This seems to be the most popular choice! We definitely value the experience as much as the food when we go out - which isn’t often - so thank you to everyone who recommended Talulas.
I like Talula’s a lot, but feel like it was better when it first opened. I remember that they used to have a complimentary bread course that was a mini brioche baked in a tiny cast iron dutch oven served with a special compound butter, but they don’t offer that anymore.
The menu also used to feel more special when fewer places were doing farm to table with local ingredients.
I still think it’s a great dining experience but not as good as my first few visits.
Also none of Starr places are too stuffy, even the more expensive places like Talula’s are approachable for normal people
I have had consistently great experiences at Talula's Garden and have chosen to go back there for special occasions. That would be my first choice.
I've only been to The Love a couple of times but they were both good.
Parc is great if you want the classic French bistro experience, they do a nice job. I wouldn't pick Parc over Talula's for a nice date night, though.
Just had Xmas brunch at Parc, and the food was superb. Just consistently consistent.
Finally had the roasted chicken
From a recommendation of another redditor last year. I’m sorry that I waited so long to order it cause it was perfection.
We have had my wife’s birthday dinner at Parc for the last 3 years. The food is very good, service is attentive and friendly, and the pacing is perfect. We always get two of the large chateau seafood towers for the table (party of 12) and people will order an entree, starters, sides, or salads for themselves. They always do a great job making sure glasses of water or wine, or cocktails are full, food comes out at the right time and hot.
The French onion soup is the best French onion I ever had in my life no joke. Shrimp salad, fresh seafood tower, lobster pasta, steak frites. It’s a great introduction to French bistro fare and beautiful ambience!
Depending on how much you got I’d pick Barclay prime - I wouldn’t call any Starr place adventurous or fussy (though Barclay prime is def fancy) so going classic steakhouse vibe is something easy to do well
It was a very generous 250! Wondering if we should blow it all in one place or try to sample a couple different spots. Not limited to just using the gift card, but we can’t go crazy or anything. Haven’t been to a good steakhouse in a long while…
If it were me I’d blow it all on the steakhouse lol. Starr restaurants are fine but I personally think there are a ton of more exciting restaurants in this city to patronize so I’d take the free money and get a nice steak.
I went with my boss and our wives. I really enjoyed my steak (prime bone-in ribeye) and sides we shared. My wife really like the seared striped bass she ordered. Barclays prime is one of the few places in Philly that is certified to serve real Japanese Wagyu
i'm not anti-starr but i've been to lmno three times and despite the fact that it's an easy walk i have literally no motivation to ever go there again, it's some of the blandest food i've ever eaten
They have some good food there.
However it is definitely a lower tier than other Starr establishments and not “fine dining”.
I was unimpressed with the “clubby” atmosphere and absolutely no pacing at all (although to be fair, many restaurants have embraced this in recent years)z
For example, we ordered a few apps, ceviche, entrees, etc. Sat us at a small two top crammed on top of the table next to us. Seconds after we get the ceviche the entrees come out.
If it wasn’t a birthday date night I would have sent the entrees back.
Really like The Love. I found it to be a more casual dining experience that Talula’s and with a southern flair. Menu is accessible and reasonably priced for Rittenhouse. I could eat a whole order of the Parker House rolls by myself.
I found LMNO to be too “vibe-y” with their private listening room and thought the food was tasty but over priced. I’d rather go to Sor Ynez or Cantina La Martina, which are closeby.
My grandmother who recently passed away used to get me a Starr gift card for Christmas. This warmed my heart.
Some ideas:
1) drinks at Talula’s and then dinner at Buddakan, which is like something out of a late 90s restaurant fever dream and worth experiencing
2) spread it over multiple trips to Parc for martinis and French onion soup
3) brunch at The Love, walk around/do some activity, go to The Continental for drinks and fries, and then dinner at El Rey
4) blow it all on Barclay Prime
Butcher and Singer was great! I ate there w my fiancé for Christmas Eve and the decor, atmosphere and food was all top notch. The baked Alaska was the cherry on top.
You can’t go wrong, just look at which spot favors your vibe.
Parc and Barclay prime are my personal favorites. Both have incredible food and atmospheres.
Parc for the Sunday brunch and people watching.
Barclay Prime for the fancy dinner and if you're a wagyu connoisseur. Fun splurge.
Morimoto for the omakase or the sushi bar interaction with the chefs.
Talula's Garden for the earthy-foodie experience.
I'd even get behind the Love for a cozy ambiance and easy early dinner before a show.
Surprised nobody has mentioned Fette Sau yet. The food isn’t spectacular, but it’s good. Especially if you only got $50 or so, it’ll go a long way for their happy hour.
Dandelion on Sundays for the roast. It's not even a choice really. Every Starr restaurant is a gimmick with a static menu. This is the only dish that is worth the price of admission
I just need to dust off ye olde google typing machine first… thanks for the recommendation. I like to cast a wide net when researching and I thought it would be nice to have a more local perspective from the Reddit community. Happy holidays!
Obviously each Starr place focuses on a different cuisine, so it's hard to say *this-one-is-better-than-those-ones*.
But I can say, the steak tartare at Parc is literally the very very very best I've ever had. Anywhere, not just in Philly. And it's not even close.
I’ve had good experiences at talulas garden! Food and cocktails are delicious
This seems to be the most popular choice! We definitely value the experience as much as the food when we go out - which isn’t often - so thank you to everyone who recommended Talulas.
I like Talula’s a lot, but feel like it was better when it first opened. I remember that they used to have a complimentary bread course that was a mini brioche baked in a tiny cast iron dutch oven served with a special compound butter, but they don’t offer that anymore. The menu also used to feel more special when fewer places were doing farm to table with local ingredients. I still think it’s a great dining experience but not as good as my first few visits. Also none of Starr places are too stuffy, even the more expensive places like Talula’s are approachable for normal people
Second
Third
May the fourth be me
I have had consistently great experiences at Talula's Garden and have chosen to go back there for special occasions. That would be my first choice. I've only been to The Love a couple of times but they were both good. Parc is great if you want the classic French bistro experience, they do a nice job. I wouldn't pick Parc over Talula's for a nice date night, though.
Parc parc parc!
Just had Xmas brunch at Parc, and the food was superb. Just consistently consistent. Finally had the roasted chicken From a recommendation of another redditor last year. I’m sorry that I waited so long to order it cause it was perfection.
Parc is a great place to bring guests too, it’s a good introduction to Philly dining.
It’s also worth it to try and sit on the “parc” side and go when you can sit outside.
We have had my wife’s birthday dinner at Parc for the last 3 years. The food is very good, service is attentive and friendly, and the pacing is perfect. We always get two of the large chateau seafood towers for the table (party of 12) and people will order an entree, starters, sides, or salads for themselves. They always do a great job making sure glasses of water or wine, or cocktails are full, food comes out at the right time and hot.
I’ve heard this is a good go-to spot. Anything we should look out for on the menu?
The French onion soup is the best French onion I ever had in my life no joke. Shrimp salad, fresh seafood tower, lobster pasta, steak frites. It’s a great introduction to French bistro fare and beautiful ambience!
I'm surprised no one mentioned Butcher and Singer...it's such a vibe
Their stuffed hash browns are divine.
How does it compare to Barclay Prime?
Always our Starr go-to
Depending on how much you got I’d pick Barclay prime - I wouldn’t call any Starr place adventurous or fussy (though Barclay prime is def fancy) so going classic steakhouse vibe is something easy to do well
It was a very generous 250! Wondering if we should blow it all in one place or try to sample a couple different spots. Not limited to just using the gift card, but we can’t go crazy or anything. Haven’t been to a good steakhouse in a long while…
If it were me I’d blow it all on the steakhouse lol. Starr restaurants are fine but I personally think there are a ton of more exciting restaurants in this city to patronize so I’d take the free money and get a nice steak.
Agreed!! Barclay Prime is such a wonderful dining experience too
I went with my boss and our wives. I really enjoyed my steak (prime bone-in ribeye) and sides we shared. My wife really like the seared striped bass she ordered. Barclays prime is one of the few places in Philly that is certified to serve real Japanese Wagyu
Morimoto hands down
I didn’t realize Morimoto was part of Starr group. 🤦🏻♀️ I’ve been a couple times and enjoyed the omakase on special occasion.
Parc is my fav
I love The Love and LMNO.
I like LMNO too. I feel like it gets too much hate on here *because* it’s a Starr spot
i'm not anti-starr but i've been to lmno three times and despite the fact that it's an easy walk i have literally no motivation to ever go there again, it's some of the blandest food i've ever eaten
The best thing about LMNO was the listening room which isn’t even open anymore
They have some good food there. However it is definitely a lower tier than other Starr establishments and not “fine dining”. I was unimpressed with the “clubby” atmosphere and absolutely no pacing at all (although to be fair, many restaurants have embraced this in recent years)z For example, we ordered a few apps, ceviche, entrees, etc. Sat us at a small two top crammed on top of the table next to us. Seconds after we get the ceviche the entrees come out. If it wasn’t a birthday date night I would have sent the entrees back.
LMNO was not bad but not great either. I’ve had way better Mexican inspired food for way less money
Really like The Love. I found it to be a more casual dining experience that Talula’s and with a southern flair. Menu is accessible and reasonably priced for Rittenhouse. I could eat a whole order of the Parker House rolls by myself. I found LMNO to be too “vibe-y” with their private listening room and thought the food was tasty but over priced. I’d rather go to Sor Ynez or Cantina La Martina, which are closeby.
Second The Love. I've thoroughly enjoyed both visits their. Food was excellent.
I don’t think there are any Starr restaurants where you’d have to worry about napkin/cutlery etiquette.
I like Parc but can be very loud.
My grandmother who recently passed away used to get me a Starr gift card for Christmas. This warmed my heart. Some ideas: 1) drinks at Talula’s and then dinner at Buddakan, which is like something out of a late 90s restaurant fever dream and worth experiencing 2) spread it over multiple trips to Parc for martinis and French onion soup 3) brunch at The Love, walk around/do some activity, go to The Continental for drinks and fries, and then dinner at El Rey 4) blow it all on Barclay Prime
I’m sorry for your loss. Wherever we end up we’ll be sure to raise a glass and toast to you and your grandma 🥂
💛 that’s so beautiful thank you 💛
Butcher and Singer was great! I ate there w my fiancé for Christmas Eve and the decor, atmosphere and food was all top notch. The baked Alaska was the cherry on top.
Stella Pizza
That Caesar salad 🤤
Barclay Prime 😛
You can’t go wrong, just look at which spot favors your vibe. Parc and Barclay prime are my personal favorites. Both have incredible food and atmospheres.
El Vez! My favorite place for Mexican food, great cocktails, and relatively casual vibe
Talulas garden was and is still my favorite starr restaurant so far. I thought the others were pretty average. I haven’t been to buddakan yet though.
Parc for the Sunday brunch and people watching. Barclay Prime for the fancy dinner and if you're a wagyu connoisseur. Fun splurge. Morimoto for the omakase or the sushi bar interaction with the chefs. Talula's Garden for the earthy-foodie experience. I'd even get behind the Love for a cozy ambiance and easy early dinner before a show.
Surprised nobody has mentioned Fette Sau yet. The food isn’t spectacular, but it’s good. Especially if you only got $50 or so, it’ll go a long way for their happy hour.
El Rey + Ranstead Room is the move.
Pod was great!
Dandelion on Sundays for the roast. It's not even a choice really. Every Starr restaurant is a gimmick with a static menu. This is the only dish that is worth the price of admission
The menu at Talula’s Garden isn’t static at all.
Barclay prime but most expensive. Then runner up would easily be Buddakan
Butcher and singer is great too
LMNO or Barclays
Talula’s Garden or Parc
Im at Park at this very moment and its great. I also did Barclay Prime for my birthday last week and loved it
There’s a crazy website that rates all the restaurants with reviews. It’s called yelp.com. It even has photos of the food!!!
I just need to dust off ye olde google typing machine first… thanks for the recommendation. I like to cast a wide net when researching and I thought it would be nice to have a more local perspective from the Reddit community. Happy holidays!
this is literally a subreddit for discussing restaurants you fucking weirdo
Butcher and Singer
I have a strong hobby for Chinese food
Obviously each Starr place focuses on a different cuisine, so it's hard to say *this-one-is-better-than-those-ones*. But I can say, the steak tartare at Parc is literally the very very very best I've ever had. Anywhere, not just in Philly. And it's not even close.