Editing Parc

{{Infobox Restaurant
| name = Parc
| address = 227 S 18th Street
| neighborhood = Rittenhouse Square
| phone = (215) 545-2262
| website = https://parc-restaurant.com
| cuisine = French
| price_range = $$$
| rating = 4.8
| reviews = 18,368
| 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 ==

Parc opened in 2008 as part of [[Stephen Starr]]'s growing 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.

The interior was designed to evoke an authentic Parisian brasserie, with hand-laid tiles in shades of ecru and green, red leather banquettes topped with frosted glass, and the aroma of freshly baked breads filling the air. The restaurant operates under Chef Joe Monnich.

== Menu & Specialties ==

Parc serves classic French brasserie fare throughout the day:

* '''French Onion Soup''' — Arguably the best in Philadelphia, with 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''' — Baked in-house daily
* '''Moules Frites''' — Mussels with fries
* '''Oysters''' — Fresh selection at the raw bar

The menu spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, making it suitable for everything from a quick coffee to a leisurely three-course meal.

== What Reviewers Say ==

{{quote|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}}

{{quote|Best French Onion soup ever. Incredible bread. Delicious French brasserie food.|Yelp reviewer}}

{{quote|Despite occasional noise, the friendly and attentive staff and authentic French atmosphere make it a standout choice for any occasion.|OpenTable reviewer}}

== Vibe ==

Parc's atmosphere captures the essence of a Parisian café:

* '''Sidewalk seating''' — The prime tables overlook Rittenhouse Square, perfect for people-watching
* '''Two dining spaces''' — A casual front room and more formal back dining room
* '''All-day energy''' — Bustling from morning coffee through late dinner
* '''Parisian authenticity''' — Tile floors, zinc bar, vintage fixtures

The restaurant draws a mix of business lunches, romantic dinners, tourists, and locals who treat it as their neighborhood café. Jane Jacobs, author of ''The Death and Life of Great American Cities'', famously praised Rittenhouse Square as "the perfect neighborhood" — and Parc embodies that urbane charm.

== Key Details ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Detail !! Information
|-
| '''Address''' || 227 S 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
|-
| '''Neighborhood''' || [[Rittenhouse Square]]
|-
| '''Price Range''' || $$$ ($40–60 typical)
|-
| '''Reservations''' || Recommended via [https://www.opentable.com/parc 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 ==

{{Location map
| address = 227 S 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
}}

Parc sits at the corner of 18th and Walnut Streets, directly on [[Rittenhouse Square]]:

* '''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 along Walnut/Chestnut
* '''Parking''' — Street parking limited; garages at 1616 Walnut or Rittenhouse Claridge

== About Stephen Starr ==

[[Stephen Starr]] is one of America's most prolific restaurateurs. Founded in 1995, STARR Restaurants operates dozens of concepts across Philadelphia, New York, Washington D.C., and beyond. Starr's Rittenhouse Square portfolio includes Parc, [[Borromini]] (Italian), and [[El Vez]] (Mexican). He won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurateur in 2017.

== See Also ==

* [[Rittenhouse Square]]
* [[Stephen Starr]]
* [[French Restaurants in Philadelphia]]
* [[Center City]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://parc-restaurant.com Official Website]
* [https://parc-restaurant.com/menus Menu]
* [https://www.opentable.com/parc Make a Reservation] (OpenTable)

{{#seo:
|title=Parc - French Brasserie in Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia
|description=Parc is Stephen Starr's iconic French brasserie on Rittenhouse Square, serving classic bistro fare since 2008. Known for French onion soup, sidewalk seating, and Parisian atmosphere. 4.8 stars.
|keywords=Parc Philadelphia, Rittenhouse Square restaurants, French restaurant Philadelphia, Stephen Starr restaurants, brunch Philadelphia, best French onion soup
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Restaurants]]
[[Category:French Restaurants]]
[[Category:Rittenhouse Square]]
[[Category:Center City]]
[[Category:Stephen Starr Restaurants]]