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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Bala Cynwyd

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12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Aleksandar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(508)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary European • Center City
Booked 22 times today
Aleksandar is the newest addition to the acclaimed Rittenhouse Square restaurant scene. We are inspired by seasonal ingredients, chef-driven techniques, and the traditions and flavors of ancestral and modern Europe. With floor-to-ceiling windows, large-scale original artwork, and cozy wood finishes, we at Aleksandar strive to marry Old World authenticity and modern culinary flare. Aleksandar is an approachable introduction to different corners of Europe, a place to discover new flavors and old traditions. Reservations are highly recommended. Walk-ins are accommodated whenever possible. We look forward to your visit!
A photo of Louie Louie Bistro Bar restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1795)
Price: Moderate
• French American • University City
Booked 51 times today
Located in University City, Louie Louie is an American bistro with a French inspired menu offering seasonal, ingredient-inspired dishes based on a classical combination of flavors. House-made pastries and an extensive beverage program highlighting wines by the glass and bottle as well as seasonal specialty cocktails and craft beers add to the dining experience. The décor pays homage to Art Nouveau and European cafes with a touch of the 1970s. Traditional wood tones, reclaimed subway tiles, tried and true black and white marble stones as flooring and wainscoting and blue and buttery leathers, fabrics and patterns bring color and graphic identities to the space. The Lounge offers custom lux seating, perfect for gathering with friends for cocktails and snacks. Outdoor seating reminiscent of French cafes is the ideal spot for dining and people watching.
A photo of Con Murphy's Irish Pub restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(453)
Price: Moderate
• American • Center City
Booked 4 times today
Con Murphy's is an authentic cozy Irish Pub in the heart of Center City. Just a stones throw from Philly's best museums, hotels & attractions. Serving perhaps the best pint of Guinness in the city, along with other craft beers and signature cocktails, a classy yet comfortable pub awaits you. With an outdoor patio right on The Ben Franklin Parkway there's no better place for people watching & taking in a nice sunset.Con Murphy's has created a menu to please all palates from the traditional Shepherds Pie (made with Lamb) & Fish'n'Chips & the local favorite Philly Cheesesteak.
A photo of Parc restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(17483)
Price: Expensive
• French • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 294 times today
Stephen Starr's stylish addition to Rittenhouse Square pays tribute to French cafe culture, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, ideal for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Parc recalls the chic brasseries of Paris, serving classic French fare in a charming space. Red leather banquettes topped with frosted glass provide a sense of intimacy. Details such as well-worn wooden chairs, vintage framed paintings and photos and antique brass fixtures transport guests across the Atlantic. French doors spill onto a sidewalk terrace covered by a dark red awning perfect for dining "en plein air."
A photo of a.kitchen restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2102)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Center City
Booked 29 times today
a.kitchen, situated in Hotel AKA Rittenhouse Square, is a French-inspired American restaurant led by Executive Chef Eli Collins. The bistro-style menu offers everything from small plates to more traditional lunch and dinner options. Known for its innovative wine list, a.kitchen is a top destination for natural and terroir-driven wines from regions around the world. Reservations are available for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.Adjacent to a.kitchen, a.bar offers a cocktail-focused experience along with a menu of snacks, burgers, salads, and seasonal dishes. Guests of Hotel AKA Rittenhouse Square can also enjoy in-suite dining for a more private experience.
A photo of La Fontana Della Citta restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2029)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 27 times today
Jersey Shore pilgrims might be familiar with La Fontana Del Mare ("The Fountain of the Sea"), the award-winning restaurant in Strathmere. Owner Rafael Kupa is excited to bring his most popular dishes to Philly at this new "Fountain of the City," a 100-seat BYOB right off Rittenhouse Square.
A photo of Marathon - 16th & Sansom restaurant
4.4
Awesome(916)
Price: Moderate
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 18 times today
Marathon has served the neighborhoods of Philadelphia for over 25 years as a family-run restaurant group. We serve well-made American classics, and strive to source the freshest food locally available to us, including from our own Marathon Farm in Brewerytown, Philadelphia. Our favorite farm to table items include our grass-fed Cheesesteak, free-range Turkey Plate, and fluffy Omelets made with cage-free eggs.
A photo of Mabu Kitchen restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(191)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary French • Center City
Booked 17 times today
BYOB French restaurant with a unique blend of Southern-inspired cuisine and bistro classics: think Confit Fried Chicken and Waffle, and Steak au Poivre. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, with antique mirrors lining the walls, candlelight, and warm and friendly service. We have seasonal outdoor seating along a lovely alleyway with potted blooms and bird serenades.Located on historic Antique Row, this charming spot is a great place to meet for a special occasion, date-night, business meal, or a casual dinner with friends. This is a small family-owned business and everything is made to order. Grab your favorite bottle of wine and head to this hidden gem to experience a contemporary take on French cuisine.
A photo of Yakitori Boy Japas  - Philadelphia restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(595)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Chinatown
Booked 6 times today
DINING RESERVATIONS ARE ONLY FOR OUR 1ST FLOOR RESTAURANT, NOT FOR KARAOKE.• Make an inquiry for a karaoke room/lounge table @ yakitoriboy.com/sing or call our Events Team at (215)-923-8088 ext. 3WE CAN SEAT UP TO 20 GUESTS AT 1 TABLE (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)! FOR RESERVATIONS WITH A PARTY OF MORE THAN 5 GUESTS, PLEASE CALL US AT (215)-923-8088 EXT. 1 TO MAKE A RESERVATION!Yakitori Boy is a premier izakaya destination in Philadelphia! We serve a variety of tapas style dishes (japas), sushi and a variety of yakitori. On our 1st floor, we have restaurant seating and a full bar serving delicious food and cocktails. The 2nd floor features our lounge, bar and private karaoke rooms that can accommodate up to 20 guests for business meetings and private parties. Come eat, drink and sing!
A photo of Planchette Bistro and Creperie restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(413)
Price: Moderate
• French • Ambler
Booked 12 times today
Planchette Ambler is a bistro and creperie located on a busy corner site in Butler avenue. With glazed frontage on two sides of the building, overlooking fresh air and a bustling intersection.Please note outdoor seating is available but is sat on a first-come-first-served basis.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Kelsey
    Jacksonville / Northeast Florida •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Boyfriend and I went and split three dishes, which came recommended from a server. Onion soup, warm shrimp salad, and the steak frites. Everything was fantastic. We ordered our steak medium, and it came out very medium rare. Our server returned it, the manager came out and apologized. They returned with a corrected steak and more frites. Definitely recommend eating the frites with the steak in one bite. Good one their own but together- chef’s kiss! All of the food was incredible, and felt like we were back in Paris for an hour. Only critique would be for the bread to come warm to the table, or the butter to be softened so it could easily spread on the bread.
    More info
    ParcPrice: Expensive• French• Rittenhouse Square
    4.8
  • Dorothy
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great 1st visit! Friday lunch. All 3 of us enjoyed our meals. Tasty. Good size (not "big", but appropriate/ nice portion). Front and back of house staff were concerned and actively took proper steps to address a food allergy. We ordered the cheeseburger (x2) and Gem lettuce w/ chicken. Both were fantastic... flavor, presentation, preparation was as promised/ expected. Staff was attentive but not lurking. I look forward to returning.
    More info
    a.kitchenPrice: Expensive• French American• Center City
    4.7
  • JohnVIP
    Philadelphia County •23 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 28, 2024
    We have dined twice recently at Aleksandar, and both times everything was exquisite. The staff are welcoming and well informed. The dishes are thoughtfully conceived, beautifully presented, and scrumptious. The ambiance is warm and inviting. Highly recommended.!
    More info
    AleksandarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary European• Center City
    4.5
  • carolVIP
    Philadelphia County •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 27, 2024
    The waitress was attentive. Food arrived promptly. Both of us were pleased with our meals. I will be back.
    More info
    Louie Louie Bistro BarPrice: Moderate• French American• University City
    4.6
  • DocWoz
    Philadelphia County •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 12, 2024
    Again, this is a 4.5 star restaurant—across all categories, including value and quality of food. The service, for me, was top notch—not only were servers attentive but were very friendly and seemed genuinely interested in making my experience enjoyable. I had some nice recommendations regarding some simple questions posed (burger or fish and chips? For which I was guided to an excellent burger at perfect requested temperature!) and my water and Guinness glasses were kept filled without the servers being too cloying. The Guinness was an excellent pour as well, and the Brussels Sprouts appetizer with kielbasa was a different twist and also well prepared. The only nitpick I had in terms of food was the hand cut fires, which were house made and fresh, were a bit tepid and flabby when served. The other nitpick was a seating issue—I was a bit nippy while seated at a hi-top in the bar area—the side door which was directly behind me let in cold air each time it was open. This is practically uncorrectable by the restaurant—so treat this not as a condemnation but as a pro-tip for your experience there (don’t sit behind that door in the winter!) And you should go—this was a quality experience and would go again (and again).
    More info
    Con Murphy's Irish PubPrice: Moderate• American• Center City
    4.7
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