Buddakan
Buddakan has been serving innovative Asian cuisine since 1998. The duck breast, Wok cashew chicken, char grilled aged beef and Japanese black cod are all popular menu items, and the relaxed yet romantic ambience make it a good place for first dates. Reservations are recommended, especially on the weekend when the restaurant fills up with hungry locals.
Buddakan
325 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 574-9440
buddakan.com
Morimoto
Morimoto specializes in contemporary Japanese cuisine. If you want quality sushi and don't mind paying top dollar for it, this is the place to go. They have a massive wine cellar featuring bottles from all over the world, most of which are priced under $50.
Morimoto
723 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 413-9070
morimotorestaurant.com
Amada
Celebrity chef Jose Garces owns this fabulous Spanish restaurant, which offers a whole new take on the traditional Tapas bar, with innovative dishes such as the tortilla Espanola served with saffron aioli.
Amada
217 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 625-2450
amadarestaurant.com
Cuba Libre
Cuba Libre serves up authentic Cuban dishes and fantastic rum at this Old City favorite. The atmosphere is meant to re-create old Havana; visitors will feel as though they are on a movie set. The food, however, is very real---try the guava barbecue rib sandwich or the delicious black bean soup. The menu is vegetarian and vegan friendly.
Cuba Libre
10 S 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-0666
cubalibrerestaurant.com
Continental Restaurant & Martini Bar
This is one of Philadelphia's hipper establishments, with a rather vast martini menu. But if it's food you came for, you won't be let down. With innovative dishes such as lobster mashed potatoes, jumbo lump crab cake, Udon noodle soup and Ahi Tuna Tartar, you can expect to spend a lot of time trying to decide what to order. The dessert menu is a bit tamer, but just as delicious---try the banana brownie split.
Continental Restaurant & Martini Bar
138 Market St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 923-6069
continentalmartinibar.com