The Most Fun Restaurants in Philadelphia

Positano Coast brings amazing Italian food from Amalfi right to Philly's Old City for you to enjoy! Diners get to enjoy amazing views from the second-story open-air balcony and they are open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. The focus here is on Italian classics like pastas and meat entrees. If you’re looking for a fun night out, check out their Happy Hour, Power Lunch Specials, and Late Night Menu, all of which draw in a boisterous crowd.

Bud and Marilyns is a retro American restaurant from chefs Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran that features updated American comfort with a focus on fresh and local ingredients. They have great starters and mains that you can share with a group over some of your favorite beverages. Come in for Happy Hour and sample dishes like the crispy cheese curds, tofu buns, bratwurst buns, and cauliflower fried rice. You can fill up on dinner and order local craft beers and handmade American classic cocktails to complement your meal.

Amada opened in 2005 to serve up rich, classic Spanish cuisine by Chef Jose Garcias. They have a huge dining room with a chef’s counter and a second dining room with a lounge area, so if you hang here with a group you will have plenty of room to stretch out. The menu has a focus on Andalusian tapas such as Roasted Cauliflower, Patatas Bravas, Chorizo Bilbao, and Croquettes De Jamon. Come in for the daily happy hour in order to find a crowd and great specials on shared plates and beverages, like the $5 glasses of homemade sangria.

El Vez is a casual Mexican restaurant located in Midtown Village with a lively, vibrant atmosphere that can make any evening feel festive and fun! The space features Latin decor and super-friendly service. Order a few plates to share with your friends. The menu features unexpected interpretations of Mexican classics along with traditional favorites like Queso Fundido con carne, tacos, and enchiladas. One of their best specialties is the amazing made-to-order guacamole — order some for the table and pair it with margaritas with fresh-squeezed juices.

Parc is in Rittenhouse Square and serves traditional Parisian food that pays tribute to French cafe culture. They're a place you can visit and linger as long as you like. They have an extensive menu of French classics so everyone can find something that sounds delicious. Indulge in a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine and a menu staple like steak tartare, escargots, or a charcuterie board. They have a wide menu full of French classics and offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

Zama is a classic Japanese restaurant with a modern twist. The menu emphasizes their unique specialty rolls and over 30 a la carte sashimi choices, as well as a wide variety of small plates to share and main entrees. Chef Hiroyuki “Zama” Tanaka is one of the best sushi chefs in Philadelphia and it’s fun to sample his inventive creations. Try the Black Cod Saikyoyaki, served with broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. In addition to the delicious menu, they also feature a full bar and a number of Japanese specialty beers.

The Victor Cafe is an Italian restaurant that brings together old traditions and melds them into new ones. This is a casual dining spot located in South Philly that serves classic Italian dishes and unforgettable live music. They're a super fun place to gather with friends, listen to some delightful tunes, and enjoy the atmosphere. The menu features timeless classics like cannelloni, fettucine verdi, and ravioli along with signature sides like broccoli rabe and garlic mashed potatoes. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from their extensive list.

For amazing American cuisine in a cozy atmosphere in Center City, head to Serpico. James Beard Award-winning chef Peter Serpico and restaurateur Stephen Starr concocted the idea for a place with a charming neighborhood feel with inviting booths, counter seating, and a small bar. You can order off the full menu at any of the seating options and they feature ingredient-drive dishes that change seasonally. They also have a great list of food-friendly wines to complete your dining experience!

Talula’s comes from the acclaimed team of Talula’s Table and Talula’s Garden, and is a community market, cafe, bakery, and coffee and cheese shop all in one! The menu rotates frequently but features a series of five seasonal and locally inspired courses including owner Aimee Olexy’s cheese service. They feature a pre-fix tasting menu for dinner that gives you the chance to taste delicious options from their handcrafted supper club choices! It’s the best way to have a great time here and you’ll get to sample dishes like the Mushroom Sage Soup, Berkshire Pork Loin, and Pecan Pie Sundae.

Pumpkin BYOB Is celebrating their 14th year as a local favorite cool restaurant in Philly. Located in Rittenhouse Square, they focus on contemporary American cuisine and feature a seasonal menu of specials that changes daily. The restaurant has a very intimate setting, with only 26 seats and a BYOB option so you can carry in your favorite beers or bottle of wine. The menu has a wide range of options and you’ll have fun choosing from dishes like the Parsnip and Apple Soup, Grilled Quail, Braised Monkfish, Roasted Chicken, and more.

Morimoto is one of the most cutting-edge restaurants in the country when it comes to amazing Japanese cuisine. Chef Masahuru Morimoto of Iron Chef fame prepares traditional dishes with a modern flair, using both Eastern and Western culinary techniques. Try out some of the amazing cold appetizers like the Morimoto Sashimi, Carpaccio, and Hamachi, and definitely indulge in one of Morimoto’s famous main dishes, like the Wagyu Skirt Steak, Duck Duck Duck dish, or Chilean Sea Bass.

This charming French spot in Queen Village is the result of Chef Peter Woolsey’s dream while he was a student in France. He wanted to bring fantastic French food to Philadelphia and the traditional dishes here do just that! He uses classical French cooking methods on both savory and pastry menus and offers a multitude of delicacies. Bring the whole family and indulge in the fun family dinner menu, which includes salad, entrees like Confit de Canard, and a Mille Feuile for dessert.