Philadelphia may not have an abundance of restaurants on every corner with awe-inspiring views—but there is a small-yet-impressive collection of spots where you can enjoy beautiful sights with your meal or cocktail.
These are nine of the city’s restaurants with scenic views.
Parc
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Located on a prime corner featuring a lovely view of Rittenhouse Square, Parc is reminiscent of a classic French bistro. The food here is delectable, with plenty of French-inspired favorites and an impressive wine list. Open all day, it’s a popular spot; come for happy hour in the summer, when Parc opens its floor-to-ceiling windows and invites guests to dine outdoors.
The Hadley
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Courtesy of The Hadley
Across the street from the Rodin Museum and the Barnes Foundation, The Hadley is situated on Philadelphia's legendary Benjamin Franklin Parkway. With a stylish décor that reflects a hip, 1950s motif, this relatively new eatery features a sprawling patio, an open kitchen, and a full bar that serves up a variety of craft cocktails. A few menu favorites include the crispy deconstructed Caesar salad, wild mushroom ravioli, and seared Maine diver scallops.
XIX at the Bellevue
Perched on the 19th floor of the Bellevue hotel in Center City, XIX (aka “Nineteen”) showcases a sophisticated dining room that's just as stunning as the surrounding city views. With high ceilings, soaring windows, and a welcoming lounge and fireplace, the ambiance is formal and luxurious. Open all day, this posh restaurant serves up New American specialities like braised beef short ribs and crab cheddar mac and cheese.
Lacroix at the Rittenhouse Hotel
Lacroix is considered one of the most exclusive restaurants in town, where . customers are treated to gorgeous views of Rittenhouse Square. It's positioned just above the tree-line, so you will see across the park and beyond, no matter the season. Fans adore innovative and delectable dishes such as: striped bass, dry-aged duck, and lobster rolls. Don’t miss La Croix’s exceptional tea or Sunday brunch; be sure to make a reservation in advance.
Jean-Georges
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Courtesy of Jean Georges Restaurant
One of the newest exclusive restaurants in the city, Jean-Georges is situated in the “sky lobby” of the Four Seasons hotel. Located on the 59th floor, this upscale restaurant is simply stunning, with floor-to-ceiling windows, exceptional light, and (obviously) the most incredible views in town. All of the tables are configured so guests can see unobstructed sights of the sky and surrounding buildings. Not surprisingly, it’s also a culinary experience that’s ideal for special occasions, with menu offerings such as herb-crusted lamb loin and truffle-crusted salmon. If you wish to stop by for a cocktail, you can sip a drink at the adjacent lounge area, JG Skyhigh.
Irwin’s at the Bok School
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Visit Philadelphia
In South Philadelphia, locals and visitors head to Irwin’s. This upscale restaurant is located on the top floor of the Bok Building, a former high school that houses local artisans, businesses, and an expansive rooftop bar during the summer. Open year round (and with no other tall structures nearby), Irwin's provides great views of the Philadelphia skyline. The menu features a variety of creative Mediterranean specialties such as sweet potato hummus, roasted beets and cauliflower, baba ganoush, and sea bass with Aegean couscous. Irwin’s also has a full bar that serves up an array of inventive cocktails.
Chart House
This restaurant in historic Penn's Landing sits on the bank of the Delaware River, where you'll be treated to lovely views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Southern New Jersey, and of course, the Philadelphia skyline. The menu showcases classic seafood dishes and other favorites like prime rib. Chart House has an outdoor terrace that’s open during the summer as well as a parking lot (a rarity in the city).
Assembly at the Logan Hotel
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Courtesy of Assembly Rooftop Lounge
Assembly is situated atop the chic Logan Hotel, nine stories above Philadelphia's art museum district. With an abundance of comfortable seating, fire pits, a full bar, and great views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, it’s a true oasis in the city. Although the focus is on the cocktail offerings, the restaurant offers a selection of small and sharable plates for snacking.
The Moshulu
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Visit Philly
This classic Penn’s Landing restaurant is always a winner, as it is actually a ship with a storied history dating back to the 1900s. Today, the Moshulu promises a one-of-a-kind dining experience as it is the only restaurant in the world that’s situated on a “square-rigged sailing vessel” that’s currently afloat.” When enjoying a meal out on the water, guests can expect a variety of classic seafood offerings such as crab cakes, salmon, and swordfish.