Philadelphia is a town that knows good food. Philly’s reputation for a wide variety of worldly cuisine blasted past the cheesesteak decades ago. Chefs have flocked to the City of Brotherly Love to bring inspiration and diversity. Philadelphia, a richly cultural city, has done its very best to keep its culinary traditions close. This is all great news if you find your company looking to host a Philadelphia private dining experience, as the choices you’ll have for private dining are as vast as they are bountiful.
Finding a private dining space in Philadelphia can be a breeze if you know where to look. Maybe you need a spot to treat your customers after a long day at the Philadelphia Convention Center. Perhaps your team has just secured a major client and needs a place to toast their achievement. Whether it’s a celebratory team dinner or a client luncheon, this historic city has tons of choices for tucked away dining. The Vendry has put together a list of some top picks, so get ready to be inspired for what awaits in Philly.
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse
Private Dining Capacity: 45 standing, 20 seated
A few steps away from beloved Rittenhouse Square, The Love is a true sanctuary nestled in the middle of this busy city. From the moment you step foot in here you can feel the creative energy being poured into simply every aspect of this space. Head upstairs to discover The Loft, The Love’s private dining room that might be one of the most Insta-worthy spaces in all of Philly. Work with their experts to create the perfect private luncheon or dinner. Just outside of the double-doors of the dining space is a personal lounge area and bar, perfect for striking up conversations with co-workers before or after dinner.
Neighborhood: Washington Square West
Private Dining Capacity: 25 seated
Nestled on the corner of 13th and Sansom Street in charming Washington Square West sits Pearl & Mary Oyster Bar. Classic coastal favorites are the star here. Let the experts from Schulson Collection – a leader in Philadelphia hospitality – show your associates or clients what fresh seafood should taste like. Book their Private Dining Room, a dimly lit, brick walled, seafaring-inspired space that seats 25. Work with Pearl & Mary staff to customize a menu for your group, impressing your customers or clients with an Oyster Tasting or Shellfish Tower.
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse
Private Dining Capacity: 20
Creativity takes the wheel at Wilder, a favorite amongst locals in the Rittenhouse neighborhood. Offering an imaginative menu with seasonal favorites, Wilder provides a truly unique backdrop for your corporate event. Their private dining room upstairs does not disappoint, with its animal-print chairs and lush greenery, set aglow from the street-facing neon of the Wilder welcome sign. Host a luncheon, dinner, or cocktail reception in this space that can seat 20 guests (plus four at the counter!). Invite your guests to choose what they’d like from the imaginative chef’s menu, offering three or four courses. Your clients, customers, or associates will remember this walk on the wild side.
Neighborhood: Old City
Private Dining Capacity: 30 standing, 22 seated
Bringing the modern to Old City is Morimoto, the daring flagship restaurant of Chef Masaharu Morimoto. From masterful cuts of pristine sashimi to a sushi tasting menu, the most discerning palate will be exhilarated by what awaits at Morimoto. A showcase of Japanese tradition with of-the-moment culinary techniques, this sleek and innovative restaurant offers two different private dining rooms. The first is the Omakase Room, a moody, candlelit space that offers an immersive experience and seats 17. The Private Morimoto Lounge can accommodate 30 for a cocktail reception, or 22 for a seated presentation of a private omakase, which will be tailored to your party’s tastes.
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse
Private Dining Capacity: 60 seated
Sometimes it’s best to keep it classic. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Rittenhouse Grill, a steakhouse staple on the Philadelphia dining scene operating in the Warwick Hotel since 1997. This swanky joint harkens the time of supper clubs and sophistication (cue the live piano). There are three private dining rooms available at Rittenhouse Grill, from the smallest seating 16 guests, to the largest at 60. Work with their experienced staff who have been putting together corporate custom dining packages of fresh chops and seafood for decades.
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse
Private Dining Capacity: 80 standing, 30 seated
Executive Chef and Philadelphia-born Jennifer Carroll, in tandem with co-executive Chef Billy Riddle, put their knowledge of Mediterranean flavors on full display at Spice Finch. This place is so fetching that Philadelphia-based Clove Shoes chose Spice Finch as the backdrop for their product launch in 2020. Choose from the Locust Street or Chancellor Street Dining Rooms, both featuring deep blue banquets, audio/visual capabilities, and room for 30. If your party is bigger but you can’t deny the allure of Spice Finch, fear not, as these two rooms can be combined to accommodate 60. Prepare your business cohorts from some fantastic food and innovative cocktails.
Neighborhood: Washington Square West
Private Dining Capacity: 100 standing, 70 seated
Hosting a larger crowd? Be sure to check out Double Knot, specifically their Subterranean Level, which has room for 70 seated. Guide your guests down from the upbeat cocktail lounge into a fabulous sushi bar and robatayaki on the lower level. This space is a virtual showcase of a free-flowing kitchen, complete with sights and sounds. Your associates and clients will melt into the low-key, laid back vibe of this space, complete with dark stained wood walls and exposed brick. And don’t sleep on the drink list – Double Knot serves up an impressive sake and wine list.
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse
Private Dining Capacity: 64 standing, 40 seated
Chef Stephen Starr brings forth a high-end steakhouse with Barclay Prime, a sleek space that feels like you’ve been dropped into a European library. Treat your business cohorts or customers to a memorable experience, as their Private Dining Room can accommodate luncheons, dinners, or cocktail receptions. Choose a menu for your event that features the stars of the Barclay Prime choices, as well as selections from their extensive wine list. Rest easy if you have a quick presentation – they are ready with audio/visual capabilities for your night. This is truly a boutique steakhouse for the 21st century and your guests will be nothing short of impressed.
Neighborhood: Old City
Private Dining Capacity: 60 standing, 40 seated
Delivering the charm of Old City in a perfect package, Royal Boucherie is a lively French-inspired brasserie. Book their Private Parlor for your associates or customers, and promise an evening in Philadelphia they won’t forget. Charm abounds in this private dining space up on the second floor, complete with mirror-laden walls, vintage furniture, and sweeping views of Old City below. Invite your guests to choose from Royal Boucherie’s all day bistro selections, or customize your menu for an unparalleled French dining experience in Philadelphia.
Neighborhood: Washington Square West
Private Dining Capacity: 100 standing, 70 seated
Delivering Latin, Cuban, and Caribbean flavors to Washington Square West, Mixto Restaurante’s second floor private dining room is at your service. There’s a certain unmatched flair when you host an event at this lively place. The Mixto staff aims to please, offering up such classics as Paella, Argentine Churrasco, and Rotisserie Pernill. Hopefully your associates and clients arrive in a sharing mood – Mixto’s portions are plentiful. Watch as the cocktails flow and the mood becomes infectious as the night carries on at this beloved spot in Philly.
Neighborhood: Spring Garden
Private Dining Capacity: 65 seated
Perfectly placed amongst the Victorian brownstones in Spring Garden is Osteria Philly, a fresh, seasonal Italian eatery of homemade pastas, thin crust pizzas, and wood-grilled meats. The rustic space of Osteria Philly delivers three private dining options. The Wine Room seats 35, and provides an intimate setting, offering views into the restaurant’s 330+ label cellar. The Kitchen Table is a unique, behind-the-scenes look into the workings of – you guessed it – the chef’s kitchen, with availability to seat 12. And perfect for a pre-conference brunch is the Glass Greenhouse, an enclosed, sunlight-drenched room that will brighten up any staff meeting.
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse
Private Dining Capacity: 40 seated
The Dandelion Restaurant takes a modern, cheeky take on British cuisine. An old-world, winding gem of a space, each bar, room, and nook in this darling restaurant has its own personality. Book a brunch, luncheon, dinner, or afternoon tea at The Dandelion Restaurant. This is a spot that is ready and willing to accommodate your needs no matter the time of day. Utilize the Dog Bar and Private Dining Room together to accommodate 25 guests for an evening event. The totally private Inglenook is perfect for tea and a morning breakfast meeting. The Dandelion staff is ready to make your private dining experience, not matter your needs, a smashing success.
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The culinary landscape in Philadelphia is so diverse and delicious, your biggest issue will be simply where to host your team meeting, client dinner, or corporate get-together. As always, there are things to know before making your final decision.
Know Your Headcount. The size of your client dinner or team meeting should be first on your list. Remember, everyone likes a little elbow room, so it’s worth finding the perfect fit.
Know Your Options. In love with the space but you need something bigger? Almost all of the options on The Vendry’s list offer full restaurant buy-outs.
Know Your Cuisine. Be certain to land on a place that you know will be a homerun for all your varied palates. And don’t forget to plan for dietary restrictions.
Know Your Agenda. The format of the event might determine your location. If you need a screen for a deck and a few microphones, be sure to plan ahead.
Know Your Transportation Needs. The SEPTA in Philly reaches a ton of places and neighborhoods, but if you’ve selected a spot off the beaten path, be sure to plan for transport of your guests.
Let the Vendry help you with all your private dining options in Philadelphia. Search by capacity, neighborhood, and even venue type, then request a proposal directly from your findings!
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