Chef Patrice Rames
After finishing his education at Culinire de Nice, Patrice traveled and worked throughout France and England. Upon arriving in the United States, Patrice spent time in the Houston and Chicago areas before coming to Philadelphia.

In 1987 Bistro St. Tropez opened its doors to the public. Since then, The Bistro has moved to its current location overlooking the river and the art museum area. Along with the beautiful view of the city, patrons of the Bistro are treated to the finest cuisine in the city. Upon introducing the dinner menu in 1995, Patrice has enjoyed many favorable reviews. Among these reviews are included Zagat's Top 40 Restaurants and Top Restaurants in America.

Patrice spends most of his off-peak leisure time with his famille in France. This allows Patrice to bring back new ideas and recipes to his ever-so-delicious menu, so that he may share the flavors that he grew up with with you, the customer. And of course, if you are ever traveling to the south of France, please feel free to ask Patrice where to eat.
 

bis•tro
Pronunciation: (bis'trO; Fr. bE-strO')
1. a small, modest, European-style restaurant or café.

Before this true French bistro opened in 1987, the closest you could get to real French food in Philly was Le Bec-Fin.  Patrice Rames, Bistro St. Tropez's owner/chef, felt the time was right for Philadelphians to experience not only authentic Provencal cuisine, but also the French bistro tradition itself - a warm place where people can go with friends for a casual get-together or with someone special for an evening of good food at a price that won't break the purse.  Moreover, Patrice had in mind a unique location similar to the chic, decidedly urban, off-the-beaten path restaurants with beautiful river views in many of Paris' big buildings.  His vision of authentic French fare, a welcoming atmosphere, and stylish environment intact, Patrice set off on a mission. Hence, Bistro St. Tropez, a hidden treasure of sorts, tucked away alongside the chi-chi interior design showrooms of the Marketplace Design Center.  Visit on any given night and you are sure to find evidence of Patrice's mission accomplished - be it the South of France's most beloved dishes at an affordable price, including Coq Au Vin, Bouillabaisse and Cassoulet, part of an extensive menu that Philadelphia Inquirer Restaurant Critic Craig LaBan described as having “creative, contemporary twists, hitting high notes with fish”; or, the visual treat of warm yellow walls evocative of Provence, fun silver curtains and pillows, art nouveau prints adorning the walls, and life-size black and whites of Patrice Rames as a child on the shores of the Mediterranean, which combined with the aural delights of the city's French expats often heard greeting one another in their native tongue and the soft sounds of Django Reinhardt's guitar in the background contribute to that certain bistro comfort level and romanticism; or, even just the magnificent view looking westward over the Schuylkill River towards a lit up cityscape which includes University City's greatest charms - Franklin Field, 30th Street Station, the lights of the Market Street Bridge, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  The Bistro St. Tropez, we think you'll agree, a tradition worth keeping, and truly a mission accomplished.

Bistro St. Tropez is open for lunch Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (hot kitchen to 2:30 p.m.); and for dinner Wednesday and Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. It is located at 2400 Market Street, 4th Floor, Philadelphia. For Reservations, call 215.569.9269. For more information and on-line booking, visit www.bistrosttropez.com