Philadelphia’s Innovative French Restaurant Forsythia

Forsythia 233 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19105 During Restaurant Week, the dinner menu is $54 per person, including 3 courses (plus dessert). If that’s not enough, there are additional add-on options available. NEW JERSEY CORN VICHYSOISSE (Chilled Crab & Cream Soup) This soup was a nice surprise—definitely worth a try! Those who prefer milder flavors might find it a bit rich toward the end, but we scraped every last bit from the bowl because we couldn’t get enough 😋. The sweetness of New Jersey corn blends perfectly with the creamy texture and tender crab meat, making each spoonful smooth and satisfying. ESCARGOT The escargots were solid, and the seasoning was spot-on for Asian palates. Unlike some French restaurants that use overly heavy garlic butter, Forsythia’s version balances garlic, herbs, and a hint of white wine—no overpowering “greasy” aftertaste. The snails were plump and tender, and soaking the accompanying crusty bread in the sauce was a must! ADD-ON: BLACK TRUFFLE CACIO E PEPE ($20) We ordered this extra because we were worried about not having enough to eat. It was slightly on the salty side, but since we prefer bolder flavors, it worked for us. The pasta was perfectly al dente, coated in a silky truffle-cheese sauce—you could taste the earthy aroma of black truffle in every bite, though it wasn’t overly intense (great for those who don’t love “over-the-top” truffle flavors). POCONO TROUT The trout skin was nicely crisped, and the sauce had a warm, creamy consistency (like a light velouté). The cherry tomatoes on the side added a bright, tangy kick that cut through the richness—we found ourselves craving more of that sweet-tart contrast the more we ate 🍅. The fish flesh was flaky and moist, with no fishy aftertaste, which showed it was super fresh. ROHAN DUCK A L’ORANGE The pistachio sauce here was the highlight —it added a nutty, creamy layer that elevated the dish! The oranges were lightly roasted, bringing out their natural sweetness and a subtle caramelized aroma. The duck itself was tender (no dryness at all), but we have to admit we’ve had more flavorful duck dishes at other Philadelphia restaurants—still good, but the pistachio-orange combo is what makes it memorable. DESSERTS - PEACH MELBA: Meringue topped with poached peaches. It was on the sweeter side, with the meringue being light and crisp, and the peaches retaining a slight firmness. The raspberry sauce drizzled on top added a tart touch, but if you’re not a fan of sweet desserts, this might be too much. - BANANA POT DE CRÈME: We all agreed this banana pudding was better—it was less sweet than the Peach Melba, with a silky, custard-like texture that melted in your mouth. The subtle banana flavor wasn’t artificial, and there were tiny bits of banana throughout for extra texture. Since we mentioned it was a birthday when booking, the staff added a small candle on top—such a sweet touch 🎂! Final Thoughts The portion sizes of each course were small—we even joked that we could’ve eaten a bowl of Shin Ramyun before dessert. But surprisingly, after finishing the desserts slowly, we felt fully satisfied! The service pace was unhurried (we spent about 1.5 hours total—compared to a 40-minute Chinese meal, it’s much more leisurely), which was perfect for savoring the food and conversation. Forsythia is highly recommended: the ambiance is elegant but not stuffy, the service is attentive (waitstaff explained each dish clearly), and the flavors are creative while staying true to French cuisine roots. It’s also a great spot for anniversaries or dates—romantic without being overly formal. #Philadelphia #PhiladelphiaFood #PhiladelphiaFoodTour #DailyFood #PhiladelphiaLife #PhiladelphiaRestaurants