It had been years since I last visited Philadelphia, so I was thrilled when we had the opportunity to review Parc Restaurant, a renowned French bistro in the heart of Rittenhouse Square. One of the most compelling aspects of the restaurant, aside from its cuisine and fun location, is that it is open all day, serving three distinct menus.
If you’re heading to Parc in the morning, which I would regularly do if I lived in Philly, then you can start your day with a classic café au lait and a fresh-baked croissant. We were there for a late lunch, and the staff helped us order . . . only because we asked for advice on their favorite picks as well as ones locals gravitate to. Since we were only two, we didn’t opt for a towering plateau of fruits de mer, which is a perfect choice if you’re there with a group. Seafood is a specialty, however, as are all things francais.
Tartare anyone? Credit: Parc Restaurant.
The to-die for Escargots at Parc Restaurant
Other French classics on the Hors D’oeuvres menu at Parc Restaurant include Sardines with Bordier Butter, Mushroom Tart with Truffle Pecorino (yum, right?), Tuna Carpaccio with a Leek Vinaigrette and Charcuterie, which they serve with Pate Campagne, Duck Rillette, and Jambon de Bayonne. We had to try the Chicken Liver Parfait, which they top with a Red Wine Gelee and a side of Cherry-Pistachio Bread.
Next up was the Salmon Tartare, which we thought might be too much, but the waiter insisted we try it and so . . . we did. Their version includes Espelette, which has a kick to it — paired perfectly with a Dry Rose (they brought out a Cotes De Provence Domaine Gavoty “Grand Classique”) which had us at hello. It was a lighter option than the appetizer that Anthony was leaning towards – the Ricotta Ravioli. When dining with an Italian, it’s a challenge to steer them away from a homemade pasta.
Then there’s the Tuna Carpaccio – OMG, it was so so fresh. I used my lettuce leaves to scoop it up rather than a fork and paired it with a delicious Chardonnay . . . the 2022 French Domaine Chene Burgundy to be precise.
My favorite? Everything we tasted on the appetizer menu was scrumptious, but my top vote has to go to the chicken liver pate. BTW, if you are a fresh seafood lover, be sure to check out their oysters, littleneck clams, lobster or shrimp cocktail or a king crab leg. They offer two plateau sizes if you want to splurge (for 1-3 people and for 4-6).
If you want something a little more simple, they also offer sandwiches and salads. According to our waiter Ryan, the most popular lunch orders from locals include the Roast Beef Sandwich, the Mozzarella and Tomato Baguette and the Warm Shrimp Salad, which they serve with a Lemon Beurre Blanc and Avocado.
The dishes are hearty for a French restaurant, so you won’t leave hungry, whether you opt for a salad, sandwich or one of their more extensive main dishes. Epic dishes on the entree list include Croque Monsieur, Quiche Lorraine (bring on the Gruyere and Bacon s’il vous plait), and Beef Bourguignon with Root Veggies, Lardons and Pommes Puree.
Anthony went for the Moules Frites which included White Wine, Shallots, Bay Leaves and Garlic. Since he once lived in Belgium, he has a soft spot for mussels and tends to order them when they’re on the menu.
They encouraged the Trout Amandine, so out it came. Prepared traditional French style, it was topped with a lemon brown butter sauce and almonds. On the side? Haricots Verts naturally.
Fish lovers will want to note that they offer a Mediterranean Sea Bass with a Tapenade and Roasted Peppers and Salmon with Mustard-Braised Brussels Sprouts. For lunch, you can always opt for the Nicoise Salad as well or the Beet Salad with a Fennel Pollen Cream, Goat Cheese and Hazelnuts. Meat lovers will appreciate their Steak Au Poivre with Garlic Spinach or their ever so epic Jambon Baguette.
Did I mention that you won’t leave hungry?
Bread du Jour
A stone’s throw from the bar, there’s a counter in the main restaurant where you can order freshly made bread as well. The manager sent us off with a Garlic Rosemary Loaf which we ate for breakfast the next day. Oh so fresh. Oh so divine. It was perfect with a strong cuppa Joe before we headed off for our drive to Maryland.
Anthony and I rarely do dessert unless we’re reviewing a restaurant or out for a special occasion. Well, then there’s Poggio in Marin and we always seem to order a sweet to accompany a Cappuccino. The ambiance calls for it. At Parc, there’s no shortage of great options, from the classic Profiteroles topped with a bittersweet chocolate sauce to the Passion Fruit Tart with creme chantilly. They also offer cheese platters, sorbet, ice cream and milkshakes (great if you’re traveling with kids).
Anthony went for the Moelleux au Chocolat and I opted for the Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee. Both were exquisite and a perfect way to end our afternoon dining experience.
The Moelleux au Chocolat is a warm chocolate cake with a crunchy milk chocolate center, and a hazelnut crunch praline ice cream.
Below is the Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee. Despite how full we were, we had to try it alongside a delicious hot Cappuccino. Can you say perfection?
The Creme Brulee at Parc Restaurant in Philly
Inside or out, you might just feel like you’ve been transported to France. There are many fine touches throughout the restaurant, including the traditional wallpaper in the women’s bathroom.
The wallpaper in the women’s bathroom at Parc Restaurant
The bar at Parc Restaurant
Inside the main dining room during lunch at Parc Restaurant
The bar at Parc Restaurant
The extended dining room at Parc Restaurant
Above and below, traditional decor and style
Two tops up against the window line the restaurant
We sat inside mainly because it was a particularly humid June day; however, we’d recommend an outside table if the weather is suitable — it’s a great spot for people watching in the main square.
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
