Trendy / Hip Restaurants

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.

Nationally renowned for dry aged steaks, fresh seafood, and fine wines, The Capital Grille has the feel of an old-fashioned club with a serene and elegant ambience. From classic chops to large North Atlantic lobsters, the menu also includes mouthwatering appetizers and an extensive wine list.

Just around the corner from Philadelphia's historic Reading Terminal Market lies another one of the city's treasures. Far younger than the terminal and far different than the neighboring restaurants that adorn Filbert and 13th streets is the Melting Pot. Specializing in fondue recipes that allow for an interactive dining experience, this is the answer to the diner in search of something new. An adventurous blend of upscale, delicious food and down-to-earth fun, the Melting Pot is perfect for an intimate date or a fun get-together with co-workers or friends. Enjoy a do-it-yourself experience that will expose you to fondue in …

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.

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.

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.”

Situated in Philadelphia’s ritziest neighborhood, Rouge takes on the persona of a Parisian café with ease and elegance. Rittenhouse Square is chichi central, and the undeniable draw of this city favorite isn’t the food – it’s the view. Whether you’re looking outside at the bustling park or inside at the attractively attired clientele, Rouge is a place to see and be seen. The menu is upscale comfort – American with a French flair – and the prices are an obvious reflection of its trendy reputation. Where image and appetites collide, Rouge guarantees a truly unique dining experience for all of …

Sit in cozy avocado-colored booths or in the pleather swivel chairs of yesteryear, with a background of cherry wood, framing stacked stone brick walls reminiscent of the Brady Bunch. Enjoy a tasty soda pop or order a “cool” cocktail such as Proud Mary, Hound Dog, or Cloud Nine. Choose from comfort foods like Baked Mac and Cheese, Thanksgiving Dinner, Meatloaf, or a Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie. Have smaller fare such as Tomato Soup with grilled cheese or a Tuna Melt on rye. Step back in time to the 1970s, near Independence Mall, where the history of the 1770s abounds. Book over …

Restaurateur Stephen Starr’s vision of the future burns bright in the University City section of Philadelphia where Pod dishes out Asian fusion cuisine in an atmosphere that is a playful cross between Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Jetsons. Fresh sushi, dim sum, and full entrees are served in Pod’s sleek, high-tech dining space. The restaurant’s glossy, pure white interior, accentuated by concentric circles of blue, orange, and purple lighting and flooded with the pulse of ambient music, boldly transports patrons to a culinary destination that is truly ahead of its time.

If you’ve ever been to South Philly's predominately Italian neighborhood, you may know the charming feeling that emanates from a place immersed in such culture and authenticity. Maggiano’s Little Italy, located in Center City, recreates the enchantment of an Italian neighborhood to a tee, with a menu chock-full of hearty Italian dishes that are served in bountiful portions, an extensive wine and drink list, and friendly service from a staff straight from the motherland. Combine all of this with Old Blue Eyes and other rat-pack era musicians supplying the soundtrack, and you are guaranteed to leave floating on a cloud …

Pumpkin, coined from the pet name of husband and wife co-owners Ian Moroney and Hillary Bor, offers an adventurous menu that changes daily – dishes can include snails, cardoon, and homemade banana gelato. The intimate 28-seat restaurant in the city’s Graduate Hospital area also serves up the sort of comfortable charm that comes of candle lighting, small tables, and attentive service from employees that include members of Moroney’s family. This neighborhood restaurant is well suited for a second date, a second anniversary or a couple of hours catching up with old friends. With an ever changing menu that boasts farm-to-table …

Just five weeks after Ralph’s opened its doors, Teddy Roosevelt sat down for a classic Italian meal in a burgeoning South Philadelphia Italian neighborhood; that was in 1900. Today, Ralph’s still caters to a host of notable diners and delivers the same simple, homey but high quality Italian fare as always. It’s a spaghetti and meatball parlor where red tomato sauce is king, queen, and heir to the thrown. Ralph’s is the oldest family owned Italian restaurant in America. The trattoria’s no fuss consistent approach to Southern Italian cuisine and elegant but non-stuffy atmosphere have made it a favorite among …

Located on Sansom Street, which is well known for its large selection of beloved restaurants, Raw Sushi and Sake Lounge stands out from the neighboring venues. Its simple and enticing façade welcomes diners into a foyer lined with river rocks. Through thick red curtains lies the restaurant, dimly lit by white globes extended low from the ceiling. The relaxed atmosphere allows for slow eating and drinking – multiple rounds of sushi and sake are quite acceptable. The staff is congenial without being pushy, tending to food and drink necessities while giving plenty of space for long conversation and hearty laughter.

Located just south of the hustle of South Street in Queen's Village, the Famous 4th Street Deli is a quaint Jewish-American restaurant featuring hospitable service and enormous sandwiches. Named after the streets in New York City, some of the sandwiches stand over six inches tall and come with a choice of sides like potato pancakes and fresh fruit. Traditional Jewish American delicacies, including monsterous bowls of matzah ball soup, can be ordered as appetizers. The attached bakery freshly bakes a motley of pastries available for desert or take out daily.

Rivaling neighboring Pat’s, Genos is Philly’s other notorious 24-hour cheesesteak stop. As has been the case since Joe Vento opened in 1966, sandwiches come heaping with thinly sliced steak and a choice of American, Provolone, or cheese wiz melted across the top. The menu is simple, the ordering straightforward, and the meal a decadent version of the best sandwich Philadelphia has to offer. If the glowing storefront doesn’t lure you in, the unmistakable scent of grilled steak certainly will.

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 …

Lolita offers a friendly, casual atmosphere and sophisticated yet tasty Mexican cuisine. Try such dishes as the Puerco, a grilled spice rubbed pork chop with smoked bacon potatoes, rajas, sautéed spinach, and guajillo salsa or one of their scrumptious desserts like the Jericalla Con Calabaza, a pumpkin crème brûlée with canela clove, and pumpkin seed brittle. They also offer seasonal margaritas, but one margarita is featured year round-- the Tradicional, lemon-lime fresh squeezed margarita mix with a salted rim. Don’t miss out on some of these delectable dishes—try Lolita’s today!

With a corner spot in a high-end neighborhood, this bistro's art-free decor allows patrons to focus on the food. Amidst big windows and white walls--one with a row of shelves holding glass vases of monochromatic flowers, loyal neighborhood residents dine on appetizers like homemade ravioli stuffed with potato and pecorino with fried sage. Entrees include fig-and-walnut-stuffed quail, bouillabaisse like shellfish stew and ruby-red herby lamb chops. At Melograno, simplicity is key. Enjoy Italian inspired dishes at this quaint eater, popular for intimate dinners and romantic get-togethers.

Brought to you by the owners of Azie and Flavor, Teikoku is an experience to be enjoyed, savored and repeated. Serving contemporary Asian cuisine in a setting reminiscent of a Japanese temple, this Japanese and Thai fusion restaurant is worth the short drive to Newton Square. Teikoku offers lunch or dinner, a sophisticated lounge, an impressive wine list and a sleek sushi bar. Guests are served family-style in the restaurant’s divinely detailed dining room, designed by Jesse Gardener, who also designed Cuba Libre.

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 …