Dinner suggestions within walking distance to The Rittenhouse Hotel
($ inexpensive ~ $$ moderate ~ $$$ expensive ~ $$$$ very expensive-reservations essential)
Twenty Manning – ($$$) - 261 S. 20th Street (at Manning). This great little spot offers a very wide array of fabulous dishes thanks to the solid kitchen staff. Twenty Manning incorporates Asian and European influences in many of their “new” traditional entrees such as pan seared butternut squash ravioli or flashed seared ahi tuna. Great small bar scene just off Rittenhouse Square.
Estia – ($$$) - 1405 Locust Street. This spacious upscale Greek restaurant features beautiful imported wood and stone from Europe and successfully evokes the Mediterranean. The owners are only too happy to show you their fish vitrine brimming with rare fish from Mediterranean waters. This is truly a lovely dining experience.
Le Castagne - 1920 Chestnut Street. At this wonderful trattoria you will find classic and sophisticated Italian dishes including hand made/rolled potato gnocchi so light and delicate and of the finest Bolognese sauces in the city. Expect knowledgeable and helpful but non intrusive service in this great Italian Rittenhouse Square location.
Parc Rittenhouse – ($$/ $$$) - 18th and Locust Streets. Everything from the bolts that hold the doors in place to the authentic soap stone tiles are imported from Paris – needless to say this sexy and big Parisian bistro has some of the best French fare to offer. Here you will find such classics as quiche lorraine, trout amandine and some of the best onion soup this side of the Atlantic. Parc also offers ample outdoor seating when weather is permissible.
Devon Seafood Grill – ($$) - 225 S. 18th Street. Directly across Rittenhouse Park is this great modestly priced seafood grill with tables and a bar scene overlooking The Square. The menu is stylish and contemporary. Starters include tempura shrimp sushi rolls and roasted duck flatbread, while some entrée suggestions are San Francisco style chioppino and blackened chicken penne.
Casta Diva – ($$$) - 227 S. 20th Street. A romantic, elegant and unassuming Casta Diva regional Italian trattoria located directly behind The Rittenhouse Hotel serves us fare this is good to glorious. Chef/owner Stephen Vassalluzzo does amazing work with homemade pastas, focaccia and desserts. Diva is an establishment that permits you to bring your own bottle of wine (byo) and is cash only.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday – ($$) - 261 South 21st Street (between Locust and Spruce). This cozy neighborhood restaurant is perfect for a romantic evening. Consistently serving wonderful Continental cuisine since the 70s, Friday, Saturday, Sunday continues to serve up good service, a very reasonable wine list and best mushroom soup from Chester County.
The Dandelion – ($$$) - 124 S. 18th Street (at Sansom). London’s culinary revolution comes is here in Philadelphia with this unique gastropub. Cozy rooms and intimate bars create a storied, Old World aura, while updated seasonal takes on British food make up the menu. In keeping with tradition casks and tap craft beers are always rotating, a proper afternoon tea service has a sweet and savory menu and classic family style roasts are served on Sundays.
Alma de Cuba – ($$$) - 1623 Walnut Street. Chef Douglas Rodriguez’s Nuevo Latino consistently delivers at this sexy tri level popular destination. From vaca frita to outstanding ceviche of which you may be tempted to order three or five or seven samples! And why bother going all the way to The Caribbean for truly authentic lechon asado? This is great destination for corporate groups or for a romantic table for two is a solid choice.
Butcher and Singer – ($$$/$$$$) - 1500 Walnut Street. Welcome to Hollywood, California, 1944 in this remarkable remake of a classic Continental Lounge, where steak may be king, but the baked Alaska finale is to die for. Expect classics such as steak tartare, shrimp and crab louie, and an amazing array of steaks and chops form their aged New York strip, dry aged porterhouse to Colorado lamb chops. This is great destination for corporate groups on an expense account of for a romantic table for two.