Amada
An almost unanimous popular favorite, Amada is chef Jose Garces' modern take on Spanish tapas. It is "Mediterranean flavors that stretch beyond tradition," according to the Philadelphia Visitors' Bureau. Ask for al fresco dining for some evening air.
Amada
217 Chestnut St., #219
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 625-2450
amadarestaurant.com
Ansill
Feast on small plates at this out-of-the-box tapas restaurant with creative dishes, like a "Baked Egg" plate, served with truffles and cream, or the "Crispy Pigs' Trotters" with pickled red onions. Known for sometimes-frightening ingredients-turned house specialties, such as the "Bone Marrow with Parsley Salad and Capers" appetizer, Ansill is for the adventurer.
Ansill
627 S. 3rd St., South Street
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 627-2485
ansillfoodandwine.com
City Tavern Restaurant
Enjoy traditional New England meat-heavy favorites like Braised Rabbit, Venison Medallions, Turkey Pot Pie in "Martha Washington Style," just like George would have eaten it, or a variety of local seafood recipes, like the Tavern Lobster Pie. Dine by candlelight, or outdoors, next to Independence National Historical Park, to complete your experience. Don't forget to try Martha Washington's recipe chocolate mousse for dessert.
City Tavern Restaurant
138 S. Second St. (Walnut St.)
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 413-1443
citytavern.com
El Vez
An eclectic, adventurous Mexican menu featuring off-beat recipes, like Cactus and Crab Salsa, Red Snapper Ceviche, and Sea Bass Tacos with sweet potato puree characterizes this ambiance-heavy dining spot. Sit in a red or gold velvet booth, or under a rotating low-rider bicycle hanging from the bar, facing "Day of the Dead" decor. The website claims, "Mexican-American meets East L.A. in a Tijuana Taxi."
El Vez
121 South 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 928-9800
elvezrestaurant.com
Horizons
Popular with herbivores and carnivores alike (even those unforgiving reviewers at Yelp.com), Horizons serves a varied earth-friendly vegan menu in one of Philadelphia Magazine's 2006 "Best of Philly" winners. Try the Philly Empanada with eggplant, Grilled Seitan, or the Tame and Wild Mushroom Plate for some delicious dining.
Horizons
611 South 7th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 923-6117
horizonsphiladelphia.com
Le Bec-Fin
Bold and traditional French cuisine for the discerning palate and the uninhibited wallet define the experience you'll have at the refined and elegant dining room of Le Bec-Fin. Traditional plates like Foie Gras and Gallette are well-reviewed, and the signature Rib-Eye with pureed beet sauce is a favorite of many. Cited in Fodor's guide, the Visitor's Bureau website, and as a benchmark for comparison in other restaurant reviews on Yelp.com, this is a tried-and-true choice.
Le Bec-Fin
1523 Walnut St., Center City,
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 567-1000
lebecfin.com
Nineteen
Work your way through an extensive raw bar made of locally sourced ingredients and fresh seafood, keeping you at peace with the environment as you dine. Choose from steaks, soups, and a cooked "American" menu if you need a warm-up while enjoying the breathtaking views of Philadelphia through large windows in the sky-high scenic view from the top of the Park Hyatt Hotel.
Nineteen
200 S. Broad St. (Walnut St.)
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 790-1919
(no website)
Ventri
Occupying the elusive number-one spot on Yelp.com, Ventri ranks the top Italian restaurant in Philadelphia, and, according to some Yelpers, the country. Saturday nights play host to the grand degustazione tasting menus and feature exciting and unique Italian flavors.
Ventri
1312 Spruce St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 732-3478
vetriristorante.com
White Dog Cafe
Using local, fresh, and seasonal produce to create healthful, flavorful meals fusing Native American and Asian flavors with traditional American cuisine, this top-ranking café overlooks the University of Pennsylvania's campus and is situated unpretentiously in a pub-like atmosphere complete with creaking floorboards and country home lighting . Because of the focus on seasonal ingredients, the menus change frequently, keeping the offerings fresh.
White Dog Café
3420 Sansom St. (34th St.)
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215)386-9224
whitedog.com
Zehav
Middle Eastern cuisine with a strong vegetarian presence delights the senses at this popular exotic restaurant with open-air seating and friendly prices for the budget-conscious.
Zehav
237 St James Pl
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 625-8800
zahavrestaurant.com
