a.kitchen+bar

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Rittenhouse Square Gem

Nestled within the AKA Rittenhouse Square hotel on South 18th Street, a.kitchen+bar is one of Philadelphia's most celebrated dining destinations. Operated by High Street Hospitality Group — founded by James Beard Foundation Award-Winning Restaurateur Ellen Yin — the restaurant brings together artful hospitality, a convivial atmosphere, and a deeply considered approach to food and wine.

Seasonal French-Inspired Cooking

At the heart of a.kitchen+bar is the kitchen of award-winning Executive Chef Eli Collins, whose menus celebrate the seasons through a French-inspired lens. Carefully sourced ingredients are transformed into refined yet approachable plates that change with the rhythms of the year. This commitment to seasonality and technique has earned the restaurant national recognition, cementing its place as a standout in Philadelphia's dining scene. Whether guests arrive for a weekday breakfast, a leisurely weekend brunch, or an intimate dinner, the French-inspired menu offers something memorable at every hour.

A Wine Program Like No Other

Perhaps equally as celebrated as the kitchen is a.kitchen+bar's extraordinary wine program, overseen by Beverage Director Frank Kinyon. The restaurant is a multi-year honoree of Wine Enthusiast's prestigious "50 Wine Restaurants We Love" list and a two-time semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation's Outstanding Wine Program award. In 2025, it earned the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence — a testament to the depth and curation of its cellar.

Kinyon's philosophy is rooted in transparency and quality: organic production is the baseline, biodynamic farming is the aspiration, and natural winemaking — wines made from grapes, naturally occurring yeast, and minimal intervention — is the guiding spirit. "Natural wine is just the good stuff," the wine list declares, "born from the earth and lovingly shaped into wine by the vigneron." Guests are invited to explore the list by style and character rather than by region alone, encouraging discovery and adventure with every visit.

An Invitation to Gather

a.kitchen+bar is more than a restaurant — it is a place where exceptional French-inspired cuisine, a thoughtfully composed cocktail menu, and one of the city's most lauded wine programs come together in an atmosphere that feels both refined and genuinely warm. From the first glass to the final bite, every detail reflects the vision of a team devoted to the pleasures of the table.