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Last week, Atlantic writer Caity Weaver claimed that Parc in Philadelphia had the best free restaurant bread in the entire country — specifically the restaurant’s cranberry walnut loaf.
Certainly, Parc’s signature bread basket is fresh, warm and delicious (we’d also like to shout out their baguette). Still, we were curious to see what Philadelphians thought of Weaver’s claim, asking readers whether Parc really has the best free bread in Philadelphia — let alone the United States.
Turns out BP readers had a lot of different takes on their go-to complimentary bread. While there was no consensus among voters, there was a strong trend towards Italian spots — and one establishment did get the most votes.
Check out the full list of submissions below, and scroll to the bottom to reveal our readers’ pick.
Andiario
Andiario is an upscale Italian restaurant in West Chester with house made, rustic Italian bread. The spot was celebrated for its crunchy crust and chewy middle. Sometimes simple is the answer.
Barcelona Wine Bar
Barcelona Wine Bar in Passyunk was a favorite amongst readers. One resident dubbed it “without a doubt, the best free restaurant bread in Philly.” “It’s crusty — but not too crusty, and soft — but not too soft,” said another. “Served with high-end olive oil, my 8-year-old can’t get enough. And neither can we. Because she literally eats all of it.”
Barclay Prime
Parc isn’t the only Stephen Starr spot with exemplary free bread. Barclay Prime, the popular steakhouse, also thinks out of the box — offering hot popovers instead of a more traditional approach. Our readers appreciated the airy and addictive treat.
Butcher and Singer
Does Stephen Starr just really like complimentary bread? Because yet another one of the restaurant mogul’s establishments is highly esteemed amongst BP readers. Butcher and Singer offers guests buttermilk biscuits in their bread basket to start the meal. One diner had just this to say: “Yummmmm.”
From the Boot
We mentioned From the Boot’s location in Lafayette Hill as one of our personal complimentary bread go-tos with its buttery, tear-away knots. The rolls come soft and are loaded with garlic. BP readers agreed with the pick, calling the spot a “hidden gem.”
Giorgio on Pine
Giorgio on Pine is known for its old-school pastas, but the restaurant also offers fluffy bread with a crunchy crust — perfect for scooping up extra sauce. Not only this, but the bread basket also includes roasted garlic submerged in oil that comes so soft you can spread it as you please.
LeBus
LeBus in East Falls was another strong contender on the list with multiple write-ins. Like the bread basket at Parc, LeBus’ received praise both for the deliciousness of its bread, and for containing multiple varieties, including a raisin walnut sourdough. “Even the butter is a notch above,” an East Falls reader noted. “A delightful way to start a meal shared with a friend.”
Little Pete’s in the Philadelphian
Little Pete’s in the Philadelphian isn’t trying to get fancy. Their old school basket has rolls, sliced baguettes, crackers and butter. According to one reader, there’s “something for everyone — from families with young kids to keep occupied once seated to the early bird special regulars making even more of the expansive offerings.”
Osteria
Osteria is known for its cozy, elevated vibes — and that all starts with its focaccia. According to one enthusiast, Osteria’s bread comes with “delicious” olive oil. “If you sit in the greenhouse in spring, it’s the perfect setting to eat after the cold grip of winter,” they wrote. “It’s just the right amount of fluffy, topped with herbs and it’s an Italian classic.”
Palizzi Social Club
Palizzi Social Club is another restaurant that offers multiple complimentary bread options to start the meal. The basket comes with crispy breadsticks and semolina bread, but really kicks it to the next level with the inclusion of their anchovy and mozzarella panzarotti — a tiny, yet delectable Italian turnover that’s hard to believe comes gratis.
Parc
Yes, Parc is the restaurant that Weaver originally picked, but many Philadelphians wrote in to tell BP that she was right. “The variety, flavor and crust of all of Parc’s bread is exemplary,” a reader noted. “Little known fact: You can buy loaves of Parc’s bread to take home.”
Pietro’s Italian
Pietro’s Italian in Center City is known for its coal-fired pizza crusts, but they also serve dinner rolls that one reader appreciated for their simplicity. They come warm and get “replaced when requested,” the reader said.
The William Penn Inn
The William Penn Inn in Upper Gwynedd is the oldest continuously operated inn in Pennsylvania, and according to one Bucks County reader, their zucchini bread is unmatched. “It is moist and flavorful; delicious with or without butter; equally tasty in anticipation of dinner or with early-morning coffee,” they wrote. “It’s been the same recipe for decades, and comes in a distinctive red and gold signature gift box all year round!” We at Billy Penn love any shoutout to a spot championing our namesake.
Vetri Cucina
One write-in from South Philly noted that the bread from Vetri Cucina has addictive, perhaps magical qualities. “It’s the only restaurant bread I have ever craved,” the reader said. “It’s the perfect mix of crunchy crust and soft inside. They’ve perfected bread, and I bow down to them for it.” Curious how the restaurant pulls off such baking alchemy? The team sometimes offers baking classes to show how it’s done.
Zeppoli
Zeppoli in Collingswood, NJ is a cozy BYOB, whose bread basket is “unmatched,” according to one Philly reader. Zeppoli’s bread basket is bountiful with focaccia, a seeded Italian loaf, and tomato bread to name a few. “All freshly baked and delicious,” they added.
Across submissions, there was one restaurant that received the most write-ins from Billy Penn readers: Parc. Turns out, many said that Weaver was on the money when it came to her pick. The French heavyweight reigns supreme. Barcelona Wine Bar and LeBus tied for second place.
Starr told The Atlantic his original goal was to “come up with the greatest breadbasket ever.” The idea was to create a restaurant where “you didn’t have to spend any money. You could just come in here, order the breadbasket, a glass of wine, and you’re good for the next five, six hours. We just wanted it to be joyful.”
With these results, it’s clear he succeeded! Now that spring is in full swing, it’s the perfect time to head to Rittenhouse, grab a seat outside and see for yourself.