Parc

Address	227 S 18th Street
Map	View on Google Maps
Neighborhood	Rittenhouse Square
Phone	(215) 545-2262
Website	Official site
Cuisine	French
Price range	$$$
Rating	4.8 / 5 stars
Reviews	18,368 on Google
Established	2008

Parc is a French brasserie at 227 S 18th Street overlooking Rittenhouse Square, widely considered one of Philadelphia's most iconic restaurants. Opened in 2008 by restaurateur Stephen Starr, Parc transports diners to Belle Époque Paris with its authentic bistro atmosphere, sidewalk café seating, and classic French cuisine. With a 4.8-star rating from over 18,000 reviews, it consistently ranks among the city's most beloved dining destinations.

History

In 2008, Stephen Starr opened Parc as part of his expanding restaurant empire. Starr, who won the James Beard Foundation's "Outstanding Restaurateur" award in 2017, designed Parc as a tribute to the grand cafés of Paris. The restaurant quickly became a Philadelphia institution, anchoring the east side of Rittenhouse Square.

Hand-laid tiles in ecru and green cover the floors. Red leather banquettes topped with frosted glass line the dining rooms. Fresh-baked breads scent the air throughout the day. That's the interior Starr created to evoke an authentic Parisian brasserie. Chef Joe Monnich runs the kitchen.

Menu and Specialties

The restaurant serves classic French brasserie fare from breakfast through dinner, seven days a week:

French Onion Soup — Many say it's the best in Philadelphia: rich broth, caramelized onions, crusty bread, and a generous layer of gratinéed Gruyère
Steak Frites — Classic bistro preparation
Croque Monsieur/Madame — Traditional French sandwiches
Fresh Baked Breads — Made in-house daily
Moules Frites — Mussels with fries
Oysters — Fresh selection at the raw bar

You can grab a quick coffee in the morning. Later, settle in for a leisurely three-course meal.

What Reviewers Say

"The French onion soup is arguably the best in the city, combining a rich broth with onions, crusty bread, and a shocking amount of Gruyère gratinéed over the top."
— Philadelphia Magazine

"Best French Onion soup ever. Incredible bread. Delicious French brasserie food."
— Yelp reviewer

"Despite occasional noise, the friendly and attentive staff and authentic French atmosphere make it a standout choice for any occasion."
— OpenTable reviewer

Vibe

Walking in, you're transported to a Parisian café. That's the whole point. Sidewalk tables overlook Rittenhouse Square, perfect for people-watching and soaking up the urban energy. The restaurant has two spaces: a casual front room and a more formal back dining room. Both are tiled, vintage, and zinc-barred.

From morning coffee through late dinner, it bustles. You'll find business lunches at noon, romantic dinners at night, tourists, and locals treating it like their neighborhood spot. Jane Jacobs, author of The Death and Life of Great American Cities, famously praised Rittenhouse Square as "the perfect neighborhood." Parc embodies that urbane charm completely.

Key Details

Detail	Information
Address	227 S 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Neighborhood	Rittenhouse Square
Price Range	$$$ ($40–60 typical)
Reservations	Recommended via OpenTable
Service Options	Dine-in, Outdoor seating, Takeout, Delivery
Good For	Business lunch, Date night, People-watching, Brunch
Accessibility	Wheelchair accessible
Payment	Credit cards, Debit cards

Getting There

View on Google Maps

227 S 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Parc sits at the corner of 18th and Walnut Streets, directly on Rittenhouse Square. Several ways to get there:

Walking — On the east side of Rittenhouse Square at 18th and Walnut
SEPTA Subway — Walnut-Locust Station (Broad Street Line), 2 blocks east
SEPTA Bus — Routes 9, 12, 21, 42 run along Walnut and Chestnut
Parking — Street parking's tight; try garages at 1616 Walnut or Rittenhouse Claridge

About Stephen Starr

Stephen Starr is one of America's most prolific restaurateurs. He founded STARR Restaurants in 1995, and it's now operating dozens of concepts across Philadelphia, New York, Washington D.C., and beyond. His Rittenhouse Square portfolio includes Parc, Borromini (Italian), and El Vez (Mexican). The James Beard Foundation honored him with the Outstanding Restaurateur award in 2017.

References

External Links