Le Bec-Fin
1523 Walnut Street
Center City
(215) 567-1000

There is no question that Le Bec-Fin is Philadelphia's premier restaurant, and has been for years. As a result, chef Georges Perrier's intimate townhouse is always full of celebratory groups and couples there for that special romantic evening, making reservations a must.

Le Bec-Fin serves classic French cuisine, slightly lightened and brightened with a delicate twist. We especially love Perrier's way with appetizers and desserts (don't be overwhelmed by your choices on the multi-tiered, calorie-laden cart; just take your server's recommendation and have tiny tastes of several items). And the cheese course, a rarity in most places now, is to die for.

Why is Le Bec-Fin so beloved? Well certainly the food is extraordinary and the jewel-box of a setting is lovely. But, as a recent incident shows, the service and attention to details is above par as well: about halfway through our meal, the smoke detector alarm sounded. There was no sign or smell of smoke so we stayed in our seat as the staff scurried (as discreetly as possible) to deal with the situation. The intrusive noise didn't last long and we didn't feel it was necessary to complain. But along with our dessert, we received some fine champagne, as an apology for having endured something less than perfect. As we lingered over our coffee, we noticed that each table, as it reached the dessert course, was accorded the same nicety.

We'd eat at Le Bec-Fin every night, if our waistlines and wallet (a single meal will run hundreds of dollars, especially if you take advantage of the well-stocked wine cellar) could stand it.

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