Philadelphia Restaurant Guide
Where to Eat in Philly
Philadelphia is well known for it place in American history but is also becoming known as culinary destination. Six Philly restaurants have been mentioned in Gourmet Magazine’s “Top American Restaurants.” While there are many culinary delights to experience don’t forget to try the local favorites like cheese steaks, hoagies or soft pretzels. The following guide is offered as a tool to assist you with every traveler’s most often asked question, “Where do you want to eat tonight?”
International
FOUNTAIN RESTAURANT is Philadelphia’s most acclaimed restaurant, rated number 1 by the Zagat Survey and chosen as Philadelphia’s Top Table by Gourmet Magazine. This is the place to be with great views and wonderful food. Choices might include grilled Maine lobster with green apple risotto or Cervena venison chop with melted Swiss chard and prosciutto wrapped black mission figs. Main courses are $46-$58 and the “Spontaneous Taste” six course fixed price menu is $110. Reservations are required: 215-963-1500. Located in the Four Seasons Hotel, this restaurant is located just .55 miles from the Doubletree Hotel.
American
ZANZIBAR BLUE is Philadelphia’s premiere venue for live jazz. The menu changes with the season but you can always expect some Creole and Latin dishes along with seafood and basic steaks. Many people make a meal of appetizers while listening to a jazz set. Main courses $18-$29. Reservations recommended: 215-732-5200. Located at 200 S. Broad St., this restaurant is located just one block from the Doubletree. Visit the website at www.zanzibarblue.com
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE is a well respected chain of steak houses. The one in my hometown is great and I would expect this one to be the same. The portions are large and side dishes are usually extra. Please note that some of the tables here are in the hall-way; so make sure you request to not be seated at one of these when you make reservations. Main courses from $18- $68. Reservations are recommended: 215-790-1515. Located at 260 S.Broad Street, this restaurant is located just one block from the Doubletree. Visit the website at www.ruthschris.com
MCCORMICK & SCHMICK’S is one of my favorites back in Pittsburgh and the Philly version is just as terrific. Fresh fish is flown in daily from all points and it is affordable. Main courses: $9.95 to $37. Reservations are recommended: 215-568-6888. Located at 1 S. Broad Street. Visit the website at www.mccormickandschmick.com
French
LE BEC-FIN is considered by many to be the ultimate dining experience in Philadelphia. This restaurant, which offers French cuisine, is owned by celebrity Chef Georges Perrier. Le Bec-Fin is a legend in the Philadelphia area. My friend, PDG Eddie Olsavicky says, “It is one of those places that every one talks about but I do not know any one who has ever actually been there. Very elegant and very pricy. Fixed price dinner is $135 and nine course degustation is $155. Reservations (book now) are a must: 215-567-1000. Located at 1523 Walnut Street, this restaurant is located just .2miles from the Doubletree.
Asian
MORIMOTO is a spectacular Japanese Restaurant. The Chef is the renowned star of The Iron Chef television series. Chef’s choice multi course menu is $80 to $120. but other main course items are between $24 to $36. Sushi is $4 to $10 a piece. Reservations are recommended: 215-413-9070. Located at 723 Chestnut Street; this restaurant is located just.17 miles from the Doubletree. Visit the website at www.morimotorestaurant.com
LEE HOW FOOK is authentic Chinese. Located at 219 N. 11th Street, this restaurant is located just .47 miles from the Doubletree. Phone, 215-925-7266.
Italian:
LA FAMIGLIA is an Italian dining experience. The wine cellar has been called legendary and the restaurant makes its own pasta. Main courses from $24 to $42. . Reservations are recommended 215-922-2803. Located at 8 S. Front Street, this restaurant is located just 1.17 miles from the Doubletree. Visit the website at www.la-famiglia.com.
RALPH’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT is a few blocks north of the Italian Market. It is unpretentious, comfortable, reasonable and owned by the same family for decades. The baked lasagna, spaghetti with sausage and the chicken Sorrento has fans all over the city. Main courses are from $9 to $27 Reservations are recommended: 215-627-6011. Located at 760 S. Ninth Street, this restaurant is located just .88 miles from the Doubletree.
Seafood:
BOOKBINDER’S is the quintessential Philly gathering spot. Here you can see entertainers, politicians and athletes feasting on fresh seafood. Bookbinder’s has been in operation for 140 years. Main courses are $31- $50. Reservations are recommended: 215-925-7027. Located at 125 Walnut Street, this restaurant is located just .09 miles from the Doubletree.
DINARDO’S FAMOUS CRABS is another Philly landmark. Crabs are flown in from the Gulf of Mexico daily and only members of the DiNardo family mix the seasonings for the crabs. There are 30 other items on the menu if you are not in the mood for crabs. The building is also a bit of American history as it served as an inn in 1776 for Tory soldiers, later as a stop on the Underground Railroad and during the Prohibition era as a brothel. Crabs are $3-$5 each and other menu choices $15-$30. Reservations for 5 or more: 215-925-5115. Located at 312 Race Street, this restaurant is located just 1.09 miles from the Doubletree.
Local Favorites:
The following restaurants may not have the “ambience” of some of the restaurants listed above but they do have an extensive local following.
GENO’S STEAKS is one of the best places to get the famous Philly Cheese steak. It is one of the city’s most famous “neighborhood joints.” Geno’s has been featured on the Food Network and the Travel Channel. Cheese steaks are $7.00. Located at 1219 S. Ninth Street, it is just across the street from Pat’s. This restaurant is located just 1.04 miles from the Doubletree. Visit the website at www.genosteaks.com.
PAT’S KING OF THE STEAKS is another famous cheese steak place; also featured on the Travel Channel and Food Network. Pat’s claims to have invented the cheese steak. Open 24 hours a day, it is just across the street from Geno’s at 1237 Passyunk Avenue. This restaurant is located just 1.04 miles from the Doubletree. No credit cards accepted.
MARATHON GRILL has seven modern locations around town. It features an enormous menu and low prices. Main courses are between $6 and $14. The Grill located closest to the Doubletree is the one at 121 S. 16th Street. Reservations are not accepted.
(This guide was compiled from various websites and personal inquiries).
