Forsythia

Forsythia is a modern French restaurant in Philadelphia’s Old City, centered on inventive French cooking, craft cocktails and French wines. The restaurant’s identity brings together a contemporary approach to French fare with a drinks program that gives equal attention to cocktails and wine. It suits diners looking for a French meal with a modern point of view, as well as guests interested in a bar visit focused on cocktails or French bottles.

The restaurant serves dinner in the evening and maintains a separate bar program. Happy hour is offered at the bar rather than throughout the dining room, making the bar a distinct destination for an early evening drink. The arrangement works for a range of plans, from a full dinner to a shorter stop for drinks. Guests choosing the latter can focus on the cocktail and wine offerings without booking a full dining occasion.

Forsythia’s setting in Old City places the restaurant within one of Philadelphia’s established central neighborhoods. Its address on Chestnut Street makes it a natural option for an evening built around the area, whether the plan is a seated meal or drinks at the bar. The restaurant’s French focus also gives the experience a clear direction, while the modern style keeps the concept oriented toward contemporary dining rather than a strictly traditional presentation.

The venue offers dinner service from Tuesday through Sunday and closes on Mondays. The bar and dining room operate during the evening, with Sunday dinner ending earlier than service from Tuesday through Saturday. Bar-only happy hour runs on Sunday through Thursday and for a shorter period on Friday, with exceptions during special events. Those considering a visit around happy hour should treat the bar as the relevant part of the restaurant’s layout and confirm current details when planning.

Forsythia also lists private events, making the venue suitable for organized gatherings that call for a French dining and drinks setting. Reservations are available for dinner, while the bar provides a more casual way to experience the restaurant’s cocktails and wine selection. The overall offering is best suited to diners who value modern French cuisine, a focused beverage program and an Old City location.