Center City West Restaurants

Melograno

Address: 2012 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Melograno
$$
With a corner spot in a high-end neighborhood, this bistro's art-free decor allows patrons to focus on the food. Amidst big windows and white walls--one with a row of shelves holding glass vases of monochromatic flowers, loyal neighborhood residents dine on appetizers like homemade ravioli stuffed with potato and pecorino with fried sage. Entrees include fig-and-walnut-stuffed quail, bouillabaisse like shellfish stew and ruby-red herby lamb chops. At Melograno, simplicity is key. Enjoy Italian inspired dishes at this quaint eater, popular for intimate dinners and romantic get-togethers.

R2L

Address: 50 S. 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
R2L
$$$
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.

Tria

Address: 123 S. 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Tria
$$
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 …

Swiss Haus Bakery

Address: 35 S. 19th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Swiss Haus Bakery
$$
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

Address: 1527 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
$
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 …

Square 1682

Address: 121 S. 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Square 1682
$$$ New
Located next to the Hotel Palomar Philadelphia, Square 1682 is a vibrant and exciting new restaurant that brings new life to Center City. Loosely named after Rittenhouse Square, located just a few blocks away, the restaurant provides unique New American cuisine as well as some of the most original and abundant Happy Hours in the city. Technically a “hotel restaurant,” Square 1682 is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even brunch on Sundays, while still maintaining a vibrant nightlife and countless amenities that are not usually offered by hotel restaurants. When diners pass through the revolving doors into the sleek …

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse

Address: 1426 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse
$$$
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.

Butcher and Singer

Address: 1500 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Butcher and Singer
$$$ Top 10 Recommended Special Offer
While Butcher and Singer invites comparisons to the finest steakhouses across America, this Philadelphia eatery is in a class by itself. With plush surroundings and unmatched service, Stephen Starr's newest venture delivers sumptuous dishes along with an unforgettable dining experience. Patrons are treated to a transformative meal in the well-appointed dining room and a wait staff that does more than simply serve; they contribute to the overall atmosphere of indulgence and enjoyment. One glance at Butcher and Singer's menu reveals that Chef Anthony Goodwin has achieved a rare balance between traditional and modern, while never straying from the highest culinary …

Tokyo Hibachi Steakhouse and Sushi Bar

Address: 1613 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Tokyo Hibachi Steakhouse and Sushi Bar
$$
Hibachi Steakhouse and Sushi Bar is a fun place to go to enjoy the causality of sushi and with the service of a steak house. With an open grill set as the centerpiece for a diversity of dining options, guests have the choice of an intimate setting on the second level, or a bustling social jamboree downstairs, dining directly at the Chef’s grill. The whole family can be satisfied with the generous variety of selections, a feature Hibachi prides itself on. Alongside gourmet sushi, crisp tempura, noodles and fried rice, scallops, filet mignons, and lobsters give the carte du jour …

Alma de Cuba

Address: 1623 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Alma de Cuba
$$ Top 10 Recommended Special Offer
Alma de Cuba is a Latin vacation, right in the heart of Philadelphia. Located at 1623 Walnut Street, it’s a perfect destination to pop into on the way home from work or for an elegant dinner. The lounge evokes sultry Miami nightlife with a mix of traditional Cuban and contemporary elements, with traditional drinks such as Caipirinhas and Classic Mojitos, which are always specially priced for happy hour. Upstairs, the balcony-style seating and classic décor promise a mellow and sophisticated ambiance. Chef Rodriguez adds novel twists to old world Cuban standards in his "Nuevo Latino" creations, such as Pan Roasted …

Matyson

Address: 37 S. 19th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Matyson
$$$
Matyson is a casual, yet contemporary, bring-your-own establishment, located just a few blocks from Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square. Matyson, whose name is derived from the blending of the names of its two co-founders, Matt and Sonjia Spector, offers a sampling of moderately priced bistro fare, which includes new takes on old stand-bys such as seafood, chicken, steak and pork. Diners may also select from a variety of items on Matyson’s tasting menu, which varies from week to week. Reservations are recommended, however there is no need to hit the ATM on your way, as Matyson accepts credit cards.

Happy Rooster

Address: 118 S. 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Happy Rooster
$$
A Philadelphia mainstay for 40 years, the Happy Rooster is a mixture of old-school refinement and quirky charm, making it a favorite spot among locals and visitors. Opened as Philadelphia's first vodka and caviar bar in 1968, it was famous for its great food and old-boys’ club feel. When new owner Rose Parrota took over in 2000, she made a few changes. What remains offers a refined, but cozy dining experience. The menu is a selection of classic dinner fare with a few contemporary twists, and the bar offers a diverse wine list. On any given night, you can find …

Tinto

Address: 114 S. 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Tinto
$$
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.

Davio's

Address: 111 S. 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
$$$ Top 10 Recommended Special Offer
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.

The Oyster House

Address: 1516 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
The Oyster House
$$ Special Offer
In a city where every restaurant is striving to be the next big thing, The Oyster House manages to stay true to its roots. Now back in the hands of the original owners, The Oyster House has been given a much needed face lift. Still located on the unassuming Sansom Street, The Oyster House remains a grand old tradition of fresh fish at its finest. With dishes like Southern Fried Oysters with Chicken Salad, Herb Roasted Bluefish, and Snapper Turtle Soup, classic seafood is alive and well in this no-nonsense setting. Sam Mink, the son of original owner David Mink, …

Le Castagne

Address: 1920 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Le Castagne
$$
Delinquent account! This restaurant has an unpaid balance for our services. Unfortunately, it has been our experience that account delinquency is the result of an establishment’s financial difficulties, which also commonly translate into a deterioration in service and food quality. As we have not been given the opportunity to assess the status of this restaurant, we cannot in good faith recommend it to our customers. While we can’t currently endorse this venue, we are happy to suggest a number of other high quality restaurants to meet all your dining needs. Thank you for your understanding.

Bistro St. Tropez

Address: 2400 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Bistro St. Tropez
$$ Recommended
Before Patou came to Old City with its ultra-hip appeal, Patrice Rames already had a Philadelphia success nestled atop the Marketplace Design Center in Center City. Since 1987, Patou’s sister restaurant Bistro St. Tropez has been serving Philadelphia foodies the finest of French food, and has given five-star French spots some stiff competition. In Bistro St. Tropez you will find the illusion of Provence amidst simple elegance, classic French cuisine, and a predominately French wine selection—all presented with Rames’s signature classic style that gives Philly a true taste of France.

Chez Colette

Address: 120 S. 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Porcini

Address: 2048 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
$$
White tablecloths, off-white walls with original art and subtle opera fills the space. The hospitable owner spends most of his time patrolling the dining room and kissing regular customers on their way in and out. The chef occasionally peeks his head out of the closet-size kitchen to ee who the owner is schmoozing. Classic Italian: carpaccio, Caesar salad, mussels in plum tomato sauce, pappardelle alla porcini, grilled chicken in a balsamic vinegar sauce.

Noble American Cookery

Address: 2025 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Noble American Cookery
$$ Special Offer
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 …