City Guide
Philadelphia
Restaurants
Philadelphia Restaurants
Most Popular Hotels in Philadelphia:
1200 Market Street, 19107
Broad And Walnut Streets, 19102
3600 Sansom Street, 19104
100 N. Chris. Columbus Blvd., 19106
This small sample of Philadelphia's best restaurants is divided into five categories: Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. These categories serve as guidelines rather than absolute definitions of the establishments. Dollar symbols can be interpreted as follows:
$$$$ (over US$75)
$$$ (US$60 to US$75)
$$ (US$35 to US$60)
$ (up to US$35)
These prices are for a three-course meal for one and the equivalent of a half-bottle of wine. The sales tax of 7% is not included. Sometimes a gratuity (usually 15%) is added to the bill. If not, a tip of 15-20% for service is customary.
$$$$ (over US$75)
$$$ (US$60 to US$75)
$$ (US$35 to US$60)
$ (up to US$35)
These prices are for a three-course meal for one and the equivalent of a half-bottle of wine. The sales tax of 7% is not included. Sometimes a gratuity (usually 15%) is added to the bill. If not, a tip of 15-20% for service is customary.
Gastronomic
Barclay Prime
This Valhalla for carnivores is located in an historic building that was once Barclay Hotel. Panelled walls, soft lighting and crystal chandeliers add to the ambience. Thickly upholstered leather chairs and modish couches that surround its marble tables make it comfortable. Service and presentation are excellent, but the draw is the food - any kind of meat is delicious, but the Australian Tajima Kobe steaks are outstanding. The Kobe sliders (mini hamburgers) are a very tasty appetiser. Seafood or fish offerings match the meat in quality. Reservations essential.
237 South 18th Street, at Locust Street
Tel: (215) 732 7560.
Website: www.barclayprime.com
Price: $$$$
This Valhalla for carnivores is located in an historic building that was once Barclay Hotel. Panelled walls, soft lighting and crystal chandeliers add to the ambience. Thickly upholstered leather chairs and modish couches that surround its marble tables make it comfortable. Service and presentation are excellent, but the draw is the food - any kind of meat is delicious, but the Australian Tajima Kobe steaks are outstanding. The Kobe sliders (mini hamburgers) are a very tasty appetiser. Seafood or fish offerings match the meat in quality. Reservations essential.
237 South 18th Street, at Locust Street
Tel: (215) 732 7560.
Website: www.barclayprime.com
Price: $$$$
Buddakan
One of Philadelphia's top temples to food, this handsome, calm, two-level room, with white furnishings, is presided over by an urbane Buddha. The food is very fashionable pan-Asian, such as the sesame-crusted tuna, roasted chicken with ponzu brown butter sauce and wasabi-crusted filet mignon. Starters also feature some inventive combinations like wasabi tuna pizza, and the signature chicken and ginger dumplings. All the dishes are nicely turned out and the plentiful portions are designed to be shared. Reservations are essential.
325 Chestnut Street
Tel: (215) 574 9440.
Website: www.buddakan.com
Price: $$$
One of Philadelphia's top temples to food, this handsome, calm, two-level room, with white furnishings, is presided over by an urbane Buddha. The food is very fashionable pan-Asian, such as the sesame-crusted tuna, roasted chicken with ponzu brown butter sauce and wasabi-crusted filet mignon. Starters also feature some inventive combinations like wasabi tuna pizza, and the signature chicken and ginger dumplings. All the dishes are nicely turned out and the plentiful portions are designed to be shared. Reservations are essential.
325 Chestnut Street
Tel: (215) 574 9440.
Website: www.buddakan.com
Price: $$$
Le Bec-Fin
Celebrated chef Georges Perrier has turned Le Bec-Fin into Philadelphia's ultimate dining experience. The French restaurant boasts high ceilings, glittering chandeliers and tuxedo-clad staff. The menu features an exquisite selection of dishes (roasted lobster, poached salmon with smoked caviar, domestic rack of lamb), which change seasonally. The price for all this is hefty, though the three-course prix-fixe lunch is a great way to experience the culinary pyrotechnics without breaking the bank. Visitors can also dine at the more casual downstairs Le Bar Lyonnais, which whips up excellent dishes at more reasonable prices. Georges Perrier owns the less formal, but still splendid Brasserie Perrier. Monsieur Perrier is often on hand as co-owner, and executive chef Chris Scarduzio creates French cuisine with Italian or Asian influences. The interior is charming and the atmosphere lively.
1523 Walnut Street
Tel: (215) 567 1000.
Website: www.lebecfin.com
Price: $$$$
Brasserie Perrier, 1619 Walnut Street
Tel: (215) 568 3000.
Website: www.brasserieperrier.com
Price: $$$
Celebrated chef Georges Perrier has turned Le Bec-Fin into Philadelphia's ultimate dining experience. The French restaurant boasts high ceilings, glittering chandeliers and tuxedo-clad staff. The menu features an exquisite selection of dishes (roasted lobster, poached salmon with smoked caviar, domestic rack of lamb), which change seasonally. The price for all this is hefty, though the three-course prix-fixe lunch is a great way to experience the culinary pyrotechnics without breaking the bank. Visitors can also dine at the more casual downstairs Le Bar Lyonnais, which whips up excellent dishes at more reasonable prices. Georges Perrier owns the less formal, but still splendid Brasserie Perrier. Monsieur Perrier is often on hand as co-owner, and executive chef Chris Scarduzio creates French cuisine with Italian or Asian influences. The interior is charming and the atmosphere lively.
1523 Walnut Street
Tel: (215) 567 1000.
Website: www.lebecfin.com
Price: $$$$
Brasserie Perrier, 1619 Walnut Street
Tel: (215) 568 3000.
Website: www.brasserieperrier.com
Price: $$$
Business
Fork
This fashionable establishment incorporates some theatrical design features (huge lampshades, high banquettes and open kitchen) but still manages a welcoming ambience. Located on the city's main street in the historic area, this American bistro-style restaurant serves up the freshest local produce possible. Creative cocktails such as Fork Cosmopolitan and the Fork Lift (Absolut Currant with pomegranate juice) or one of the fine selections of wine by the glass are a good beginning. The menu changes frequently, but hanger steak, some sort of whole fish and tasty seafood are always in residence. Home-baked desserts are stellar.
306 Market Street
Tel: (215) 625 9425.
Website: www.forkrestaurant.com
Price: $$
This fashionable establishment incorporates some theatrical design features (huge lampshades, high banquettes and open kitchen) but still manages a welcoming ambience. Located on the city's main street in the historic area, this American bistro-style restaurant serves up the freshest local produce possible. Creative cocktails such as Fork Cosmopolitan and the Fork Lift (Absolut Currant with pomegranate juice) or one of the fine selections of wine by the glass are a good beginning. The menu changes frequently, but hanger steak, some sort of whole fish and tasty seafood are always in residence. Home-baked desserts are stellar.
306 Market Street
Tel: (215) 625 9425.
Website: www.forkrestaurant.com
Price: $$
Lacroix at the Rittenhouse
The setting is lovely - a long, narrow dining room with earthy tones, minimalist décor and large windows that overlook Rittenhouse Square. Here chef Jean-Marie Lacroix dazzles diners with gamy selections and fish dishes on a creative bill of fare that allows guests to mix and match from any part of the menu. ‘Superb' best describes the food, service and the wine list that boasts a cast of 500.
210 West Rittenhouse Square
Tel: (215) 790 2533.
Website: www.lacroixrestaurant.com
Price: $$$$
The setting is lovely - a long, narrow dining room with earthy tones, minimalist décor and large windows that overlook Rittenhouse Square. Here chef Jean-Marie Lacroix dazzles diners with gamy selections and fish dishes on a creative bill of fare that allows guests to mix and match from any part of the menu. ‘Superb' best describes the food, service and the wine list that boasts a cast of 500.
210 West Rittenhouse Square
Tel: (215) 790 2533.
Website: www.lacroixrestaurant.com
Price: $$$$
Trendy
Continental Mid-Town
Funky and lively, this casual, 1950s-styled, Center City restaurant is popular with everyone. Coloured glass balls hang from the middle of the multi-level ceiling to its main floor; circular banquettes occupy its centre section. The rear wall bar, which features an array of martinis and imported beers, stretches the width of the room. Smoky mirrors decorate the wall to the second level where wicker chair swings hang from the ceiling. With an eclectic sampling of Thai, Mexican, Jamaican and American, with some other countries thrown in for good measure, the menu bills itself as 'global tapas.' Any of the friendly staff will be happy to make personal recommendations, but try the highly satisfying barbecue chicken quesadillas. Open for lunch and dinner.
1801 Chestnut Street
Tel: (215) 567 1800.
Website: www.continentalmidtown.com
Price: $$
Funky and lively, this casual, 1950s-styled, Center City restaurant is popular with everyone. Coloured glass balls hang from the middle of the multi-level ceiling to its main floor; circular banquettes occupy its centre section. The rear wall bar, which features an array of martinis and imported beers, stretches the width of the room. Smoky mirrors decorate the wall to the second level where wicker chair swings hang from the ceiling. With an eclectic sampling of Thai, Mexican, Jamaican and American, with some other countries thrown in for good measure, the menu bills itself as 'global tapas.' Any of the friendly staff will be happy to make personal recommendations, but try the highly satisfying barbecue chicken quesadillas. Open for lunch and dinner.
1801 Chestnut Street
Tel: (215) 567 1800.
Website: www.continentalmidtown.com
Price: $$
Paradigm
Simple colours and smart, economic design accent this downtown venue with its semi-circular bar, round tables, crushed velvet seating and outside terrace. As for the food, it is modern fare with a wide selection of global accents, including New Zealand lamb chops, seared Ahi tuna and Thai duck spring rolls. They also do excellent salads, seafood risotto and delicious pastas. Desserts tend to be rich but hard to pass up, like the signature Godiva soup, a combination of chocolate, pistachios, hazelnuts and vanilla ice cream. Diners should be careful to lock the unusual toilet doors - otherwise the glass is see-through!
239 Chestnut Street
Tel: (215) 238 6900.
Website: www.paradigmrestaurant.com
Price: $$
Simple colours and smart, economic design accent this downtown venue with its semi-circular bar, round tables, crushed velvet seating and outside terrace. As for the food, it is modern fare with a wide selection of global accents, including New Zealand lamb chops, seared Ahi tuna and Thai duck spring rolls. They also do excellent salads, seafood risotto and delicious pastas. Desserts tend to be rich but hard to pass up, like the signature Godiva soup, a combination of chocolate, pistachios, hazelnuts and vanilla ice cream. Diners should be careful to lock the unusual toilet doors - otherwise the glass is see-through!
239 Chestnut Street
Tel: (215) 238 6900.
Website: www.paradigmrestaurant.com
Price: $$
Tangerine
This stylish, wildly colourful spot has a nightclub-like design (varying from mod to Moorish), dim lighting and pulsing world beats. The menu features a daring medley of flavours, like Mediterranean whole Bronzino, halibut with a shrimp and scallop paella cake and lobster risotto. In addition to fine dining, Tangerine is a great spot for meeting up for a drink.
232 Market Street
Tel: (215) 627 5116.
Website: www.tangerinerestaurant.com
Price: $$$$
This stylish, wildly colourful spot has a nightclub-like design (varying from mod to Moorish), dim lighting and pulsing world beats. The menu features a daring medley of flavours, like Mediterranean whole Bronzino, halibut with a shrimp and scallop paella cake and lobster risotto. In addition to fine dining, Tangerine is a great spot for meeting up for a drink.
232 Market Street
Tel: (215) 627 5116.
Website: www.tangerinerestaurant.com
Price: $$$$
Budget
Pat's King of Steaks
One of the city's specialities is cheese steak and the best place to find it is Pat's King of Steaks, an outfit run by the same family since it opened in 1930. Located in South Philadelphia, near the Italian Market, Pat's is the local eating place for these sandwiches packed with sliced steak and melted cheese. Pat's is the original, open 24 hours a day, and is good for groups as it has tables outside in summer. Unlicensed.
1237 East Passyunk Avenue, at South Ninth Street and Wharton Street
Tel: (215) 468 1546.
Website: www.patskingofsteaks.com
Price: $
One of the city's specialities is cheese steak and the best place to find it is Pat's King of Steaks, an outfit run by the same family since it opened in 1930. Located in South Philadelphia, near the Italian Market, Pat's is the local eating place for these sandwiches packed with sliced steak and melted cheese. Pat's is the original, open 24 hours a day, and is good for groups as it has tables outside in summer. Unlicensed.
1237 East Passyunk Avenue, at South Ninth Street and Wharton Street
Tel: (215) 468 1546.
Website: www.patskingofsteaks.com
Price: $
Pietro's Coal Oven Pizzeria
This might not be as familiar a method of pizza baking as the old wood-fired brick oven, however, this family business has been baking pizzas this way for 60 years - and they are just as delicious. The pizzas, which are very reasonably priced, come with a vast choice of toppings, but there are many Italian salads and pasta dishes too. It is a good venue for groups and families.
1714 Walnut Street
Tel: (215) 735 8090.
Website: www.pietrospizza.com
Price: $
Other location:
121-123 South Street
Tel: (215) 733 0675.
This might not be as familiar a method of pizza baking as the old wood-fired brick oven, however, this family business has been baking pizzas this way for 60 years - and they are just as delicious. The pizzas, which are very reasonably priced, come with a vast choice of toppings, but there are many Italian salads and pasta dishes too. It is a good venue for groups and families.
1714 Walnut Street
Tel: (215) 735 8090.
Website: www.pietrospizza.com
Price: $
Other location:
121-123 South Street
Tel: (215) 733 0675.
Rangoon
Situated in the Chinese section just off Arch Street, a short walk from the Conference Center, the green facade of Rangoon is easy to spot. As the name suggests, Burmese specialities (spinach salad, chilli shrimp and thousand-layer bread with potato curry dip) predominate here. Owned and run by three Burmese women, this restaurant, with its simple interior, is a favourite with locals in search of exotic Asian food, such as beef mint kebab and curried fish cakes.
112 North Ninth Street
Tel: (215) 829 8939.
Website: www.phillychinatown.com/rangoon.htm
Price: $
Situated in the Chinese section just off Arch Street, a short walk from the Conference Center, the green facade of Rangoon is easy to spot. As the name suggests, Burmese specialities (spinach salad, chilli shrimp and thousand-layer bread with potato curry dip) predominate here. Owned and run by three Burmese women, this restaurant, with its simple interior, is a favourite with locals in search of exotic Asian food, such as beef mint kebab and curried fish cakes.
112 North Ninth Street
Tel: (215) 829 8939.
Website: www.phillychinatown.com/rangoon.htm
Price: $
Personal Recommendations
Friday Saturday Sunday
It is over 30 years since this charming place opened. Except for the newly painted 18m (60ft) wall mural, almost everything is original, from the chains of twinkling lights to the mirrors. Situated in an old brick house on a leafy street, it is a favourite with locals. The food is simple, fresh and classic (filet mignon, rack of lamb, crab cakes), although there is also nouvelle cuisine such as horseradish-panko-crusted tilapia with lime sauce, slow-roasted duck with sun-dried cherries and other inventive fare.
261 South 21st Street
Tel: (215) 546 4232.
Website: www.frisatsun.com
Price: $$
It is over 30 years since this charming place opened. Except for the newly painted 18m (60ft) wall mural, almost everything is original, from the chains of twinkling lights to the mirrors. Situated in an old brick house on a leafy street, it is a favourite with locals. The food is simple, fresh and classic (filet mignon, rack of lamb, crab cakes), although there is also nouvelle cuisine such as horseradish-panko-crusted tilapia with lime sauce, slow-roasted duck with sun-dried cherries and other inventive fare.
261 South 21st Street
Tel: (215) 546 4232.
Website: www.frisatsun.com
Price: $$
White Dog Café
Set in three adjacent Victorian brownstones, this progressive restaurant serves delectable fare that you can feel good about eating. The White Dog supports sustainable agriculture, with high-quality, farm-fresh ingredients, with local and seasonal ingredients used whenever possible. Not surprisingly, the menu changes frequently, with selections tending toward high-end comfort food. A recent menu featured the likes of crispy duck breast with rhubarb mostarda, creole crab cakes with rémoulade sauce, herb-roasted free-range chicken with garlic mashed potatoes and grass-fed beef burger on a homemade bun.
3420 Sansom Street
Tel: (215) 386 9224.
Website: www.whitedog.com
Price: $$
Set in three adjacent Victorian brownstones, this progressive restaurant serves delectable fare that you can feel good about eating. The White Dog supports sustainable agriculture, with high-quality, farm-fresh ingredients, with local and seasonal ingredients used whenever possible. Not surprisingly, the menu changes frequently, with selections tending toward high-end comfort food. A recent menu featured the likes of crispy duck breast with rhubarb mostarda, creole crab cakes with rémoulade sauce, herb-roasted free-range chicken with garlic mashed potatoes and grass-fed beef burger on a homemade bun.
3420 Sansom Street
Tel: (215) 386 9224.
Website: www.whitedog.com
Price: $$
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