Katie Sagal

Guide to the Best Restaurants in Philadelphia

Philadelphia has had a gastronomic revolution in recent years, with innovative new restaurants popping up and renowned chefs trying out new ideas. You’ll find that it’s become one of the hottest culinary destinations on the East Coast, making it the perfect city for foodies to visit. While you’re considering making plans for culinary travel in Philadelphia, don’t forget that Center City District Restaurant Week is coming up soon! From September 15-27, 2019, you can enjoy dozens of the best cities in CCD for reduced prices. So make plans for each lunch and dinner and make the most of your dining experience. We’ve put together a brief guide to the best restaurants in Philadelphia, with a few options (at different price points) from some of the best dining neighborhoods, including, of course, Center City.

Royal Boucherie / 2810, 52 South 2nd St.

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Manned by Top Chef winner Nicholas Elmi, Royal Boucherie is a delightful French brasserie serving all of your favorites from escargot to their house-made charcuterie. You can also enjoy a brunch, lunch, and a tasty late-night menu. Their wine list is especially well-curated, offering an eclectic mix of small producers from overseas locations. Royal Boucherie is located in the Old City neighborhood.

Fiore Fine Foods / 757 South Front St.

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This spacious Italian restaurant offers a wide selection of menu items throughout the day, including a sweet and savory café menu during the weekdays, dinner each evening and a weekend brunch menu. Some favorite menu items include braised lamb, an almond and mint pesto trofie, soft shell crabs, and much more. Their wine list is also impressive, and their gelato is legendary. Additionally, if you like Italian food, consider taking a tour of the Italian market and delis. You'll get to sample some delicious Philly Cheesesteak too!

Vernick Food & Drink / 2031 Walnut St.

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The brainchild of a James Beard award-winning chef, Vernick Food & Drink creates modern American cuisine with flair. This Rittenhouse Square spot is known for their frequently-changing menu, but past dishes have included everything from sea bass and bone-in strip loin to an entire rack of Colorado lamb. You can also enjoy smaller plates like a jasmine rice salad or a squid ink and burrata agnolotti.

Double Knot / 120 South 13th St.

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A two-story Center City venue organized around an “all-day concept,” Double Knot serves coffee and cocktails on the top floor, and a sushi bar and robatayaki on the lower floor. Lunchtime offers the opportunities to customize your noodle or rice plate from a tasty variety of traditional and creative Asian ingredients (with a salad option as well). Dinner features an expansive sushi menu and the happy hour deals are excellent.

Fond / 1537 South 11th St.

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This East Passyunk creation focuses on lovingly-crafted contemporary American dishes. Their dinner menu offerings are on the refined side, with options like oysters, a pate du jour, salmon tartare, and scallops. They also offer a five- and seven-course tasting menu, complete with optional wine pairings. It’s a bit on the nicer side so it’s best for a special night out or date night. Their brunch menu is equally ambitious, with dishes like a crab, avocado, and feta omelet.

Hungry Pigeon / 743 South 4th St.

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This airy and light Queen Village restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an emphasis on comfort foods—both the rich, indulgent variety and fresh, healthy meals. You can enjoy fresh pastries and eggs for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, and an eclectic selection of dishes for dinner ranging from black bass Crudo to ricotta dumplings. They also boast a cheese menu plus well-stocked beer and wine lists.

Zahav / 237 St. James Pl.

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You’ll need to make reservations far in advance at this restaurant, as it was recently selected for the 2019 James Beard Award for the best restaurant. Focusing on Israeli cuisine, this nationally-recognized restaurant features everything from laffa bread and mezze to grilled meats. Choose from the a la carte options or go for the tasting menu for the full effect. The interior décor is stunning, too, making this is a great place for a special meal.

Save on Philadelphia Attractions

You can try to spend all your time in Philly eating, but we don’t advise it. So explore the city a bit more and see some of the top Philadelphia attractions, from historic homes to museums to tours. While you’re at it, snag a Go Philadelphia pass and pay up to 45% less than you would by buying tickets individually.

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