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Old City and Philadelphia’s Historic District are home to more than just iconic attractions. They also offer plenty of memorable restaurants to explore.
In fact, some might call many of the Historic District’s restaurants attractions in themselves, offering experiences that can easily rival the nearby sightseeing ventures.
There are eats crafted by celebrity chefs and outdoor dining atop the deck of a four-masted sailing ship.
From wood-fired pizza (with toppings like prosciutto, pistachio or black truffle!) to handcrafted cocktails, here are more than 15 great restaurants awaiting hungry patrons in Old City and Philadelphia’s Historic District, arranged in alphabetical order.
The restaurant that many consider responsible for starting the tapas trend in the city — and Jose Garces’ very first Philly venture — also serves big Spanish-style plates, including a roasted suckling pig. Can’t decide what to have for dinner? Choose one of the chef’s tasting options, with or without the wine pairing.
Where: Amada, 217-219 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Stephen Starr’s original temple of modern Asian cuisine offers creative takes on Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Indian fare in a theatrical setting. During lunch, diners can enjoy bento box specials.
Where: Buddakan, 325 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Old City’s original martini bar, the Continental specializes in global dishes served in a lively, stylish setting. The kitchen stays open late on Fridays and Saturdays to satisfy the cravings of the neighborhood’s party people.
Where: The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar, 138 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Cuban and Latin cuisine and refreshing mojitos fit perfectly in this setting that appears straight out of Old Havana. Helmed by two-time James Beard Award-winner Guillermo Pernot, the kitchen offers the “Your Passport to the Forbidden Island” chef’s tasting six nights a week alongside a full dinner menu, as well lunch during the week and brunch on the weekends.
Where: Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, 10 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Owner Ellen Yin’s elegant American bistro Fork jump-started the restaurant scene in Old City in 1997, and it remains a highlight in the neighborhood and the city. Seasonal ingredients make up the seemingly simple yet fabulous dishes.
Where: Fork, 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
With accolades from CNN and Anthony Bourdain, this contemporary Chinese restaurant puts a twist on the classics. Diners are asked to choose their spice level, numbered one through 10, for an array of savory dishes. Outside of Old City, Han Dynasty has several other locations.
Where: Han Dynasty, 123 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
The flavors of the Gulf meet gastropub cookery at the Khyber Pass Pub. Muffuletta, gumbo and all manner of po’ boys (even vegan fried chicken!) accompany modern spins on the hurricane and Sazerac.
Where: Khyber Pass Pub, 56 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Diners at this brasserie, located inside the FringeArts building, enjoy elevated versions of classic dishes like Yankee pot roast and roasted chicken. If you care for a cocktail, they deliver those with finesse, too. The industrial-chic design of the restaurant’s interiors pays homage to the building’s original purpose as a pumping station.
Where: La Peg, 140 N. Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
The riverside views keep diners coming back for twilight cocktails and delicious fare aboard this fully restored four-masted sailing ship, berthed on Penn’s Landing.
Where: Moshulu, 401 S. Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Jose Garces’ Olde Bar revives the Old Original Bookbinder’s, a mid-20th century landmark Philadelphia restaurant. Keeping the early seafood house’s spirit alive, a full raw bar greets guests upon walking in the door, and a catalog of crab cakes, Cape Cod mussels, lobster rolls and more fill the menu of delicious eats.
Where: The Olde Bar, 125 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
One of the most romantic Italian restaurants in Philadelphia, Panorama boasts a Guinness World Record for its extensive wine preservation and dispensing system. Specialties include rigatoni with wild boar bolognese, tuna carpaccio and a selection of Italian cheeses.
Where: Panorama, 14 N. Front Street, Philadelphia, PA
Restaurateur Stephen Starr ups the ante on the classic neighborhood pizza place with Pizzeria Stella, offering specialty and creative takes on brick oven pizzas. Innovative concoctions such as the pistachio with red onions, fontina cheese and rosemary or the “purgatory” with sopressata, tomato, Calabrian chilis and egg are just a couple of the daring but delicious takes on traditional pizzas.
Where: Pizzeria Stella, 420 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
This tavern attached to the Hotel Monaco Philadelphia serves up handcrafted cocktails made with fresh-squeezed juices, along with house-cured charcuterie and classic dishes with an international twist.
Where: Red Owl Tavern, 433 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, this two-floor spot offers prime views of the Christ Church steeple and Benjamin Franklin Bridge, along with a playful menu of internationally influenced comfort foods and wood-fired pizza. The bar pours rotating local beers, cocktails and boutique wines.
Where: Revolution House, 200 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Chef Nick Elmi’s Old City debut features a French-accented selection of raw bar, charcuterie and small plates complemented by a thoughtful wine and cocktail program. Lunch here classes it up with dishes like blue crab Louis, while dinner brings steak au poivre and lobster over conchiglie with truffle butter.
Where: Royal Boucherie, 52 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Serving Philadelphians for decades, this Old City classic offers a small but eclectic menu, specializing in Prohibition-era cocktails, along with a serious selection of single-malt scotches, whiskeys and bourbons. Not to be missed: A live jazz trio performs most Sunday through Thursday nights.
Where: Sassafras, 48 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
While there is plenty of toro and yellowtail to be had at this Japanese spot, the sashimi and hand rolls are only the beginning. Fans of cooked fare indulge in lobster fried rice, pork gyoza and Shishito peppers.
Where: Tuna Bar, 205 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
Bright ceviches, pisco cocktails and lomo saltado bring the flavors of Peru to a chic space. The Northeast Philly-based team behind the more casual El Balconcito restaurants crafted a mod dining room and bar, showing off stylish takes on Andean favorites.
Where: Vista Peru, 20 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Michael Solomonov, the 2017 James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Chef, cooks food from his native Israel in his adopted home of Philadelphia at Zahav, a local favorite. Diners can choose from a selection of raved-about hummus options, share a few small plates or order from the tasting menu.
Where: Zahav, 237 St. James Place, Philadelphia, PA
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
The coolest experiences in the Historic District...