Update: Scarpetta aims for Sept. opening at Rittenhouse Hotel

So what is Scarpetta? "It's a constant dichotomy," says its founder.

by Michael Klein

Published Jul. 20, 2016, 5:05 p.m. ET

Sept. 28 is the target opening for Scarpetta, the polished Italian restaurant filling the former Smith & Wollensky space at the Rittenhouse Hotel.

So what is Scarpetta?

Meadow said Scarpetta aims for a "dinner party" vibe, with tables in the middle of the dining room socializing. But he acknowledged the space's million-dollar second-floor view of Rittenhouse Square; tables will line the front window for date-nighters.