Executive Chef: Matt Levin

“It's always a thrill to witness a daring young chef make his first splash at a surprising new restaurant. But how many ever mature enough to begin to approach greatness?

The club is understandably elite. And while it's difficult enough a territory with an original restaurant, it is perhaps an even more impressive feat to do it by inheriting - and improving - a legend's swan song”. - Craig LaBan, Philadelphia Inquirer

Talk about accolades...Esquire Magazine called Lacroix at the Rittenhouse "The Best New Restaurant in the United States" and Gourmet called it "The World’s Best Hotel Dining Room." Certainly the Rittenhouse is one of the world’s best hotels, so this is a serious property indeed.

The restaurant was named for Chef Jean-Marie Lacroix, perhaps the most beloved chef in the history of this great city. Jean-Marie has officially retired and it is a fair question to ask - how do you replace a culinary legend? The simple answer is you have to find a truly great chef or possibly rename the restaurant. The good news is that they found a truly great chef in the incredibly talented Matthew Levin.

This CIA graduate arrived in 2006 with a resume that included Striped Bass, Le Bec-Fin and Brasserie Perrier in Philadelphia; The Ryland Inn in Whitehouse, New Jersey; Aureole in New York and Charlie Trotters in Chicago; along with his recent stint at Moonlight in New Hope. This highly creative chef and his rendition of New American Cuisine quickly won the hearts of the local dining community and Lacroix at the Rittenhouse remains one of the classic restaurants in America.

Ambiance plays such a gigantic role in the success of any restaurant and in this regard, designer Marguerite Rodgers created her own masterpiece. Of course, it helps to be located in beautiful Rittenhouse Square and the massive windows overlooking the Square make it all the more luxurious as well as relaxing.

Sommelier Eric Simonis and his Wine Spectator Award of Excellence program include some 600 distinct selections. Approximately 300 are French with the other half representing the rest of the world. There are some 30 wines by the glass ($9 to $12) and the average price per bottle is $60 to $85.

Neighborhood: Center City

Hours: Breakfast (6 a.m. to 11 a.m.); Saturday Breakfast Buffet (7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.); Lunch - Monday to Saturday (11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.); Sunday Brunch (11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.); Dinner - Sunday to Thursday (5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.) Friday to Sunday (5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.)

Payment Options: AMEX, MasterCard, Visa, Discover

Dress Code: Business Casual

Reservations: Recommended (Open Table)

Parking: Valet

Outdoor Dining: No

Private Party Facilities: Lacroix offers a beautiful private room seating up to 16 guests at a long farm table. Also featuring a semi-private dining room, seating up to 25 guests.

Other Amenities: Chef's Table, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking Restaurant