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Café Lutecia
Categories: Restaurants French Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch French, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
2301 Lombard StPhiladelphia, PA 19146
Neighborhoods: Rittenhouse Square, Fitler Square
(215) 790-9557
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 7 am - 3 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 3 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
69 reviews for Café Lutecia
Review Highlights
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"Best Tomato Bisque in the city." In 15 reviews -
"Try the quiche of the day with side salad." In 19 reviews -
"...eat ham but the croque monsieur was absolutely delicious." In 5 reviews
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69 reviews in English
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Review from Bill C.
Philadelphia, PA
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great soups, quiche, vibe, service and owners.
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Review from Vinney C.
New York, NY
2/12/2012
Really really bad sandwiches. Crappy white bread rolls, gross tomatoes and cheap romaine lettuce. Looks and tastes like a Pizza Hut free salad plopped on a roll with supermarket brie melted on it and served on a neon plastic Walmart plate.
I feel pretty ill after eating here.
Americano was good and the split pea soup was decent though. -
Review from Grant B.
Philadelphia, PA
1/21/2012 2 Check-ins Here
A great little spot to get some hot food.
Must Haves:
-Tomato Bisque
Pros:
-Great friendly service
-A strong menu selection where everything is great
Cons:
-Really small venue for how popular it is
Quick Tips:
-Gotta get the combo
This place is really good. The tomato bisque is out of this world and the quiche is light and fluffy. This would be a great date place to have lunch or just hanging out with the friend. It is very comfortable and mom and pop like, but has a little bit of class as well.
Bottom Line: Great food at an affordable price. -
Review from Andrew D.
Philadelphia, PA
12/12/2011
Meh sums it up for me.
I was handed a menu and sat. I ordered a ham, egg and cheese on baguette and got really excited for a crusty, wonderful french roll. When my sammy landed it was something I could have gotten at a Chestnut street lunch cart for $2.50. Really pedestrian amaroso's style roll, overdone eggs, no seasoning. Plus the eggs burned the roof of my mouth in the way that over-microwaved food usually does. Not saying it was microwaved but I have my suspicions.
While I was eating a couple was sat next to me and given a list of specials, including a couple of really yummy sounding quiches. I was not worthy of receiving the sacred list of specials I guess.
Had to flag down the waitress to get a refill, get a water, get the bill - which was $8.50 for ham egg and cheese and a regular coffee. Plus tip of course. I could have gotten the same meal in any corner deli or lunch truck for $3.50 and been in and out of there in 5 minutes.
I think I'd like this place better without waiter service if it meant the prices dropped to reasonable levels.
Probably won't return. -
Review from Erica C.
3/6/2012
My review is pretty much the exact same as Michelle's. My latte was only so-so...not particularly hot, nothing special, a bit light on the espresso (maybe only 1 shot?). But I have heard great things about the food, so I will probably pop back in. They received their bread delivery while I was there and the bread looked yummy! The pastries also looked HEAVENLY.
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Review from Michelle C.
Philadelphia, PA
6/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
I mean this in the nicest way possible: Café Lutecia is the Doobie's of coffee shops. As cozy and lived-in as your grandparents' basement, this café is a far cry from some of the newer, trendier coffee shops.
The food smelled heavenly when I stopped in yesterday for a quick iced coffee to go. Several people appeared to be regulars, and the tables outside are always occupied whenever I pass by.
I offer up only three stars because I think the coffee is average, but I know that I'll be returning soon for lunch based on the raves of other Yelp friends. The sight of a bubbling hot, cheese-topped French bread was all I needed to make a mental note to plan my next visit.Listed in: Coffee Shops, Cash Only!, Just A Short Walk From Home, Talk Frenchy to Me
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Review from Darlene S.
Philadelphia, PA
7/5/2011
Croque Monsieur = $8.50
Fresh squeezed OJ = $3.75
Service = mehh
I normally don't eat ham but the croque monsieur was absolutely delicious! the fresh squeezed oj not so much.. and I got a lot less than I did ice water even though I paid almost $4 for it..
And although I know my friend is a semi-picky eater, she really looked like she did not enjoy her turkey with brie. -
Review from Rachel S.
Philadelphia, PA
1/4/2012
Cafe Lutecia is one of the best kept secrets in Philly! I have been a loyal customer since 2002 and keep going back for their delicious sandwiches, fresh bread, creative quiche and fantastic soups. Only complaint is that my favorite sandwich ("The Lutecia") was discontinued about a year ago, but there are plenty of other options to keep me going back.
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Review from Arone S.
Philadelphia, PA
6/11/2011
I don't know what the buzz is about this place. It's quaint, sure and the waiters are mostly friendly. Aside from that, it's disorganized, overpriced and not that delicious.
Coffee....3.5 stars
Tomato bisque....3.5 stars
Sandwich....eh 3 stars
Having to wait forty minutes for a cappuccino = reason enough to never return. You can tell, the owner just doesn't care anymore. -
Review from R.C. A.
Haverford, PA
3/18/2011
One of Philadelphia's least-touted, most returned-to, most delectable and charming spots, this cafe owned by a dynamic French-Philadelphian couple is a landmark for anyone who has been more than once.
Regulars here are the lucky recipients of personalized service, fresh and delicious French cafe food, and an authenticity that exposes Stephen Starr's Parc as the movie set-style creation that it is. Nobody here is pretending; picking up a conversation with the eccentric barmaid or an artsy-looking regular is a real possibility, where at Parc it might be a romantic musing.
Go here as often as possible and try everything they serve (quiche!); the only negative thing I have to say is that I envy those who can walk here on their way to work! -
Review from Amanda F.
Philadelphia, PA
4/22/2011
This place is cute, a bit cramped (the tables are shoved very close together) but when it's nice outside the outdoor tables alleviate some of the press. I really like the waiter I've had both times we went; he's very courteous. I also like listening to the chef talking behind the counter, her accent sounds a lot like my aunt's. Very homey and familiar!
The menu is not extensive but you don't really want it to be. The "combination" is a great deal: for $8 you get a very LARGE bowl of soup with some bread, and a half of either a cold sandwich, which is also rather large, a quiche, or a salad. So far I have tried the quiche Lorraine (quiches switch daily, it was all right but not spectacular) and the chicken salad sandwich (delicious) but I cannot seem to move away from that tomato bisque--it is perfect. The food is all homey, simple, and just perfect. Ingredients are fresh, and I even really enjoyed the tomatoes I added onto my sandwich, and I don't normally like raw tomatoes on their own merit. They were just so fresh and crisp, it was impossible to resist. Also the cups of coffee are GIGANTIC.
While it's a bit of a hike, it's well worth returning to! I've already been twice in two weeks, and imagine it will be more in the future. -
Review from Michael O.
Philadelphia, PA
3/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have really mixed feelings about this place. Let me tell you why.
I come here to experience the trendy and hipster vibe of the local french cafe. This is in place, check.
I come here for delicious french-inspired yum, check.
So while the two most important things were met, there was some lacking. First of all, my french sandwich was really good, but really small. It was also I think the 2nd most expensive item on the menu and not very filling. If I come for brunch, I want to leave full.
Also, some details were lacking. I ordered orange juice and I am not joking a carton and a straw are placed in front of me. WTF? You could at least pour it into a glass even if you aren't gonna squeeze it yourself.
I dunno. If I'm gonna keep coming to a place I gotta leave satisfied. The OJ carton and straw and still being hungry just didn't do it for me. It's really a shame, too, because the sandwich was genuinely good. I hate to give a low rating to a place with good food, but it is what was earned.
In fairness, the servers were nice and it's not like I had a horrible time. There was just nothing that made me want to come back. -
Review from Kristin W.
Philadelphia, PA
11/20/2011
We went to this cozy, neighborhood spot with limited seating for brunch. I was drawn to the Alesia Sandwich which is served on a lightly toasted baguette - I loved the flavors and freshness. Less exciting was fresh-squeezed orange juice, which was watered down in addition to being both smaller and more expensive than the fresh squeezed lemonade. I'll be back for another sandwich, but will skip the OJ.
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Review from Kaitlin L.
Philadelphia, PA
12/21/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I need to find a way to have Cafe Lutecia's tomato bisque reserved by the gallon for me to enjoy. I wish I was kidding when I say I have thought about this soup at least 3 times a week since tasting it a few weeks back.
Cafe Lutecia, quite the cramped little cafe, is a well kept secret in Fitler Square. I would have normally never stopped here if it weren't for my parents. I came in to buy a gift certificate for them for Christmas (yes, they do have gift certificates) and decided to treat myself to a hot lunch on such a cold day.
I ordered the bisque on a whim, just hoping for something to warm me up, and a brie sandwich. The soup came out first and I tasted a spoonful while waiting for my sandwich, which I had every intention of dipping into the bisque. Um.. I barely saved a quarter of the bowl in time for sandwich dipping, it was that good.
The cafe is a definite local hangout, where people come to read the paper while grabbing a bite to eat. But there is no feeling of exclusivity. The staff was really laid back and good-natured and really made you feel at home.
Cafe Lutecia, seriously, can you consider delivering your deliciousness half way across the city for me?? -
Review from Steven W.
1/21/2011
Cafe Lutecia is a neighborhood spot that if you're visiting Philly you won't accidentally happen upon, but it is worth seeking out. This cafe is small, and when my family dined in for breakfast, we were definitely the only non-locals in there and I was sad when we left that we were.
The food is all about freshness. We had quiche, an almond croissant, pain au chocolat, melted brie on a baguette and a cinnamon scone. We were throwing calorie/carb caution to the wind. All of the aforementioned items were incredible. I didn't realize that baguettes, when still warm and freshly baked are not overly chewy and crunchy, but have amazing texture and just enough snap to make the crust interesting. It was a hard roll life changing experience.
The last thing we ordered was the scone, and a nice couple at the counter was eating and reading the paper and the woman suggested that we have it sliced in half, buttered and put under the broiler for a minute. I hate to say it again, but another, this time life changing scone experience. The butter melts in perfectly adding moisture and the broiler makes the edges of the scone crunchy and almost caramelized in flavor.
I will order them this way forever. -
Review from Sandra R.
New York, NY
3/14/2011
Amazin cafe in Philadelphia. Had the Einspänner , which is an espresso topped with fresh whipped cream. mmmmmmmm
It's cozy, friendly. You should go. period. :) -
Review from Chelsea C.
Philadelphia, PA
9/20/2011 3 Check-ins Here
5 stars even though i begrudge them for taking a month's worth of summer vacation and leaving me stranded for all of august in fitler square with no one to serve me delicious gazpacho and quiche. waaah :(
my childish, yuppie tantrum aside, i really, really love this cafe. good food, good coffee, very french-feeling. it is small, quaint, relaxing, friendly and inexpensive. despite my lifelong goal to get to every single restaurant in philadelphia at least once, i often opt to just head to cafe lutecia for breakfast or brunch. soups and quiche vary from day to day and the rest of the menu is pretty simple. i especially like a place that will serve me JUST brie on a baguette and not judge me for my bread and cheese addiction. -
Review from David M.
Philadelphia, PA
12/15/2010
This is the definition of a neighborhood place. Not in the exclusive-y way that some dive bars can get, but in the down-home "small town in a big city" sort of way. When I left today (I was one of the last people to leave before closing), everyone in the restaurant - the waitress, the cook, the owner, the cashier guy/owner, even the two remaining customers - said goodbye. What the heck? I've been a few times over the past couple months, but I'd hardly call myself a regular. I wasn't even talking to anyone while I was there. It was like I was on Cheers or something. Again... in a really good, comfortable way.
Anyway, this is the perfect place to sit, drink coffee and chat or read or whatever. Something about the layout and level of noise is just right, soothing with energy. The food itself is quite good. The quiche and the sandwiches seem priced just right. A quiche and a coffee is $7.50 (which includes tax, but doesn't include tip), and that feels pretty good.The food may not be as high-end as Parc or something, but then, you're paying a good several dollars less for it.
I mention Parc because it's near by and presents an interesting contrast. The difference isn't necessarily in taste (they both taste great) but feel. Parc feels a bit more high-end... the ingredients taste more expensive, the atmosphere feels more chic, whereas this place tastes a little more homemade and feels way more down-home. I couldn't see myself meeting a casual acquaintance at Parc for a quick bite or settling in there to sip coffee alone and read the newspaper, whereas Cafe Lutecia feels tailor-made for life's little social transactions and moments.
It's funny, when I started writing this review, I originally had it rated at four stars, but as I thought about it, I had to bump it up to five. Yeah, the food/price aspects are just good rather than excellent, but there's something about this place that makes me unbelievably happy. Whenever I go, it's always planned out in my mind at least a day in advance, and in that preceding 24 hours, I just can't wait for that lunch. And, you know, I don't know if I can say that about almost anywhere else. -
Review from Abby B.
Philadelphia, PA
3/21/2011
One of my fav breakfast/lunch spots, especially during warm-weather days. Perhaps the best chicken salad-salad around! Iced coffee is a must as well.
Snag a table outside if you can and be sure to bring cash (but you won't need too much of it - this place is super affordable!) -
Review from Melissa P.
Philadelphia, PA
12/29/2010 2 Check-ins Here
The old adage 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' really hits home with Cafe Lutecia. Here I am, in Fort Worth, Texas, visiting my family for the holidays, and writing a yelp review about how I miss my daily stops into Cafe Lutecia. I changed my work route a few months ago, and luckily (per bon chance) this little gem of a French cafe is now part of the morning routine. Every morning, I am greeted by Jon as he pours me a to go cup of La Colombe. Sue, the type of regular that proprietors love to have, cheerfully greets me and asks about my morning, my students, gives some commentary about how delicious her soup du jour is (at 7:30 am).
Cafe Lutecia is a dream come true for me. They have created a regulars community of people concerned with art, culture, life and damn good coffee. While I am usually there just for a short spell en route to teach school all day, I also find myself returning for a more leisurely meal on the weekends. The soups are out of this world. The sandwiches uphold French integrity.
I am a few days away from the end of my vacation and know that Cafe Lutecia will help me ease back into the work routine. -
Review from Michael W.
Philadelphia, PA
10/21/2009
Best Tomato Bisque in the city. Best Tomato Bisque anywhere. I challenge you to try it and disagree with my assessment. One sip and you'll be hooked...guaranteed. If it wasn't so cliché, I'd insinuate that the Bisque was spiked with crack cocaine and formed the lynchpin of some CIA driven plot to bring down the Fitler Square Yuppie community. People turning tricks for Bisque? Try it and tell me it couldn't happen. I dare you!
If you don't fall head over heels in love with this Bisque, then there's something wrong with you and I'd encourage you to consult your primary care physician as soon as possible.
In fact, the only plausible explanation for an unenthusiastic response to the Bisque has to be some sort of deep-seated hatred of the French. I mean, I get it. They're ungrateful for all we've done for them, they get 6 months of vacation a year, they don't work then complain about not working, Sarkozy's wife is way too hot for a first lady, and Proust is a god-awful bore, but you really shouldn't hold any of this against the Bisque, so get over it.
The intense cravings brought on by the Bisque can best be described by a short story.
It was pleasant fall Sunday, circa 2K8. A dear friend of mine invited me to lunch at Café Lutecia. I had never been, it was close to my house, and he'd been raving non-stop about a Tomato Bisque for the past four months, so I was understandably curious. By all means, I said. Let us go.
We made the short walk to Lutecia and were fortunate to sneak into an outside table moments before a crowd of 20 bumbling Penn students arrived (as a side note, this species has since disappeared from the neighborhood thanks to the bridge construction so they are no longer a concern).
I was comfortable, menu looked strong...life was good by all accounts. That is, until the waitress came out and boldly announced that there was but one Bisque remaining.
The music stopped. My friend turned his head so quickly to gauge my reaction that I could literally hear his neck muscles creak and his brain slosh against his skull. His eyes blazed with a feverish insanity of an intensity that I had only seen one time prior in the eyes of a crazed Czech drunk on murky wormwood and anti-American rhetoric.
His look said quite clearly so as to leave no room for confusion - "I found this place, I allowed you to come here, you would have never heard of the Tomato Bisque were it not for me, so stand down, back off, and be grateful for your Lentil Soup. If your mouth even so much as begins to form the O necessary to pronounce TO-mato, I will flip this table, tear you limb from limb, and be forced to enjoy my Bisque amidst the ruins of your mangled corpse."
Needless to say, I ate Lentils, he ate Bisque and all was well in the universe. It wasn't until a full month later when I was finally fortunate enough to savor the nectar of the Gods that is, Café Lutecia's Tomato Bisque.
Go to Lutecia, order the Bisque, become the heart of D'Artagnan, and swim in delirium. -
Review from Monica S.
6/8/2009
When I used to live around the corner on Croskey Street, Cafe Lutecia was my everyday lunch spot. The small cafe had a few tables inside and maybe 3 outdoors. It's a quaint establishment with a mere 3 people on staff. You can't mess with the food though. Fresh baguettes, crisp veggies, savory meats. I always ordered the chicken salad salad. That's a scoop of chicken salad over a bed of lettuce and other veggies. Even though it sounds simple, it's the best chicken salad I've ever had. No joke. The dressing is also perfect. Order the soup too. Everything's homemade and fantastic.
When you're in here, you feel like a friendly Francophile couple opened their doors and invited you into their country kitchen.Listed in: Places that make you feel good…, Cheap Lunch
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Review from Carrie E.
Philadelphia, PA
3/4/2008
Have you ever had a day when nothing was going right? When you wished you could just disappear somewhere more exciting and exotic than, say, Lombard Street? Well, when you get that empty feeling, grab a book or your BFF and get lunch at this perfect little cafe.
As soon as I sat down I was greeted by the nicest waitress in the entire universe. She gave me iced tea - and entertained me with witty banter. I was already writing the review in my head when my friend came in to join me and we commenced our tomato bisque and sandwich feast. The food was perfect (I hear their salads are also great) and the crowded, low-hum of the restaurant was ideal for a much needed break from running around town.
We grabbed lattes to go and then actually stopped for a second to sit outside at their sidewalk tables (what an unexpectedly warm day!). And then I realized that the funk I had worn like a cheap shrug from Forever 21 was gone, all because of this sweet little place my smart friend took me to. Now I'm their biggest fan. Just make sure to leave me a table by the window...Lombard Street may not be the Champs d'Elysee but now that I've dined at Cafe Lutecia, I'm no longer on the lookout for something different than what's right here in our lovely city. -
Review from Kathryn M.
San Francisco, CA
1/13/2010 ROTD 8/30/2010
Simply wonderful! Looking for some comfort goodness today and I knew exactly where to turn. I have been wanting to visit Cafe Lutecia ever since moving to the neighborhood and this was the perfect occasion.
The bf and I ordered two soups (tomato bisque and a red pepper and crab bisque) and two sandwiches (croque monsieur and brie w/basil and tomato). The soups were absolutely phenomenal - warm, thick and absolutely perfect. The sandwiches need separate mention. The croque monsieur was good albeit a bit heavy, though not surprising considering the ingredients. The brie with basil and tomato sandwich was full out awesome. It was super simple but the ingredients were extremely fresh and wonderful. The brie was so perfect and cut into the perfect thickness; not so thick it was all I could taste and not so thin I wondered why I paid the money to taste it.
The prices are a bit steep but the products are worth the extra cash. Two sandwiches and two soups came to $30 which is a little steep for a simple lunch but considering I needed the comfort and the pick-me-up, well that's a cheap fix! -
Review from Sara L.
Philadelphia, PA
Updated - 1/9/2011
Finally got myself around to trying the soups and they are just as good as the rest of the food. I had a minestrone that was actually good, minestrone too me usually is muddy, but this was excellent, tomato broth tasted tomato-y and the individual components were still good.
The spinach and pasta soup was great also.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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10/27/2010
I've been here now for lunch a few times and can totally vouch for the food. Its amazing.… Read more »
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Review from Julia N.
12/20/2009 1 Check-in Here
In the grips of a Nor'Easter, precious few things can motivate me to tackle the elements and trudge several blocks through snow, wind, icy slush and people shoveling their icy slush onto passersby. I brave these things for Cafe Lutecia's tomato bisque. A heavenly balance of creaminess, tomato acidity and just a little pepper, this soup is divine. It's served with dense, soft white bread, and it's perfect.
I usually get half a warm brie sandwich to dip into the bisque, but my favorite member of the sandwich team is the Tolosa, with goat cheese, red pepper and serious garlic (delightful). Coffee, other soups (including the cold cucumber) and quiche are top-notch here, too, and in the summer, you must try the fresh, perfectly proportioned lemonade, preferably while sitting outside.
With super friendly, laid back service and plenty of interesting reading material scattered about, this is my favorite place for lunch in any season. -
Review from Sophie U.
3/6/2010
I once again discovered a wonderful eatery thanks to Yelp.
Took my man to Cafe Lutecia for a simple little lunch one BRISK Saturday... I had so much trouble deciding what to get!
For some strange reason, you can only order half of certain sandwiches -- which made it really difficult for me, since I wanted to try pretty much everything on the menu.
We shared the tomato bisque (pretty darn good) and two sandwiches; he picked a cold sandwich, the basil-tomato-mozarella trio, and I picked a hot one: the Gaulois (sans pecans).
The cold sandwich would have been tastier with some balsamic vinegar...or you know, taste. The hot sandwich, on the other hand, was delicious. As the boy put it: "it tastes like a pizza." I'm glad I asked them to omit the pecans; it would have messed with the texture too much. Plus, stuff was already falling out of the bread, so I can't imagine having more items on it.
Ah! all in all, charming little place with good sandwiches and friendly staff. -
Review from Dave H.
3/4/2008
I love, love, LOVE this place.
My college French professor introduced me to this small spot more than a few moons ago - not only is there French memorabilia here, there's FRENCH FOOD. We sat inside (though it was nice enough to sit outside) and enjoyed the ambiance, wonderful, personable service, and the out-of-this-world dishes. Luckily, prices are NOT out-of-this-world. Don't forget to get the quiche, it's in-croy-able (incredible)!
Worth a trip, and highly recommended.Listed in: Philly Favorites
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Review from Bobby P.
12/13/2009
Melted cheese heaven!
Warm goat cheese with roasted peppers? Sign me up. African chicken soup? Yes please. Toasted turkey sandwich with melted brie? Fuck yeah!
Whoops, my bad. Gotta watch my mouth, this place is kid-friendly, very cozy, and everyone seams to know everyone else.
Definitely get the goat cheese appetizer - you'll be thinking about it all day. The croques monsieur looked good too. I'll try that next time. -
Review from Bianca L.
Mountain View, CA
3/17/2008
So I admit, I didn't want to write a review for Cafe Lutecia because I wanted to keep it to myself and my neighbors. I mean, nothing ruins a lovely cafe like this more than not being able to get a table!
I come here for their croque-monsieur, their fresh salads, their sandwiches, their quiches, and definitely their lemonade. Strong and not too sweet, their lemonade is perfect for lunch while watching the world go by.
Come early - sometimes they run out of a few menu items and they close by 3pm on weekends. -
Review from cherie c.
3/4/2008
How did I not review this place earlier? It was a happy haven when I lived nearby. Service is friendly. There are French magazines. They know they regulars (and have regulars), which is a good sign.
Sit down, take your time, enjoy your food or beverage. The cappuccinos are good! The pastries are good, but the selection varies. Their hours seem a bit haphazard, so it's not always open when you need it.
We discovered it as a welcome alternative to the pricey brunch spots in the area. Tres lovely! -
Review from Karen P.
Philadelphia, PA
6/14/2008
Nothing could be sweeter than to dine at Cafe Lutecia at 23rd and Lombard. Not quite Parisian, perhaps more Lyons with a commingling of
other ethic cuisines, but a very satisfying place to grab a great soup and some lovely baguettes and tasty little salads. From the moment you
walk through the door of Cafe Lutecia, you'll feel the harried world fade away as you take in the sweet aromas, welcoming people and French flea market inspired- dcor. -
Review from Annie C.
2/14/2010
When I saw the Paris Match magazines strewn along the windowsill, I knew the food was going to be good.
Their soups are phenomenal! We ordered the tomato bisque and the African peanut soup and both were incredibly tasty. The tomato was creamy, but it had a nice kick to it, which is so unusual and wonderful for a french place. The African peanut had little chunks of chicken in it, tasting like a delicious combo of chili soup base and chicken satay with peanut sauce. A cup for $3.5 and a bowl for $5.
The croque monsieur was also yummy, baked in its own little dish so none of the bechamel or melted cheese could get away. So simple, pure, and wonderfully self-contained.
The only thing I didn't like was the chorizo quiche - which seemed quite floury and not so flavorful. That was a real oddity and I'm still left sitting here wondering what happened. Quiche cake?
But all in all, this is a cute little cafe, where you can have a fantastic bowl of soup and catch up on the scandalous lives of French politicians. The staff is very nice, but don't forget to bring cash! -
Review from Schuyler L.
Philadelphia, PA
4/3/2010 1 photo
Good solid fresh food, buuuut it was my impression that they were trying too hard. The menu had plenty of brie, exotic salamis, greens, and whatnot. They must specialize or be famous for their quiches. They had several types of tap...
I had the Reed's Ginger drink. As someone who loves ginger I loved this drink, I uploaded a picture. It was most definitely very ginger-y!!
We chose to be seated outside with Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Charlie for lunch. They brought Charlie a doggie water bowl; I thought that was a nice touch. On the other hand the seats were a wobbly, but nothing too life-changing.
Overall, although tasty I have trouble justifying paying $8 for a salami, bree, lettuce, and tomato sandwich for lunch.
No credit cards. -
Review from Ritu K.
Updated - 9/3/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Been here a few times since my first review and I have to say it's been a bit disappointing. Still really good but not nearly as awesome.
Maybe it's the lack of chocolate ganache (please bring back the ganache!!)?? But my quiche was a bit soggy and the large mushrooms lost within the soggy quiche were unappetizing and rubbery. I still love this place for their amazing soup and sandwich combos, but maybe not the perfect 5...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/27/2010
Its really unfortunate for my stomach and I that it has taken me this long to discover Cafe Lutecia.… Read more »
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Review from Laura D.
6/23/2008
After reading so many good things about this place, I finally tried it out Sunday morning. Everything people had said was true - it's wonderful! It's a very cute, quaint corner spot, and we sat outside which was lovely. The black and white paper menus and mismatched tupperware cups added to the mom-and-pop feel of the place.
The food is French cafe style, with a variety of pastries, bagels, coffee and quiche for breakfast, and sandwiches, salads and soups for lunch. We were fortunate to come at a time when they were serving both. I had the Tolosa sandwich (goat cheese, roasted red peppers, garlic and herbs on a baguette) and my boyfriend had the Gaulois sandwich (salami, brie, pecans, and lettuce) and they both were delicious... everything fresh and melty, mmm. Our waitress was very friendly too; she "felt bad" that the OJ was so small so she brought out water with it (best she could do).
Cozy, unassuming place with good food, and reminded me of my time in Lyon, France with the food selection. Can't wait to go back, c'est magnifique! -
Review from MaryAnn Z.
3/24/2009
I am so sad that I lived three blocks away from this place for a year and a half before giving it a shot. It was added immediately to my list of favorite unassuming and chill breakfast/brunch spots on the weekends. Much the same vibe as Darling's, except this place has table service (sweet) and better coffee. The whole operation of it is quaint and sweet, and I love the French magazines on the ledge for visitors to flip through.
I had tomato and mozzarella on a baguette and it was delicious. My dining companion had ham and swiss, I think? That was yummy, too. I can't wait to have coffee here every day of my life once this winter weather cuts the crap and gets the f out of here.
I'll definitely be back. Over and over. -
Review from Andy B.
Philadelphia, PA
7/28/2010
Every neighborhood deserves its own Cafe Lutecia.
Fresh pastries, and a $5.50 petit dejuner to get your morning started right. It's not in my 'hood but every time I stop in it seems like it's full of regulars.
I can't get enough carbs, carbs with butter, or carbs with butter and jam. -
Review from Stef A.
Philadelphia, PA
5/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Go here for the creamy tomato bisque and ice cold lemonade served in huge glasses. Get the turkey and brie sandwich on a fresh baguette. Sit outside. Bring cash.
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Review from Danie G.
Philadelphia, PA
12/4/2010
Cafe Lutecia is the place to go to get good, basic, food. It's not fancy and will never try to impress, which is exactly why it is so impressive. The coffee is excellent, the quiche superb, and the chocolate chip cookie tastes like homemade - because it is!
Fine for vegetarians and if you ask, okay for vegans (one option). Outside seating for wheelchair, but getting inside would be impossible.
