Brunch

Conveniently located on Mayanunk’s main drag, Bourbon Blue brings a little bit of the Big Easy to Philadelphia. Not only does Bourbon Blue serve new American cuisine with a New Orleans twist, but the restaurant serves up a New Orleans-style late night as well. Chef Mark Ziebis prepares food inspired by the French Quarter, utilizing new ingredients that he infuses into classic dishes. The voluminous building invites guest in with its beautifully decorated canal front and keeps them coming back with interesting spices and an impressive cocktail menu. Or, if an energetic nightlife is more your style stop by to …

Although located in the quaint, suburban town center of Media, Azie restaurant is hardly rural. This study in globalization brings a very urban vibe to this “small town.” Executive Chef Takao Iinuma and Chef de Cuisine Kazuyuki Mitsui, both formerly of Morimoto, present Japanese inspired cuisine with a refined blend of flavors from cultures around the world. Using top-notch ingredients and traditional Japanese cooking philosophies, Azie showcases fusion cuisine. Dishes like Rock Shrimp Tempura sit side-by-side with Salmon and Yellow Tail Ceviche, Whitefish Carpaccio and Pan Roasted Halibut. French Champagnes and Italian reds are available, but you can share the …

Inspired by the architecture and ambiance of the royal courts of India, the Palace at the Ben, located on the bottom floor of the Ben Franklin building, is a study in sophistication. Indian haute cuisine is enhanced by an ornately decorated dining room and a vast selection of cocktails, unique wines and genuine Indian beers. Palace at the Ben invites guests to enjoy unique libations while seated in one of the restaurant's luxurious lounges. The Palace at the Ben uses only the freshest ingredients and the leanest cuts of meat. Authentic dishes like Biryani, Seekh Kabab, Chicken Korma and Lamb …

Brandywine Prime infuses tradition and history with a refreshing dose of modernity. The 200-year old Chadds Ford Inn, which houses Brandywine Prime, has been stripped of its outdated and worn down stuffiness and given a chic new personality with sleekly minimalist accents. The menu is anything but antiquated, featuring such dishes as Pan Seared Diver Scallops with Creamy Chorizo Orzo and Coconut Rum Shrimp Tempura to enliven the senses. For palate purists, a hearty selection of prime cuts of beef offer succulently tender indulgences.

The space formerly known as Sonoma was recently revamped by dynamic chef and owner Derek Davis. The result is Derek’s, a casual contemporary lounge serving sophisticated comfort food in a family atmosphere. Whether opting to order from their sweeping wine list or to BYO with no additional corkage fee, casual wine drinkers and enthusiasts alike are sure to feel at home. The menu is no less welcoming and offers thoughtful small plates and regular portioned entrees made from sustainable and seasonal ingredients. Sidewalk seating is ideal in the warmer months and conveys a European joie de vivre you’ll be hard-pressed …

After a successful battle and victory of Food Network Challenger Bobby Flay, Tony Luke has cemented his place as the “Philly Cheese Steak” guru of Philadelphia—and his restaurant has surprises at every turn. At Tony Luke’s Beef and Beer Sports Bar, you can find mouthwatering options for Cheese Steaks, Roast Pork, Chicken Cutlets, and Roast Beef, all of which are succulent, choice cuts of meat, but they also offer breakfast and brunch items for the early birds as well. This hometown bar is a favorite to locals and tourists alike, with large televisions and their infamous Cheese Steaks keeping fans …

Nestled into its charming Midtown Village locale, Olivier Desaintmartin’s second Philadelphia feat, Zinc, is the essence of class meets comfort. In a city filled with attempts at the French bistro, Desaintmartin sets this 11th street gem above the rest by offering unfussy bistro classics and an exclusively French wine selection. Zinc offers diners the rare chance to feel right at home with a dining room décor that features exposed brick, dark polished wood, bistro chalkboards and authentic Parisian paintings. Complete with a knowledgeable and friendly staff, Zinc’s quaint, romantic appeal is reminiscent of a true bistro a vins one might …

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 …

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.

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.

David Rockwell has developed a stunning décor by which to savor Nectar’s innovative French Asian cuisine served nightly. Two distinct levels of dining space highlight more traditional Asian architectural elements like rich wood tones and bamboo with contemporary touches like exaggerated wall art and elegant light fixtures. Also juxtaposing the traditional with the contemporary is the thoughtful menu: The Wok Soft Shelled Crab, the Wok Jasmine Tea Smoked Duck, and the Chicken Red Curry entice visitors with their vibrant flavors and intricate preparation. Sushi and sashimi are also well represented on the menu.

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.

Enjoy a cold cocktail—and seasonally, a warm fire—while watching the sunset over the Delaware River. In the summer, sit on the patio, and watch the calming river while munching candied walnuts atop a crisp Marguerita Salad. Please a selective palate with an atmosphere that offers choice: dress up, dress down; eat light, eat full; dine fancy or relax in an over-stuffed chair in the plush, yet relaxing, lounge. Satisfy mom’s flavor for flounder, a cousin’s craving for crabcakes, and still get your monthly mignon. Try the Yardley Inn, where classy contemporary is really choice.

Thomas' is full of pleasant surprises, from the American menu that fuses both creative and comfort foods to the wide selection from the bar that pleases both beer and wine lovers. This Philadelphia favorite was opened in 1982, and the interior boasts spacious rooms with a relaxed atmosphere. The menu features favorites such as Shrimp Bruschetta and Braised Pork, created by Executive Chef Kevin Smith. Enjoy a weekend brunch which features a selection of innovative salads and breakfast entrees. With special events every night of the week, such as karaoke, Wine Wednesdays and live music, Thomas’ Restaurant and Bar is …

Located in Manayunk, Philadelphia’s funky, high-energy, artsy neighborhood, Jake’s Restaurant is a lively, sexy spot to meet friends for drinks and stay for dinner. Be warned, though; this is a place you may not want to leave. Chef/owner Bruce Cooper’s chic regulars make a habit of staying all night, savoring his unique brand of stylish, regional American food. While fine dining can be pretentious or stuffy, at Jake’s it is neither. The kitchen is in sync with its customers’ desire for both fun and flavor in their food. For instance, on a recent visit, the prix fixe menu was titled …

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!

Although Tír na nÓg is well-known around Philadelphia for keeping the Irish tradition of drinking and good times alive, it is also recognized for its sophisticated, yet casual, dining atmosphere and great food. The chefs at Tír na nÓg have created a unique menu of new American cuisine with a Celtic influence. Traditional Irish food and local favorites are available for lunch and dinner, as well as the chef's daily specials. Enjoy a pint and order one of Ireland's most popular dishes.

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 …

A favorite for decades, the Chart House offers an excellent selection of steaks and seafood, as well as a waterfront location overlooking the Delaware River. The dining room offers stunning views, contemporary decor, and—for those not looking out the floor-to-ceiling windows—an exhibition kitchen. With a convenient location near the convention center and Philadelphia's historic areas, the excellent service at the Chart House promises to please. The classic menu offers classic dishes which never fail to satisfy such as Lobster Bisque, Shrimp Scampi and Filet Mignon.

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.