. The “concept” is for our guests to engage in conversation made livelier, deeper and cheerier by the wine. Cheers!

A photo of Midnight & The Wicked restaurant

9. Midnight & The Wicked

4.4

Awesome(89)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Center City

Booked 11 times today

Midnight & The Wicked offers four unique spaces. Experience live music and one-of-a-kind mixology as you lose yourself at the glamor and excitement of the 1920s at Midnight Lounge, The Vault, and The Crimson Theater. Or, Indulge in the forbidden pleasures of a bygone era at The Wicked Nightclub (open Friday & Saturday at 10pm).PERMITTED: Clean jeans, sneakers, non-graphic sweaters.NOT PERMITTED: Sweats, hoodies, sports jerseys, explicit clothing or large graphic t-shirts, crocs, work boots, flip flops, ball caps (Fedoras and other stylish hats are welcome)We hope this update makes it easier for you to enjoy your evenings with us. Thank you for your continued patronage, and we look forward to seeing you soon!KITCHEN IS CLOSED ON SUNDAY.

10. Spice Finch

4.7

Exceptional(1286)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Center City

Booked 12 times today

Named after the bird that populates nearly every port along the ancient maritime spice routes, Spice Finch pays homage to a passerine that does not sing, yet is known to vocalize or chirp in recognition of good eats. We are inspired by the distinctive flavors of the nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea, and heavily influenced by the cultures and culinary traditions of Morocco and Greece. Our menu is a bold, seasonally accurate menu featuring an array of small plates, vegetables, grilled meats and fish. Follow us on Instagram @SpiceFinchPhilly

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
RichardBetsyVIP
West Palm Beach •97 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Love this place for lunch. It’s traditional in a non-stuffy way. Attentive service, good food.
More info
The DandelionPrice: Moderate• Gastro Pub• Center City
•
4.7
H
HaroldVIP
Columbus •43 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The food and service are consistently excellent time after time. The only issue we had is we were 1 table back from open double doors which allowed a strong, chilling breeze to come in and which worsened as the evening progressed. If it is going to be a cool evening after a warm day, ask to sit away from the open doors. We skipped dessert as a result of this. Definitely will return, with the above considered.
More info
ParcPrice: Expensive• French• Rittenhouse Square
•
4.8
T
ToyaVIP
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The Love is one of my favorite Center City restaurants. The service is always awesome and the food is perfect every time.
More info
The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
•
4.8
K
Kevin
Philadelphia County •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food was very good and the service was excellent.
More info
Barclay PrimePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Rittenhouse Square
•
4.8
R
RicardoVIP
Philadelphia County •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Great menu. Impeccable and very polite service. Not pushy but attentive and diners are left alone just enough to dine in peace.
More info
a.kitchenPrice: Expensive• French American• Center City
•
4.7

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