15 perfect restaurants in Philadelphia, United States

Welcome to the City of Brotherly Love, where the cheesesteaks are as famous as Rocky himself! If you're looking to satisfy your taste buds in Philadelphia, fear not, for we have uncovered the 15 best restaurants in town. From charming Italian osterias serving dreamy pasta delights to whimsical gastro-pubs revolutionizing the Philly food scene, these culinary hotspots will leave you both stuffed to the brim and begging for more. So, ditch the pretzels and run up those infamous steps – a gastronomic adventure awaits you in the city where deliciousness knows no bounds.

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1. Laurel

4.6 (298)

1617 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA

Welcome to Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love and the home of Laurel - a neighborhood that's as charming as it is unique! Nestled in the heart of the city, Laurel has a personality like no other, with a quirky mix of historic landmarks, hip cafes, and cheeky street art. Explore the streets to discover a hidden gem where gastronomic adventures await, from world-class cheesesteaks to a bewildering array of pretzels - because when in Philly, your taste buds are never bored in Laurel!

www.restaurantlaurel.com

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2. Amada

4.5 (1882)

217-219 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

Amada, nestled in the vibrant heart of Philadelphia, is a culinary oasis for those seeking gastronomic adventures with a side of giggles. This lively restaurant effortlessly combines the charm of traditional Spanish tapas with a dash of cheeky humor, making it a must-visit for both hungry foodies and enthusiasts of witty banter. Prepare to be dazzled by the irresistible fusion of bold flavors, convivial ambiance, and the occasional witty punchline that will leave your taste buds and funny bone thoroughly satisfied.

www.amadarestaurant.com

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3. Vernick Food & Drink

4.7 (862)

2031 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA

Welcome to Vernick Food & Drink, an eatery in Philadelphia where every bite is so delicious that it'll make your taste buds do the tango. This culinary haven is like a secret club for flavor seekers, tucked away in the charming Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. Prepare to be amazed as the chef masterfully orchestrates an ensemble of locally sourced ingredients, unleashing a harmony that will make your heart sing and your stomach shout, "Encore!"

www.vernickphilly.com

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4. Townsend

4.7 (277)

1623 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA

Welcome to the enchanting neighborhood of Townsend in the heart of Philadelphia! Nestled amidst historic cobblestone streets and quaint rows of townhouses, Townsend exudes an irresistible charm that will make you feel like you've stepped into a whimsical fairytale. Be prepared to embark on a delightful adventure as you wander through its array of cozy cafes, eclectic boutiques, and streets that seem to have mastered the art of curving just enough to confuse your inner compass.

www.townsendepx.com

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5. The Dandelion

4.6 (4003)

124 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA

Welcome to The Dandelion, Philadelphia's whimsical destination where you'll feel like you've stumbled upon the secret hiding spot of Alice in Wonderland. Nestled in the city's bustling Rittenhouse Square, this gastropub boasts ornate wooden furnishings, quirky vintage decor and mismatched floral patterns that might make you wonder if you've accidentally stepped into a timewarp. Prepare your taste buds for a gastronomic adventure as The Dandelion conjures up culinary creations that showcase British comfort food with a cheeky twist, leaving you thoroughly smitten and contemplating your next passport-free trip.

thedandelionpub.com

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6. Farmicia

4.4 (1041)

15 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

Welcome to Farmicia, a delightful little spot in Philadelphia where the farm-to-table concept has been embraced with open arms (and open menus). Here, you'll find a harmonious blend of rustic charm and urban sophistication, perfect for the hip foodie in search of a memorable dining experience. The surroundings are so charming, it won't be long before you consider moving in permanently—think exposed brick walls, twinkling lights, and vintage charm that will have you saying, "Who needs a farmhouse when you've got Farmicia?"

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7. Buddakan

4.6 (2086)

325 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

Welcome to Buddakan, the grand temple of Pan-Asian flavors that has taken the City of Brotherly Love by storm! Prepare to be transported to a realm where exquisite cuisine meets striking decor resembling a lavish opium den from a whimsical dream. Here, you can feast like an emperor, indulging in tantalizing dishes that fuse the best of Asian culinary traditions with a modern twist—just remember to keep your chopstick skills sharp to avoid any potential food launching mishaps!

www.buddakan.com

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8. Bibou

4.7 (122)

1009 S 8th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA

Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, Bibou is a charming culinary haven that will make your taste buds dance like no one is watching. This intimate French restaurant is like a lovable Parisian aunt who always knows the secret to a delicious meal. From the moment you step foot inside, you'll be immersed in a whimsical atmosphere where the buttery aroma of escargot and the sound of clinking wine glasses create a symphony of gastronomic pleasure.

www.biboubyob.com

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9. Fork

4.4 (781)

306 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, Fork is a culinary haven that will have your taste buds throwing a parade. This enchanting restaurant combines an elegant ambiance with a food menu that will make you want to hug the chef. Whether you're a foodie or just someone who likes to chew, Fork promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you reminiscing about that one time you had a life-changing beet salad.

www.forkrestaurant.com

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10. Vetri Cucina

4.8 (634)

1312 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA

Welcome to Vetri Cucina, the delightful culinary gem nestled in the heart of Philadelphia. Here, star chef Marc Vetri magically transforms mundane ingredients into works of art that will make your taste buds scream with joy. Prepare to indulge in a gastronomic adventure where pasta is lovingly handcrafted like miniature edible treasures and each dish is imbued with more flavor than a Shakespearean tragedy!

www.vetricucina.com

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11. Zama

4.4 (496)

128 S 19th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA

Welcome to Zama, the best place in Philadelphia to satisfy your craving for amazing Japanese cuisine without actually going to Japan. This trendy restaurant will have you feeling like you’ve stumbled upon a secret culinary paradise amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. From their exquisite sushi rolls that are a work of art, to their sizzling teppanyaki dishes that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance, Zama is a must-visit for any self-proclaimed foodie with a knack for all things Japan.

www.zamaphilly.com

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12. Morimoto

4.6 (1885)

723 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

Welcome to Morimoto in Philadelphia, where sushi dreams come true and delightful surprises await! This culinary gem, tucked away on Chestnut Street, combines traditional Japanese flavors with a modern twist that'll have your taste buds tap-dancing in delight. Let's embark on a whimsical journey through Morimoto's wonderland of savory delights - be prepared for an edible adventure you won't soon forget!

www.morimotorestaurant.com

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13. Talula's Garden

4.7 (2115)

210 W Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

Welcome to Talula's Garden, a charming oasis tucked away in the heart of Philadelphia. This lively restaurant will delight your taste buds and tickle your funny bone with its delectable farm-to-table dishes and whimsical garden-inspired decor. Prepare to be awestruck as you step into a whimsical wonderland where the ambiance is as much of a star as the mouthwatering cuisine.

www.talulasgarden.com

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14. Zahav

4.7 (2380)

237 St James Pl, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

Nestled in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, Zahav is a gastronomic oasis that will have your taste buds doing the salsa. Be prepared to embark on a culinary adventure where succulent Middle Eastern flavors meet exceptional service. From the moment you step into the restaurant, you'll feel like Aladdin, minus the magic carpet and blue genie.

www.zahavrestaurant.com

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15. Barclay Prime

4.8 (1173)

237 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA

Welcome to Barclay Prime in the heart of Philadelphia, where steaks reign supreme and taste buds do a happy dance! This swanky joint ensures that your carnivorous cravings are satisfied in an atmosphere that exudes classy sophistication on steroids. Prepare to be mesmerized by their dry-aged cuts, so tender they make you rethink your commitment to vegetarianism – just don't let the vegan squad catch wind of that!

www.barclayprime.com

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Philadelphia by plane is to fly into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) which has international and domestic flights available.

Car

Driving to Philadelphia via Interstate 95 is a convenient option for those coming from nearby cities.

Train

Amtrak offers train services to Philadelphia's 30th Street Station from various cities across the United States.

Boat

While there are no direct boat routes to Philadelphia, passengers can arrive in Philadelphia via a cruise to nearby cities such as New York or Baltimore and then take ground transportation to Philadelphia.

Bus

Greyhound and Megabus provide bus services to Philadelphia from various U.S. cities.

More guides

Romantic Day Trip: Discover Philadelphia's Charm

Discover the birthplace of America and indulge in a romantic getaway to Philadelphia. Explore historic landmarks such as Independence Hall, take a stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of Old City, and savor Philadelphia's famous cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. For a unique experience, visit the top of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and snap a photo at the iconic Rocky Steps.

Philly Adventure: 2 Days of History, Culture, and Fun!

A family-friendly trip to Philadelphia offers a perfect combination of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Explore iconic sites such as Independence National Historical Park, home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Don't miss a visit to the Franklin Institute and Philadelphia Zoo to engage kids in interactive learning experiences and close encounters with diverse wildlife.

Philly in a Weekend: History, Art, Food & Drink

A visit to Philadelphia offers travelers the opportunity to explore America's historic past. With iconic landmarks such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, visitors can delve into the roots of American democracy. Alongside the historical attractions, Philadelphia is also renowned for its culinary scene, offering a wide variety of mouth-watering local dishes to try.

Discover Philadelphia: A Fun 5-Day Budget Guide

A trip to Philadelphia on a limited budget can still be an exciting experience. Enjoy a stroll through Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell without spending a dime. For affordable eats, check out Reading Terminal Market and grab a famous Philly Cheesesteak or soft pretzel. Finish the day with a free outdoor concert at Penn's Landing.