Philadelphia is a majestic city with many places to explore including restaurants, breweries, and taprooms. Indeed, a foodie paradise, the city of brotherly love is overflowing with places to chow down. When you are in the mood to not only taste amazing food but to also be blown away at your overall experience, we’ve got you covered! Here are the 8 best restaurants in Philadelphia for an unforgettable experience. Dinner just got a whole lot more flavorful!
1. Rex At The Royal, South Street
Located in the bustling South Street section of Philadelphia, this hidden gem specializes in Southern cuisine at its finest. From the exterior, Rex At The Royal is quite inconspicuous -one could easily walk by! However, upon entry patrons are whisked away into a sultry establishment with undeniable Southern charm and decor.
The gold chandeliers beautifully compliment the teal walls with purple and blue accents. You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported right to the Carolinas or New Orleans.
The charm goes beyond the decor right down to the customer service, rather Southern hospitality. From the hostess, to the servers, to the bartenders, you’ll feel like you’re catching up with old friends. Above all, the food is downright heavenly. Southern staples like chicken and waffles, braised oxtail, or the Charleston crab cakes are sure to delight. Our favorite is the Shrimp & Grits, a perfectly prepared Southern favorite with its own twist. The flavor was too good it was borderline sinful.
Indeed, Master Chef, Chef Scott is commanding in the kitchen.
Visit their website for hours and specials. Reservations are highly recommended especially on weekends. An unforgettable time is a guarantee.
🍱 Where: 1524 South St.
2. Añejo, Northern Liberties
Located in the vibrant section of Northern Liberties, Añejo is a must-try restaurant in Philadelphia! This Mexican restaurant serves authentic, flavorful dishes that will leave your mouth watering for more. We recommend trying this restaurant even if you are not a fan Mexican cuisine per se.
Chef Camacho and his team of culinary experts, have perfectly created an array of uniquely flavored dishes. Patrons can choose between brunch, lunch, or dinner. Indeed, Mexican food is not complete without a smooth tequila to go with it. Añejo has the most expansive selection of tequila in the city, you’ll surely find your match!
The undeniably perfectly flavored cuisine along with a fun and welcoming ambiance right in the heart of the happening Northern Liberties is why Añejo makes our list for best restaurants in Philly.
🍱 Where: 1001 N. 2nd St.
3. Harp & Crown, Center City
Located in the popular Center City section of Philadelphia, Harp & Crown is one of our favorite restaurants for an all around unforgettable time. The ambiance is just what you’d expect and welcome on a night out with friends or a lively date night.
Firstly, the ambiance is earthy, with plants and greenery on both the exterior and interior of the restaurant as well as pale green booths and decor. Secondly, it’s rustic in a sense with its exposed, distressed brick walls. The dimly lit restaurant adorned with plenty of mirrors gives off a sultry feel, intoxicating even – old world charm at its finest. On another note, this popular destination is usually packed providing a constant soundtrack of laughter and multiple conversations.
A Michael Schulson restaurant, Harp & Crown also provides a menu with the perfect amount of noteworthy flair such as the hearty cockscomb Mac & Cheese. There’s a full bar for all of your cocktail needs. Did we mention, this bi-level beauty consists of a bowling alley on its basement level!
🍱 Where: 1525 Samson St.
4. Best Restaurants: Friday Saturday Sunday, Rittenhouse Square
Located in the upscale Rittenhouse Square section of Philadelphia, Friday Saturday Sunday easily makes our list for best restaurants. If you are in the mood for an intimate experience, look no further. Upon entry ascend the stairs to an intimate upstairs dining room that is bright and airy.
Next, enjoy an indulgent eight-course tasting prepared by Chef Chad Williams. The menu isn’t expansive but the dishes offered are perfected. Focused on American dining, the chef-prepared tasting includes everything from sweet breads to strip steaks. There’s also a full menu of cocktails and wine to pair with your meal.
Friday Saturday Sunday recently won The 2023 James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant and it’s a no-brainer as to why its one of the best restaurants. The intimate setting along with the mastered menu will make for an unforgettable experience you’ll want to have again!
🍱 Where: 261 S. 21st St.
5. Best Restaurants: Far East Descendant, Chinatown
Located in the culturally-rich Chinatown section of Philadelphia, Far East Descendant has it all! This trendy location has modern contemporary decor and even a rooftop to overlook the city.
This modern Cantonese Restaurant features a one of a kind menu deeply rooted in authentic Cantonese flavors and cultural tie-ins. Guests will enjoy an array of flavorful small dishes (Taotoy), claypot rice (Bojai), Montao sandwiches, and other various dishes stemming from the love of Cantonese cuisine and culture.
We recommend trying The Beast Board which includes a sampling of some of the most popular menu items in hearty portions.
With a full bar patrons can enjoy traditional and signature cocktails with infused Cantonese ingredients. The stunning ambiance and rooftop all makes for beautiful Instagram photos. If you’re in the mood for flavor and fun, Far East Descendant is your answer. Nom Nom!
🍱 Where: 251 N. Clarion St
6. Tasties Soul Food, West Philadelphia
Located in the eclectic West Philadelphia neighborhood, Tasties Soul Food is a guaranteed satisfying experience. This Black-owned, women-owned restaurant brings flavor and upscale vibes to the city.
With 3 locations to choose from, there’s more reasons to try Tasties Soul Food.
The menu is rich in southern cuisine with unique flavorful twists. Enjoy traditional staples such as Fried Chicken, Mac & Cheese, and Collards or surprise your tatste buds with the absolutely decadent Oxtail or Salmon Cheesesteak.
The decor is trendy and contemporary offering plenty of photo ops for your and your crew. There’s also an adjacent lounge, 1212 Lounge, which has a full bar, dance floor, and the option of private dining and events.
Tasties Soul Food offers a luxurious yet relaxed atmosphere paired with food so good you’ll wish you brought two of everything! If you’re looking for food with soul and flavor, Tasties is a must in the city!
🍱 Where: 1212 S. 52nd St
7. Best Restaurants: Steak Italian Nightlife, Northern Liberties
Since its grand opening in November, Steak Italian Nightlife (S.I.N.) is fast becoming one of Philadelphia’s best new restaurants. This upscale restaurant offers “vibe dining”, a concept that mixes restaurant and nightclub ambiance into one. Guests will not only enjoy delicious steakhouse staples, but also the sounds of a live DJ, dancing, cocktails and more.
🍱 Where: 1102 Germantown Ave
8. Kalaya, Fishtown
Located in trendy Fishtown, Kalaya is an authentic Southern Thai restaurant by James Beard Best Chef, Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon. Guests can enjoy flavorful dishes such as pu pad pong karee, khao pad, and other Thai favorites in a casual eatery with a vibrant setting.
🍱 Where: 4 W. Palmer St.