Forsythia takes full seated buyouts of up to 45 guests, for dinner or for brunch, in its dining room in Old City, Philadelphia. It is a modern French restaurant on Chestnut Street, so the format suits a hosted dinner, a rehearsal-style evening, a client meal or a small reception rather than a conference.
Seminars and company events
The restaurant sells its whole interior to one host. A company dinner, a team celebration or a client evening works well at this scale: one table plan, one menu, one service team. Brunch buyouts are also offered, and the restaurant says it is interested in hosting private events during weekday daytime hours, when it is normally closed. There is no meeting room, projector or conference setup described on the official site, so plan a working session elsewhere and use Forsythia for the meal that follows.
Weddings and receptions
Forsythia can host the dinner side of a wedding celebration for up to 45 guests. Events usually open with a cocktail hour where canapes are passed, then guests sit for a seated dinner. The team does not offer wedding or party coordination, but it works with an outside coordinator or planner according to their schedule and plan. A DJ is possible if the volume stays moderate, because neighbors live upstairs. Lighting and sound can be adjusted to the host's taste within limits. Confetti, streamers, glitter, fake petals and bird seed are not allowed.
Rooms and capacities
There is one dining room, rented as a whole for a buyout. A buyout holds up to 45 seated guests. For smaller groups, Forsythia can take up to 18 guests while the restaurant stays open to the public. Groups of more than six in that setting follow the chef's tasting menu.
Timing
Events are built around three hours of continuous service. Brunch buyouts run from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and must be cleared by 2:30 p.m., because the dinner team arrives at 3 p.m. Dinner buyouts run from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., with a maximum of three and a half hours of event time and a finish by 11 p.m. Final headcounts are due two weeks before the event, and the minimum guest count is set when the date is secured with a deposit.
Catering
Forsythia describes itself as a restaurant, not a catering venue. The kitchen serves a menu agreed with the host. A typical seated format has four shared appetizer tastings for the table, followed by a choice of individual entrees. Menus change with the season and with the group. Tastings for a future event can be arranged. Beverages are sold by consumption, with a limited drinks list for groups so the bar can move quickly. The restaurant does not sell beverage packages.
Getting there
Forsythia is at 233 Chestnut Street in Old City. Several garages are nearby, including Autopark at Olde City at 125 S 2nd Street and Strawberry Parking at 37 S 2nd Street. Metered street parking exists but is limited, and payment goes through the MeteredUp app. Philadelphia International Airport is the closest commercial airport.
