The most versatile—and decadent—meal of the week, brunch with family and friends is a great way to enjoy gourmet food on a laid-back weekend. Linger over strawberry waffles, have a hearty starter of an omelet with crispy bacon, sip a glass of Champagne, or dive into a succulent plate of crabs' legs. Anything goes at this not-quite-breakfast, not-quite-lunch event. We've done the legwork for you, so just sit back, relax, and browse our list of the best restaurants for brunch in Philadelphia, presented in alphabetical order.
The most versatile—and decadent—meal of the week, brunch with family and friends is a great way to enjoy gourmet food on a laid-back weekend. Linger over str... more
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1
Beau Monde
624 S. Sixth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 / 215-592-0656
Everything old seems new again with crêpes back on the scene. There is no more pleasant place to have them than in this restored house in Queen Village. French doors thrown open in summer reveal velvet drapes and Chinese-looking gilt panels around the room. A handsome fireplace done in mirrored, mosaic tiles lightens a neutral palette of greens and browns. Crêpes are a Breton tradition and these are “le vrai” articles, made with buckwheat or plain flour. Starters include a selection of three pâtés served properly with cornichons, or a salad with thin-sliced duck breast. Entrée crêpes are golden envelopes that may contain beef bourguignon, roasted vegetables or a plain fried egg. Dessert crêpes may be filled with Nutella, fresh fruit or lemon curd. Upstairs, you’ll find live music, drag shows and more at L’Etage cabaret.
2
Cuba Libre
10 S. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106 / 215-627-0666
It's as if one stumbled onto a street in Old Havana. The décor is, however, all a façade of reconstructed balconies, terra cotta-tiled rooftops and mysterious doorways. The food though, is quite real, with Cuban specialties such as papas rellenos (fried meat croquette), sweet glazed baby ribs, ropa vieja (shredded brisket stew) and skirt steak. Even the tres leches cake is well-executed. Learn all about rum (at the Rum Bar), vegetables (boniato, malanga, yucca) and other good things. The ambience may suggest a bygone era, but the chef offers a contemporary spin that befits the sophisticated scene, and the hot Cuban music.
3
Fork
306 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19106 / 215-625-9425
This hip but tasteful spot attracts a loyal cadre of locals along with visitors for chef Thien Ngo’s straight-from-the-market cooking, much with an Asian influence. Designer Marguerite Rodgers left the high ceilings and cast-iron columns in this historically certified building, but wrapped them in muted tones of greens and golds. The lounge area at the front, with its concrete bar, is popular with singles as well as couples. In the rear, diners may observe the open kitchen from high-backed banquettes. Partners Ellen Yin and Roberto Sella set a welcoming tone, with service usually topnotch. Chef Ngo’s menu includes crispy whole striped bass with garlic black bean sauce, veal chop with lemon grass glaze and a tasty beet salad with honey-roasted Asian pear and wasabi vinaigrette. Sella has designed a thoughtful wine list with real concern for value and individuality, a beautiful complement to the cuisine.
4
Jake's
4365 Main St., Philadelphia, PA 19127 / 215-483-0444
Bruce Cooper was one of the pioneers who elevated Manayunk from dying- old-town to chic destination. His restaurant is still a bit cramped, and under-stated, with banquettes down one wall, and paintings as decoration. The minuscule front bar is a favorite with many wine aficionados, who know that Cooper's list is quality. You should have good wines for food like this---it's contemporary American cooking at its best. The menu runs the gamut from impeccable roast chicken to seared halibut over lobster hash. The apple-cider-barbecued salmon is a special that people return for time and again, as are the crabcakes. Vegetables, be they stir-fries, or fried yams, or the famed lobster mashed potatoes, are interesting, and receive the same attention as the entrées. The desserts are as beguiling as the rest of the menu---the signature cookie taco with ice cream and caramel and raspberry sauce, warm chocolate bread pudding with Tahitian vanilla sauce, sorbets, and even a four selection cheese plate for those who like to end the meal on a savory note.
5
Jones
700 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106 / 215-223-5663
Stephen Starr, in his quest to revitalize Chestnut Street, brings us Jones, a handsome, rough stone and warm wood trip back to the ’70s with prices to match. You can't concern yourself with mundane matters when you're in this Brady Bunch-type atmosphere. You can get all the macaroni-and-cheese, iceberg lettuce, fried chicken and waffles, and beef brisket that you want. It's open all day so whenever the mood strikes, you can run in and try the meatloaf followed by Duncan Hines chocolate layer cake with a glass of milk, or a Jell-O parfait. You can even take it home, if you phone ahead for take-out.
6
Lacroix at The Rittenhouse
The Rittenhouse Hotel, 210 W. Rittenhouse Sq., Philadelphia, PA 19103 / 215-790-2533
Although he has officially stepped down as executive chef, trusting the talented Matthew Levin to tend to the day-to-day, Jean-Marie Lacroix’s fingerprints are still all over this tony park-view restaurant on the second floor of The Rittenhouse Hotel. The godfather of so many talented chefs, Lacroix’s sophisticated approach to ingredient pairings and presentation remains a hallmark of his restaurant, a sparely elegant space with innovative displays of fresh fruits and vegetables as part of its décor. The menu offers either a tasting or à la carte experience, with the tastes divided into categories of raw, vegetables, shellfish, fish, poultry and meat. Try the outstanding mussel and gnocchi gratin, laced with crispy guanciale (pork jowl) in a creamy curry sauce. Surprises are everywhere, in the dusting of cayenne on the spicy cashews in the butter lettuce salad and in the brine of dried nori that crusts the Niman Ranch rib-eye. The pricey ($95) plate of fruits de mer is composed of a mix of pristine raw and cooked shellfish that is a meal for two. The wine list is 30 pages of high-end wines, second-growth Bordeaux, Super Tuscans, some Californian wines, and worldwide diversity. For dessert, restaurant pastry chef Matthew Petersen concocts sorbets in worldly flavors such as coconut saffron and yuzu yogurt. Or try the honey-poached figs, a medley in sweet and savory that includes salty walnuts, goat cheese and the fizz of grape soda.
7
Morning Glory Diner
735 S. Tenth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 / 215-413-3999
Boxes spilling flowers welcome you to this up-scale diner on the fringe of South Philly. Proprietor Samantha Mickey caters to all different groups, witness her menu that includes a Mediterranean antipasto with chick pea crêpes, spicy Asian chicken noodle salad, or pasta with Italian sausage. There’s turkey meat loaf for traditionalists, and eggplant and lentil meat loaf for the vegetarians. Daily soups and desserts, and breakfast, with style, at any time, are only part of its charm.
8
Rx
4443 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19104 / 215-222-9590
At the top of Spruce Hill, on a wide, leafy street, this sunny storefront is serving seriously delicious American cuisine from locally sourced and organic ingredients. Chef Neal Mayton’s choices are diverse, the atmosphere exceedingly friendly, the portions enormous---and the desserts are a treat. In summer, when there’s outdoor seating, its local hangout status is only enhanced. Brunch is notable.
9
Savona
100 Old Gulph Rd., Gulph Mills, PA 19428 / 610-520-1200
Savona has the low-lit, rosy, plant-filled ambience that so many restaurants strive for, and don't quite achieve. It's an upscale destination, especially for well-heeled yuppies, and those that show great interest in the serious wine collection as well as the cuisine, the pride of chef Andrew Masciangelo, which is heavy on the fruits of the sea. Prices are high across the board, so the budget minded need not apply.
10
The Swann Lounge
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, One Logan Sq., Philadelphia, PA 19130 / 215-963-1500, ext.2626
The Lounge, located off the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, is a civilized and delightful spot for lunch, cocktails, dinner or dessert at the Viennese buffet. It is done in the same muted colors and beige travertine as the lobby, and shares the view of the Swann Fountain. The all-day menu features the signature cheesesteak spring roll, along with green salads, charcuterie and flatbread pizza. Entrées may be as substantial as roasted pork T-bone or as light as eggs Benedict with a pumpkin scone. Desserts feature homemade ice creams, tarts, cakes, cookies and Danish pastries, and Champagne goes well with everything. Afternoon tea in the Lounge is a social event, and a feast of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, tartlets, ginger brandy snaps, and chocolate-dipped strawberries.
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