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$$$$ | Rittenhouse Square |
Smoke, coal, fire, and ash create a through line for the menu at a.kitchen, on the ground floor of the AKA Hotel. Attired in blond wood and Carrara marble, it looks like a spa in the Italian Alps, and its Rittenhouse address guarantees a scene, but the recent involvement of High Street Hospitality (Fork, High Street on Market) has transformed it into a "serious restaurant" with an ace sommelier and a steak tartare that cannot be missed.
135 S. 18th St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19103, USA
Known For
- Seasonal small plates
- Fresh oysters
- Sleek interior
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$$$$ | Old City |
This sunny younger sibling of perennial favorite Fork is half clubhouse for Old City neighbors, half food-tourist magnet. Grain-brained High Street will take you from cortados (an espresso drink) and kouign-amann (a French pastry) in the morning to beet-cured salmon sandwiches in the afternoon to creative alt-flour pastas—spelt pappardelle, anyone?—at night.
308 Market St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19106, USA
Known For
- All-day service
- Creative breads
- Innovative pastas
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$ | South Philadelphia |
Housed in humble digs next to a defunct railroad crossing, John’s doesn’t wow with curb appeal, but wise eaters know the close-to-centenarian grill spot turns out some of Philly’s best sandwiches. Newbies and lifers alike line up in a zigzag along the counter, grabbing outdoor picnic tables after paying for their roast pork, roast beef, or cheesesteak. The namesake sandwich, a Philly Italian signature, is juicy, garlicky, and herbaceous; sharp provolone and sautéed spinach (no broccoli rabe here) are common add-ons. The roast beef and cheesesteak rival the pork in popularity, earning owner John Bucci Jr. loyal fans and national awards. They’re not open late, but do start early; staying true to their beginnings feeding Delaware River dock workers, they also do fluffy egg sandwiches layered with pork roll or crispy fried scrapple.
14 E. Snyder Ave., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19148, USA
Known For
- Italian roast pork sandwiches
- Highly praised cheesesteaks
- Friendly South Philly staff
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Reservations not accepted
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$ | Fishtown |
A photo-ready interior invites guests to La Colombe's world headquarters, a sprawling space covered in artsy graffiti and crusty brick walls, that offers food, drinks, and ample space for hanging out. Communal tables stream down the center of the space, so grab your spot before you order at the counter: savory scones, sandwiches on excellent baguettes, sweet pastries, and coffee, of course. Ask for a Black & Tan (half Pure Black cold-brew, half nitro-draught latte) and no one will know you’re not a local.
1335 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19125, USA
Known For
- Draft lattes
- Enticing sandwiches
- Picturesque space
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$$$$ | Rittenhouse Square |
Jonathan Cichon has proven himself to be a worthy successor to this luxe establishment and one who forges his own way with graceful dishes using seasonal, prestige ingredients. He is bigger on elegance and shorter on whimsy than his predecessors, with dishes like lobster crepes, and chicken liver and foie gras mousse with watermelon glaze. Combined with a 500-plus-label cellar of high-end bottles and a gorgeous dining room overlooking Rittenhouse Square, a meal here is guaranteed to be one of your most memorable. There's also the $75 blowout Sunday brunch—a tremendous value, believe it or not.
210 W. Rittenhouse Sq., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19103, USA
Known For
- All-day dining options
- Sunday brunch
- Expansive wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
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$ | University City |
A Spruce Hill staple, Manakeesh specializes in the Lebanese flatbreads of the same name. Served warm from the oven, the puffy, round loaves come with both traditional toppings (za’atar, kafta) and unorthodox ones (turkey bacon-egg-cheese, cheesesteak), which speak to the diverse crowd that fills the comfortable café-style space. Encased behind glass along the front counter, fresh-baked Lebanese pastries cut in a dozen different shapes glitter like jewelry. A box makes an excellent take-home treat.
4420 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
Known For
- Lebanese/Middle Eastern cuisine
- House-baked Middle Eastern pastries
- Coffee and fruit smoothies
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed 1–2 pm Fri. for prayer
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$$$$ | Rittenhouse Square |
Brass rails, silvered mirrors, claret-hued banquettes, and oak wainscoting reclaimed from now-shuttered Parisian restaurants, imbue patina—while small touches like newspapers on wooden poles, create extra realism—in the meticulous stage set placed on Philadelphia's most desirable corner by restaurateur Stephen Starr. Similarly, standard menu items (roasted chicken, trout amandine) hold their own, but the little things—desserts and salads, fresh-baked goods (including house-made macaroons), and excellent onion soup—stand out. Ask for an indoor-outdoor table overlooking the park: you'll get generous views and the pleasant din of the 150 diners behind you without the deafening buzz that is the restaurant's one true downside.
227 S. 18th St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19103, USA
Known For
- Onion soup
- Seafood tower
- Outdoor dining
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$ | Chinatown |
The juxtaposition of bamboo and exposed pipes is indicative of the surprising mix of flavors in this perennially busy Malaysian restaurant. A taste of India creeps into a scintillating appetizer of roti canai, handkerchief-thin crepes served with a small dipping dish of spicy chicken curry, and the wide variety of soups are tasty and filling; satay, Singapore rice noodles, and chow kueh teow (Malaysian stir-fried flat rice noodles) are among the other popular dishes.
117 N. 10th St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, USA
Known For
- Malaysian cuisine
- Roti canai
- Southeast Asian noodles
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No credit cards
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$$ | Rittenhouse Square |
Pub & Kitchen has been a favorite since it opened in 2009 with a daily selection of oysters and a menu that includes everything from a sweet-and-savory fried-chicken sandwich to a kick-ass cheeseburger. But even if the food menu wasn't a star, locals would flock to this energetic saloon to unwind with friends or catch the game. In what used to be a dive bar, P&K is an unpretentious, attractive hangout with hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, tables fashioned from reclaimed floor joists, and familiar rock music playing from the speakers.
1946 Lombard St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19146, USA
Known For
- Draft old-fashioned
- Weekend brunch
- Solid beer list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays, Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted
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$ | Chinatown | Eclectic
When the Reading Company opened its train shed in 1892, it was the only one in the country with a market tucked away in its cellar. The trains are long gone, but the food remains. And while disagreeing over the best cheesesteak is a popular pastime in Philly, pretty much everyone can agree on pancakes at the Dutch Eating Place, the roast pork sandwich at DiNic's, whoopie pies at the Flying Monkey, and double chocolate-chip cookies at Famous 4th Street. Recent years have seen worthy newcomers to the entrenched mix: German deli Wursthaus Schmitz, Valley Shepherd Creamery's grilled cheese counter, and La Divisa Meats, for example. Get here early to beat the lunch rush. Seventy-five-minute tours every Wednesday and Saturday highlight the market's history and offerings (call 215/545–8007 to make a reservation).
12th and Arch Sts., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, USA
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$$ | South Philadelphia |
Championing craft beer well before it was cool, this laid-back Newbold tavern set the bar for Philly’s gastropub boom way back in 2003. SPTR’s ever-rotating 14 tap selections, plus cask ales and a nice bottle selection, hit local, national, and international notes that nicely accompany a menu that reaches well beyond the expected pub grub with creative snacks, sandwiches, and seasonal specials conceived to celebrate local and organic products and produce. The kitchen pays ample mind to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free guests, too; it’s this accommodating spirit that makes a neighborhood bar.
1509 Mifflin St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19145, USA
Known For
- Smart craft-beer program
- Local and seasonal menu items
- Relaxed atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$ | South Philadelphia |
Cristina Martinez and Benjamin Miller specialize in barbacoa, the succulent, slow-cooked lamb of Martinez’s Mexican homeland. The couple and their staff chop the meat with cleavers and pile it on fluffy corn tortillas, which you top at the salsa station with strips of cactus paddle rajas, onion-laced pickled jalapeno escabeche, chopped cilantro, and fresh lime. Pancita tacos and a flavorful consommé soup made from the lamb’s drippings are must-orders, too. Go early, as they usually sell out at this four-day-a-week operation.
1140 S. 9th St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19147, USA
Known For
- Lamb tacos
- Aguas frescas
- Early hours
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.–Thurs., Reservations not accepted
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$ | Chinatown |
Owner Benny Lai took this humble noodle shop founded by his immigrant parents and built it into a chic restaurant with an upstairs lounge serving small plates and wacky cocktails like the Bachelor’s Downfall and the Flaming Volcano (two straws included). In the dining room the best bets are the crispy spring rolls, salted squid, barbecue platter, and soups with rice noodles. Don't get this restaurant confused with the competing Vietnam Palace across the street.
221 N. 11th St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, USA
Known For
- Strong cocktails
- Spring rolls
- Noodle soups
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No credit cards
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$ | Bella Vista |
When you're ready for an atmospheric break, stop by Anthony's Italian Coffee House in the heart of the Italian Market. Here, to the strains of Frank Sinatra, you can sample a fresh panino with prosciutto and mozzarella or indulge in homemade cannoli or gelato imported from Italy. Enjoy your espresso on the umbrella-covered 9th Street patio when weather permits.
903 S. 9th St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19147, USA
Known For
- Italian espresso drinks
- Italian desserts
- Outdoor seating
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Weekdays 7–7, Sat. 7 am–8 pm, Sun. 7:30–5
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$$ | Center City East |
This buzzing Mediterranean tapas joint has inspired an almost religious devotion among nearly every demographic of Philadelphian. Diners happily stuff themselves into the cramped tables at this long, narrow eatery for a fix of the cheese boards, the egg-and-truffle pizza, and the house-made charcuterie. But above all, the salted caramel budino (a classic Italian pudding)—with so much demand, chef Marcie Turney figured out how to sell it online in a six-pack and turn it into ice-cream pops in the summer—is heavenly. If you don't have a reservation, try and snag the bar and chef's counter, which are first come, first served.
110 S. 13th St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Known For
- Creative pizzas
- Caramel budino
- Lively crowd
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Sun.
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$$$$ | Bella Vista |
The cheery atmosphere inside this long, narrow bistro exudes warmth and attention to detail, from the flea-market knickknacks picked out by chef Peter Woolsey and his Burgundian wife, Peggy, to the ceramic pitchers of house wine delivered to your table. Woolsey studied at the Cordon Bleu, fell in love with French food culture (and Peggy), and came back to his native Philadelphia to share the experience with his city; regulars swear by the mustard-braised rabbit with housemade pasta; pork cheeks braised in Malbec; and the exemplary desserts that speak to Woolsey's extensive training as a pastry chef.
623 S. 6th St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19147, USA
Known For
- Romantic atmosphere
- Classic French bistro menu
- Authentic ingredients
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays, Credit cards accepted
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$$ | Rittenhouse Square |
Converted from a private club with blacked-out windows, this Dublin-style pub has been packing them in for rivers of Irish draft and kitchen specialties. Guinness-battered fish-and-chips could have been produced on the "auld sod," and the malt vinegar to sprinkle over it all does little to dampen the crisp crust. The first-floor bar is noisy and spirited—show up before happy hour to snag a seat—but the mood gets a bit quieter as you climb the steps to the dining room or walk downstairs to the basement bar.
247 S. 17th St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19103, USA
Known For
- Traditional pub fare
- Casual atmosphere
- Vast beer selection
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$$$ | Center City West |
One of restaurateur Stephen Starr's many ventures is housed in an old wood-paneled and marbled brokerage (from which it borrows its name). Here the dishes are traditional rather than fancy (wedge salad, filet Oscar), portions are hefty, and the sides classic (green beans amandine, creamed spinach). A pair of showstopper chandeliers, a New Yorker–style mural depicting tony pooches clad in pencil skirts and smoking robes, and leather banquettes skew closely to the restaurant's avowed 1940s supper club aesthetic. The juicy, dripping burger is the word at lunch.
1500 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19102, USA
Known For
- Juicy steaks
- Weekday lunch options
- Baked Alaska
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekends, Credit cards accepted
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$ | Chestnut Hill |
Housed inside a former greenhouse, Cake is a refined spot for breakfast and lunch, though the sweets and pastries are still a highlight at this former bakery. The menu includes creative twists on lunchtime classics: try the Philly cheesesteak marsala or the croque monsieur brushed with apricot mustard. Light streams in through the greenhouse glass and a fountain occupies the center of the room.
8501 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19118, USA
Known For
- Garden atmosphere
- Refined breakfast and lunch
- Buttery scones
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner
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$$$$ | Center City East |
It's only fair to question whether Capital Grille is a restaurant or an art gallery. When you first enter the Philadelphia dining room of this high-end national chain, you'll find walls covered with exquisitely framed paintings and pedestals bearing bronze statues. Steaks and chops for the power crowd come in two sizes: large and larger. A baby lobster (about a pound) makes an excellent appetizer along with the requisite green salad and shrimp cocktail. The wine cellar is ample and fairly priced for a selection of excellent bottles.
1338 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, USA
Known For
- High-end steaks and chops
- Business crowd
- Power lunch
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekends, Credit cards accepted