Center City Restaurants

One of the hippest and hottest places in Philadelphia isn’t exactly a nightclub, but more of a traditional restaurant with a twist. At Dolce, traditional table service and real Italian food are flipped with a very chic, modern, and dimly lit ambiance. When paired together, it’s an Old-World meets New-World match made in heaven. Each dish, crafted by Italian chef Alfonso Valentino, is made with the freshest Italian ingredients and an attention to detail. They also offer options for private parties inside their banquet facilities. Grab a drink and some friends next time you want Italian food, because at Dolce, …

Celebrating women’s femininity and strength, Bindi is named after the stunning red powder Indian women dab on their foreheads. The two women behind the success of Bindi are Chef Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran – the two forces behind more than one hit in the Center City neighborhood. Chef Turney amps up regional Indian cuisine by using local and seasonal ingredients to create dishes that are as pleasing in flavor and aesthetic. Dishes like the Prawn and Pumpkin Curry, the Chana Masala Chicken, and the Pork Loin Vindaloo are served in traditional kadai copper pots, and offer a unique opportunity …

While the story behind this restaurant’s name may be tragic, its fine Mexican cuisine and welcoming atmosphere is anything but. La Hora Feliz puts smiles on faces nightly in the bar, and the warmly lit lounge is where many go to welcome the weekend. The restaurant itself hopes to unite diners around a collective passion for Mexican cuisine with authentic dishes that often beg to be shared. The Pescado Entero con Guajes is a whole roasted fish with acacia seed-tomatillo sauce; and the Tostadas de Ceviche is prepared with shrimp, octopus, and Spanish mackerel. And in honor of the Queen …

GiGi caters to the palates of the world by offering a menu that highlights specialties from Italy, Thailand, and Spain--to name a few. European sidewalk café-style seating and a private outdoor terrace encourage a social experience that carries over into the main dining room, as well. Boasting unique tapas selections to be shared among friends and an impressive array of signature cocktails, GiGi welcomes visitors to stay and mingle. Pass dishes like the Rare Seared Tuna Tequitos and the Jerk Chicken Skewers around the table and marvel at how fast they go.

Valanni fuels night-time revelry with its clever cocktails, scrumptious snacks and lively atmosphere. The menu is an elegant hybrid of Mediterranean and Latin influences,with traditional Spanish-style dishes like Seafood Paella sharing space with more fusion flavors like the Sesame and Pepita Crusted Yellowfin Tuna and the Honey glazed Duck Breast. The stylish dining room blends a rugged industrialism with a polished cosmopolitanism, juxtaposing exposed brick walls and an expansive bar with leather banquettes, modernist accents, and soft, glowing, amber lights. The allure of flavorful beverages like the Mango Mojito and Watermelon-Rita (a muddled watermelon margarita) make happy hours and late …

Located inside the large Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Field House is an upscale sports bar with a modern and contemporary twist. Known for their Events Calendar of live music and ever-updated Sport Schedule, The Field House offers a full bar of options to choose from while one can watch the game on one of their 50 large plasma televisions, gracing the walls of their exceptional and extremely spacious interior. Their menu, featuring a combination of American pub dishes and snacks, has traditional favorites like nachos and French fries, but kicks it up a notch with fine dining inspired dishes like …

Refreshingly contemporary, and wickedly chic, R2L has re-imagined classic American cuisine and décor for the better. The restaurant’s dining space showcases the minimalist elements and lines of iconic art deco and midcentury modern design, while featuring decidedly modern details in the form of animal print upholstery and abstract art fixtures. Similarly, R2L’s menu reflects an appreciation for simplicity and quality that is balanced by a flair for the dramatic. Chef Daniel Stern marries the rustic with the refined, ensuring that every dish is as memorable as it is satisfying.

Escape to the Greek Isles without leaving Philadelphia when you visit Kanella. This authentic Greek kitchen serves up some of the freshest, most honest Mediterranean cuisine Philadelphia has to offer. Kanella offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner and features some traditional specialty items such as Shaksouka, Mousaka, and hummus. Their décor is rustic with accents of the blue and white thus genuinely paying homage to the Greek flag. The restaurant even offers a Cypriot Meze on Sunday evenings. Come sail away to Greece as you drop anchor at Kanella on Spruce Street.

A modern yet traditional take on Northern and Central Italian cuisine, Philadelphia presents Portofino, a landmark restaurant in the city established nearly 37 years ago. Located in Philly’s famous theater district, this venue is renowned for its delicious food, elegant and relaxed ambiance, and generous portions for affordable prices. They also promise to “get you to your show on time” as this is among the best places to dine prior to attending a performance. Portofino is also available to host special events, so try planning your next celebration with them! Portofino’s menu features homemade dishes spanning everything from steak and …

Located in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square, Tria Wine Bar and Café serves a large variety of specialty wines, beers, and cheeses-- many of which are hand crafted. Not sure how to navigate the restaurant’s extensive wine list, knowledgeable staff is always available to help. Tria’s menu is stocked full of inventive contemporary flavors and ingredients. Their fresh take on classics like paninis, snacks, and bruschetta is by very definition refreshing. Tria even hosts a happy hour several nights a week where guests can sample 2 wines, 2 beers, and an artisan cheese. This casual and relaxed Philadelphia favorite even features “Sunday …

Are you ready for a venue wherein classic meets contemporary? If so, check out Philadelphia’s Table 31, a new restaurant by chef and restaurateur Chris Scarduzio. Table 31 boasts quite the inventive Italian-inspired menu as Chef Scarduzio pays homage to his rich heritage with playful spins on traditional steak, seafood, and pasta dishes. This modern venue is located inside Philadelphia’s Comcast Center on JFK Boulevard and contains a bar, lounge, main dining room, outdoor seating, and private dining. With an intimate ambiance and trendy décor, Table 31 provides a new age Italian kitchen experience for its patrons and has fast …

Rittenhouse Square is home to the Parisian oasis, Parc Brasserie. Capturing the true essence of sophisticated café cuisine, Parc presents guests with a comfortingly satisfying menu of French classics. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served up with a fitting degree of care, and flavor, as Parc maintains the Starr Restaurants’ high standards for quality and service. From the Onion Soup to the Beef Bourguignon, the bliss is in the bite. Linger over a comforting café au lait on the patio or enjoy a leisurely sip of wine at the zinc bar at Parc Brasserie – that Parisian holiday is only …

Located in Philadelphia’s Olde City, TRUST event center is a cutting edge venue that doubles as an art gallery. The event space is unique and serves as a great back drop for any party, wedding, corporate event, or luncheon. This one of a kind location is nestled in with some of Philadelphia’s beloved colonial attractions. TRUST blends the old world with the new by showcasing its historic roots on the outside, with current emerging artwork adorning its interior walls. This building is as architecturally beautiful as it is sound. The building’s grandeur is further enhanced by the inlaid hard wood …

For a sweet taste of Philadelphia, Swiss Haus Bakery bakes decadent and quality cakes, pastries, and cookies using premium ingredients and traditional European recipes. This Certified Kosher bakery is ideal for grabbing a cupcake on the go, or a cake for a birthday—they even offer options for catering and wedding cakes. It also offers a little bit of Philly history, since this bakery was opened in 1923 and changed owners in 2007. With sweet treats like margiolane, tiramisu, cannolis, cream puffs or strawberry shortcakes, Swiss Haus is sure to ease your sugar cravings in no time.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries has been taking the country by storm ever since they opened their first location in Arlington, VA in 1986. In just nine years, this burger chain has grown from five locations in the D.C. Metropolitan area to over 625 locations in over forty states and 4 Canadian provinces, not to mention the 200 restaurants opening in 2010. The menu is simple: hamburgers, little hamburgers, and hot dogs, all available with bacon and cheese and a list of free condiments (there’s also grilled cheese and veggie burgers for vegetarians). Fries are available in regular and Cajun …

Looking for an authentic Irish pub in Philadelphia? Search no further than Fergies on Sansom Street. Open until 2:00am nightly, this neighborhood tavern presents live music and a great selection of food and drinks. Fergies serves a variety of classic bar appetizers like nachos and wings along with custom burgers, tasty entrees, salads, and comfort food-style sandwiches. This pub often hosts events like their annual St. Patrick’s Day, Half Way to St. Patrick’s Day, and Halloween celebrations. The bar’s wooden flooring, brick exterior, and signature Celtic motif throughout pays homage to the enduring traditions of the Irish.

Established in 1999, The Black Sheep has quickly risen to the top as a favorite Irish pubs in Philly. This tavern has a rather historic feel due to its antique fireplace, bar, and three story colonial house located near Rittenhouse Square. The Black Sheep serves a wide variety of food and drinks alongside traditional Irish fare and house specialties. With entrees ranging from Guinness Braised Beef Stew to the Crab Cake Sandwich, this place guarantees a unique dining experience. The Philadelphia landmark also hosts private events and invites guests to stop by for a lunch, dinner, happy hour, drinks, or …

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.

Tequilas shows the highbrow side of Mexico’s popular elixir. Soak in a margarita at the outdoor tables, perfectly situated for watching well-put-together Rittenhouse folk cross the corner of Locust and 16th. Inside, a high-ceilinged space provides an elegant backdrop for Owner David Suro’s classic vision. He brought the fruits of his homeland to Philadelphia in 1986, establishing a Mexican presence in the city’s culinary spectrum. Other spots around town have since twisted Mexican fare into a modern adventure, but chef Claudio Soto’s plates continue to showcase a brute traditionalism that brings diners to the root of it all.

For old and young alike, Ted’s Montana Grill is an enticing foray into how the West was fed. The restaurant, partly owned by media magnate Ted Turner, takes its cues from classic American fare and traditional frontier cuisine. Bison is featured prominently on the menu and promises to make every meal at this Center City eatery an event to remember. Surrounded by cozy wooden booths, and with a spacious dining room and bar to enjoy, diners can indulge their homespun appetites in an ideal rustic setting.