People Watching Restaurants

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.

Stella Blu is an inviting destination for locals and newcomers alike. Be it a romantic dinner, a relaxing drink after work, or an evening of live entertainment, this smart and sophisticated West Conshohocken bistro sparkles. Bask in the glow of the exceptional customer service, including valet parking, a welcoming ambiance, and the newly expanded Star Bar. The extensive international menu includes such favorites as Lobster “Mac & Cheese and Wild Mushroom Ravioli. The food is heavenly, the décor is celestial, and the customer is always the star at Stella Blu.

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 …

Chef Peter Woolsey uses his know-how and talent to create classic French dishes that can be found across various regions in France at Bistrot La Minette. The elegant flair and friendly wait staff give the restaurant a warm and luxuriously casual atmosphere. Try such dishes as the Magret de Canard au Cassis, a pan-roasted duck breast, grilled white asparagus, potato confit, and black currant sauce, or try the Gateau L’Opera, a multi-layered almond sponge cake with chocolate ganache, coffee butter cream, and crème Chantilly. Give Bistrot La Minette a chance—your taste buds will thank you!

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 …

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.

Get your spice on at Distrito Modern Mexican—a colorful, hip Mexican restaurant and cantina. Keeping it traditional with their house specialties of Ceviches, Sopas, Tacos, Los Moles, and more—but keep it kitschy and fun with their retro-inspired décor, fit with colorful pink neon lights and a mesh of upscale and decidedly tacky design. Chef Jose Garces, a master of Latin cuisine, aims to create culinary creations that fuse traditional dishes with a modern interpretation. With options for lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch, plus cocktails and finger food, Distrito Modern Mexican is a one-of-a-kind place to dine.

Resting unassumingly on a hill amid the Society Hill Towers, Zahav has given traditional Israeli street food a makeover. Celebrated Chef Michael Solomonov has gone to great lengths to transport the multiethnic flavors of his homeland to Philadelphia. He calls the food “Modern Israeli,” and each small plate is equal parts passion, execution, and rustic goodness. The open kitchen gives a professional demeanor to the 100-seat room, while the smell of roasting lamb and warm glow of the hearth offer a homey contrast. Zahav is Hebrew for “Gold,” and its chefs are alchemists, transforming and elevating simple flavors and ingredients …

The tale of the Texas Weiner began in 1923, when a Greek immigrant named Stephanos Mandrohalos came to America with a dream; a dream, and a secret sauce. This spicy sauce was compared to chili sauce and added to the hotdogs he made in his small shop, thus the Texas Weiner. For 80 years, this sauce has been kept a secret, safeguarded from large corporations and conglomerates to maintain its integrity and to keep it a part of this special, family-run eatery. Since then, the sauce has been added to the burgers and sausages served at the restaurant to bring …

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

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, …

Showcasing the bounty of locally grown produce and organic ingredients, celebrity chef Eric Ripert has dished up yet another success with 10 Art. His mission is simple: to offer the best of contemporary American cuisine. His menu is exemplary: Ripert’s elegantly fine-tuned technique balances the complexity and heartiness of many of his most notable dishes. The Steamed Mussels are served in a chorizo and white wine broth, while the Pork and Beans highlights braised pork belly in a summer bean ragout. Understated and masterful, the Bouillabaisse has market fish and shellfish in a saffron and tomato broth.

Indian food can be a delicacy for foodies, but when served all-you-can-eat style, it can be a match made in heaven. Since 1988, New Delhi Indian Restaurant has brought spice to Philadelphia, serving a wide selection of both traditional Indian cuisine as well as options for seafood, vegetarian dishes, salad, and dessert. Traditional favorites include chicken tikka masala as well as samosas, vegetable malai kofta, and garlic na’an. They also feature options for catering and take-out. With a large, modern, upscale dining area, great for large parties or special events, this fair-priced buffet is sure to spice up your life …

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.

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto brings high end Japanese cuisine, served in a breathtaking environment to Philly’s Washington Square West. The restaurant’s extensive menu features diverse offerings from high quality sushi and sashimi to traditional Japanese entrees (think Ishi Taki Bop) to contemporary cuisine like the Black Cod Miso. The ultramodern atmosphere with its dramatic nautical curves and out of this world lighting provides a stunning setting for anything from a business meeting to a girl’s night out. At Morimoto guests are encouraged to enjoy a uniquely crafted meal, designed by a seasoned master and served amid fantastic decor.

Meritage Restaurant and Wine Bar, located in Rittenhouse Square, offers a contemporary, seasonally-driven fusion menu that incorporates traditional French techniques and Asian flavors. Specializing in small plates, the restaurant allows diners to share and enjoy a variety of dishes. Don’t be fooled by the food— Owners Michele DiPietro and Irene Landy are similarly committed to providing an award-winning selection of wines at affordable prices. Local vegetables and produce are hand-picked from Lancaster and Chester County Farms for diners to enjoy while taking in the sophisticated décor and savoring the flavor of truly fresh ingredients.

Modern, stylish, delicious. Penne Restaurant and Wine Bar serves up the finest regional Italian cuisine with the elegance and flair of modern culinary trends. Executive chef Eileen Watkin handcrafts unique and innovative creations daily in a setting that's warm and whimsical. The colorful interior creates a mood and setting that is fresh and upbeat, and when paired with one of their regional Italian wines from their extensive bar menu, guests can relax with ease and enjoy the simple pleasures of Italian cuisine. Located inside the Hilton Inn, Penne Restaurant and Wine Bar is a trip worth making.