Restaurant Aleksandar, a sophisticated spot in a refurbished Rittenhouse townhouse, is gorgeous. It’s all muted plums, earth tones, and rich black-and-white marble, plus striking oil paintings of dancers lining the walls. The servers are warm and friendly, and you might hear the kitchen staff singing along to Prince from the bar area. The thing is that you’re more likely to spend your time here thinking about how great the place feels–not about how great everything tastes.  

photo credit: Dan Heinkel

It’s not to say the food is bad–it’s solid, if unremarkable, and the wide-ranging Eastern European-meets-Southern American menu has something for everyone. The portions are large, and the menu is a hodge-podge of things like pierogies, grilled octopus, whole branzino, and chicken schnitzel.

Every dish is presented beautifully, and although the menu changes frequently, there are a couple notable standouts. The beet and fig salad is a crunchy, creamy rainbow of yellows, oranges, and reds over a delicious whipped goat cheese, and we love the short rib pasta with Kennett Square mushrooms and horseradish creme fraiche (if this is on the menu, get it). There are lots of other reliable-but-forgettable options, and a few vegetarian and gluten-free choices. They make a mean cocktail, and really shine at brunch. If dinner isn’t doing it for you, come by on Saturday or Sunday morning–the shrimp and grits, challah french toast or chicken and waffles definitely will. 

photo credit: Dan Heinkel

Aleksandar is a welcome addition to the Rittenhouse restaurant scene. Whether you’re grabbing drinks with co-workers or dinner with the in-laws, you can't go wrong. The food may not be life changing, but it works for just about any occasion–and looks good while doing so. 

Food Rundown

The menu here changes frequently, but here is an example of what you might find:

photo credit: Dan Heinkel

Chicken Schnitzel

Chicken schnitzel, served with bitter lettuce, Calabrian chili and fermented hot honey.

photo credit: Dan Heinkel

Braised Hungarian Short Rib

Braised Hungarian short rib, served with chermoula, horseradish creme fraiche, mushroom conserva and pickled kohlrabi.

photo credit: Dan Heinkel

Brussels Sprouts

Crispy brussels sprouts, served with shishito peppers, toasted almonds, and lemon marmalade.