Old City Restaurants

Panorama

Address: 14 North Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Panorama
$$ Special Offer
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.

La Famiglia

Address: 8 S. Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
La Famiglia
$$ Recommended
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.

TRUST

Address: 249 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
TRUST
$$$$
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 …

Field House

Address: 1150 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Field House
$$
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 …

Campo's Philly Cheesesteaks

Address: 214 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Campo's Philly Cheesesteaks
$ Recommended Editor's Pick
Located only three blocks away from the infamous Liberty Bell and the Independence Visitor Center, Campo’s Deli serves authentic Philadelphia food—more notably their notorious Philly Cheese steaks and Philly Hoagies. Campo’s has been serving Philly with their award-winning, signature sandwiches since 1947. Dedicated to quality service and selection, this deli was first opened as a neighborhood grocer, but their sandwiches made Campo’s the most memorable deli in the city. Rated as one of the top places in Philadelphia by City’s Best, Zagat, and the Food Network, Campo’s is a sandwich that you won’t forget.

GiGi

Address: 319 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
GiGi
$$
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.

Dolce

Address: 241 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Dolce
$$$
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, …

The Plough & the Stars

Address: 123 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
The Plough & the Stars
$$ Recommended
Located in the historic Corn Exchange Building in Old City, this Irish pub has a recognized reputation for great food, live entertainment, and a bustling atmosphere. French Chef Vincent Fanari has earned national praise for the innovative menu that mixes technique with the Irish appreciation of fresh vegetables and local products.

Serrano

Address: 20 S. Second Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Serrano
$$
This restaurant is both eclectic and intimate with a tinge of romance always in the air. Exposed brick and warm wood accented with unusual decor items from the far corners of the globe help to get diners in the mood for the best of authentically prepared international cuisine. "International Home Cooking" has been the Serrano claim to fame, but the unusual selections and the authentic ingredients are only part of the story. Each dish takes the palate on a journey to taste sensations that existed long before the world's taste buds were impaired by fast food enterprises.

Dinardo's Famous Crabs

Address: 312 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Dinardo's Famous Crabs
$$
DiNardo’s is the place to have your shell-cracking, claw-sucking, crab-eating feast. Steamed Louisiana crabs are served “hot and dirty” (known as Baltimore style), and other seafood specialties such as jumbo shrimp, fresh stuffed flounder, steamed mussels, and clams. Chicken, steaks, and pasta also are served.

City Tavern

Address: 138 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
City Tavern
$$
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.

Chloe

Address: 232 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Chloe
$$
The little storefront dining room charms with its relaxed, almost random decor. Pale walls reflect the glow of paper-wrapped votives. The pressed flowers beneath the glass tabletops, the hanging kilim and shelves filled with tchotchkes are the kind of personal touches you might see in someone's home. It's comfortable, if a bit loud, because the 40-seat room is almost always packed to capacity. Listen closely, and you'll hear among the buzzing conversations the steady interjections of oohs and aahs. This restaurant's hallmark is wholesome and substantial food, served in hearty portions yet executed with the utmost delicacy.

Cuba Libre - Philadelphia

Address: 10 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Cuba Libre - Philadelphia
$$ Recommended Editor's Pick
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!

Amada

Address: 217 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Amada
$$$ Recommended Editor's Pick
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.”

Buddakan

Address: 325 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Buddakan
$$$ Top 10 Recommended Special Offer
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 Continental

Address: 138 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
The Continental
$$$ Editor's Pick
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.

Moshulu Restaurant

Address: 401 South Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Moshulu Restaurant
$$$ Special Offer
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.

Paradigm Restaurant

Address: 239 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Paradigm Restaurant
$$
In the heart of Philly’s hip and happening Old City, Paradigm restaurant is quite the hot spot with chic, modern décor and patrons to match. At the restaurant’s 40 foot granite bar, guests can munch on award-winning appetizers as they drink expertly mixed martinis amid glowing blue lights. Owner David Ciurlino, who also owns neighboring Dolce, has created an eclectic international menu with Italian flare featuring daily homemade desserts. Conveniently open for lunch and dinner, this restaurant is also home to a trendy lounge for guests to enjoy long after the kitchen has closed!

Spasso Italian Grill

Address: 34 S. Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Spasso Italian Grill
$$
On the outskirts of historic Old City Philadelphia lies one of the city’s best kept secrets: Spasso Italian Grill. Specializing in seafood, meat, and house-made pasta, Spasso offers authentic and flavorful Italian dishes that will keep both stomachs and wallets full. Guests will experience a charming atmosphere, friendly service, and a full list of bar offerings, but the best thing about this place truly is the food. Dine al fresco or eat inside in a dining room that is intimate and reminiscent of old world Italy. The prices are more than reasonable and the food is simply scrumptious!

Fork

Address: 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Fork
$$ Editor's Pick
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.