Lower North Philadelphia Restaurants

Located in Philadelphia’s most scenic area, Water Works Restaurant is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. Nestled high above the Schuylkill River behind the city’s prized Museum of Art, Water Works boasts awe-inspiring views of a serene waterfall, tree-lined riverbanks, and the luminous Boathouse Row. Contemporary American with a Mediterranean flair, Water Works’ cuisine attempts to balance the restaurant’s superior atmosphere with rustic yet elegant dinner options for all ages and tastes. Growing in popularity by the day, Water Works—owned by Michael Karloutsos—has become Philadelphia’s most visually astounding dining hotspot.

Tucked away on a not-so-traveled North Broad Street block lies Osteria, a glowing creation by the renowned Philadelphia Chef Marc Vetri. Service fit for kings and an ambience that spares not an ounce of luxury only begin to describe this experience. Dishes are rooted in the rolling hills of Tuscany, and guests may select from a non-traditional array of homemade Italian items, from crispy pizzas and pastas to meat and poultry dishes. An open kitchen greets patrons as they arrive while a full bar lined with a collection of wine corks beckons in the rear. Portions are small, but bursting …

Braised meats cook slowly while seductive aromas – saffron, cinnamon, and ginger – waft into the air, causing diners’ mouths to water with anticipation. A smattering of mostly local, casually dressed guests are spread evenly among the neatly outfitted tables. Such is the atmosphere at Figs, a cozy Fairmount stronghold since 2001 opened by Executive Chef/Owner Mustapha Rouissiya. The dining area of this pumpkin-colored Moroccan restaurant offers the perfect space for the blend of tasty Mediterranean-inspired dishes and energetic crowd that frequents the restaurant. Make sure to bring cash, since credit cards are not accepted at this trendy neighborhood bistro.

Peter McAndrews, Executive Chef of Modo Mio (Italian for “my way”), has taken traditional Italian cuisine and done it his way. The restaurant recreates the ambiance of an Italian osteria, with a quaint, homey setting that takes guests right into the heart of old Italy. Diners can experience Chef McAndrew’s innovative approach to rustic Italia through the scores of regional dishes from Sicily and Northern Italy, as well as appetizing Italian-American creations. Scrumptious pastas, such as the Agnolotti in creamy almond butter sauce, are complemented by a variety of rich entrees like the Braciolette, a sausage-stuffed steak topped by melted …

The Rose Tattoo Café brings the balmy romance and sultry drama of Tennessee Williams’ New Orleans to Philadelphia. Its wrought iron railings, abundant flowering plants and antique Victorian edifice aptly conjure the historic charm of the French Quarter and set a seductive stage fit for the play that inspired the restaurant’s name. The eclectic menu features clever reinventions of Southern and American comfort food classics like Jambalaya and Baby Back Ribs in addition to more unexpected and delicious surprises like a Lobster Quesadilla with tarragon cream and Shiitake and Vegetable Spring Rolls. The attentive staff make “depending on the kindness …

If you’re searching for an elegant, romantic, intimate, and exquisite venue for a wedding, birthday, banquet, or any other type of celebration, look no further than Philadelphia’s Cescaphe Ballroom. Its built in hardwood flooring provides a great dance floor and the ballroom can be transformed into any theme the client desires. Historically a movie theater, the building was renovated and hosted its first event in 2004. Since then, this extravagant venue has become renowned for its signature opulence, professionalism, and unparalleled attention to detail. The Cescaphe Ballroom also features a lounge area that serves as a great area for cocktails …

If eating inexpensive Italian favorites in a family atmosphere is your desire, then Spaghetti Warehouse is a restaurant you might want to consider. Located in Lower North Philadelphia, Spaghetti Warehouse offers a menu full of dishes that remind one of home, like Spaghetti and Meatballs and Baked Penne. This “warehouse,” decorated with antique merchandise signs, is large enough to accommodate the most extended of families. With features such as a full bar for those who want to enjoy a few drinks and a trolley car in which the kids can eat and play conductor, this spot has a little something …