1906 at Longwood Gardens

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Dining at the Heart of One of America's Great Gardens

1906 sits in a setting that few restaurants anywhere can match: positioned beneath the iconic Main Conservatory and overlooking the Main Fountain Garden at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. The name itself carries the weight of this storied landscape — Longwood Gardens, a living legacy rooted in the vision of Pierre S. du Pont, has shaped nearly 200 acres of the Brandywine Valley into one of America's most celebrated horticultural destinations. The restaurant is woven into that same fabric of beauty and intention.

Garden-Inspired American Cuisine

The kitchen at 1906 draws its identity directly from its surroundings. Longwood describes the experience as "garden-inspired dining where seasonal flavors, elegant ambiance, and culinary artistry" come together — a promise that the landscape outside the windows is not merely backdrop but a genuine influence on what arrives at the table. The American cuisine on offer reflects that seasonal sensibility, changing with the rhythms of the gardens themselves.

The wine program has earned independent recognition: Wine Spectator awarded 1906 its Best of Award of Excellence in 2025, a distinction that signals both the depth of the cellar and the seriousness with which the dining experience is curated. For guests pausing from a day among the fountains and conservatories, it means a thoughtfully matched glass is never an afterthought.

The Setting and the Experience

The dining room offers views directly onto the Main Fountain Garden — one of the most architecturally dramatic spaces on the property. Whether visiting during the summer Festival of Fountains or on a quieter weekday afternoon, the outlook shifts with the season and the light.

For those who want something less formal, the Bar and Lounge welcomes walk-ins, making 1906 accessible whether you've planned ahead or simply found yourself ready for a proper meal mid-visit. Advance reservations are recommended for the main dining room. The restaurant also accommodates private and semi-private dining, making it a natural choice for events that call for an extraordinary backdrop.

Fine American dining in this corner of Pennsylvania rarely comes with a view quite like this one.