I love that double shot of espresso in the morning as much as the next caffeine addict, but some days call for a warm, delectable breakfast. Start things off right with a quick pit stop at one of these downtown dining destinations, our picks for the hautest in Philadelphia. Mom would be so proud.
Lacroix
Overlooking the park from within The Rittenhouse Hotel, Lacroix makes mornings modern. The sleek dining room matches muted tones with sparkling glass fixtures, and the leafy green view outside shines. But what brings you to the tables here, though, is the award-winning food. Weekday diners can choose from tempting plates of smoked salmon or challah french toast. Brunch on Sundays is a feast for all senses, including three appetizer stations, raw bar, dessert table and live music.
Lacroix is located at 210 West Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, 215.790.2533, www.lacroixrestaurant.com.
XIX
Located on the, you guessed it, 19th floor of the Hyatt at The Bellevue, XIX wins their wow-factor as soon as you step off the elevator and get a glimpse of the city below. That is, of course, until you are seated. Weekday breakfast is in the cafe, a soaring rotunda boasting original plaster reliefs and a menu of classic treats like crab cakes Benedict and ham and white cheddar panini. Brunch opens up in the dining room with its massive pearl-like chandelier and includes raw bar, sushi station and dessert selections. (Try the champagne cream and strawberries. Heaven.)
XIX is located at 200 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, 215.790.1919, www.nineteenrestaurant.com.
Sabrina’s Cafe
Stop someone on the street in Philly, ask them where to grab a great breakfast, and you are going to hear the name “Sabrina.” A South Philly staple, the cafe is known for heaping portions of food that somehow blend downhome with decadence. Blue Cheese Frittatas, Sabrina’s Huevos Rancheros and their famous Stuffed Caramelized French Toast will have you wondering how you ever made do with a Nutri-Grain bar. Casual and cozy, the restaurant is also well known for being vegetarian- and vegan-friendly.
Sabrina’s Cafe is located at 910 Christian Street, Philadelphia, 215.574.1599, and 1804 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia, 215.636.9160, www.sabrinascafe.com.
Parc
There’s something about a good cup of coffee, the early edition of the paper and an outdoor table that makes you feel like you’re in Europe. Grab one of the two-tops lined outside French bistro Parc and dive into the experience head first. With a prime people-watching location on Rittenhouse Square and the trendy yet comfortable vibe owner Stephen Starr is known for, it makes early mornings more than manageable. Order up Polenta and Eggs Basquaise and a cafe au lait and watch the world wander by.
Parc is located at 227 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, 215.545.2262, www.parc-restaurant.com.
Morning Glory
If it’s a lazy morning and you are wishing your Mom were around to cook you up something sinful, the next best plan is to head to Morning Glory. The “local” for those in the Italian Market neighborhood, the diner does simple dishes with quality ingredients and special touches. After the requisite wait for your booth (no reservations here), tuck into the Neighborhood Frittata (red peppers, provolone and spinach) or blueberry-smothered Glory Cakes.
Morning Glory is located at 10th and Fitzwater streets, Philadelphia, 215.413.3999, www.themorningglorydiner.com.
