Looking for some great local dining to pair with DIA2011? Check out some of these wonderful suggestions from our local hosts!
Dinner Options Near:
Midtown Philadelphia(13th & Sansom - aka Washington Square West – Center for Architecture)
Amis $$$
412 S. 13th St.
Italian, Marc Vetri, “A parade of little white dishes filled our multicolored butcher-block table with a mosaic of simple but vivid flavors.” Craig LaBan
Barbuzzo $$
110 S. 13th Street
Rustic Med small plates and pizzas, Marcie Turney, “Effortless, exciting and affordable, Barbuzzo is so primally satisfying that you're planning a return visit…” City Paper
Bindi $$$, Cash Only, BYOB
105 S. 13th Street
Modern Indian BYOB restaurant, Marcie Turney, “'It's not Indian food as you know it' at this 'elegant' 'boutique” Zagat
Capogiro Gelateria $$
119 S. 13th Street
A traditional Italian gelateria serving artisinal, hand-made gelato and sorbetto made from the finest fresh, local ingredients, Italian coffee drinks and traditional Italian sandwiches, salads and soup. “Some of the 'best gelato this side of the Atlantic” Zagat
El Vez Restaurant $$$
121 S. 13th Street
Modern Mexican Restaurant in a fun and casual atmosphere, Stephen Starr, “Holy guacamole cry fans of Stephen Starr's Mexican 'ode to Elvis'” Zagat
Fergie's Pub $$
1214 Sansom Street
A comfortable, friendly, Irish owned pub nestled in the heart of center city. Fergie's has great comfort food and the best Guinness in town. (Beth’s favorite burger in town.)
Grocery $$
101 S. 13th Street
A chef-driven gourmet prepared food market and cafe. The market features locally farmed prepared foods, an olive oil tasting bar, gourmet cheese case and retro-inspired desserts. Marcie Turney, Great for take out lunch or dinner.
Kanella $$$, BYOB
1001 Spruce Street
Small Cypriot boite, 'Culinary heaven' says Zagat
Lolita $$$, Cash Only, BYOT
106 S. 13th Street
Modern Mexican "BYOT" (as in "Bring Your Own Tequila") restaurant, Marcie Turney
McGillin's Olde Ale House $$
1310 Drury Lane (13th, btwn Chestnut and Sansom)
Established in 1860, Philadelphia's oldest pub is famous for quality local beer, hearty fresh meals and popular among student drinkers.
Opa $$
1311 Sansom Street
Greek
RAW Sushi & Sake Lounge $$
1225 Sansom Street
Sushi bar and sake lounge in Philadelphia's renowned Stetson building.
Sampan $$
124 S. 13th Street
Nowhere in Philly can you experience the flavors, textures and colors found in Michael Schulson’s latest Center City eatery.
Tria $$
1137 Spruce Street
Philadelphia's wine, cheese and beer cafe. They serve the good stuff -wines, cheeses and beers crafted by passionate artisans. Lite plates good for lunch or dinner.
Vintage $$
129 S. 13th Street
Offers over 60 wines by the glass that represent regions, countries and varietals from around the world chosen for their taste and character
Zavino Wine Bar & Pizzeria $$
112 S. 13th Street
The restaurant features a seasonal menu, classic cocktails, an approachable selection of wine and beer.
Zio's Pizza $
111 S. 13th Street
As a family-owned business, traditional pizza and sandwich joint.
Rittenhouse Square (Near Conference Hotel)
Alma de Cuba $$$$
1623 Walnut St
Cuban and Latin American (Stephen Starr)
Audrey Claire $$, BYOB
276 S 20th St
Mediterranean, Seafood and American
Barclay Prime $$$
237 S 18th St
Steakhouse and American
Black Sheep $$
247 S. 17th Street
American, Pub Fare, Lunch or dinner
Branzino $$$, BYOB
261 S. 17th Street
Italian, Seafood, 'Melt-in-your-mouth' 'artichoke hearts', 'risotto' Zagat
Butcher & Singer $$$
1500 Walnut St
Steakhouse and Seafood, Stephen Starr
Capogiro Gelateria $
117 S. 20th St
Desserts/Ice Cream, a traditional Italian gelateria serving artisinal, hand-made gelato and sorbetto made from the finest fresh, local ingredients, Italian coffee drinks and traditional Italian sandwiches, salads and soup. Lunch or dinner.
Chris’ Jazz Café $$
1421 Sansom Street
Pub food. “Chris' is dim and smoky, and its walls are dotted with black-and-white performance photos. It's a jazz club with food.” City Paper
Continental Mid-Town $$
1801 Chestnut St
European and International (Stephen Starr)
Davio's $$$
111 S 17th St
Italian, Steakhouse
Devil's Alley $
1907 Chestnut St
American, Sandwiches/Subs and Barbecue
Devon Seafood Grill $$$
225 S 18th St
Seafood, Wine Bar and Steakhouse , excellent grilled fish and crabcakes
El Rey $$
2013 Chestnut Street
Mexican, Stephen Starr, “Chef Dionicio Jimenez stars at this kitschy south-of-the-border restaurant.” Gayot
Ask about the classic cocktail lounge/70’s speak easy, the Ranstead Room, behind the kitchen.
Fish $$$
1708 Lombard
Seafood, “The talented man behind Little Fish is dangling his line in a bigger pond. Results are promising.” Philadelphia Inquirer
Friday Saturday Sunday $$$
261 S. 21st Street
American, Seafood, European, Staple from the first Philadelphia Renaissance of the 70’s, be sure to visit the Tank Bar upstairs for an pre or after dinner drink.
Lacroix at the Rittenhouse Hotel $$$$
210 W Rittenhouse Sq
French, Wine Bar and International
La Fontana Della Citta $$$, BYOB
1701 Spruce Street
Italian, “If you are dining with a crowd' near Rittenhouse Square” Zagat
La Viola $$, BYOB
253 S 16th Street
Italian, Small spot popular among pre theater set “The appetizers appear to be pretty standard fare - a variety of salads, grilled mushrooms, mussels, roasted peppers…” City Paper
Little Pete’s $
219 S. 17th Street
Diner, American, Classic hole in the wall, great for breakfast or a grilled cheese, open 24 hours, Lunch or dinner
“'No airs' or 'surprises', just 'huge portions' of 'solid', 'basic' chow…” Zagat
Melograno $$$, BYOB
2012 Sansom Street
Italian, “I have never had a bad meal, the service is excellent”
Monk's Cafe $$
264 S 16th St
European, Pub Food and French, #1 on everybody’s list. “This place certainly doesn't need help to get business. You can get a very cheap, good meal here if you don't drink but that would be insane. The mussels are great, and a great buy, but beer's the thing.“
Nodding Head Brewery $
1516 Sansom St
American, Pub Food and European
Oyster House $$
1516 Sansom St
Seafood, new take on a classic Philadelphia restaurant
Parc $$
227 S 18th St
French bistro on the square, Stephen Starr, a French style brasserie with lots of outdoor seating
Porcini $$, BYOB
Italian, “Family-owned Italian restaurant along artsy Sansom Street.” Gayot
Prime Rib $$$
1701 Locust St
Steakhouse, American and Seafood
Rouge $$$
205 S 18th St
American, Asian and French, Stephen Starr, Great for lunch if a nice day but not quick.
Smith & Wollensky $$$
210 W Rittenhouse Sq
Seafood, American and Steakhouse
Square 1682 $$$
121 S. 17th Street
Modern American, “Chef Guillermo Tellez turns out an upscale globe-trotting menu that's imaginative, artful, and fun.“ Philadelphia Inquirer, Visit the former AIA and Collaborative offices now the Hotel Palomar – LEED certified, adaptive reuse!
Table 31 $$$
1701 John F Kennedy Blvd
Italian, Comcast Center, About a 10-minute walk from Rittenhouse Square
Tinto $$$$
114 S 20th St
Spanish "small plates", Jose Garces
Tria $
123 S 18th St
European, International and American, wine/beer bar with small plates, Lunch or dinner
Village Whiskey $$$
118 South 20th Street
American and Burgers (Jose Garces)
Fitler Square/Graduate Hospital (10 minute walk from Conference Hotel)
Dmitri’s $$$
2227 Pine Street
Greek, Mediterranean, Seafood “Dmitri Chimes' 'unpretentious' and 'affordable' Hellenic taverna” is a favorite of Collaborative founders Alice Berman and Susan Smith.
Pub & Kitchen $$$
S. 20th and Lombard Street
Pub Food, “Rub elbows with a 'great crowd' at this 'cozy', 'hip' Southwest Center City gastro-pub” Zagat
Avenue of the Arts South Broad Street(For the powerbrokers)
Bliss $$$
224 S. Broad Street
French and American, “Imaginative cuisine, an 'unpretentious' yet 'sophisticated' setting”
The Capital Grille $$$$
S. Broad & Chestnut Street
Steakhouse
Del Frisco’s $$$$
1426 Chestnut Street
Steakhouse, “The 'magnificent', high-ceilinged 'old bank' building with 'red drapes” Zagat
Estia $$$
1407 Locust Street
Seafood, Mediterranean, Greek, “The octopus appetizer at Estia is naturally flavored - and tenderized in a most unorthodox way.” (Eric Mencher/Inquirer)
McCormick & Schmick’s $$$
1 S. Broad Street/ Penn Square
Seafood and Steakhouse, This seafood spot in the shadow of City Hall has a great, super cheap Happy Hour, 4-6pm
Palm Restaurant at the Bellevue $$$$
200 S. Broad Street
Steakhouse, “It's 'politico central' at this 'classic', 'top-tier' meatery” Zagat
Chinatown(Near Center for Architecture)
Lee How Fook $$, BYOB
219 North 11th Street
Chinese, Family run, long time favorite on 11th Street. “One of the top Chinatown restaurants. The dining room is small and plain but the food is superior.” Zagat
Dim Sum Garden $
59 North 11th Street
Chinese, Hole in the wall but delicious
Vietnam $$
221 N 11th Street
Vietnamese, Collaborative Staff go to spot for group lunch
Pho Xe Lua Viet Thai $
907 Race Street
Vietnamese, Thai, Hole in the wall, super cheap and delicious. ‘'Take down a giant bowl' of 'amazing' pho 'under the neon train’” Zagat
Sang Kee $$, Cash Only
238 N. 9th Street
Chinese, “Sang Kee's eatery - serving Philly for more than 25 years - has made succulent duck a Chinatown staple.” City Paper
Tazia $$
101 N. 11th Street
Chinese, Asian, Tapas, “Aquariumlike setting for respectable fusion (Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, French). “ Philadelphia Weekly
Banana Leaf $$, BYOB
1009 Arch Street
Malaysian, Vegetarian, Asian “You get 'Malaysian spice for a nice price' at this BYO” Zagat
South Philadelphia /Italian Market(By cab)
Dante and Luigi’s $$
762 S. 10th Street
Classic Italian, 'As steady as Gibraltar', this 'old-world' 'red-gravy South Philly’... Zagat
Cantina Los Caballitos $$
1651 E. Passyunk Avenue
Mexican and Southwestern, “Hipster Mexican fave on Passyunk's restaurant row. “ Gayot
Le Virtu $$$
1927 E. Passyunk Ave
Italian, “A recent visit to the South Philly trattoria Le Virtù seemed charmed from the start” City Paper
Marra’s $
1734 E. Passyunk
Italian, Pizza,The Marra family has been in business for over 80 years. It all began when Salvatore and Chiarina Marra came to America from Naples, Italy, in 1920. “Total pizza amore. The real deal. “ Philadelphia Weekly
Mr. Martino’s Trattoria $$, BYOB
1646 E. Passyunk Avenue
Italian, Husband-and-wife owners Marc and Maria Farnese shun publicity, never advertise, and limit their hours of operation to dinner only, Friday through Sunday. “The simple clarity of Maria's best dishes rang like a soulful ping on my taste buds. “ Philadelphia Inquirer
Royal Tavern $$
937 E Passyunk Avenue
Pub Food and American, “Deep red brick and one tiny, high-bow window announce the Royal Tavern like it's a secret.” City Paper
Ralph’s Italian $$$
760 S. 9th Street
Italian, Seafood, A South Philly institution this place oozes traditional, old-school vibes
South Philadelphia Taproom $$
1509 Mifflin Street
Gastro Pub, American, “'Hipster' 'beer snobs' gravitate to this South Philly 'hidden gem'” Zagat
Northern Liberties/Fishtown(By cab)
Bar Ferdinand $$
1030 N 2nd Street
Spanish Tapas, “From left, tangy boquerone white anchovies over toast with piquillo peppers and parsley foam; rich asparagus flan topped …” Philadelphia Inquirer
Cantina Dos Segundos $$$
931 N. 2nd Street
Mexican and Spanish, “'Awesome', 'frontera'-style Mex and 'delicious margaritas in all sorts.” Zagat
Dmitri’s $$, BYOB
944 N. 2nd Street
Greek, Mediterranean, Seafood
Johnny Brenda’s $$
1201 Frankford Avenue
Gastropub, American, “Fishtown dive bar turned hipster, with grilled octopus and brie-on-focaccia sandwiches. “ Philadelphia Weekly, Got to venue to see local shows.
Kraftwork $$
541 E. Girard Avenue
Gastropub, “This beer bar, however, has aspirations to be something a little different, both in design and concept. “ Philadelphia Inquirer
Memphis Taproom $$
2331 E Cumberland Street
Pub Food, “While loyalists agree that 'beer is king' at this 'hopping' 'hipsters... “ Zagat
Standard Tap $$
901 N. 2nd Street
Gastropub, “The local-beer-only gastropub where you take friends from out of town” Philadelphia Weekly
Quick and Easy Lunches
Reading Terminal, 12th & Filbert, a 15 minute walk from Rittenhouse Square but well worth it, 8-6 daily
So much choice you may have to go there for breakfast or lunch two, three, or four times! Mouth-watering aromas. Visit the PA General Store for a gift to take home. An exhilarating selection of baked goods, meats, poultry, seafood, produce, flowers, ethnic foods, cookware and eclectic restaurants are peppered throughout the Market. Explore this unique and extraordinary historic farmers market in Center City Philadelphia.
12 Street Cantina $, Mexican
Salumeria $, Italian Hoagies
DiNics $ Pork Sandwich
Dutch Kitchen $
Rittenhouse Square
Stroll down 18th between Chestnut & Walnut or take a walk down Sansom between 15th and 20th or so and you'll find some good eating. If it is nice out, we highly recommend that you grab lunch to go and eat in the Square – one of Jane Jacobs favorite spots!
500 Degrees $, 1504 Sansom Street, Burgers
Argan Moroccan Cuisine $$
Black Sheep $$, 247 S. 17th Street, Pub Fare
Devil's Alley $, 1907 Chestnut Street, Sandwiches/Subs and Barbecue
Capogiro Gelateria $, 117 S. 20th St (gelato for lunch, sandwiches too)
DiBruno Brothers $$, 1730 Chestnut (eat in or take out)
Joe’s Pizza $ 122 S. 16th Street, By the slice
El Rey $$, 2013 Chestnut, Mexican
Giwa $$, 1608 Sansom Street, Korean
Jake’s Sandwich Board $, 122 S. 12th Street, pays homage to Philadelphia’s long-standing sandwich history.
Ladder 51 $$, 1528 Sansom Street, American
Le Bus $, 129 S. 18th Street (take out only, sandwiches/salads, curried chicken salad is out of this world)
Le Pain Quotidien $, 1423 Walnut Street, Bakery
Little Pete’s $, 219 S. 17th Street, Classic Diner Food
Marathon Grill $$, 121 S. 16th Street, Go to place for lunch meetings, good salads, sandwiches etc.
Nodding Head Brewery $, 1516 Sansom St, Pub Food
Parc $$, 227 S 18th St, French bistro
Pietro’s Coal Oven Pizzeria $$, 1714 Walnut
Primo Hoagies $, 2043 Chestnut
Sansom Kabob House $$, 1526 Sansom Street, Afghan, Middle Eastern
Shiroi Hana $$, 222 S. 15th Street, Japanese, Sushi
Su Xing House $ 1508 Sansom, Shockingly cheap vegetarian Chinese
Tria $$, 123 S 18th St, Great sandwiches/salads.
Xando Cosi $$, 1720 Walnut Street (eat in or take out)
Miscellaneous
Coffee
La Colombe $, 130 S. 19th Street, True French coffeehouse roasts its own beans.
Metropolitan Bakery $ 262 S. 19th Street, Great muffins! Pour your own coffee, quick lunch.
Miel $, 204 S. 17th Street, Illy Coffee, French Pastries
Old City Coffee $, Reading Terminal , 12th & Filbert ( btwn Market and Arch)
Tbar $, 117 S 12th St tea cafe that offers "everything tea"-tea steeped, shaken, or fizzed; light fare
Starbucks is ubiquitous, 19th & Chestnut, 16th & Walnut, 13th & Walnut
BYOB
Pennsylvania has funny rules. Must buy liquor and wine from the state store. Must buy beers by the six pack from a bar or take out or by the case from a distributor. State Stores at 1913 Chestnut or 1218 Chestnut for wine & spirits or Food & Friends, 1933 Spruce for a wide selection of beer.
Drugstores
Rite Aid, 17th and Chestnut
CVS, 19th & Chestnut, 24 hours
Gifts for Family and Friends
AIA Bookstore, 1218 Arch
PA General Store at the Reading Terminal Market (chocolate covered pretzels are always a crowd favorite.)
