$50-75

Richmond Hall

Address: 2619 E. Indiana Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Richmond Hall
$$$
Philadelphia’s Richmond Hall is among the city’s most elegant locations to host an event available for weddings, parties, banquets, and more. Originally a church, Richmond Hall is complete with hard wood floors, cathedral ceilings, and an iron balcony. The stylish space within the hall where all of these events take place, known as the crystal room, holds multiple extravagant crystal chandeliers that light up the space. Richmond Hall offers event planning and catering services with an extensive Italian-inspired menu, and prides itself on being a company that provides affordable elegance.

R2L

Address: 50 S. 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
R2L
$$$
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.

Lacroix at the Rittenhouse

Address: 210 W. Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Lacroix at the Rittenhouse
$$$ Special Offer
Located in the prestigious Rittenhouse Hotel, gazing over downtown Philadelphia's most elegant square, Lacroix has become a landmark of its own right - with an air of graceful distinction. Romantic and evocative, the dining room beckons with the luminous glow of candlelight. Guests are invited to indulge in the world-class menu, composed of the freshest ingredients of the Eastern seaboard. This composition of International Progressive cuisine, prepared with profound expertise by Master Chef Jon Cichon, includes mouth watering additions such as Elysian Fields Lamb Carpaccio and Hudson Valley Duck.

The Palm - Philadelphia

Address: 200 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
The Palm - Philadelphia
$$$
This New York import was the tenth Palm to open nationwide and has since become a popular destination for diners including local celebrities. Located in the ornamented Bellevue Hotel building, the chic dining room walls are filled with portraits of local and national personalities. The menu consists of their infamous cheesecake, prime beef, jumbo lobsters, and authentic Italian entrees. At a restaurant that treats all guests like family, the Palm thrives on providing excellent meals at exceptional standards. Using traditional ingredients and simple recipes, this restaurant avoids culinary fads to bring its patrons an honest and satisfying dining experience.

The Capital Grille

Address: 1338 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
The Capital Grille
$$$
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.

Moshulu Restaurant

Address: 401 South Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Moshulu Restaurant
$$$ Special Offer
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.

The Continental

Address: 138 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
The Continental
$$$ Editor's Pick
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.

Buddakan

Address: 325 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Buddakan
$$$ Top 10 Recommended Special Offer
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.

Vetri

Address: 1312 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Vetri
$$$ Editor's Pick
As a revered source for some of Philadelphia’s finest Italian fare, Vetri has made a name for itself by serving up adventurous cuisine in a uniquely welcoming environment. Impeccable hospitality and well-crafted dishes combine to create an all-encompassing dining experience that ranges from rustic Italian cooking to cutting edge cuisine, and defies simple categorization. With a strong emphasis on superb wine and quality ingredients, the restaurant stands as a testament to the success of its kitchen creativity. In so many ways, from atmosphere to appetizers, Executive Chef Marc Vetri raises the level of dining to an art form.

La Veranda

Address: 3 N. Pier, Philadelphia, PA 19106
La Veranda
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The Cardillo brothers, Antonio and Joseph, offer up sophisticated and refined Northern Italian cuisine at La Veranda. The menu reflects their heritage: born in a small town St. Andrea Del Pizzone just outside Naples, Italy, the brothers started the journey of becoming chefs at an early age. An extensive and traditional menu offers everything from pasta to steak, all in an elegant and classic setting.

Morimoto

Address: 723 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Morimoto
$$$ Top 10 Special Offer
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.

Water Works

Address: 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Water Works
$$$
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.

Amada

Address: 217 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Amada
$$$ Recommended Editor's Pick
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.”

Rouge

Address: 205 S. 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Rouge
$$$
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 …

Davio's

Address: 111 S. 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
$$$ Top 10 Recommended Special Offer
The building that houses Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse was originally Philadelphia's historic Provident Bank building. Today, the building keeps its remarkable architecture, boasting dramatic arched windows that draw in natural lighting, sweeping ceilings and gleaming, polished wood. This Rittenhouse Square locale gives Davio's the ideal setting to serve up a menu that blends prime cuts of Brandt beef with classic pasta and seafood dishes of Northern Italy. All of this is complemented by an award winning wine list and superior service, making Davio’s one of Philadelphia’s premier places to enjoy steak and so much more.

Pod

Address: 3636 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Pod
$$$ Special Offer
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.

Barclay Prime

Address: 237 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Barclay Prime
$$$ Top 10 Recommended
Located inside the posh Barclay residence on Rittenhouse Square, Barclay Prime is Philadelphia restaurateur Stephen Starr’s steakhouse concept. The upscale steakhouse is both classic and contemporary: while its walls are lined with old-fashioned bookshelves, its chairs are utterly modern, designed in bright green and white leather. The same goes for its menu, where executive chef Jeffery Froehler offers traditional signature steaks like dry aged rib eye and New York strip, alongside more creative, fun items like kobe beef sliders and tater tots. With its swanky décor, decadent menu, and first-class service, Barclay Prime is the perfect spot for that special …

Bliss

Address: 220 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Bliss
$$$
Bliss is a new and exciting restaurant and bar which features a menu that reflects a world of culinary inspiration. Bliss offers contemporary American dishes like a Pan Seared Sirloin with Potato Puree Gratin and Shallot Merlot Glaze as well as Asian-inspired food, like Sweet and Sour Crispy Red Snapper and Stir-Fried Red Chili Prawns. Just a stone’s throw from the Kimmel Center, Bliss sports lots of mahogany wood, high ceilings, a cozy bar and a tranquil blue wall decoration. With its serene atmosphere and delightful menu, the restaurant welcomes guests for lunch, dinner, and late night.

The Prime Rib

Address: 1701 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
The Prime Rib
$$$ Recommended
A great steak is a culinary art form, and while many restaurants strive for such excellence, few actually achieve it. For decades, the Prime Rib has been pleasing diners with the highest quality meats and seafood in Baltimore and Washington D.C.; in 1997, it took up shop in Philadelphia. Elegant, classic and undeniably upscale, the Prime Rib has established itself as a beloved favorite among the discerning Rittenhouse crowd, proving that nothing beats a perfectly cooked steak and a well-made cocktail.

M Restaurant

Address: 231 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
M Restaurant
$$$ New
Dining in Philadelphia has finally become both elegant and romantic since the addition of “M”, the restaurant at the Morris House Hotel. With such fine dining available both indoors and outdoors in the magnificent center city garden, “M” is a pure gem right in the heart of the historic district of downtown Philadelphia. The menu is designed by internationally trained chef David Katz, who offers daily entrees with extraordinary originality, making “M” a destination for superb dining at it’s best. M offers a modern menu of tantalizing dishes and indulgences to guests and local patrons alike.