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a.kitchen

Name: a.kitchen
Address: 135 S 18th St 0, Philadelphia, PA, United States, 19103-5228
Telephone: (215) 825-7030
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

Visa Dining Collection

$31 to $50

French American

135 S 18th St, 0, Philadelphia, PA 19103-5228

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 2, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 30 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Innovative
Good for special occasions

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.

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Chef Eli Collins

James Beard Award2023

From the OpenTable editors: James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Ellen Yin's beloved bistro remains one of the best restaurants in Philly for French small plates and outstanding wine. For more than a decade, the gougeres, chicken liver pate, and smoked duck breast have been getting cozy in a candlelit space on historic Rittenhouse Square. The wine list is not to be missed—it's a Wine Enthusiast favorite and multi-semifinalist for James Beard's outstanding wine category.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
French American, Dining Bar, Bistro
Hours of operation
Breakfast Tue–Fri 8:00 am–11:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon, Sun 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Tue–Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(215) 825-7030
Website
http://www.akitchenandbar.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
a.kitchen and a.bar are available for private functions. Contact the restaurant by emailing harry.jamison@highsthospitality.com

Location
135 S 18th St, 0, Philadelphia, PA 19103-5228
Award-winning
1. James Beard Award 2023
Neighborhood
Center City
Cross street
18th & Walnut St.
Parking details
Parking available in local garages. No Valet available. Central Parking System – 1616 Sansom Street Parkway Corporation – 1845 Walnut Street Central Parking System – 201 South 18th Street Priority Parking – 1710 Chancellor Street
Public transit
Bus: Route 21, 42- 18th and Walnut; Route 17- 20th & Walnut; Route 2: 16th and Walnut SEPTA Orange/ Broad Street lines: Walnut-Locust station SEPTA Blue/ Market-Frankford line: City Hall Station SEPTA Regional Rail lines: Suburban Station
Additional
Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,212 people are saying

a.kitchen reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

a.kitchen offers "exceptional dining experiences" with imaginative, beautifully prepared dishes and an "eclectic wine list." The service is "impeccable," and the ambiance in Rittenhouse Square makes it a "Philly gem" for memorable meals. While some find it "a little loud," the creative menu and attentive staff consistently shine.

2,212 Reviews

M
Matt VIP
Philadelphia County9 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had a great time; definitely will be back - only complaint was that it was a little loud
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D
Dr. Todd VIP
Philadelphia County3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I'm a regular here. It literally never disappoints. Eli and his team do a beautiful job with the freshest seasonal ingredients and takes on the tastiest dishes. Harrison was an attentive and congenial server with a natural and comfortable approach to the timing and management of our meal. This place is a gem with locals and out of towners alike, personal and business, it doesn't matter. Thanks for being a Philly favorite - we appreciate you so much.
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L
Louise VIP
Philadelphia County11 reviews
3.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 1
Food was delicious but the room was much too loud. Most of the staff had an arrogant attitude. I wouldn’t go back despite the delicious food.
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F
Francine VIP
Philadelphia County125 reviews
3.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
It is difficult to rate a place highly that is so noisy. Tables outside would provide a respite were it not so unbearably hot. Harrison was a good server. The Paris-Brest dessert for 2 was really something!
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M
Mary VIP
New Jersey37 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great food ambiance and I hate writing these reviews but akitchen is great.
Is this helpful?
J
Justine
Philadelphia County3 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Yum! Went for a midweek dinner with my husband. The portions were great and almost feels like a lot of shareable plates/tapas like style dinner. Service was amazing and my water water never empty!
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E
Edward
Philadelphia County10 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 21, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Did the chefs counter, I wouldn't necessarily do that again as everything was served from behind but the service was top notch other than that logistic. Food was amazing!
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J
John VIP
Philadelphia County1 review
5.0
Dined on June 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Our server was terrifically attentive and friendly, which has consistently been our experience. The newer food choices, in particular the Lancaster carrots, were imaginative and impeccably prepared; we could taste each of the ingredients, all of which meshed for a great experience.
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g
george VIP
Seattle / Eastern Washington1 review
5.0
Dined on June 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
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J
John
London3 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Excellent food, interesting wines and cocktails, a wonderful setting for a late lunch on a beautiful Spring day. The service was friendly and helpful. Loved the music.
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FAQs

a.kitchen is rated 4.7 stars by 2212 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 2, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 30 times today

135 S 18th St, 0, Philadelphia, PA 19103-5228

Dining areas

Additional information

Award-winning
1. James Beard Award 2023
Cross street
18th & Walnut St.
Neighborhood
Center City
Hours of operation
Breakfast Tue–Fri 8:00 am–11:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon, Sun 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Tue–Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
French American, Dining Bar, Bistro
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Parking available in local garages. No Valet available. Central Parking System – 1616 Sansom Street Parkway Corporation – 1845 Walnut Street Central Parking System – 201 South 18th Street Priority Parking – 1710 Chancellor Street
Public transit
Bus: Route 21, 42- 18th and Walnut; Route 17- 20th & Walnut; Route 2: 16th and Walnut SEPTA Orange/ Broad Street lines: Walnut-Locust station SEPTA Blue/ Market-Frankford line: City Hall Station SEPTA Regional Rail lines: Suburban Station
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.akitchenandbar.com/
Phone number
(215) 825-7030
Private party facilities
a.kitchen and a.bar are available for private functions. Contact the restaurant by emailing harry.jamison@highsthospitality.com

a.kitchen

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Why they're an Icon

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

BREAKFAST

RITTENHOUSE BREAKFAST $16.00

FRENCH OMELETTE $16.00

CORNMEAL PANCAKES $14.00

BACON, EGG + CHEESE SANDWICH$12.00

OATMEAL $12.00

YOGURT + CRANBERRY GRANOLA$7.00

HOME FRIES $6.00

What 2,212 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

How is a.kitchen restaurant rated?

Is a.kitchen currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information