Brunch has become a highlight of the Philadelphia restaurant scene, and Rittenhouse is one of the best places for upscale brunches. Read ahead for our guide to the 10 best brunches in the Rittenhouse neighborhood.
Parc
Restaurant, Bar, Bistro, Brasserie, Cafe, French
This Parisian-style brasserie has stunning views of Rittenhouse Park for you to enjoy while you sip a cafe au lait. The bistro offers fresh, house made bread, exquisite quiche Lorraine and egg-based dishes, and incredible desserts. The variety of French dishes is extensive, ranging from light hors d’oeuvres like warm shrimp salad or clams gratinees, to traditional entrees like beef bourguignon. Breakfast is served weekdays and brunch is designated for weekends. It’s best to have reservations here, as it gets very busy.
Lacroix at the Rittenhouse
Lacroix at the Rittenhouse is just as extravagant as you’d expect. The international buffet-style brunch will have patrons going on a tour through the kitchen and dining rooms to select options from their extensive food stations including liquid nitrogen, a Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary station, a raw bar (featuring grilled swordfish and oysters), and a mouthwatering dessert bar, among many others. Address & phone number: 210 W Rittenhouse Square 2nd Fl Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-790-2533
Nineteen - XIX
Bar, Cafe, Charcuterie, Restaurant, American
For around $40 diners can get a delicious three-course breakfast at the chic Nineteen restaurant within the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue. The fixe-prix menu starts with a slew of choices from the cafe table, including seasonal fruits, fresh pastries, shrimp cocktail and charcuterie, to name a few. Also, choose from a selection of seven main courses, like the rigatoni pasta or belgian waffle. The dessert bar boasts parfaits, mini cakes and other assortments made fresh daily by the pastry chefs.
Ants Pants Cafe
Cafe, American, Australian, Tea
This small Ikea-chic brunch spot is a relaxing, fun environment. A menu of classic Australian brunch staples with twists is inspired by the owners’ own experiences in Australian cafes. One popular item is the bacon stack, a heavenly experience of sourdough bread piled with bacon, tomato, arugula and sunny side up eggs. Other specialties include the creme brûlée french toast. Here, they also have the Australian coffee, which adds vanilla ice cream to its iced coffee!
Fitler Dining Room
Serving seasonal American food, Fitler Dining Room is a Philadelphia gem nestled into the Fitler section of Rittenhouse. Menu items include fresh salads like the Crab Louie with Russian dressing and PEI mussels with house fennel sausage. The atmosphere hosts an open kitchen with soft lighting and white subway tiles. The small, intimate space is nice for quiet brunches and feels like a little hideaway. The seasonal menu changes frequently, and be sure to make reservations.
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Day by Day
A catering institution, this traditional brunch spot is a Philadelphia favorite. Popular items include the potato pancakes Benedict, and the Challah stuffed french toast changes weekly and is perfect for sharing. Portions tend to run huge here, and they have La Colombe coffee with free refills. Address & phone number: 2101 Sansom St Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-564-5540
Miles Table
Cafe, Restaurant, American
This cozy restaurant and coffee shop is a nice, casual experience. If you’re on the go, it’s perfect because you can pay at the counter or dine-in right after you order. The menu hosts a list of classic brunch items, like avocado toast and numerous breakfast sandwiches along with a few burger options. Check out the brunch specials and bring a bottle of wine to enjoy outside on a warm day.
Metropolitan Bakery
Bakery, Cafe, Restaurant, Sandwich Shop, Pastries, American
Although it’s just a bakery, Metropolitan boasts its own menu of creative grilled cheeses or Italian chic fare. Try their fresh fennel and beet salad and, if you’re eating meat, the shortrib sandwich with caramelized onions, taleggio and pickles is a crowd pleaser. Croissants and other freshly made pastries are fan favorites as well, and on warm days, there is outside seating. Be sure to check out their daily selection of breads.
The Dandelion Pub
Gastropub, Restaurant, British
At The British gastropub, enjoy Pimm’s Cups or Queen Marys (their huge take on the Bloody Mary). Food wise, diners can enjoy scotch pancakes or a full English breakfast with two eggs, black pudding and cumberland sausage and, in true English fashion, bacon with fried bread and baked beans.
So Crepe
This traditional Lyons crêperie is elegant, yet casual. The native French owners have created a solid menu of both savory and sweet confections. Choose from classic crepes with two sunny side eggs, ham and swiss. Popular items include the cocotte and the sweet ‘so washington’ with caramelized apples and salted butter caramel with french vanilla. Portions are large at So Crepe, and it’s the go-to spot if you’re trying to save money, eat authentic cuisine, and still feel classy. Address & phone number: 1506 South St Philadelphia, PA 19146 267-761-9310
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