I first stumbled upon Ici when I took over the Spotted by Locals’ Instagram account last winter. Did you follow that weekend? So much fun! I had every intention of just wandering around Society Hill and Old City, two absolutely beautiful neighborhoods in Philly, and just taking pictures of what I saw. The weather had other ideas, and this awful wet snow slush came slurrying down from the skies, and forced me to take refuge in the nearest cozy spot. Well, ICI delivered, and I treated myself to a macchiato and three macarons. The three pictured above, clockwise, are fig & cassis, earl grey and chocolate hazelnut. Now, I’m no macaron connoisseur, but these had fantastic flavor, and were surprisingly substantial! Three was definitely a solid snack, if a lot of sugar for one sitting. I definitely had quite the buzz.

The crowd in ICI was also fun for people watching, from a family with kids to two hopelessly trendy Italian teenagers. Plenty of seating, but still small enough to feel intimate. ICI was a lucky find on my part! Besides macarons, they also served some beautiful French pastries and a full espresso bar. I’ve turned ICI into my Sunday ritual – I go there after a morning at Arch Street Friends Meetinghouse, sometimes stopping at PAWS too! See my reviews on this website.

ICI is located right in the heart of Old City, near plenty of boutiques for a day’s shopping.