2 1/2 Stars

Modern, stylish, delicious. Penne Restaurant and Wine Bar serves up the finest regional Italian cuisine with the elegance and flair of modern culinary trends. Executive chef Eileen Watkin handcrafts unique and innovative creations daily in a setting that's warm and whimsical. The colorful interior creates a mood and setting that is fresh and upbeat, and when paired with one of their regional Italian wines from their extensive bar menu, guests can relax with ease and enjoy the simple pleasures of Italian cuisine. Located inside the Hilton Inn, Penne Restaurant and Wine Bar is a trip worth making.

Being in one of the most beautiful locations in Philadelphia, the views of the statues and the fountain that grace Logan Square set the tone for a romantic and soothing evening. All about art and refinement, the Fountain Restaurant (located in the Four Seasons Resort) is one of the rare restaurants where the noise level is kept close to none because of the soundproof walls and ceilings. The mouth-watering “spontaneous menu” features four savory and two sweet courses or diners can choose the a la carte, which inlcudes Maine lobster and grilled Cervena venison chops.

Situated in Philadelphia’s ritziest neighborhood, Rouge takes on the persona of a Parisian café with ease and elegance. Rittenhouse Square is chichi central, and the undeniable draw of this city favorite isn’t the food – it’s the view. Whether you’re looking outside at the bustling park or inside at the attractively attired clientele, Rouge is a place to see and be seen. The menu is upscale comfort – American with a French flair – and the prices are an obvious reflection of its trendy reputation. Where image and appetites collide, Rouge guarantees a truly unique dining experience for all of …

The Rose Tattoo Café brings the balmy romance and sultry drama of Tennessee Williams’ New Orleans to Philadelphia. Its wrought iron railings, abundant flowering plants and antique Victorian edifice aptly conjure the historic charm of the French Quarter and set a seductive stage fit for the play that inspired the restaurant’s name. The eclectic menu features clever reinventions of Southern and American comfort food classics like Jambalaya and Baby Back Ribs in addition to more unexpected and delicious surprises like a Lobster Quesadilla with tarragon cream and Shiitake and Vegetable Spring Rolls. The attentive staff make “depending on the kindness …

In the city where freedom rings, you're free to rock at the Hard Rock Cafe Philadelphia! Located in the historic Reading terminal train station, this popular downtown nightspot is just blocks away from the birthplace of America: Independence Hall. Take in the sights, shop nearby at the largest urban enclosed mall, then celebrate your independence and this great nation where rock 'n' roll was born - at the Hard Rock Cafe Philadelphia.

City Tavern may offer one of the most unique dining experiences possible: one that replicates the customs and foods of 18th-century Colonial America. Located on an historic site, paying homage to the original City Tavern built in 1773, and serving a menu of 18th-century fare, this is one restaurant that will truly transport you in time.

Inspired by the architecture and ambiance of the royal courts of India, the Palace at the Ben, located on the bottom floor of the Ben Franklin building, is a study in sophistication. Indian haute cuisine is enhanced by an ornately decorated dining room and a vast selection of cocktails, unique wines and genuine Indian beers. Palace at the Ben invites guests to enjoy unique libations while seated in one of the restaurant's luxurious lounges. The Palace at the Ben uses only the freshest ingredients and the leanest cuts of meat. Authentic dishes like Biryani, Seekh Kabab, Chicken Korma and Lamb …

Stella Blu is an inviting destination for locals and newcomers alike. Be it a romantic dinner, a relaxing drink after work, or an evening of live entertainment, this smart and sophisticated West Conshohocken bistro sparkles. Bask in the glow of the exceptional customer service, including valet parking, a welcoming ambiance, and the newly expanded Star Bar. The extensive international menu includes such favorites as Lobster “Mac & Cheese and Wild Mushroom Ravioli. The food is heavenly, the décor is celestial, and the customer is always the star at Stella Blu.

The key to The Saloon’s longevity over 40 years has been its unbeatable Italian cooking and the comprehensive service it devotes to every meal. Whether it’s an oversized celebration or an intimate table for two, The Saloon creates a distinctly customized dining experience for every patron and, as a result, has earned a loyal following that draws visitors from around the region. The menu is chock full of Italian classics while the kitchen creates sumptuous daily specials that will entice every palate. Old World charm and exacting standards combine to make The Saloon a sought after destination for hearty Italian …

Although Tír na nÓg is well-known around Philadelphia for keeping the Irish tradition of drinking and good times alive, it is also recognized for its sophisticated, yet casual, dining atmosphere and great food. The chefs at Tír na nÓg have created a unique menu of new American cuisine with a Celtic influence. Traditional Irish food and local favorites are available for lunch and dinner, as well as the chef's daily specials. Enjoy a pint and order one of Ireland's most popular dishes.

Taking the heart of Italy into their food, Tre Scalini features numerous fish and other antipasta dinners to entice their patrons. Easily located by the green overhangs that contrast the red brick wall, Tre Scalini brings Italy home to Philadelphia. Chef Franca DiRenzo creates everything from scratch in the back of her kitchen where she is constantly busy. Patrons can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with a wide variety of menu items, from pasta dishes to more American ideals with Italian flavors added. The staff are very personable and try to treat you as if you were a guest in their …

Restaurant Alba prides itself on offering, “contemporary wholesome cuisine in a sophisticated yet comfortable setting,” but it is the smell of the wood-burning grill that will captivate your initial interest. Diners are greeted by this compelling aroma before they even pull into Restaurant Alba’s parking lot. Husband and wife owners Sean and Kelly Weinberg persistently create simple yet elegant dishes that are cooked over this state-of-the-art grill. With minimalistic décor and a unique rural approach to cooking, Restaurant Alba has been described as “rustic chic.” It may be the wafting scent that brings you in, but it is the fresh, …

While Blue Bell Inn’s rich history shapes it to this day (Blue Bell itself was named for it), it is by no means stuck in the past. Owner/Executive Chef John Lamprecht Jr. regularly offers internationally-influenced specials (Crab Cake with Wasabi Cream) to compliment his largely classical menu. A sleek bar featuring live music and large-screen plasma televisions offers a buoyant, but refined retreat for professionals looking to unwind, and the small dining rooms’ colonial design creates an intimate atmosphere without being stuffy. Anyone looking for time-tested fine dining with modern sensibilities need look no further than Blue Bell Inn.

Beloved among its many devoted fans, Umbria radiates warmth and coziness, which invites diners to slow down, relax, and enjoy. The menu features happy, hearty dishes that shy away from the trends of Continental cuisine. One that wins raves is the sausage with a spicy fig sauce. Other traditional dishes include pates, pork loin, and rack of lamb.

Nestled in the center of majestic brownstones, contemporary cafes, and the natural beauty of Rittenhouse Square lies Twenty Manning. The modern dining room, outdoor café, and spacious bar gives a location for every diner’s taste. A bevy of seafood creations like spicy calamari, sushi dishes and oysters work for starters, however, the entrees get more into the Asian-fusion mix, offering roasted duck and seared Szechuan salmon.

The breathtaking view of the Swann Memorial Fountain is one of the many amenities enjoyed when dining in the Swann Lounge in the Four Seasons Hotel. Serving afternoon tea becomes a social event and feast of finger sandwiches, scones, and chocolate-dipped strawberries. The central fireplace and warm woods make a perfect backdrop for the Continental fare which features classic onion soup gratinee and roasted pork chops.

Situated above the busy Avenue of the Arts, XIX Nineteen features a gorgeous view of the sparkling skyline with floor to ceiling windows. Covered in original frescoes, the century-old rotunda has a massive pearl chandelier above the giant mosaic-encrusted round raw bar which gives the space a traditional feel. Diners can experience oysters from a variety of the best East Coast locales or a traditional selection of shrimp cocktail.

White Dog Cafe is nationally known for it’s contemporary American menus, fashioned from the highest quality farm-fresh ingredients and humanely raised meats and poultry. Their menus change seasonally to capture the best locally grown, organic and sustainable foods. Throughout the year White Dog Cafe hosts numerous special events that combine their commitment to "food, fun, and social activism".

This corner restaurant space has worn many hats, but the latest one, thanks to Shari and Kip Wade, looks like a keeper. There's a long, lively eat-in bar in front and the back is a narrow room opening onto a patio. The food is seasonal and imaginative, and the wine list, though limited, is not pricey. The crowd---which is made up of locals, but with a few suburban couples thrown in---chows down on salads of local tomatoes with fennel, or warm peaches and mascarpone; crisp fried smelts; and the house special, grilled double-smoked pork loin with orange blossom glaze. The …

Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s thriving Chinatown district, Rangoon Burmese Restaurant throws open Burma’s culinary borders to showcase a cuisine that is as rich and diverse as the country’s culture itself. The restaurant’s extensive menu offers the unique opportunity to savor authentic Burmese fare with a range of traditionally prepared meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes featuring savory sauces and unique spice combinations. Rangoon also features the varied gastronomic influences of Burma’s geographic neighbors with tasty Indian curries, classic Chinese dishes, and a touch of Thai.