Center City Philadelphia Restaurants
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Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia
Price: Very Expensive•Italian•4.9(2,467)Located in a historic townhome in the heart of Philadelphia, Vetri Cucina is a unique space that invites guests to become part of our family. The intimate dining rooms evoke the charms of Italy with custom crafted features including hand-blown Murano glass chandeliers, Richard Ginori porcelain and Venetian glassware.
Showcasing the constantly evolving, dynamic creativity of Chef Vetri and his team, Vetri Cucina serves a classic tasting menu at $165pp using the highest quality local and specialty ingredients. The menu is inspired by both classic Italian recipes and our extensive culinary research across the globe. Vetri Cucina also offers a seasonal Forchetta menu which is a premium tasting menu experience at $215pp. These are the restaurant’s sole dining options, designed to provide each guest with a memorable, unparalleled experience. Reservations are released on the first of the month for the following month: ie. On October 1st, reservations are released for the month of November.La Sera Italiana
Price: Moderate•Italian•4.9(124)BISTRO BYOB
In the bustling heart of South Street, Philadelphia, our Italian restaurant offers a dining experience steeped in tradition and passion.Under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Albert, every dish on our menu celebrates the authentic flavors of Italy, starting with our signature homemade spaghetti carbonara—a creamy, decadent favorite crafted with the finest ingredients. Pair your meal with one of our irresistible, freshly made desserts, from velvety tiramisu to other sweet delights, each prepared with care and precision.
As a BYOB establishment, we invite you to bring your favorite bottle of wine to elevate your meal, creating a personalized and memorable dining experience. Whether you're joining us for a romantic dinner, a gathering with friends, or a celebration, you'll be welcomed with warm hospitality in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Step into our little corner of Italy, where every bite tells a story, every meal is made with love, and every visit is unforgettable
Trattoria Carina
Price: Expensive•Italian•4.8(1,138)
Trattoria Carina is a casual neighborhood Italian restaurant from the same family as Pub & Kitchen, focused on providing delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere at a great value. Located on the corner of 22nd and Spruce, it’s a charming and easygoing 32-seat trattoria, whose name means “Little Darling” in Italian. The menu changes seasonally, but always features a variety of homemade pastas and classic Italian dishes made up of the freshest ingredients. Trattoria Carina has a small bar program, featuring Italian wines by the glass, seasonal beer options, and a selection of cocktails including Negronis and Aperol spritzes. Should guests choose to BYO, there is no corkage fee. Trattoria Carina is open seven days a week for dinner starting at 4:30 PM.Mabu Kitchen
Price: Moderate•Contemporary French•4.8(230)BYOB French restaurant with a unique blend of Southern-inspired cuisine and bistro classics: think Confit Fried Chicken and Waffle, and Beef Bourguignon. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, with antique mirrors lining the walls, candlelight, and warm and friendly service. We have seasonal outdoor seating along a lovely alleyway with potted blooms and bird serenades.
Located on historic Antique Row, this charming spot is a great place to meet for a special occasion, date-night, business meal, or a casual dinner with friends. This is a small family-owned business and everything is made to order. Grab your favorite bottle of wine and head to this hidden gem to experience a contemporary take on French cuisine.
Bellini
Price: Expensive•Italian•4.7(1,253)Bellini be open at 12pm on Mother's Day, Sunday May 11th. Reserve your table today and let us create a memorable Mother's Day experience - because she deserves nothing less.
Some of the most inspired and acclaimed Italian food in the country is served here. We use innovative flavors and artful presentations prepared by Italian born Chef Francesco Parmisciano. Chef Francesco was born in small town in Naples, Italy where he learned the beautiful art of Italian cuisine.
Our goal is not only to prepare authentic and delicious dishes, but we strive to give all of our guests a flawless dining experience. With ownership change in 2021 Parid and Kristi Spiro have brought new life to Bellini and bustling to new heights.Emmett
Price: Very Expensive•Mediterranean•4.8(70)Welcome to Emmett! We're a Philadelphia restaurant blending Levantine cuisine with elements from around the greater Mediterranean, highlighting French, Italian, North African, and Middle Eastern flavors.
We strive to emphasize local connections, sourcing from a range of local farms to supply our kitchen as well as showcasing Philly artists for ceramics, glassware, and design, with the goal of cultivating community relationships and staying true to the city of Philadelphia.
Chef Partner Evan Snyder leads the culinary team, while Managing Partner Julian van der Tak oversees operations.
SkyHigh
Price: Moderate•Cocktail Bar•4.7(2,988)Philadelphia's SkyHigh restaurant presents a chic and comfortable dining experience specializing in approachable Jean-Georges cuisine. Experience panoramic views and world-class service.Sura Indian Bistro
Price: Moderate•Contemporary Indian•4.7(164)At SURA Indian Bistro, discover India's multi-cultural culinary dialogue, centuries in the tasting, nestled in the heart of Philly. Be it the Biryani from the southern part of India or the famous Amritsari Fish from Punjab, each dish tells a story of flavors, meticulously crafted to transport your senses across time and tradition. Our exclusive personalized service will surely bring you back to us again and again! Book your reservation today!
Porcini - Philadelphia
Price: Expensive•Italian•4.7(2,048)Established in 1996, Porcini restaurant quickly became a favorite destination for neighborhood and locals alike.
Leading the "BYOB Renaissance" in Philadelphia, Owners Maîtred David, and Exec. Chef Steven Sansone combine their knowledge in fine dining, and Trattoria style to create a unique, memorable upscale casual dining experience.
Fresh house made pastas and focus on authentic product's imported from Sicily, Italy and neighboring Mediterranean countries. Theses items are paramount to Chef Sansone's family and regional recipes. The warm welcome from David as if your a long time friend and a knowledgeable service staff completes your visit.Jasmine rice
Price: Moderate•Thai•4.7(164)Home-style Thai cooking with delicious vegetarian dishes and gluten-free options...
Outdoor dining in Philadelphia County
See what locals rave about in Center City Philadelphia
- SSusanPhiladelphia County •1 review5.0Dined 2 days agoFabulous experience from start to finish for husband's birthday celebration. Started at the bar for cocktails, expertly created. Had a great table with outstanding service! The King Salmon was delicious, as was the Sea Bass, and we split a yummy Caesar Salad. Grilled Asparagus done to perfection and those astonishing biscuits rounded out our meal. Although we did not order dessert, our server brought a birthday treat with a candle, which was special and unexpected! Also, everyone - from the hostess who greeted us to the bartender and server - wished my husband a happy birthday! I had mentioned it in my online reservation, of course, but it was a lovely touch that impressed us both. I was told Butcher and Singer was a terrific special occasion spot, and I can now personally vouch for it, 100%. An unforgettable meal and experience in a truly beautiful and elegant atmosphere. 5 stars, no notes!More infoButcher & SingerPrice: Very Expensive• Steak• Center City•4.9
- OTOpenTable DinerVirginia •3 reviews4.0Dined 2 days agoAlexi was excellent. Our server. Lots of mops and cleaning buckets out we arrived at time they opened.More infoEl VezPrice: Moderate• Mexican / Southwestern• Center City•4.8
- JJoyPhiladelphia County •15 reviews5.0Dined 4 days agoThe the food, the ambiance and the drinks were amazing!!More infoMonaPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Center City•4.2
- GGarrettNew York City •12 reviews5.0Dined 5 days agoExcellent, authentic Greek cuisine! Highly recommended!More infoEstia - PhiladelphiaPrice: Very Expensive• Greek• Center City•4.8
- MMariaVIPPhiladelphia County •56 reviews5.0Dined 5 days agoLoved spending lunch in such a relaxed and beautiful environment; no rush as we enjoyed the legendary calamari appetizer followed by mini steak burgers accompanied by refreshing and healthy sautéed spinach. Dessert was delicious: crème brûlée and dense chocolate cake with berries made for a satisfying ending. Our server was welcoming and attentive and timed our meal perfectly. Thank you!More infoThe Capital Grille - PhiladelphiaPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Center City•4.7
Trending dishes in Center City Philadelphia
Get inspired by our collections of the top restaurants in Center City Philadelphia
Discover Trending Restaurants in Philadelphia
Find the best trendy Restaurants in Center City Philadelphia on OpenTable. See all best list of trendy Restaurants open nearby and reserve an open table.
The 11 best restaurants to dine outdoors in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s best restaurants for outdoor dining come with breathtaking views, scenic streetside tables, and charming patios.
12 quintessential date-night restaurants in Philadelphia
There’s a restaurant for every love language in Philadelphia. Early-in-the-game dates get a sexy vegan cocktail bar. An Andalusian tapas spot screams “group date.” For an ultra-luxe proposal, go all out with a tasting menu on the 59th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. This guide pairs Philadelphia restaurants with romantic occasions from first dates all the way to milestone anniversaries. These are Philadelphia’s 12 best date-night restaurants.
4 new restaurants making a splash in Philadelphia right now
Philadelphia’s best new restaurants, ideal for your next brunch, lunch, or dinner, are home to some of the city’s hottest tables.
17 restaurants that define Philadelphia dining
Together, these old and new restaurants offer a snapshot of the best of Philadelphia dining right now.
12 of Philadelphia’s outstanding spots for celebrating special occasions
Maybe you got engaged on the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art or just picked up the keys to your first rowhouse. It could be that your kid is (finally) toilet trained, or that your noisy neighbor moved away. Sometimes, simply surviving another Tuesday can be an occasion to celebrate over a restaurant meal. It doesn’t have to be fancy. What makes an occasion special isn’t an arbitrary date on the calendar—it’s the decision to celebrate. Luckily, Philadelphia bursts with places where the food and atmosphere lend themselves to living it up. Grab dinner and a jazz show at a swinging North Broad Street faithful. Opt for a quieter night at a critically acclaimed, plant-based gem in Midtown Village. Or splurge on a swanky steakhouse that presides over a corner of Rittenhouse Park. Whether you’re after an intimate spot for an anniversary date or a convivial atmosphere for a boisterous reunion, Philadelphia has you covered with these 12 celebration-worthy restaurants.
The Best Places to Grab a Drink in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s bar scene pulses with the same eclectic energy that defines its restaurants. In every neighborhood, you’ll find spots that reflect the people who live, work, and drink there. Some embrace the city’s signature blue collar ethos while others offer glamorous settings—and even higher-end spirits. Many are attached to restaurant kitchens that turn out the kind of top-notch food that put Philadelphia on the culinary map. The city’s drinking dens have you covered, whether your tastes skew classic or trendy, whiskey or vodka, domestic or imported. Grab a friend—plus a barstool—and explore this town by way of its best watering holes.
A Guide to the Best Date Spots in Philadelphia & New Jersey
Conversations begin on Bumble but they get even deeper IRL. When it’s time to move from direct messaging to direct eye contact, find a table for two. And to make it super easy, OpenTable and Bumble are teaming up to help you find the best date spots in your city. Find a restaurant that fits your style, whether you want drinks on a patio or a special four-course meal, OpenTable can help you choose the cuisine, seating area, and even book unique experiences with nearby restaurants. Download the Bumble app to find your match, and check the list below to find your table.
10 Top Burger Picks in Philadelphia and New Jersey
The genesis of the beef-on-bun combo known as the hamburger might be forever shrouded in mystery — there are at least six different people that claim to be responsible for its invention — but regardless of who came up with the burger, its appeal is undeniable. Throughout Philadelphia and New Jersey, burger options abound, from pared-down smashburgers topped with a simple combo of lettuce, tomato and onion, to patties finished with bacon and eggs designed for brunch-time enjoyment. Up and down the New Jersey coastline and into Philadelphia, these are the spots serving can’t-miss burgers.
Discover Center City
The whole world should knows that there’s more to the diverse dining scene of Center City than cheesesteaks and hoagies. Israeli, Mexican, Japanese and a melting pot of other cuisines are dished up daily in the shadow of the Liberty Bell. French bistros are becoming as commonplace as Italian delis. If you haven’t tried black truffle pizza, what’s stopping you? Whether it’s a cocoa-cured rack of lamb or a vegan wood-roasted carrot that you’re craving, Center City likely has it. Fine dining establishments and casual rooftop bars co-exist in perfect harmony, and top chefs collaborate rather than compete. By the way, the iconic cheesesteaks and hoagies aren't bad either.
Frequently asked questions
The best reviewed restaurant in Center City Philadelphia is Vernick Coffee Bar
The best vegan restaurants in Center City Philadelphia are Charlie was a sinner., Bar Bombon and Mona
The best vegetarian restaurants in Center City Philadelphia are Estia - Philadelphia, Aleksandar and High Street Restaurant & Bar
The restaurants with the best service in Center City Philadelphia are aMuse- Le Meridien Hotel- Philadelphia, Gabi and Patchwork
The restaurants with the best ambiance in Center City Philadelphia are aMuse- Le Meridien Hotel- Philadelphia, Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar and Banh Philly
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