Location: Philadelphia
Top Restaurants in Philadelphia
Top Things to do in Philadelphia
- 1. Wissahickon Valley Park
- 2. Philadelphia Museum of Art
- 3. The Barnes Foundation
- 4. Reading Terminal Market
- 5. Eastern State Penitentiary
- 6. Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
- 7. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
- 8. Morris Arboretum
- 9. Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
- 10. Masonic Temple
Philadelphia Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Philadelphia
One of the most historic cities in America, Philadelphia is an ideal place to spend a weekend - preferably a long one. Be sure to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed. Both are part of Independence National Historic Park. Philadelphia also boasts some outstanding art museums, including the Rodin Museum. The Franklin Institute Science Museum is one of many area attractions honoring the life and work of Benjamin Franklin, the city's most famous ambassador. After digesting all of that history, be sure you save room for a classic Philly cheese steak sandwich.
Things to do in Philadelphia
1. Ristorante Pesto
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Giovanni and Concetta Varallo are honored to welcome you to RISTORANTE PESTO. Our meals are prepared in the finest Authentic Italian Tradition, using only the freshest, highest quality ingredients available. Chef Giovanni Varallo's and Chef Maria Varallo-Facenda's care, dedication and attention to detail transform every dish into a work of art. We hope your stay with us is a "Dining Experience."
Reviewed By Brian F - Albany
We had dinner here on a Tuesday night and good thing we made reservations as they were very busy. We were warmly greeted by the owner/hostess and seated on arrival. We started with the portobello mushrooms with melted cheeses and rose sauce. Unique and very good. Bread was also brought to the table. Butter and Olive oil - but no balsamic vinegar. We also had bruschetta, antipasto, and marinated carrots. My wife had the special - lobster and seafood with cavatelli pasta in a rose sauce and I had the Vitello Mare e Monti, veal medallions with jumbo shrimp, prosciutto with cheese and a mushroom demiglasse. Everything was great, timed well and the service was very good. A real bonus was being able to bring our own wine which they allow and do not charge a corkage fee. This makes for a great meal at a very reasonable total cost. My wife appreciated they left the small bowl of parmigiana-reggiano cheese on the table when the main courses were served. We shared a chocolate lovers cake for dessert that was very good. Overall this was a great dinner in a warm atmosphere at very good prices.
2. Fiorino
Overall Ratings
5 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By TeriPugh
There for a business luncheon. What a great Italian restaurant. Everything from service to the magnificent food. The Spinach Ravioli was so fresh and delicious. Eggplant roll parm was made to perfection. Our guests has salmon salad and it looked fresh and delicious. Can't forget the cream of chicken soup. Would love to have taken some home!The Bruschetta served before hand was so fresh and tasty. Can't say enough about this wonderful little establishment. We were early for lunch and as the place started to get busy, they made a point of turning up the ceiling fan for comfort.
3. Zahav
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By bonniebenson1404 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Reading terminal market is a micro chasm of Philadelphia. It’s a space full of ethnic delights. You can find any kind of food your looking for and any kind of person your looking for ( really...
Yesterday I met a group of friends at the market. We got a table in the back, some had beer, some soda! We split up to find food. Someone brought back a corned beef sandwich, Turkey, Indian and Mediterranean food! Of course we stopped for dessert at terminis bakery and cookies at 4th street bakery! If you want to learn about philly go to the reading terminal market
4. Vernick Food & Drink
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 712 reviews
Located at 2031 Walnut Street in the Rittenhouse Square area of Philadelphia, Vernick Food & Drink is an inviting neighborhood bistro. Chef Gregory Vernick focuses on using extraordinary regional products to create a menu of approachable, globally-inspired dishes. The "Drink" side of Vernick Food & Drink features craft cocktails, as well as careful selection of domestic and imported wines and beers. Since opening, Vernick Food & Drink has earned accolades from Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, James Beard Foundation, StarChefs and more.
Reviewed By Anne C - Mahwah, New Jersey
We generally visit Philadelphia about once a year, and when we know our dates I book this place. I usually end up with a late Friday night reservation to accommodate our evening Flower Show visit, plus by the time we get our schedule together Vernick usually only has reservations after 10 p.m. This time I almost canceled as my hubby had a bad cold and I was fighting one and I was thinking that maybe we should bag it and just go to our hotel. But we kept the reservation and showed up and then immediately were reminded about why we should always come here for dinner no matter what!
I tell you all of this so that when you read how much we loved our late night dinner, it is against the back drop of being tired from our drive and walking around at the Convention Center and having colds. Yet still our 10:15 p.m. dinner was delicious and service was knowledgeable and friendly and very attentive and we were energized and comforted all at the same time.
Even when the place is buzzing we don't feel crowded/cramped and the noise isn't overwhelming. Even when all of the staff have clearly been working a busy and long Friday night they appeared fresh as a daisy and seemed actually happy to see us. Even when we were feeling kinda icky the small plates were delectable to us and brightened us right up (Loved the fromage blanc and pickled kumquat toasts, and the grilled romaine with cheese and figs, particularly.) Even though we didn't mention it this time they remembered my hubby's allergy. And even though we only visit once a year they made us feel like favored guests.
I'll never consider canceling a reservation here again and surely wish this place wasn't a two hour drive away. Can't wait to see them next year.
5. Victor Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 458 reviews
Reviewed By podrozniczka60 - New Jersey
Through the years we brought here friends, relatives and foreign visitors and always felt good about introducing this unique place to others. The whole concept of opera and pleasurable dining is phenomenal. The performing waiters seem high class, talented and professional. What a bargain to hear such good voices serenading during our dinner! And the food is good too!
6. Hershel's East Side Deli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 294 reviews
Reviewed By Touringmuso8
Incredible value, for the most amazing sandwich, the best corn beef sandwich I’ve had including anything I’ve tried in the big apple, really tasty the grilled marble rye bread with cheese piled high with corn beef was just delicious - Also really appreciated the big portion, but not so enormous that it put you off - it was just right (if you’re hungry!)
7. Talula's Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Behind the wrought iron gate, past the herbaceous patio and through the atrium is Talula's Garden, the warm and elegant Washington Square eatery from Aimee Olexy and Starr Restaurants. The modern menu, prepared with carefully-sourced ingredients and a light European touch, changes with the seasons. The artful cuisine, hospitable staff, sustainable spirits, and a focus on cheese make the dining experience here incredibly memorable.
Reviewed By jerryr111 - Cleveland, Ohio
Even though the brunch isn’t a buffet(thank goodness) the selections from which to choose couldn’t have been any better. The pancake entree was difficult to finish and my wife’s omelet obviously had eggs from a huge chicken and the added ingredients were numerous and made to order. Unfortunately the weather took a turn for the worse and eating in the garden area wasn’t available but if you gave a chance to eat there, definitely try to select the garden dining area.
8. Butcher & Singer
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 695 reviews
Reviewed By ScottieLover66 - Virginia
So glad we made dinner reservations at Butcher and Singer. By far one of the BEST filet mignons I've ever eaten. I am super picky and want my filet medium well ... which is not an easy feat, but Butcher nailed it. Service was perfect. Ask for Mack ... attentive and friendly. Biscuits melt in your mouth. Just a dream meal from beginning to end. Cannot wait to visit again. Oh, get the Baked Alaskan for dessert.
9. Terakawa Ramen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By robertmoffett - Belvidere, Illinois
We visited on a busy Monday evening and took the last seat in the house. What a wonderful, wonderful gem we found. We sampled potato croquettes,Vegetarian Shoyu Ramen and Shoyu Ramen with fish cake and chicken and each dish was great. Excellent choices and I would return!
10. Gran Caffe L'Aquila
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 572 reviews
The first U.S. Caffè from an award winning cast of Gelato artisans and coffee artisans Stefano Biasini & Michele Morelli. Come early mornings for espresso & gelato made in house. Come back for lunch to explore an extensive food and wine menu in Rittenhouse Square.
Reviewed By kimmysue42 - Stillwater, Minnesota
Went with family for a late dinner here. Cute atmosphere. Cozy corner table we were seated at.
Waiter was friendly and knowledgeable about the food and about Philadelphia in general.
The appetizers we ordered were good- cheese & prosciutto platter plus rice balls.
Wine was excellent- a Montepulciano.
The main dishes were not as consistent. The chicken and pasta dish we ordered were very flavorful.
I didn’t like the veal medallions as much as I hoped to. My husband liked the crab pasta but it also wasn’t a favorite.
You do need to order the gelato/sorbet though. So good!!
We enjoyed the lemon, mango/peach and coffee flavors. I also recommend the cappuccinos.
Great dinner!
