Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. Explore the Greatest Restaurants on OpenTable
  3. 17 restaurants that define Philadelphia dining
Restaurant list

17 restaurants that define Philadelphia dining

A photo of Red logo
by Maddy Sweitzer-Lamme
Updated March 30, 2023

Philadelphia’s vibrant dining scene is right up there with historical landmarks on the list of reasons visitors come to town. The Philly food world just as important as the city’s renowned museums and concert halls, and chefs are some of our biggest celebrities.

A Top Chef winner in East Passyunk serves French American fare in a jewel box-like space. A group-friendly Chinatown favorite dishes up some of the city’s best—and spiciest—Sichuan fare. In Cedar Park, a soul food joint doubles as a beloved community hangout.

The city’s matrix of outstanding restaurants is as diverse as the people who live here, ranging from chef-driven, fine-dining spots to laid-back sports bars and cafes. Read on for a guide to 17 restaurants essential to Philadelphia.

Parc
4.8 (17703)
$31 to $50
French
Rittenhouse Square
Prolific restaurateur Stephen Starr—known for hits such as Buddakan and Le Coucou around the country—got his start in Philadelphia. His flair for designing the full dining experience is best showcased at Parc, a Parisian restaurant literally built from pieces of restaurants imported from France. The atmosphere, both inside and outside, is spectacular: Parc’s bustling sidewalk tables sit across the street from Rittenhouse Square Park, and the restaurant takes full advantage of its lush setting. There’s no better place to enjoy a flawlessly cooked French omelet or steak frites while getting in some people-watching. Be sure to grab a baguette on the way out; Parc’s onsite bakery is one of the best in the city.
Top review
Peter
Dined 2 days ago
Overall a nice place to eat with good environment. Recommend to all.
Prolific restaurateur Stephen Starr—known for hits such as Buddakan and Le Coucou around the country—got his start in Philadelphia. His flair for designing the full dining experience is best showcased at Parc, a Parisian restaurant literally built from pieces of restaurants imported from France. The atmosphere, both inside and outside, is spectacular: Parc’s bustling sidewalk tables sit across the street from Rittenhouse Square Park, and the restaurant takes full advantage of its lush setting. There’s no better place to enjoy a flawlessly cooked French omelet or steak frites while getting in some people-watching. Be sure to grab a baguette on the way out; Parc’s onsite bakery is one of the best in the city.
Top review
Peter
Dined 2 days ago
Overall a nice place to eat with good environment. Recommend to all.
Morimoto
4.7 (6821)
$50 and over
Japanese
Center City
Philly doesn’t tolerate celebrity chef outposts unless they can back up their name with some serious game. Morimoto has impressed sushi connoisseurs from its early days when the Iron Chef himself sometimes appeared behind the Old City sushi bar. Thankfully, the kitchen is on point whether or not the headlining chef is in the house. That means Morimoto’s omakase—the chef’s choice menu, known to feature dishes such as whitefish carpaccio and black cod miso—is worth the splurge.
Top review
OpenTable DinerVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Did the Omakase with same pairing and had Andrew as our server. He was great, very friendly, knowledgeable and explained everything we were drinking and eating. Will be back
Philly doesn’t tolerate celebrity chef outposts unless they can back up their name with some serious game. Morimoto has impressed sushi connoisseurs from its early days when the Iron Chef himself sometimes appeared behind the Old City sushi bar. Thankfully, the kitchen is on point whether or not the headlining chef is in the house. That means Morimoto’s omakase—the chef’s choice menu, known to feature dishes such as whitefish carpaccio and black cod miso—is worth the splurge.
Top review
OpenTable DinerVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Did the Omakase with same pairing and had Andrew as our server. He was great, very friendly, knowledgeable and explained everything we were drinking and eating. Will be back
Chickie's & Pete's - South Philadelphia
4.7 (690)
$30 and under
Seafood
South Philly
Chickie’s and Pete’s is a classic pre-game and post-game stop for beers, cheesesteaks, and tomato pie in the shadow of South Philly’s sports stadiums. Its sprawling bar food menu offers something for everyone, but no visit here is complete without the restaurant’s famous crab fries. There’s no actual crab on these crinkle-cut fries. Instead, the irresistible cheese sauce on top is generously seasoned with Old Bay.
Top review
ChrisB
Dined 5 days ago
Food and drinks from bar was slow, its bar food so it's what you should expect, very different from bars at home
Chickie’s and Pete’s is a classic pre-game and post-game stop for beers, cheesesteaks, and tomato pie in the shadow of South Philly’s sports stadiums. Its sprawling bar food menu offers something for everyone, but no visit here is complete without the restaurant’s famous crab fries. There’s no actual crab on these crinkle-cut fries. Instead, the irresistible cheese sauce on top is generously seasoned with Old Bay.
Top review
ChrisB
Dined 5 days ago
Food and drinks from bar was slow, its bar food so it's what you should expect, very different from bars at home
SkyHigh
4.8 (2934)
$30 and under
Cocktail Bar
Center City
JG SkyHigh, one of celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Philadelphia outposts, is among the city’s most dramatic restaurant spaces. Diners are whisked up from the street to the top of the Four Seasons Hotel in Center City in a glass elevator that offers panoramic city views. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide an unforgettable backdrop for celebratory cocktails or a special occasion meal. It’s a fitting atmosphere to splurge on Osetra caviar, or you could go for something more casual but equally good, such as spicy sausage, kale, and pecorino pizza.
Top review
phil
Dined 2 days ago
SkyHigh is one of our favorite spots in Philly. On our most recent visit, we had the good fortune to meet several outstanding employees. Olivia, our hostess explained the different seating options because we were confused when booking our reservation, and we ended up in the lounge area where we ordered delicious appetizers based on suggestions by our delightful waitress (Brielle sp?). On our way out we were greeted by one of Philly's best bartenders, Midé (sp?), who helps us practice French. It's always a delightful experience. Phil and Meg
JG SkyHigh, one of celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Philadelphia outposts, is among the city’s most dramatic restaurant spaces. Diners are whisked up from the street to the top of the Four Seasons Hotel in Center City in a glass elevator that offers panoramic city views. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide an unforgettable backdrop for celebratory cocktails or a special occasion meal. It’s a fitting atmosphere to splurge on Osetra caviar, or you could go for something more casual but equally good, such as spicy sausage, kale, and pecorino pizza.
Top review
phil
Dined 2 days ago
SkyHigh is one of our favorite spots in Philly. On our most recent visit, we had the good fortune to meet several outstanding employees. Olivia, our hostess explained the different seating options because we were confused when booking our reservation, and we ended up in the lounge area where we ordered delicious appetizers based on suggestions by our delightful waitress (Brielle sp?). On our way out we were greeted by one of Philly's best bartenders, Midé (sp?), who helps us practice French. It's always a delightful experience. Phil and Meg
Charlie was a sinner.
4.6 (2634)
$31 to $50
Tapas / Small Plates
Center City
Charlie was a sinner. is the creation of plant-based chef and restaurateur Nicole Marquis. Her dark and cozy vegan cocktail lair serves up some of Philadelphia’s freshest drinks, thanks to ingredients such as hibiscus and mint, plus the city’s most inventive dishes. The zucchini “crab cake” sliders are a menu mainstay, along with a “ricotta” toast that could charm even the most ardent dairy lover. Enjoy it all against the backdrop of black-and-white movies, which flicker on the walls.
Top review
Sara
Dined 7 days ago
We had an amazing meal, drinks and food were delicious! The noise level was difficult for us to have a conversation but the meal was great.
Charlie was a sinner. is the creation of plant-based chef and restaurateur Nicole Marquis. Her dark and cozy vegan cocktail lair serves up some of Philadelphia’s freshest drinks, thanks to ingredients such as hibiscus and mint, plus the city’s most inventive dishes. The zucchini “crab cake” sliders are a menu mainstay, along with a “ricotta” toast that could charm even the most ardent dairy lover. Enjoy it all against the backdrop of black-and-white movies, which flicker on the walls.
Top review
Sara
Dined 7 days ago
We had an amazing meal, drinks and food were delicious! The noise level was difficult for us to have a conversation but the meal was great.
White Dog Cafe - University City
4.6 (5530)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
University City
The White Dog Cafe has been an icon of the local food movement in Philadelphia since opening its original West Philly location in 1983 as one of the first restaurants to celebrate seasonal ingredients from the region’s farms. When founder and farm-to-table pioneer Judy Wicks sold the business in 2009, she preserved the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability. White Dog serves as an unofficial hub for the college campuses of University City and always attracts a diverse range of diners, from students to West Philly elders. Salads showcase the farm-fresh produce and local cheeses, and the mushroom soup, made with produce from nearby Kennett Square (the self-proclaimed mushroom capital of the world) is a must.
Top review
TatyanaVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Loved it! Best and freshest food with incredible flavors :) Great with allergy accommodations !
The White Dog Cafe has been an icon of the local food movement in Philadelphia since opening its original West Philly location in 1983 as one of the first restaurants to celebrate seasonal ingredients from the region’s farms. When founder and farm-to-table pioneer Judy Wicks sold the business in 2009, she preserved the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability. White Dog serves as an unofficial hub for the college campuses of University City and always attracts a diverse range of diners, from students to West Philly elders. Salads showcase the farm-fresh produce and local cheeses, and the mushroom soup, made with produce from nearby Kennett Square (the self-proclaimed mushroom capital of the world) is a must.
Top review
TatyanaVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Loved it! Best and freshest food with incredible flavors :) Great with allergy accommodations !
EMei
4.6 (352)
$30 and under
Sichuan
Chinatown
With a dining room full of large round tables topped with rotating trays, Emei resembles other Chinatown restaurants. But its bold, regional flavors make it stand out from its neighbors. The restaurant has served some of the Philadelphia area’s spiciest and best Sichuan food since 2011. Chef Yongcheng Zhao has focused on the food of this Chinese province for his 40-year career. Whether your tastes run in the direction of pork intestine or Chongqing spicy chicken, a stir-fried dish spiked with dried Sichuan chile peppers, you’ll find appealing options on the large menu. Emei is at its most fun when you can order lots of dishes to share, so it’s great for groups.
Top review
david
Dined 5 days ago
Food was great. Service was friendly and helpful. Would have liked a table up front instead of in back. But still worth it!
With a dining room full of large round tables topped with rotating trays, Emei resembles other Chinatown restaurants. But its bold, regional flavors make it stand out from its neighbors. The restaurant has served some of the Philadelphia area’s spiciest and best Sichuan food since 2011. Chef Yongcheng Zhao has focused on the food of this Chinese province for his 40-year career. Whether your tastes run in the direction of pork intestine or Chongqing spicy chicken, a stir-fried dish spiked with dried Sichuan chile peppers, you’ll find appealing options on the large menu. Emei is at its most fun when you can order lots of dishes to share, so it’s great for groups.
Top review
david
Dined 5 days ago
Food was great. Service was friendly and helpful. Would have liked a table up front instead of in back. But still worth it!
Amada PHL
4.7 (8775)
$31 to $50
Spanish
Old City
When James Beard Award winner Jose Garces left Stephen Starr’s nest in 2005 to launch his own splashy restaurant in Old City, it was a seismic event in the Philadelphia food world. For years, Amada was the buzziest, most sought-after reservation in town. And though newer, shinier restaurants have since arrived, the joy of a Spanish tapas night at Amada hasn’t faded. Start with a spread of charcuterie and cheeses before moving on to small plates such as garlic shrimp and albondigas (meatballs) that have been on the menu from the beginning. The Garces restaurant group has grown quite a bit since 2005, but Amada still holds up as its flagship.
Top review
FloraVIP
Dined 2 days ago
The tapas dishes we shared were delicious, really excellent. Our server was friendly and attentive without hovering. My only concern is the noise level. It was extremely difficult to hold a conversation across the table.
When James Beard Award winner Jose Garces left Stephen Starr’s nest in 2005 to launch his own splashy restaurant in Old City, it was a seismic event in the Philadelphia food world. For years, Amada was the buzziest, most sought-after reservation in town. And though newer, shinier restaurants have since arrived, the joy of a Spanish tapas night at Amada hasn’t faded. Start with a spread of charcuterie and cheeses before moving on to small plates such as garlic shrimp and albondigas (meatballs) that have been on the menu from the beginning. The Garces restaurant group has grown quite a bit since 2005, but Amada still holds up as its flagship.
Top review
FloraVIP
Dined 2 days ago
The tapas dishes we shared were delicious, really excellent. Our server was friendly and attentive without hovering. My only concern is the noise level. It was extremely difficult to hold a conversation across the table.
Bud & Marilyn's
4.6 (5126)
$30 and under
American
Center City
Chef Marcie Turney descends from restaurant people; her grandparents (the titular Bud and Marilyn) owned a restaurant in Ripon, Wisconsin, where Turney grew up. This restaurant celebrates her family, Midwestern hospitality, and classic American comfort foods. Vinyl booths, vintage-inspired tableware, and retro TVs all add to the throwback theme. Crispy cheese curds made from Wisconsin cheddar and the housemade funfetti cake are the must-order menu items for a classic American experience.
Top review
Tony
Dined 6 days ago
Great spot for a casual, intimate dinner! Drinks were great too!
Chef Marcie Turney descends from restaurant people; her grandparents (the titular Bud and Marilyn) owned a restaurant in Ripon, Wisconsin, where Turney grew up. This restaurant celebrates her family, Midwestern hospitality, and classic American comfort foods. Vinyl booths, vintage-inspired tableware, and retro TVs all add to the throwback theme. Crispy cheese curds made from Wisconsin cheddar and the housemade funfetti cake are the must-order menu items for a classic American experience.
Top review
Tony
Dined 6 days ago
Great spot for a casual, intimate dinner! Drinks were great too!
Fork - Philadelphia
4.8 (5196)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Old City
For 25 years, Fork restaurant has set the standards in Philadelphia. Visionary restaurateur Ellen Yin has guided the restaurant through numerous incarnations, anticipating ever-shifting culinary moods and trends. One thing unites all of Fork’s eras: From the beginning, there’s been a focus on working with local farmers and doing sustainable business. The current menu offers a mix of creative and familiar plates. Look for Brussels sprouts topped with smoked grapes and sliced pistachios, as well as a leveled-up cheeseburger (topped with raclette and caramelized onions) with fries. It’s a chameleon of a place that’s somehow perfect for both celebrating a special occasion or grabbing a bite at the bar on a random weeknight.
Top review
JohnVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Fork is always great - great food and great ambiance. The new chef and new menu are excellent - still very much in the tradition of Fork in previous incarnations, but now with a great new mix of dishes and lots on the menu that is worth trying. Fork remains one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia - great for every day or every week dining and great for special occasions.
For 25 years, Fork restaurant has set the standards in Philadelphia. Visionary restaurateur Ellen Yin has guided the restaurant through numerous incarnations, anticipating ever-shifting culinary moods and trends. One thing unites all of Fork’s eras: From the beginning, there’s been a focus on working with local farmers and doing sustainable business. The current menu offers a mix of creative and familiar plates. Look for Brussels sprouts topped with smoked grapes and sliced pistachios, as well as a leveled-up cheeseburger (topped with raclette and caramelized onions) with fries. It’s a chameleon of a place that’s somehow perfect for both celebrating a special occasion or grabbing a bite at the bar on a random weeknight.
Top review
JohnVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Fork is always great - great food and great ambiance. The new chef and new menu are excellent - still very much in the tradition of Fork in previous incarnations, but now with a great new mix of dishes and lots on the menu that is worth trying. Fork remains one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia - great for every day or every week dining and great for special occasions.
Tria Rittenhouse
4.8 (434)
$30 and under
Wine Bar
Rittenhouse Square
This laidback wine bar was built as a place to celebrate all things fermented—especially the trio of wine, beer, and cheese. Tria has been the place to discover the most compelling vintages and unusual cheeses in town since its inception. Cheese boards are created by Tenaya Darlington, aka “Madame Fromage,” a local cheese expert, author, and educator. There are also ample soups, snacks, salads, and sandwiches. The bustling scene and people-watching opportunities—the restaurant and sidewalk seats are perched on one of the neighborhood’s liveliest corners—are almost as big of a draw as the food and drink.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Mar 1, 2025
First time here!! Mom and I got lunch before a matinee show at the Academy of Music! Food was EXCELLENT, drinks were refreshing and the staff was pleasant and not overbearing! Will definitely recommend! Short walk to and from the Avenue of the Arts!
This laidback wine bar was built as a place to celebrate all things fermented—especially the trio of wine, beer, and cheese. Tria has been the place to discover the most compelling vintages and unusual cheeses in town since its inception. Cheese boards are created by Tenaya Darlington, aka “Madame Fromage,” a local cheese expert, author, and educator. There are also ample soups, snacks, salads, and sandwiches. The bustling scene and people-watching opportunities—the restaurant and sidewalk seats are perched on one of the neighborhood’s liveliest corners—are almost as big of a draw as the food and drink.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Mar 1, 2025
First time here!! Mom and I got lunch before a matinee show at the Academy of Music! Food was EXCELLENT, drinks were refreshing and the staff was pleasant and not overbearing! Will definitely recommend! Short walk to and from the Avenue of the Arts!
El Vez
4.8 (7112)
$30 and under
Mexican / Regional American (Southwestern)
Center City
El Vez, another Stephen Starr stunner, has been a popular spot for happy hours that become nights out since opening in 2003. Large booths accommodate groups of friends and colleagues who gather over platters of nachos, bowls of guacamole, Mexican chopped salads, and taco plates. The real draw here, though, is the drinks menu, which includes a variety of margaritas, all balanced and strong. Don’t miss the large selection of agave spirits, including flights for those who’d like to sample a variety of options.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 3 days ago
My friend, my cousin, and I had a wonderful experience last night celebrating my cousin’s birthday! The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. Our server, Juan, was super personable, attentive, and friendly—he made sure we had everything we needed. He also gave great recommendations and truly enhanced our overall experience. We’ll definitely be back! :)
El Vez, another Stephen Starr stunner, has been a popular spot for happy hours that become nights out since opening in 2003. Large booths accommodate groups of friends and colleagues who gather over platters of nachos, bowls of guacamole, Mexican chopped salads, and taco plates. The real draw here, though, is the drinks menu, which includes a variety of margaritas, all balanced and strong. Don’t miss the large selection of agave spirits, including flights for those who’d like to sample a variety of options.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 3 days ago
My friend, my cousin, and I had a wonderful experience last night celebrating my cousin’s birthday! The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. Our server, Juan, was super personable, attentive, and friendly—he made sure we had everything we needed. He also gave great recommendations and truly enhanced our overall experience. We’ll definitely be back! :)

More lists for you

Explore other cities and regions
A photo of Yukon
Yukon
A photo of Toronto
Toronto
A photo of Edmonton
Edmonton
A photo of Calgary
Calgary
A photo of NW Territories
NW Territories
A photo of Manitoba
Manitoba
Other ways to experience the world through dining
Must Try Korean Dishes The GreatsExplore Asian-Owned and -Operated RestaurantsExplore Award-Winning Restaurants on OpenTable The Best Bars on OpenTableTKTKThe Best Restaurants for Breakfast on OpenTableThe Best Brunch RestaurantsThe Best Burgersbest cafe in town
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo