Philadelphia Restaurants

Exuding Zen-like swank and sunny swagger, Buddakan beckons foodies and scene-seekers alike. In 1998, Buddakan added drama and daring dining to Philly's historical district in Old City. Today, this cosmopolitan small-plate emporium is a major player in the scene – a de rigeur stop for celebrities, savvy tourists, and local devotees. The glamorous digs with the iconic 10-foot high gilded Buddha statue, silky walls, soaring ceilings, glamorous décor, and flowing water wall whirls with an irrepressible kinetic vibe, an Asian-centric slate of irresistible dishes, and one of the city's hippest staff of servers.

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.

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto brings high end Japanese cuisine, served in a breathtaking environment to Philly’s Washington Square West. The restaurant’s extensive menu features diverse offerings from high quality sushi and sashimi to traditional Japanese entrees (think Ishi Taki Bop) to contemporary cuisine like the Black Cod Miso. The ultramodern atmosphere with its dramatic nautical curves and out of this world lighting provides a stunning setting for anything from a business meeting to a girl’s night out. At Morimoto guests are encouraged to enjoy a uniquely crafted meal, designed by a seasoned master and served amid fantastic decor.

Ristorante Panorama's Italian grace and insouciance reigns throughout its airy, lively formal dining room and classy-casual wine bar within the Penn’s View Hotel. Chef Rosario Romano's unerring renderings and savory interpretations of Italian classic cuisine soar even higher on bacchanal flights paired impeccably by sommelier William Eccleston. The restaurant’s national oenophile pedigree owes to the 120 different wines available daily by the glass and its yearly tally of 800 different wines on the menu. These in combination with the homemade pastas, authentic veal dishes, and fresh seafood specialties create the perfect escape to the Northern Italian Region, no passport necessary.

Only a few strides removed from the Forrest Theater in the gentrified neighborhood of Wash West, the Caribou Café corrals a hip mix of city crawlers, theater goers, local and national personalities, and plain old Philly folk. The festive décor in this vibrant slice of France frames the intoxicating upbeat insouciance that replicates the spirit and verve of the real-deal French café. The moderately priced menu focuses on regional everyday French standbys while simultaneously providing a gastronomic tour of France. Diverse delights from Alsace to Provence tempt the palate – all interpreted delectably by Maitre Cuisinier de France, Olivier Desaintmartin.

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 ...

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.

Sit in cozy avocado-colored booths or in the pleather swivel chairs of yesteryear, with a background of cherry wood, framing stacked stone brick walls reminiscent of the Brady Bunch. Enjoy a tasty soda pop or order a “cool” cocktail such as Proud Mary, Hound Dog, or Cloud Nine. Choose from comfort foods like Baked Mac and Cheese, Thanksgiving Dinner, Meatloaf, or a Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie. Have smaller fare such as Tomato Soup with grilled cheese or a Tuna Melt on rye. Step back in time to the 1970s, near Independence Mall, where the history of the 1770s abounds. Book over ...

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse creates a world apart from the rest of Philadelphia’s big name steakhouses by infusing the dining experience with Old-World elegance and glamour. From the cloth-draped columns to sky-high ceilings, one step inside the restaurant showcases how majestic a meal can be-- given the right chef and a commitment to fine dining. Serving up premium steaks and seafood is always done with the utmost quality. Leaving no corner of steakhouse cuisine untouched, Del Frisco’s explores classic American fare with a passion for excess and delivers an unforgettable evening in the comfort of its plush surroundings.

Part of a family of steakhouses committed to quality, Smith & Wollensky is founded on a tradition of excellence. At the Philadelphia location, Executive Chef Patrick Dwyer partakes in Smith & Wollensky tradition, hand-butchering and dry aging USDA Prime beef on premises. Whether feasting on Dwyer’s steaks or opting for fresh seafood or other Smith & Wollensky classics, diners are promised an extravagant experience. The two-story restaurant, located inside the Rittenhouse Hotel, offers a classic setting paired with stunning views of Rittenhouse Square.