Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Philadelphia County

Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Upper North Philadelphia

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

123 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Mawn restaurant
1. Mawn
5.0
Exceptional(75)
Price: Very Expensive
• Cambodian • Bella Vista
Booked 3 times today
Mawn is a noodle house with “no rules,” and the first restaurant for Chef Phila Lorn and his wife Rachel, who bring with them close to 20 years of experience in Philly’s restaurant scene. Phila, pronounced “Pee La,” broken English for Philadelphia, is a first-generation Cambodian-American chef. The first in his family to be born here, his parents and siblings came to Philadelphia as refugees in 1985 after surviving the war in Cambodia.Mawn, which means “chicken” in Khmer, the Cambodian language, represents more than one thing. To Phila, chicken was at every meal growing up, and to his parents, chicken represented peacetime. During the war and genocide of the Cambodian people, there was mostly only what was found in nature to eat, including rice and salt. If there was chicken, it meant no war. At the end of that dark time, recipes were lost, and culture was wiped out, but through survival, a new authenticity was born.
A photo of Bastia restaurant
2. Bastia
4.8
Exceptional(261)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Fishtown
Booked 38 times today
Leisurely cafe by day, Bastia transforms to a Mediterranean restaurant by night and draws culinary inspiration from the sun-drenched islands of Corsica and Sardinia
A photo of The Love restaurant
3. The Love
4.8
Exceptional(7661)
Price: Expensive
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 199 times today
Aimee Olexy and Stephen Starr's The Love is a bi-level sanctuary features 150 seats, split between the main dining room, sidewalk seating, and an upper-level loft. The restaurant is a spirited and carefree neighborhood café celebrating everyday American cuisine. The menu is crafted around what’s truly seasonal and local, while the beverage program reflects the best of the region. This creative energy is matched by a front-of-house service staff passionate about providing homey hospitality morning, noon and night.
A photo of Mercato restaurant
4. Mercato
4.7
Exceptional(1990)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Center City
Booked 25 times today
Mercato BYOB is a festive and modern Italian eatery that lets you bring your own drinks. A simple and to the point menu focuses on quality over quantity and features items like ricotta raviolo and a spicy crab bucatini with squid ink pasta.The artisan cheeses and house-cured meats at Mercato BYOB are perfect for sharing and are paired with sauces and condiments like agrodolce and pickled white grapes. A whole grilled artichoke appetizer will undoubtedly turn you into the vegetable's biggest fan. Heavier dishes, like the Grilled Hanger Steak with yukon gold potato wedge, are equally impressive. Mercato BYOB opens at 4 p.m. The restaurant has a four course tasting menu that is ideal for groups. Conveniently located to all the theatres, shopping and convention center. Outdoor seating available when weather permits.
A photo of Buddakan - Philadelphia restaurant
5. Buddakan - Philadelphia
4.8
Exceptional(11487)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Old City
Booked 115 times today
Stephen Starr’s Buddakan is a spectacular restaurant featuring exotic flavors of modern Asian cuisine with creativity and drama. Bon Appetit notes, "The mostly white space is striking, with a lit-from-within communal table in the middle of the room, a waterfall & a ten-foot, candle-bedecked Buddha. The religious icon watches over hip customers indulging in pan-Asian cuisine that far surpasses the fare usually found at hot spots like this." Newsweek reports, "Design also serves as a signifier for cuisine. You walk into Buddakan, one of the hottest new restaurants in Philadelphia, past a shimmering waterfall & Japanese river stones & you say to yourself, 'ginger-miso everything' even before you see the magnificent 10-foot Buddha dominating the dining room." Named one of “America's Top 50 Restaurants" by Travel & Leisure and 'Top Restaurant for Fun' by Gourmet, Buddakan has become one of the country's most talked about restaurants.
A photo of Talula’s Garden restaurant
6. Talula’s Garden
4.9
Exceptional(13454)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Washington Square
Booked 185 times today
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.
A photo of Amada PHL restaurant
7. Amada PHL
4.6
Exceptional(8778)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • Old City
Booked 49 times today
Amada is an Andalusian tapas bar & restaurant where Chef Jose Garces embraces the rich traditions of Spanish gastronomy while incorporating avant-garde cooking techniques in a gorgeous rustic-chic settingSpecialties of the HouseSpanish Octopus, Garlic Shrimp, Tortilla Española, Paella Valenciana, Whole Roasted Suckling Pig (Call to order 72 hours in advance, excluding Sundays), Seasonal Sangrías, Cocktails, and Wine.Private Parties: Amada welcomes groups of all sizes. Festive settings, service and menus are perfect for intimate dinners with friends, special occasions and holidays, corporate meetings and staff parties. Events can be booked throughout the restaurant and in our private dining rooms seven days a week. For parties of 10 or more, please call our private events team at 267-284-7979 or email events@garcesgroup.com
A photo of Ocean Prime - Philadelphia restaurant
8. Ocean Prime - Philadelphia
4.7
Exceptional(6205)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Center City
Booked 50 times today
Located in Philadelphia's Center City, Ocean Prime is a nationally acclaimed, dynamic seafood & steakhouse from the award-winning Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. Ocean Prime delivers an elevated experience with exceptional ambiance, a chef-curated menu, signature handcrafted cocktails, Wine Spectator honored wine list and genuine hospitality. Reservations are recommended. Ocean Prime strives to provide an elegant, fine dining atmosphere. Our associates’ priority is to ensure your experience is memorable. Admittance to Ocean Prime is at the discretion of management who reserves the right to refuse service to patrons who are inappropriately dressed in the following:Revealing clothing or exposed undergarments Clothing with offensive language, graphics or an excessive marijuana odor We are happy to host larger groups. A 20% gratuity will be applied to parties of six or more. Parties of eight or more will be contractually held to a minimum spend and are required to provide a deposit.
A photo of Moshulu restaurant
9. Moshulu
4.5
Awesome(8759)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Penn's Landing
Booked 90 times today
Moshulu is one of the most unique dining experiences in Philadelphia aboard a ship. Dine indoors in our newly remodeled dining rooms or outdoors in the open-air or covered decks. Our menu features modern American fare including the freshest seafood, steaks, and sushi. Paired with seasonal craft cocktails, canned beer, and an extensive wine list. Reservations are recommended and available for indoor tables and outdoor dining under the covered tent. We look forward to seeing you!
A photo of Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti restaurant
10. Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti
4.7
Exceptional(4019)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old City
Booked 51 times today
Enjoy the beauty of the Amalfi Coast in Italy right in Old City while dining at Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti. Whether stopping in for brunch, lunch, dinner or happy hour, you'll love the seeing Philadelphia from our 2nd story view point. Known primarily for our fresh fish and seafood, we welcome our guests to savor a menu full of delicious selections, including some favorite dishes such as our spicy fried calamari, zucchini crabcake, tagliatelle bolognese and our pork chop milanese.Weekend Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am to 2:30pm. Enjoy our belgian waffles, avocado toast or brunch burger and pair them with our mimosa & sangria specials! Join us for happy hour Tuesday-Friday, between 4pm and 6pm.Outdoor Dining is available on both of our patios, and during warmer weather on our sidewalk cafe!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Alex
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    from the host to the servers and bus people, we had a wonderful time celebrating a birthday. Everyone was cheerful, helpful and professional. And the food was delicious!
    More info
    Spice FinchPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Center City
    •
    4.7
  • patricia
    Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Service was excellent, attentive without being intrusive. Wonderful food and cocktails. Had a great time with some out of town family members. Looking forward to booking a table at Veda again!
    More info
    Veda - Modern Indian BistroPrice: Expensive• Indian• Center City
    •
    4.6
  • Sameer
    Philadelphia County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Apr 15, 2025
    Really enjoyed this spot — the food was flavorful and well-prepared, especially the butter chicken and garlic naan. Perfect setting for both a date night and a family dinner. The ambiance was warm, the vibe was great, and the service was friendly and on point. Only thing I’d say is I wish the portions were a bit more generous, and the plating could’ve been a little more unique or elevated. But overall, definitely recommend if you’re looking for quality Indian cuisine in a cozy, classy space.
    More info
    Sura Indian BistroPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Indian• Center City
    •
    4.7
  • Britney
    Philadelphia County •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Apr 11, 2025
    The Food did not disappoint! We tried a few dishes like the Black Cod Dumplings, Cacio E Pepe E Miso, Korean BBQ brisket, Ball Bao, and the Lamb Neck. Huge thanks to the kitchen staff—clearly some serious talent back there turning out amazing dishes. And shoutout to our server Louis, who was basically a menu wizard and helped us make all the right picks. First time here, but definitely not the last!
    More info
    DaVinci & YuPrice: Expensive• Italian• South Philly
    •
    4.2
  • Helen
    Philadelphia County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Apr 9, 2025
    Have to start with the atmosphere... A+ friendly family feeling while dining. We went on trivia night which was a blast!!! My 8 year old ate every last bit of his cheese pizza, which never happens anywhere we've been before. My husband and I shared the flama burrata and it was a new try but very good. Next the Alfredo was so smooth and creamy. The steak frites were scarfed down immediately!!!! My favorite is the hand cut fries, they're worth a whole trip alone. Overall it was such a fun night out and will certainly return.
    More info
    Toska Restaurant & BreweryPrice: Moderate• American• Chestnut Hill
    •
    4.1

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 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