PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia's renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr is expanding his culinary empire once again with a highly anticipated new concept in Rittenhouse Square. Named The Pelican Club, the upcoming Greek restaurant will take over the prime 8,800-square-foot real estate at 225 S. 18th St., a space formerly occupied by Devon Seafood Grill for 25 years.
The Pelican Club: Stephen Starr Brings Aegean Glamour to Rittenhouse Square
A Taste of the Onassis Era
Slated for a Fall 2026 opening, The Pelican Club promises to deliver "a new expression of Greek cuisine with a touch of Aegean glamour". Starr has envisioned the restaurant to evoke the jet-set fantasy of Greece during the Onassis era, aiming for an atmosphere defined by yacht-club luxury, cosmopolitan polish, and island sensuality.
The concept's unique name was inspired by Petros the pelican, the legendary mascot of Mykonos, who became a beloved island icon after being rescued by a fisherman in 1958. The restaurant's recent temporary signage reflects this Mediterranean inspiration, featuring a collage of vintage-inspired photography, blue waves, Mediterranean postage stamps, and a statue of Poseidon.
To ensure the menu meets his high standards for authenticity, Starr has actively auditioned chefs directly from Greece to helm the kitchen.
Starr's Unmatched Rittenhouse Roster
The Pelican Club represents a massive milestone for the hospitality veteran, becoming his ninth restaurant in the immediate Rittenhouse neighborhood. Starr's dominance in the area is already well-established, with the new Greek destination joining a celebrated local roster that includes Parc, Butcher and Singer, Barclay Prime, Continental Mid-town, The Dandelion, El Rey, The Ranstead Room, and his most recent addition, Borromini.
As the blue scaffolding finally comes down at 225 S. 18th St., Philadelphians can look forward to trading the city streets for a sophisticated, Mediterranean-inspired escape right on the square.
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