Special Occasion Restaurants

Chef Dave Clouser’s impressive resume, including such notable restaurants as Susanna Foo, The Inn at Montcharin and Nectar, has given him the essential tools to open his Bryn Mawr restaurant, Sola. Serving a familiar American cuisine with a distinctive European flair, Sola attempts to redefine the typical bistro. This 50-seat restaurant offers diners a warm intimate environment with fresh seasonal ingredients and an ever evolving weekly prix fixe menu. Since its inception in 2006, Sola has remained a BYOB restaurant and promises to stay that way.

Rittenhouse Square is home to the Parisian oasis, Parc Brasserie. Capturing the true essence of sophisticated café cuisine, Parc presents guests with a comfortingly satisfying menu of French classics. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served up with a fitting degree of care, and flavor, as Parc maintains the Starr Restaurants’ high standards for quality and service. From the Onion Soup to the Beef Bourguignon, the bliss is in the bite. Linger over a comforting café au lait on the patio or enjoy a leisurely sip of wine at the zinc bar at Parc Brasserie – that Parisian holiday is only …

If you’re searching for an elegant, romantic, intimate, and exquisite venue for a wedding, birthday, banquet, or any other type of celebration, look no further than Philadelphia’s Cescaphe Ballroom. Its built in hardwood flooring provides a great dance floor and the ballroom can be transformed into any theme the client desires. Historically a movie theater, the building was renovated and hosted its first event in 2004. Since then, this extravagant venue has become renowned for its signature opulence, professionalism, and unparalleled attention to detail. The Cescaphe Ballroom also features a lounge area that serves as a great area for cocktails …

Philadelphia’s Richmond Hall is among the city’s most elegant locations to host an event available for weddings, parties, banquets, and more. Originally a church, Richmond Hall is complete with hard wood floors, cathedral ceilings, and an iron balcony. The stylish space within the hall where all of these events take place, known as the crystal room, holds multiple extravagant crystal chandeliers that light up the space. Richmond Hall offers event planning and catering services with an extensive Italian-inspired menu, and prides itself on being a company that provides affordable elegance.

Alma de Cuba is a Latin vacation, right in the heart of Philadelphia. Located at 1623 Walnut Street, it’s a perfect destination to pop into on the way home from work or for an elegant dinner. The lounge evokes sultry Miami nightlife with a mix of traditional Cuban and contemporary elements, with traditional drinks such as Caipirinhas and Classic Mojitos, which are always specially priced for happy hour. Upstairs, the balcony-style seating and classic décor promise a mellow and sophisticated ambiance. Chef Rodriguez adds novel twists to old world Cuban standards in his "Nuevo Latino" creations, such as Pan Roasted …

For a sweet taste of Philadelphia, Swiss Haus Bakery bakes decadent and quality cakes, pastries, and cookies using premium ingredients and traditional European recipes. This Certified Kosher bakery is ideal for grabbing a cupcake on the go, or a cake for a birthday—they even offer options for catering and wedding cakes. It also offers a little bit of Philly history, since this bakery was opened in 1923 and changed owners in 2007. With sweet treats like margiolane, tiramisu, cannolis, cream puffs or strawberry shortcakes, Swiss Haus is sure to ease your sugar cravings in no time.

Gluten-free? Sugar-free? Vegan? Dairy-free? No problem! At Sweet Freedom Bakery, quality baking meets health conscious alternatives—it’s a place where those with a sweet tooth can get their sugar fix knowing that all products are mindful of food allergies and health conscious individuals. With a philosophy that ensures premium product and a guarantee that everyone can get something sweet, Sweet Freedom Bakery sells a treat for everyone that walks through the door. Whether you’re picking up something small, or ordering cakes, cookies, or doughnuts by the dozen, Sweet Freedom Bakery doesn’t turn any stomach away.

The space formerly known as Sonoma was recently revamped by dynamic chef and owner Derek Davis. The result is Derek’s, a casual contemporary lounge serving sophisticated comfort food in a family atmosphere. Whether opting to order from their sweeping wine list or to BYO with no additional corkage fee, casual wine drinkers and enthusiasts alike are sure to feel at home. The menu is no less welcoming and offers thoughtful small plates and regular portioned entrees made from sustainable and seasonal ingredients. Sidewalk seating is ideal in the warmer months and conveys a European joie de vivre you’ll be hard-pressed …