Stephen Starr to Open Italian Restaurant ‘Borromini’ in Rittenhouse Square, Expanding Philadelphia Dining Scene
A new upscale Italian restaurant called Borromini is coming to Philadelphia‘s Rittenhouse Square. Set to open in the summer of 2025, this massive 13,000-square-foot space at 1805 Walnut Street is the latest project from restaurant mogul Stephen Starr.
Taking over two floors of the historic Alison building, the former Presbyterian Ministers’ Fund location will fit 174 diners inside and another 124 outside. This marks Starr’s ninth restaurant near Rittenhouse Square, fitting nicely among his other establishments.
The neighborhood has special meaning for Starr. He previously ran Striped Bass here from 2003 to 2008 – now home to Butcher & Singer steakhouse – and Il Pittore, which closed its doors in 2016.
With 9,000 square feet of dining area, Borromini lands right between his cozy Barclay Prime and expansive Parc. The plans include outdoor seating that will match the lively street scene of its sister restaurant, Parc, next door.
Project investor and former city councilperson Allan Domb shared his thoughts with The Philadelphia Inquirer: “Rittenhouse Square is magical. It brings people together and I think it’s a very important part of the city for people who live here and come into the city.”
The location, which was previously home to Devon Seafood Grill for 25 years and a Barnes & Noble, is starting fresh. The restaurant’s look will take cues from mid-century Roman restaurants, aiming to capture the feel of classic 1950s and 60s trattorias.
This new spot adds to Starr’s impressive collection around the square: Barclay Prime, Parc, The Love, The Dandelion, and Continental Mid-town all showcase his successful track record.
With 18 restaurants already running in Philadelphia, Starr keeps growing his footprint. His newest ventures include Le Café Louis Vuitton in New York and D.C.’s Occidental by the White House.
