| Dining Overview | Top  |
Since the widely publicized "restaurant renaissance" of the 1970s, this culturally and ethnically diverse city has offered restaurants for every taste and pocketbook. The most recent area of restaurant development is in the Old City neighborhood. Philly's hottest trend is the now-ubiquitous BYOB restaurant, prompted by the scarcity of available liquor licenses in the neighborhoods, and the cost of buying a license (which can exceed US$300,000).
The Rittenhouse Square District is blessed with an abundance of fine restaurants. South Philadelphia, where most of the city's substantial Italian population resides, offers many great Italian restaurants (and is the source of the original Philadelphia cheesesteak). Chinatown has several Asian restaurants per block—Thai and Vietnamese as well as Chinese. The neighborhood around the Italian Market has also given rise to a crop of Asian restaurants, between Ninth and 11th on Washington Avenue. Near the University of Pennsylvania, there's another cluster of ethnic establishments (Indian, Thai, Mexican, Japanese).
Dining times are generally 6-10 am for breakfast, 11 am-2 pm for lunch and 5-10 pm for dinner.
Expect to pay within these general guidelines, based on the cost of dinner for one, not including drinks, tax or tip: $ = less than US$10; $$ = US$10-$20; $$$ = US$21-$50; and $$$$ = more than US$50.
| Local & Regional | Top |
Sup in colonial splendor at this re-created 18th-century tavern in Independence National Historic Park. Once the hub of fine dining in Philadelphia, City Tavern fed the likes of patriot Paul Revere, U.S. President George Washington and both Continental Congresses. The traditionally dressed waitstaff will serve you mugs of beer and early-American dishes such as medallions of venison, turkey stew and lobster pie. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 138 S. Second St. (at Walnut Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-413-1443. http://www.citytavern.com.
This place serves a cheese plate to die for. The menu changes monthly, with such options as wild mushroom carbonara, crispy pancetta, quail eggs and sausage loin. Open Tuesday-Sunday for dinner. Reservations required. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 526 S. Fourth St. (off Gaskill Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-922-7151.
Casual but chic Farmicia serves gourmet food that is both good to eat and good for you, with an emphasis on local, seasonal foods provided by artesian-type producers. The menu rotates, but the quality does not, and the Buddhist murals remind diners of the good karma that they are earning. The adjacent Metro Cafe applies the same concept for those just looking for a quick snack. Open Tuesday-Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Sunday for dinner only. $$. Most major credit cards. 15 S. Third St. (Market and Chestnut), Philadelphia. Phone 215-627-6274. http://www.farmiciarestaurant.com.
The art-deco, cafeteria-style setting is just right for sampling that native delicacy, the Philly cheesesteak—thinly sliced grilled beef served on a long Italian roll with melted cheese and accompaniments. One of the best venues to grab this local favorite. The cheese is actually Cheez Whiz, so if you prefer American cheese or provolone, speak up. Daily for lunch and dinner. $. Cash and traveler's checks only. 400 South St. (at Second Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-928-1911.
Loyal fans say these Philly cheesesteaks are the best in town. See for yourself. Daily 24 hours. $. No credit cards. 1237 E. Passyunk Ave. (Ninth and Wharton streets), Philadelphia. Phone 215-468-1546. http://www.patskingofsteaks.com.
This family-run luncheonette is where you get good, basic food and see local movers and shakers. As the story goes, it was once frequented by singer Frank Sinatra and former U.S. President Bill Clinton—but not at the same time. The signature sandwich is roast beef, but loyalists claim it has the best hoagies. Open Tuesday-Saturday 8 am-5 pm. Reservations not accepted. $-$$. No credit cards. 932 S. 10th St. at Hall Street, Philadelphia. Phone 215-629-1093.
This trendy American restaurant offers fine dining at reasonable prices and several menus that have something for everyone. Specialties include pan-seared hazelnut-crusted salmon and grilled
chimichurri hanger steak with spicy aioli. Its unique culinary designs appear like art on your plate. At the more casual Fork Etc. next door, gourmet fare is offered for takeout. Daily for lunch and dinner, Sunday for brunch. Reservations recommended. $$$. 306-308 Market St. (between Third and Fourth streets), Philadelphia. Phone 215-625-9425. http://www.forkrestaurant.com.
This has been a romantic favorite off Rittenhouse Square for three decades. American cuisine with some French infusion. Open Tuesday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 261 S. 21st St. (between Locust and Spruce streets), Philadelphia. Phone 215-546-4232. http://www.frisatsun.com.
Children don't have to keep their voices down at Jones—the always-loud hipster American restaurant. With its
Brady Bunch living room decor and menu of beloved classics (burgers, chicken pot pies and chocolate cake), this place is a winner with families. Daily for lunch and dinner. $$. Most major credit cards. 700 Market St. (at Seventh Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-223-5663. http://www.starr-restaurant.com.
You can't get much more American than beer, and that's the specialty at this suds-and-food emporium. Locals know to have theirs with mussels that are cooked with plenty of garlic. Daily for lunch and dinner. $$. Most major credit cards. 264 S. 16th St., Philadelphia. Phone 215-545-7005. http://www.monkscafe.com.
Sample chef Kiong Banh's Asian-inspired menu at this stylish, new-American neighborhood bistro near Rittenhouse Square. Solo diners will appreciate the long, bar-high table in the center of the restaurant. Try the dim sum or black-tea smoked tuna, and then tuck into one of the best burgers in the city. For lighter fare, the oven-roasted
shiso salmon is tasty. Daily for dinner. $$$. Most major credit cards. 261 S. 20th St. (at Manning Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-731-0900. http://www.twentymanning.com.
This hip bistro draws an international crowd from nearby Penn and Drexel universities—a bustling mix of professors, grad students and neighborhood locals. Against a funky backdrop of dog decor, you can enjoy such specialties as Caribbean-grilled mahimahi and curry-roasted vegetables with Indian cheese dumplings. However, the true draw is the delicious desserts, such as the Chocolate Lover's Sampler. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 3420 Sansom St. (at 34th Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-386-9224. http://www.whitedog.com.
This Asian-themed restaurant is notable for its large, gold-leafed, meditating Buddha. The calming decor is a pure embodiment of modern feng shui. Foods of Japan, Vietnam, India, China and Thailand are woven into inventive culinary creations. The wok-seared lobster in a coconut curry sauce served in a nest of mashed potatoes is a house specialty. All dishes are designed to be shared and are served Chinatown-style. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. Reservations recommended. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 325 Chestnut St. (at Fourth Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-574-9440. http://www.buddakan.com.
With its reasonably priced mix-and-match menu, Lemon Grass is considered by many locals to be Philly's best Thai spot. It's known for great food presented beautifully. Try the pad thai or any of the spicy curry dishes. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. $$. Most major credit cards. 3626 E. Lancaster Ave. (Race and 36th streets), Philadelphia. Phone 215-222-8042.
If the name sounds familiar, then you must be a fan of the
Iron Chef TV show on the Food Network. Chef Morimoto excels at the art of sushi; his dishes are rivaled only by the stunning decor of muted, backlit booths in an atrium effect. Open daily for lunch and dinner. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 723 Chestnut St., Philadelphia. Phone 215-413-9070. www.morimotorestaurant.com.
Thai cuisine infused with French accents. Order anything that's lemongrass encrusted. Take your own alcohol. Open Tuesday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only. $$$. Most major credit cards. 4000 Chestnut St. (at 40th Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-382-0818. http://www.nanrestaurant.com.
Japanese chic rules at this hip eatery in University City, with its white walls, shiny red foam sofas, light-up bar stools and lounge music. Best of all are the three elevated, egg-shaped rooms that let diners change the mood lighting with the push of a button. Then there's the conveyor-belt sushi bar and glowing cocktails. The food is good, but the show is even better. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. $$. Most major credit cards. 3636 Sansom St. (between 36th and 37th), Philadelphia. Phone 215-387-1803. http://www.starr-restaurant.com.
The most elegant Chinese restaurant in the city is not in Chinatown but in the heart of the business district, along Philadelphia's "Restaurant Row." The owner and cookbook author has been called one of the most outstanding chefs in the country. Foo specializes in imaginative seafood dishes, such as sizzling pinecone grouper with caramelized balsamic vinegar sauce and lobster dumplings drizzled with a coconut lobster sauce. Desserts are more French than Chinese, such as the luscious chilled mango souffle. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. Reservations recommended at least two weeks in advance. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 1512 Walnut St. (between 15th and 16th streets), Philadelphia. Phone 215-545-2666. http://www.susannafoo.com.
Benny Lai and his family are your hosts at this friendly Vietnamese restaurant, with its polished decor and attentive service. Try the
pho noodles in hearty beef broth, chicken and pork spiked with lemongrass, and outstanding summer rolls stuffed with shrimp and fresh basil. Upstairs, Bar Saigon offers a hip lounge space and karaoke on weekends. Daily for lunch and dinner; Bar Saigon Lounge open Friday and Saturday nights till 10 pm. $$. Most major credit cards. 221 N. 11th St. (between Race and Vine streets), Philadelphia. Phone 215-592-1163. http://www.eatatvietnam.com.
The crepes served there are typically Breton—feather-light squares plumped with your choices of more than two-dozen sweet and savory fillings. Start with a crock of French onion soup, and then try the ham and Gruyere, ratatouille or andouille sausage. Save room for the warm chocolate crepe. There's a fun cabaret and lounge upstairs, L'Etage. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. $$. Most major credit cards. 624 S. Sixth St. (at Bainbridge), Philadelphia. Phone 215-592-0656. http://www.creperie-beaumonde.com.
The menu reflects a marriage of French, Italian and Asian cuisines. Specialties include yellowfin tuna sashimi and roasted free-range chicken breast with braised cabbage. The bar is a see-and-be-seen emporium. For large groups, be sure to make reservations well in advance (note that you will have to put down a credit card to keep a table). Open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. $$$. Most major credit cards. 1619 Walnut St. (between 15th and 16th streets), Philadelphia. Phone 215-568-3000. http://www.brasserieperrier.com.
"Two Chimneys," a classic award-winning French restaurant, is located in two adjoining historic town houses (formerly the Princeton Club) with blazing fireplaces in all five dining rooms during winter. Owner and chef Fritz Blank visits each table to answer questions and make suggestions. The signature dish is
veloute crab marguerite, a cream-based hot crab soup, laced with Scotch whiskey. In season, try the prized venison steaks. There's a six-course prix-fixe dinner for US$85. Open Tuesday-Saturday for dinner only. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 1221 Locust St. (between 12th and 13th streets), Philadelphia. Phone 215-790-0200.
Set inside one of Philadelphia's most prestigious hotels, this highly rated, award-winning and formal restaurant is run under the guidance of chef Jean-Marie Lacroix. Along with the lovely view of the square from any table, you'll get even lovelier food. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations highly recommended. Ties required for men. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 210 W. Rittenhouse Square (at Locust Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-790-2533. http://www.lacroixrestaurant.com.
Nearly every culinary award has been given to this superior French restaurant and Georges Perrier, its chef and owner. Menu changes seasonally: It might include saddle of rabbit stuffed with tomatoes and olives, or mushroom ravioli with an ivory sauce and herb salad. The ornate dining room boasts crystal chandeliers. Lunch and dinner are prix fixe. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only. Reservations must be made one to two weeks in advance; you'll be advised of two seatings for both lunch and dinner. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 1523 Walnut St. (between 15th and 16th streets), Philadelphia. Phone 215-567-1000. http://www.lebecfin.com.
This intimate and romantic eatery offers typical bistro fare, such as frog legs and escargot. Order the truffle potato puree with anything. Take your own alcohol. Open daily except Monday for dinner only. Reservations required. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 1009 S. Eighth St. (at Carpenter Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-625-2923.
This place should top your list if you don't mind two-hour waits or loud, elbow-to-elbow dining. Dmitri's is a 25-seat Mediterranean-style grill with tasty seafood entrees. Start with the warm pita and hummus, but leave room for such favorites as the whole grilled fish, the grilled octopus and the shrimp scampi with snap peas. We suggest arriving by 5:30 pm to avoid the long lines. Take your own alcohol. Daily for dinner only. Reservations not accepted. $$$. No credit cards. 795 S. Third St. (at Catherine Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-625-0556.
A popular restaurant, Effie's serves classic homemade Greek food in three dining rooms or on a vine-covered patio. The spanakopita is divine. Take your own alcohol. Daily for dinner only. Reservations recommended. $$. No credit cards. 1129 Pine St. (at 15th Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-592-8333.
A South Philly stalwart, Dante & Luigi's claims to be the oldest Italian restaurant in the country. It is popular because of the good food, reasonable prices and authentic sense of local Italian flavor. Start with a salad of romaine, provolone, salami, peppers and olives, and then try the veal chops or any of the other classic dishes. Open Tuesday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. 762 S. 10th St. (off Catherine Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-922-9501.
Go there for Italian cuisine at its best. The homemade gnocchi shows up as a special, and when it does, be sure to order it. Open Wednesday-Monday for dinner only. Reservations required. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 1200 S. 11th St. (at Federal Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-468-0104. http://www.kristiansrestaurant.com.
This is one of the best places in town to find northern Italian cuisine. Try the
Delizia ai funghi—a puff pastry filled with wild mushrooms in a four-cheese sauce. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only. 1920 Chestnut St. (between 19th and 20th streets), Philadelphia. Phone 215-751-9913. http://www.lecastagne.com.
The authentic Italian fare is above average, but Panorama is really a wine lover's restaurant. It features the world's largest Cruvinet wine preservation and dispensing system. You can order a wine flight (five small glasses) of several varieties. Try an appetizer of grilled vegetables drizzled with olive oil, followed by the Pasta Mista sampler. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. Penn's View Hotel, 14 N. Front St. (at Market Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-922-7800. http://www.pennsviewhotel.com.
Always packed, Saloon is famous for its huge portions of classic Italian dishes. Specialties include the oversized marinated steaks. Open Tuesday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Monday and Saturday for dinner only. $$$$. Accepts American Express only. 750 S. Seventh St. (off Catherine Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-627-1811.
Though it's your basic hole-in-the-wall joint, Tacconelli's has such good pizza that you have to call ahead at least 24 hours to reserve your dough and table. Open Wednesday-Sunday for dinner only. Reservations recommended. $$. No credit cards. 2604 E. Somerset St. (between Almond and Thompson streets), Philadelphia. Phone 215-425-4983.
Locals adore this tiny family-run eatery. If you have only one night to dine in town, this is the place to go. Great food and great prices. The signature dish is the inky
pappardelle with prawns. Open Tuesday-Saturday for dinner only. Reservations required. $$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 1533 S. 11th St. (off Morris Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-551-3870.
Expect award-winning Italian cuisine and a spectacular wine list. The seven-course tasting menu is your best bet. Musts include the chocolate-polenta souffle and the gnocchi. Just 35 coveted seats. Open Monday-Saturday for dinner. Reservations required. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 1312 Spruce St. (at 13th Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-732-3478. http://www.vetriristorante.com.
| Latin American | Top  |
This sleek, modern restaurant serves Cuban classics, such as slow-cooked pork shank and a delicious tapioca pudding served in a coconut shell. The chic lounge attracts a beautiful crowd for happy hour and tapas. Daily for dinner. Reservations required. $$$. Most major credit cards. 1623 Walnut St. (between 16th and 17th streets), Philadelphia. Phone 215-988-1799. http://www.starr-restaurant.com.
This award-winning restaurant serves up great Cuban cuisine, with a menu that offers suggestions for drinks to match. Don't miss the spicy guava ribs. Open Monday-Friday for lunch, nightly for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 10 S. Second St. (off Market Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-627-0666. http://www.cubalibrerestaurant.com.
Award-winning chef Guillermo Pernot presents gorgeous Latin food. The seviche starters are heavenly, as is the shrimp-and-chicken dish served in a coconut shell. The smoked rib eye is one of the best steaks in town. The wine list is among the city's best. Daily for dinner only. Closed Sunday in summer. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 211 S. 15th St. (off Walnut Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-875-9895.
An expansive restaurant, with lots of color and energy, El Vez serves excellent Mexican fare in a kitschy setting. Servers wheel avocado-laden carts to your table, where they prepare fresh guacamole to your specifications. Open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. Sunday for dinner only. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 121 S. 13th St. (at Sansom Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-928-9800. http://www.elvezrestaurant.com.
Go there for authentic, home-style Yucatan cuisine that gets raves from locals. Try the Antajito Ranchero sampler platter or the boneless chicken breast with pumpkin-seed sauce. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. 426 Girard Ave. (at Fifth Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-351-9144.
Not only is this Chinese restaurant vegetarian, it's also kosher. The signature dish is the dynasty mock chicken. Daily for lunch and dinner. $$. Most major credit cards. 1010 Cherry St. (between 10th and 11th streets), Philadelphia. Phone 215-923-3663.
Open since 1969, Essene pioneered the organic and natural-foods scene in Philadelphia. It offers gourmet veggie fare in a casual setting, and an on-site bakery features dairy-free sweets made without refined sugar. Takeout available. Daily 9 am-8 pm. $. Most major credit cards. 719 S. Fourth St. (between South and Bainbridge), Philadelphia. Phone 215-922-1146. http://www.essenemarket.com.
| Cafes & Tearooms | Top |
This
gelateria makes its 20-plus varieties of gelato fresh each morning, including several low-fat varieties. Skip the rest of lunch and go there for a creamy treat. $. Most major credit cards. 119 S. 13th St., Philadelphia. Phone 215-351-0900. http://www.capogirogelato.com.
| Coffeehouses | Top |
This elegant European-style cafe, which supplies its own coffee beans to fine restaurants in town, serves its brews in beautiful flowered china. Delicious French pastries also available. Open Monday-Friday 7:30 am-6:30 pm, Saturday 8:30 am-6:30 pm, Sunday 9:30 am-6:30 pm. $. No credit cards. 130 S. 19th St. (off Rittenhouse Square), Philadelphia. Phone 215-563-0860. http://www.lacolombe.com.
This romantic, wood-accented cafe offers the most decadent chocolate-centric experience imaginable, serving chocolate in every conceivable form. Hot chocolate, truffles, cupcakes—whatever you please, you'll find it all there. The cafe, which also serves an excellent selection of coffee drinks and gourmet teas, attracts crowds of well-heeled pleasure-seekers who take their chocolate fixes seriously. Open Monday-Saturday 10 am-11 pm, Sunday 11 am-9 pm. $. MasterCard and Visa. 1317 Walnut St. (at 13th Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-735-7310.
This place roasts its own coffee, and neighborhood regulars swear by it. Also offers free Wi-Fi. Full line of coffee specialties, as well as soup (at lunch), bagels and other baked goods. There's a second location at 1136 Arch St., in the Reading Terminal Market. Open Monday-Friday 6:30 am-7 pm, Saturday and Sunday 7 am-9 pm. $. Most major credit cards. 221 Church St. (off Third Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-629-9292. http://www.oldcitycoffee.com.
In the Rittenhouse Square area, this is a nice place for students to work and an even better place to sit and chat with a friend. It features a variety of coffees and pastries, as well as sandwiches, wraps and salads. Open Monday-Friday 7 am-8 pm, Saturday 8 am-8 pm, Sunday 8 am-7 pm. $. 222 W. Rittenhouse Square (off Walnut Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-772-0605.
Worth the wait for the excellent Mediterranean-style cuisine. You can take your own alcohol. Open Tuesday-Sunday for dinner only. No reservations taken for Friday and Saturday, so prepare to hang outside with the locals for a while. $$-$$$. No credit cards. 276 S. 20th St. (between Spruce and Manning streets), Philadelphia. Phone 215-731-1222.
This elegant dining room offers international cuisine. Meals are available both a la carte and prix fixe. Notable for its Sunday jazz brunch, afternoon tea (Monday-Saturday 3-5 pm) and the dessert buffet (Thursday-Saturday 10 pm-midnight) in the adjoining Swann Lounge. Open Monday-Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Sunday for brunch and dinner. Reservations required. Jacket and tie requested at dinner for men. $$$$. Most major credit cards. Four Seasons Hotel, 1 Logan Square (18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway), Philadelphia. Phone 215-963-1500.
This European-style cafe on Rittenhouse Square is a haven of chic—all done up in shades of rose and chocolate. From its Gustav Klimt-inspired mirrors to its seared salmon with lobster mashed potatoes and red-wine lobster sauce, Rouge is a bistro-lounge worth discovering. The drinks are pricey but large. Daily for lunch and dinner. $$$. Most major credit cards. 205 S. 18th St. (between Walnut and Locust streets), Philadelphia. Phone 215-732-6622.
This low-lit Moroccan and French-infused restaurant is a favorite for locals, with its generous portions and savory servings. The intimate modern interior is stylish enough to be the set for a movie scene, yet the restaurant is still appropriate for large groups with its family-style menu offerings, such as Greek-spiced swordfish and pistachio-crusted duck breast. Daily for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 232 Market St. (between Bank and Strawberry streets), Philadelphia. Phone 215-627-5116. http://www.starr-restaurant.com.
Great seafood served in a stylish and friendly atmosphere makes this restaurant a magnet for locals and tourists alike. A wide range of fresh fish is served, much of it grilled over Texas mesquite. Try the nori-crusted ahi, fire-roasted jumbo shrimp and Chesapeake Bay crab cakes—a specialty of the house. Open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sunday for dinner only. $$. Most major credit cards. 207 Chestnut St. (at South Second Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-625-8605. http://philadelphiafish.com.
This beloved eatery has been around since the 1940s. Everything on the menu is great, but the raw bar selection is unbelievable. Open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. Sunday for dinner only. 1516 Sansom St. (between 15th and 16th streets), Philadelphia. Phone 215-567-7683. http://www.sansomoysters.com.
Restaurateur Stephen Starr, widely credited with much of the city's culinary renaissance, rescued the Striped Bass several years ago from almost-certain demise, to the joy of long-time fans. Excellent seafood is still served in the former brokerage house that features marble columns, 28-ft-/9-m-tall ceilings, mullioned windows and a giant leaping-fish sculpture by Bob Philips. Try the wild striped bass wrapped in cabbage with black beluga lentils, prosciutto di Parma and porcini mushrooms. Open Monday-Saturday for dinner only, Sunday for lunch and dinner. Reservations a must, or you can find a seat at the bar to enjoy dinner from the same menu. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 1500 Walnut St., Philadelphia. Phone 215-732-4444. http://www.starr-restaurant.com.
Atop the historic Bellevue Stratford, XIX Nineteen offers one of the most elegant settings in town, with panoramic views to match. The chef makes every attempt to incorporate local ingredients into the menu. Monday-Saturday for dinner only. Reservations recommended. Jackets are required for men. $$$$. Most major credit cards. Park Hyatt Hotel, 200 S. Broad St. (at Walnut Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-790-1919.
| Steak Houses | Top |
This ultra-luxe beef house serves Kobe beef sliders (miniature beef burgers), Gachot & Gachot rib steak for two and US$100 cheesesteak—great choices if money's no object. The pricey martinis are among the driest in town. Open Monday-Friday for lunch, daily for dinner. Reservations required. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 237 S. 18th St. (at Locust), Philadelphia. Phone 215-732-7560. http://www.starr-restaurant.com.
Expect huge portions whether you're ordering steak or lobsters. The Roquefort dressing is amazing. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. Reservations required. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 200 S. Broad St. (at Walnut Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-546-7256. http://www.thepalm.com.
Consistently praised for its steaks and prime rib, this swank restaurant offers perhaps the best steak you'll ever taste. Try the signature rib eye with scrumptious potato skins on the side. Live music most nights. Daily for dinner. Reservations strongly suggested at least a few days in advance. Jacket is required for men. $$$$. Most major credit cards. Warwick Hotel, 101 Locust St. (at 17th Street), Philadelphia. Phone 215-772-1701. http://www.theprimerib.com.