Share(215) 569-8300
120 S 17th St
Philadelphia,
PA
19103
39.9508
-75.1691
Neighborhoods: Center City, Center City West
What People Are Saying About Chez Colette - Sofitel Philadelphia
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – Old-time black-and-white photos and framed mirrors hint at Paris in the '20s. Mondrian-esque light panels overhead add a modern, abstract touch Music ranges from the jazz stylings of Dave Brubek to French chanteuse Edith Piaf. For the main course, select filet of beef with tangy, green peppercorn sauce or poached sea bass with succulent red bell pepper coulis. Finish with refreshing lemon or heavenly profiteroles stuffed with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce.
08/17/07
Overpriced small servings, Pretty but boring atmosphere
by kcpeyton at Citysearch
I chose Chez Colette because the reviews were good, it sounded pretty, and it was close to the Academy of Music, where I was going to a show. I was concerned that it would be overpriced, that the serving sizes would be small, and that it might not be so fun to eat in a restaurant that has a reputation for being empty. Unfortunately, all that turned out to be true. The hours are actually not 6 am to 11 pm. We arrived at 4:45 for our 5 pm reservation, and there were no staff in the restaurant. When a host arrived, he told us the restaurant did not open until 5. We sat in the Sofitel Hotel lobby and had a drink, which was nice. The service in the lobby was very attentive and friendly, and the service in the restaurant itself was very friendly as well, although slow - we did not get out until 7 pm. The big problem was high prices for a very small amount of food. The food itself was excellent - we had stripped bass, filet mignon, and the crab cake, plus the mixed greens salad - - all really well prepared, very attractive. Just wasn't much of it. No one in my group minds paying high prices, but at Chez Collette, you really don't get your money's worth. The decoration of the restaurant is very pretty, but it's not "fin de siecle" style, not really. It's a fairly nice hotel restaurant, but very reminiscent of, well, a hotel, and it is empty of people, which causes a lack of festive feel. Not romantic, not much "atmosphere." One thing that was exceptional was that we were given complimentary desert and coffee, I think because we were sent to the hotel lobby to wait for the restaurant to open - this was very generous of them. I wouldn't go back, though, because of the high-priced small servings and the sort of boring atmosphere. I would suggest Brasserie Perrier on Walnut St. as a good alternative, or Vallani's on Pine St.
- Pros: Friendly service
- Cons: Overpriced, small food servings
10/26/06
Weekday Lunch
by alee34 at Citysearch
I had one of the best weekday lunches here a while ago. The service was excellent and the food was satisfying. Definetly try here if you're sick of Marathon or grabbing something in Liberty.
- Pros: Lunch
06/29/05
pleasant surprise
by mbradshawpa at Citysearch
A recent trip to Philadelphia had me staying at Hotel Sofitel. On my last evening in town I decided to dine at Chez Collette. A good move. I had one of the best meals EVER! Starting w/a green tomato gazpacho style soup then a perfectly prepared rack of lamb over soft polenta w/grilled asparagus. Veuve Clicquot champagne and a decadant choclate dessert rounded out the meal. I was sorry to see ,as had been mentioned in previous reviews, a very empty dining room. Myself and seven other diners on a Monday evening at 7PM. Also, the service was impeccable. Guests and locals should check this out. I will be back.
- Pros: great food, great service, great prresentation
The Details on Chez Colette - Sofitel Philadelphia
What to Drink:
The wine list offers a surprisingly small selection by the glass, just seven in total ($7-$10). Recommended choices are the Clos du Bois Chardonnay and the Michel Redde Sancerre, both whites.
Know Before You Go:
Chez Colette is located in the city's only French hotel, Sofitel.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard, Debit Card
Restaurant Special Features:
Breakfast, Hotel Restaurants, Brunch, Live Music
Cuisine:
Notable Chef:
Guy Reinbolt
Smoking Permitted:
Yes
