Your rehearsal dinner is typically the event that kicks off your wedding celebration, and your groom’s family most often hosts it. While your wedding’s overall aesthetic is important to keep in mind while you plan, your rehearsal dinner doesn’t have to match it exactly. In fact, it’s a great time to introduce your wedding party and close family to a unique space in the city that’s a bit different from your venue.
There is not a shortage of beautiful spaces, unique restaurants, and amazing food throughout Philadelphia. In fact, the search for your rehearsal dinner space can feel a bit daunting. So, we’ve researched for you and put together a list of our top 10 places in the city and just outside that range from classic to trendy. We’re sure you’ll find a space to match what you have in mind to welcome guests to your wedding weekend in Philadelphia!
Hotels:
What to expect: Seasonal menus with American fare and French influences, warm interiors, and exceptional service.
Why we love it: Located at the Four Seasons, this restaurant is rated number one in Philadelphia.
What to expect: A private dining room serviced by Hotel Monaco’s Red Owl Tavern. Plan ahead with a three or four course meal or opt for stations depending on your guest count and budget.
Why we love it: Hotel Monaco is one of the trendiest hotels in the city and offers suburb accommodations for out of town guests.
Shanghai Private Dining Room
What to expect:: Renowned Executive Chef Jon Cichon heads up this acclaimed AAA Four Diamond Award restaurant, serving cuisine made from the very best locally sourced and seasonally superb ingredients.
Why we love it:: Located in the heart of Center City on the second floor of the prestigious Rittenhouse Hotel, Lacroix boasts some of the best views of Rittenhouse Square
Classic:
The Union League of Philadelphia
What to expect: A members only club, beautiful architecture, and a classically upscale menu filled with options from which to choose.
Why we love it: Host your rehearsal dinner in the wine cellar! It’s unique and intimate.
Union League
What to expect: Excellent steak and fish, the rich menu options are perfect for a fall or winter wedding.
Why we love it: Rittenhouse Square is one of our most loved areas in Philadelphia, and Barclay Prime is located right along the Square. You’ll also be able to dine with your guests in a private dining room.
Trendy:
What to expect: Traditional tapas prepared by the in-house chef that are perfect to share between guests.
Why we love it: The venue is rustic yet refined, and we love the varied spaces where you can host your dinner depending on your guest count (in the dining room, in a lounge complete with a bar, or in a dining room reserved just for you).
What to expect: A modern take on traditional Italian cuisine at a location in the heart of Philadelphia’s Midtown Village.
Why we love it: Because the restaurant is small, you’ll be able to rent out the space for your rehearsal dinner. Plus, there’s the option to host your party inside or outside in the garden.
What to expect: A farm to table menu featuring high quality produce, meat, and cheese all on exquisitely charming grounds.
Why we love it: The spaces at the venue! Plan to host your dinner in the antique greenhouse, lodge, or on the terrace. Need we say more?
terrain
Non-Traditional:
What to expect: A completely unique venue with the option to use their in house caterer or hire a different caterer from Mask & Wig’s approved list.
Why we love it: This venue is filled with history, performances by Penn students are guaranteed, plus the walls in the Grille Room include caricatures of members past and present.
