3 1/2 Stars

Stephen Starr, Philadelphia’s most creative and successful restaurateur, has mastered the fine art of fun and phenomenal American-Mexican cuisine with his new haunt on 13th Street. Tacos get a facelift, desserts steal the show, fresh and flavorful margaritas keep the bar hopping, and made-to-order guacamole has the Philadelphia masses flocking through the doors all year long, but this isn't your typical Mexican joint. Vibrant, inventive and bursting with flavor, El Vez is an eye-opening experience far from the edible ordinary.

The contemporary elegance of Fork is evident as patrons step into the airy, subtly lit entryway at 306 Market Street between 3rd and 4th Streets in trendy Old City, Philadelphia. The unique hand-painted chandeliers--reminiscent of French impressionism--are beautifully blended with the contemporary look of the polished concrete bar, a focal point of the intimate restaurant. The New American style bistro boasts impressive tastes from around the globe ranging from the extensive, international wine list to the surprising local and international beer list to the cuisine that encompasses French, Italian, Spanish, and Australian influences.

La Famiglia is located in Old City, Philadelphia, which is bustling with restaurants and nightlife. Started in 1976 by the Sena family, La Famiglia continues to deliver fine Italian cuisine served in one of Philadelphia’s most opulent dining rooms. The menu takes a sophisticated twist on Italian classics, with entrees such as Vitello con Funghi Morel, veal medallions with marinated morel mushrooms in a Madeira demi-glace. The award winning wine list offers over 450 bottle options, in addition to the restaurant’s full bar. La Famiglia proves an ideal venue for a special occasion, or an extravagant dining experience.

While a chic center city crowd travels the Avenue of the Arts, diners at Varalli sit back and take in the view. While looking out ceiling-to-floor windows at the corner of Broad & Locust, diners can sample head chef William Carroll's selection of seafood classics fused with flecks of Northern Italy and the Mediterranean. The menu and the restaurant’s playful decor boast a knack for seafood, but that doesn’t mean those not so keen on sea fare should shy away - meats, pastas, salads and fresh vegetables are sure to dazzle carnivores and vegetarians alike. Add an accessible wine list …

Amid the leafy scenery of historic Chestnut Hill sits one of the city’s finest Asian restaurants: CinCin. The brilliance of owner Michael Wei combined with the superior culinary talents of Head Chef Jimmy Huang allows diners to enjoy Asian- and French-fused dishes in an atmosphere that features serene colors and beautiful etched glass. The food is a flawless combination of two cultures that creates a taste different than most. A full bar and friendly service from an accommodating staff puts this place amongst Chestnut Hill’s best. It’s elegant enough for date night but also great for family night. Make a …

The building that houses Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse was originally Philadelphia's historic Provident Bank building. Today, the building keeps its remarkable architecture, boasting dramatic arched windows that draw in natural lighting, sweeping ceilings and gleaming, polished wood. This Rittenhouse Square locale gives Davio's the ideal setting to serve up a menu that blends prime cuts of Brandt beef with classic pasta and seafood dishes of Northern Italy. All of this is complemented by an award winning wine list and superior service, making Davio’s one of Philadelphia’s premier places to enjoy steak and so much more.

Diners looking for a luxurious evening that seems to float on gossamer waters need look no further than Moshulu, the docked restaurant nestled in the Delaware River at Penn's Landing. The menu is creative American and boasts a wide array of innovative cuisine that draws on seasonal ingredients from around the state. The views of the water are stunning and drinks on the top deck are perfect as the mercury rises. Moshulu serves delectable dishes and promises to transport patrons to a majestic world of adventure and history within the space of a single meal.

This New York import was the tenth Palm to open nationwide and has since become a popular destination for diners including local celebrities. Located in the ornamented Bellevue Hotel building, the chic dining room walls are filled with portraits of local and national personalities. The menu consists of their infamous cheesecake, prime beef, jumbo lobsters, and authentic Italian entrees. At a restaurant that treats all guests like family, the Palm thrives on providing excellent meals at exceptional standards. Using traditional ingredients and simple recipes, this restaurant avoids culinary fads to bring its patrons an honest and satisfying dining experience.

Located in Rittenhouse Square, Tinto is a cozy restaurant, reminiscent of a rustic wine cellar. The dishes are inspired by cuisine that can be found in Basque country, the coastal and mountainous regions that surround both the Spanish and French border. Try such dishes as the Shortrib Sandwich with braised shortribs, bacon, asparagus, and celery root aioli or the Pork Belly with Berkshire pork belly, honey lacquer, and shaved apples. Whether you’re out for a quick bite or want to relax and enjoy a luxurious evening out, Tinto’s is the place.

The setting is 1964, the décor sleek and retro-futuristic, and the patrons trendy and chic. This is the place to go for a martini (or two), with a raved-about selection of signature drinks ranging from the classic to the innovative. An excellent array of international tapas complements the flavorful cocktails, with such popular treats as the Lobster Mashed Potatoes and Seared Tuna with Mushroom Risotto. Whether it’s happy hour, Sunday brunch, or another night on the town, Continental is a place to see and be seen.

As a revered source for some of Philadelphia’s finest Italian fare, Vetri has made a name for itself by serving up adventurous cuisine in a uniquely welcoming environment. Impeccable hospitality and well-crafted dishes combine to create an all-encompassing dining experience that ranges from rustic Italian cooking to cutting edge cuisine, and defies simple categorization. With a strong emphasis on superb wine and quality ingredients, the restaurant stands as a testament to the success of its kitchen creativity. In so many ways, from atmosphere to appetizers, Executive Chef Marc Vetri raises the level of dining to an art form.

As Philadelphia’s original authentic Spanish tapas bar and restaurant, Amada offers specialty food in a sultry setting. The tapas come courtesy of chef and owner Jose Garces, Philadelphia’s most ambitious new restaurateur. Feast on cured meats and cheeses as well as Spanish specialties like Tortilla Espanola, Lobster Paella, and the king of the table: a Whole Roasted Suckling Pig (which must be pre-ordered). Amada’s sexy flamenco performances are as inspiring as its food, and are surely not to be missed. With its fantastic cuisine, attentive service, and trendy ambiance, Amada is truly Old City's “loved one.”

With its kitschy theme park decor and its hip Latin beats, Old City’s Cuba Libre is all about the ambiance. The elaborately designed space – with its tall palms and wrought-iron balconies – was built to resemble an outdoor café in Cuba circa 1940. The restaurant’s menu combines “Nuevo Cubano” dishes alongside traditional Cuban cuisine. From the tasty mango butter spread accompanying the bread to the juicy Guava BBQ Rib entrée, this Latin feast will be an experience all its own. The endless variety of Cuban rums and a tasty selection of mojitos, Cuba Libre’s specialty drinks, won’t disappoint either!

Devil's Alley has been a rittenhouse hotspot since it opened. Drawing a high volume lunch crowd Devil's alley also offers a full service comfort food menu and bar featuring local draft beers and most popular liquor brands. The Alley has an open air casual concept bringing the outside indoors with trees in the dining room reaching to the ceiling on the second floor past the plant lined terrace overlooking the downstairs. Overall the Alley is industrial and edgy with pops of red lights wooden benches and plenty of flying pigs.

This French-American restaurant is held in high regard in the not-so-small town of Newton. The 19th century farmhouse that is home to Rouget is one of the many reasons this restaurant feels so charming and elegant, but it is the high quality cuisine that gives Rouget its reputation. The 60-seat dining room comes complete with bay-window nooks, black and white photographs of famous chefs and attached is a spacious glassed-in-porch. Chef Held prepares thoughtful and intelligent cuisine, which is presented by a perceptive and gracious staff. Rouget offers a weekly tasting menu that has quickly become the talk of the …

Noble American Cookery offers quality cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere. The philosophy of this quaint restaurant is to provide the finest food without all of the ceremony and rigidness that is normally associated with fine dining. Noble’s unique take on fine dining is first introduced to visitors as they step through the front door and lay eyes upon the earthy tones and marvelous woodwork that give Noble its hip yet casual feel. The balance of quality and coziness also comes through in the food. The majority of Noble’s produce comes from local farms, giving it that fresh and delicious taste …