Quiet Conversation Restaurants

While the story behind this restaurant’s name may be tragic, its fine Mexican cuisine and welcoming atmosphere is anything but. La Hora Feliz puts smiles on faces nightly in the bar, and the warmly lit lounge is where many go to welcome the weekend. The restaurant itself hopes to unite diners around a collective passion for Mexican cuisine with authentic dishes that often beg to be shared. The Pescado Entero con Guajes is a whole roasted fish with acacia seed-tomatillo sauce; and the Tostadas de Ceviche is prepared with shrimp, octopus, and Spanish mackerel. And in honor of the Queen …

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.

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.

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.

Step back in time and savor a slice of history while dining on Dante & Luigi’s “Old World” Italian fare. Established in 1899, this gem of the Italian Market District was the first stop for many of Philadelphia’s Italian immigrants. Today it draws a new crowd of guests who make it their own first stop for fresh and authentic Italian cuisine. Sepia-tinted stills of another age grace the walls as sun washes in to bring new life to this classic eatery. Patrons recommend favorites like the Gnocchi Romano, the Osso Buco, and the Seafood Cioppino. Come and taste what the …

Located in an 18th Century granary, Bistro Romano is an Italian style saloon serving up regional Italian cuisine in a quaint, home style manner. This historic building it’s placed in gives this cozy restaurant a warm, friendly, and romantic vibe, and when paired with their traditional Italian dishes and a selection from their wine menu, you’ll feel right at home. The romantic setting keeps patrons coming back for more. On the weekends, Bistro Romano hosts Mystery Theater, which includes a four course dinner along an exciting performance. Ideal for date night, Bistro Romano is a restaurant that can assist you …

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 …

Owner and Chef Peter Gilmore brings more than 30 years of experience to Gilmore’s Restaurant. This remarkably talented chef worked for 22 years as Chef de Cuisine at Philadelphia’s Le Bec-Fin before venturing out on his own. Located on West Chester’s main drag, Gilmore’s Restaurant offers classic French fare with an American twist. Dishes like Confit of Boneless Duck Leg and Escargots sit side-by-side with Shrimp Corn Dogs and Foie Gras Pizza (from humanely raised ducks). Although Chef Gilmore has a little fun with his menu, it does not mean there is anything lacking in the classic French tradition. The …

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 …

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.

For old and young alike, Ted’s Montana Grill is an enticing foray into how the West was fed. The restaurant, partly owned by media magnate Ted Turner, takes its cues from classic American fare and traditional frontier cuisine. Bison is featured prominently on the menu and promises to make every meal at this Center City eatery an event to remember. Surrounded by cozy wooden booths, and with a spacious dining room and bar to enjoy, diners can indulge their homespun appetites in an ideal rustic setting.

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 …

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!

Chef Dave Clouser’s impressive resume, including such notable restaurants as Susanna Foo, The Inn at Montcharin and Nectar, has given him the essential tools to open his Bryn Mawr restaurant, Sola. Serving a familiar American cuisine with a distinctive European flair, Sola attempts to redefine the typical bistro. This 50-seat restaurant offers diners a warm intimate environment with fresh seasonal ingredients and an ever evolving weekly prix fixe menu. Since its inception in 2006, Sola has remained a BYOB restaurant and promises to stay that way.

Are you ready for a venue wherein classic meets contemporary? If so, check out Philadelphia’s Table 31, a new restaurant by chef and restaurateur Chris Scarduzio. Table 31 boasts quite the inventive Italian-inspired menu as Chef Scarduzio pays homage to his rich heritage with playful spins on traditional steak, seafood, and pasta dishes. This modern venue is located inside Philadelphia’s Comcast Center on JFK Boulevard and contains a bar, lounge, main dining room, outdoor seating, and private dining. With an intimate ambiance and trendy décor, Table 31 provides a new age Italian kitchen experience for its patrons and has fast …

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.

Nestled in the heart of Central Pennsylvania, the Out Door Country Club has been home to York families for more than 100 years. Out Door Country Club offers award-winning golf, access to a new driving range and a short game practice area; a heated outdoor pool with a kid-friendly area; four Har-Tru tennis courts with lights for night play; dining, entertainment and social event options. Enjoy casual cocktails in the newly renovated Bistro on The Green or a quiet dinner in our formal dining rooms. The Clubhouse provides style and ambiance for private parties and special events. The Out Door …

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 …