PHILADELPHIA, PA – Renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr is set to unveil his highly anticipated new Italian restaurant, Borromini, in the heart of Rittenhouse Square, with a public opening expected before the end of August 2025. This massive, two-story establishment, located in the historic former Barnes & Noble building at 1804 Walnut Street, marks Starr's first new original concept in Philadelphia since 2021 and his most significant foray into authentic Italian cuisine in the city for several years.
The restaurant, which has been in development for some time, is poised to be a major addition to Philadelphia's dining scene, with seating for over 250 guests across multiple dining rooms and an outdoor patio overlooking the iconic Rittenhouse Square. The project has been dubbed by some as Starr's "Italian Parc," referencing his enormously successful French brasserie located just across the square.
To create an authentically Italian culinary experience, the Starr team, including James Beard Award-winning chef Mark Ladner, traveled to Italy for firsthand inspiration. The menu is expected to feature a range of upscale and classic Italian dishes, with a focus on expertly crafted pastas. Previewed items include a 100-layer lasagna, calamarata with fresh tomato and calamari, rigatoni carbonara, and mafaldine al limone. Julian Baker, an award-winning chef with experience at other Starr Restaurants, will serve as the executive chef.
The design, a collaboration between New York-based restaurateur Keith McNally and designer Ian McPheely, will span two floors of the historic Alison Building, aiming to capture the feel of a classic mid-century Roman trattoria.
Borromini will initially open for dinner seven nights a week, with lunch and brunch services to be added at a later date. While an exact public opening date has not been officially announced, a preview party is slated for August 21st, signaling that the grand opening is imminent.