Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Philadelphia

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Philadelphia? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Honeysuckle

4.9

4.9 (88)

$50 and over

American

North Broad

About the restaurant

Honeysuckle is more than a restaurant. It’s a network of community spaces centered around the values of ancestry, nourishment, and reclamation that was founded by James Beard Award Semifinalists Chef Omar Tate and Chef Cybille St.Aude-Tate. In 2022 they opened Honeysuckle Provisions, an award winning afro-centric grocery/cafe and food-focused community space located in West Philadelphia. Now positioned in the North Broad area of Philadelphia, Honeysuckle offers a fresh perspective on food systems - expanding the idea of Afrocentricity in food by redefining the limits of a restaurant and celebrating the legacies and recipes of those that came before them.

Top review

Elise

Dined 3 days ago

Another fine dining experience at Honeysuckle. Enjoyed a luscious red cocktail in honor of Juneteenth and had a delicious meal--pickled collard as an amuse bouche, a special bread with butter and compote, hush puppies with thinly sliced country ham (amazing), "black caesar" (a very delicious salad) and the seafood alfredo (with freshly made noodles, lobster, crab, shrimp and more in a delicate creamy sauce--yum, yum, yum!) paired with a pleasant sauvignon blanc, and a dessert (with custard, pickled berries and mini-meringues). Very satisfying and a good value for the quality of the food and service. Food is locally sourced and the experimentation with sauces and fermentation takes things to the next level. Service is very friendly and professional. Ambience is warm (and cool), very inviting. One of the top five restaurants in Phila.

Buddakan - Philadelphia

4.8

4.8 (11505)

$31 to $50

Asian

Old City

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

ErickaVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Amazing dining experience. All food was exceptional.

La Strada Italian Restaurant|BYO

4.8

4.8 (1239)

$31 to $50

Italian

Northeast Philly

About the restaurant

La Strada Italian Restaurant I BYO is a quaint and cozy Italian eatery nestled in the Valley Court Yard of Shops in the heart of historic Huntingdon Valley conveniently located near all major roads in and around the surrounding counties of Eastern Montgomery, Bucks, and NE Philadelphia.

La Strada offers a fine-dining experience for dinner featuring old-world traditional Italian classics, contemporary Italian dishes, and outstanding daily chef specials.

Catering | Delivery via UberEats | and Carryout

La Strada serves incredible private parties for all types of celebrations. We also can provide funeral luncheons, even on short notice. Call for a party consultation at La Strada with our banquet manager @ 215-947-1818.

Luncheon Parties are from 12:00 Noon - 3:00 PM | Dinner Parties start after 4:00 PM.

Top review

Steven

Dined 4 days ago

Wait staff was friendly, food was excellent. The room is nicely decorated and the white tablecloths are a welcome sight, having faded from popularity elsewhere.

Discover more

4.7

4.7 (4464)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Center City

About the restaurant

Rittenhouse Grill is the new name of the long-standing steakhouse operating in the Warwick Hotel since 1997. A neighborhood staple, Rittenhouse Grill features Live Piano and a uniquely elegant atmosphere fit for special occasions.

Stepping into Rittenhouse Grill feels like walking into an old-school supper club straight out of the 1940s, there is always live piano, classic cocktails & professional experienced staff to make your nights memorable.

Top review

Andrea

Dined 7 days ago

We had a great dinner with lovely service—a true pleasure

Discover more

USDA Prime Filet Mignon

Bleu Sushi

4.7

4.7 (625)

$30 and under

Japanese

Center City

About the restaurant

Welcome To Bleu Sushi Japanese Restaurant!

Bleu Sushi brings the rich culinary arts of Japan right to Center City, Philadelphia. Recognized as being a premier BYOB restaurant with the best sushi in Philly, Bleu Sushi gives a fresh take on Japanese cuisine. No wonder customers everywhere have deemed Bleu Sushi the best sushi in town. Furthermore, we are constantly thinking of new food and ideas at Bleu Sushi, thats where the Bleu Bot comes into play. We want to enhance our customers contact-less pick-up experience during the pandemic while implementing a little humor. With that said, our mechanical robotic arm and our outdoor dining patio are all here, ready to serve our beloved clienteles.

Top review

Lisa

Dined on Jun 4, 2025

service was wonderful and attentive I really wish Japanese restaurants wouldn't use spicy tuna in so many dishes. Both specialty rolls were filled with it. I want slices of fish, not tuna scrape.

Brauhaus Schmitz

4.6

4.6 (779)

$30 and under

German

Center City

About the restaurant

## Step into a Bavarian Paradise at Brauhaus Schmitz

Brauhaus Schmitz is more than just a restaurant; it's an immersive experience that transports you to the heart of Munich. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by the warmth of a traditional German Bierhall, complete with communal tables, lively chatter, and the clinking of steins.

The menu at Brauhaus Schmitz is a celebration of authentic German cuisine. From artisanal sausages, to succulent schnitzel, pounded thin and pan-fried to golden perfection, or savor the Haus Specialty Schweinshaxe, a roasted pork knuckle that falls off the bone, each dish pairs well with one of their Crisp Clean Lagers.

Speaking of Bier, Brauhaus Schmitz boasts the largest selection of German beers in the world, with 34 rotating taps and 80 bottled varieties. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or just starting your exploration, the knowledgeable staff will guide you through the diverse offerings, helping you find the perfect brew!

Top review

gregg

Dined on Jun 4, 2025

We went early 4:30pm to enjoy a family of 7 celebratory meal. Sat us right away. Service was very friendly, quick, and checking in regularly to see if we needed anything. Food was good with reasonable portions and fairly priced. Beer selection amazing! We’re definitely coming back. A lot of parking attendants writing tickets so go for a nearby garage and avoid any hassle

Copabanana

4.6

4.6 (574)

$30 and under

Mexican

University City

About the restaurant

Copabanana University City has become a Penn institution with its genuine campus vibe. With ceiling to floor windows and a sidewalk cafe overlooking the campus scene, the Copa is also a popular destination for the nearby Penn hospital complex -- only a block away.

The Copabanana serves legendary margaritas, gourmet burgers and Spanish fries as well as Carribbean and Mexican fare. Copa is a true original and a refreshing oasis in a sea of bland corporate chain restaurants.

Join your friends at the Copabanana today!

Top review

Regina

Dined on Jun 10, 2025

As always, always have a great time at COPA’s food and drinks are exceptional

Newbolds Food & Libations

4.5

4.5 (170)

$31 to $50

American

Jenkintown

About the restaurant

American-style restaurant located in Jenkintown, PA offering satisfying, flavorful american cuisine. We take pride in our fresh, house-made American staples served alongside handcrafted libations.

Taking it's place among Jenkintown Restaurants, Newbolds Food and Libations is a premiere location in Montgomery County, PA. Newbolds is a retro bar specializing in hand-crafted American cuisine. Many Jenkintown restaurants can start to look and feel alike, but the same can not be said for Newbolds. With a unique and aesthetic interior, outdoor dining areas, and unforgettable cuisine, Newbolds has taken it's place as one of the best restaurants in Montgomery County, PA and in Jenkintown, PA. We look forward to serving you!

Top review

Canvas

Dined on May 29, 2025

Very impressive evening overall. Our waiter had several tables so we had to wait for a a few minutes but after he connected with us, it was non stop service. We agreed when we come back, we want him. The food was very good and authentic. Their pizza does not disappoint! We will be back. We had initially made outdoor reservations, but due to the rain, we had to move inside; and guess what? We were not disappointed at all.

Pergola at The Bellevue

4.5

4.5 (26)

$30 and under

American

Center City

About the restaurant

Rekindle the imagination of the Bellevue’s original open-air rooftop at Pergola. A romantic, airy restaurant overlooking Center City. Classic grand hotel fare mingles with new Philadelphia cuisine in a menu meant to be enjoyed leisurely morning to night.

Top review

Dorothy

Dined on May 23, 2025

We 3 old friends had lunch at Pergola. It was lovely. Lobby area is beautifully decorated and seating so comfy. Our table was perfect. The waiter very attentive to us. The room is bright with natural lighting and quiet. Bar area was full with young folks!!

Luk Fu - Philadelphia Live!

4.4

4.4 (449)

$30 and under

Asian

South Philly

About the restaurant

Luk Fu is an authentically inspired Asian fusion restaurant featuring contemporary culinary flavors with distinctive twists, complemented by a robust cocktail list and sake selections. Located in Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, the chic and vibrant atmosphere features neon lights and unique art elements for an unmatched guest experience including private dining and karaoke rooms. Must be 21+.

Top review

Andy

Dined on May 31, 2025

Our server was fabulous! We had an amazing bday dinner (on the house! 150 to spend) and have leftovers for a few days... The space is lovely, amazing smells and flavors and again, our server was excellent. Will be back :)

Explore Diners' Choice best of Philadelphia

Explore more Diners' Choice lists