R2L
Take in breathtaking views of the city from 37 floors above, while enjoying signature drinks and American fare courtesy of chef Daniel Stern. Best bet: grilled truffle flatbread and the threestep margarita with Olmeca Blanco, enjoyed at a window booth. 50 S. 16th St., 215-5645337; r2lrestaurant.com
RES IPSA
This two-in-one café and BYO sits conveniently between Rittenhouse and University City. In the morning, stop by the café for a chia-seed parfait to pair with your cappuccino. When the sun sets, grab a bottle of your favorite vino and snag a table for chef Michael Vincent Ferreri’s riffs on whole fish and pasta dishes and desserts like olive-oil cake with Meyer lemon and pistachio. 2218 Walnut St., 267-519-0329; resipsaphilly.com
RESTAURANT AMBRA
Queen Village’s newest eatery plans its farm-fresh menu around the changing seasons. Owners Marina de Oliveira and Chris D’ambro, who brought us Southwark, delight in bending the rules for what’s considered Italian cuisine in Philadelphia. Reservations are available only from 6 to 9 pm for tables of four or fewer. 705 S. Fourth St., 267858-9232; ambraphilly.com
ROOT
Fishtown gets forward-thinking fine dining—with a cool midcentury interior to match— courtesy of owner Greg Root and chef-owner Nick Kennedy. An alum of top New York kitchens like Jean-georges and Del Posto, Kennedy focuses on Italian, Spanish, and American heritage flavors. The robust dinner menu features everything from spice-rubbed lamb chops to gourmet toasts. 1206 Frankford Ave., 215-515-3452; rootrestaurant.com
ROUGE
Rouge endures as the city’s ultimate see-and-be-seen spot. Sip Champagne at a sidewalk table or the round marble-topped bar or dive into one of the hefty signature burgers or day-boat scallops while soaking up views of the Square. 205 S. 18th St., 215-732-6622; rouge98.com
ROYAL SUSHI & IZAKAYA
After enduring years of planning and building, residents of Queen
Village and beyond can enjoy a well-crafted menu of Japanese fare from chefs Matt and Jessie Ito, as well as a bar featuring draft sake, Japanese spirits, and more. The traditional menu includes favorites such as salmon-skin rolls, tuna sashimi, and yaki gyoza. 780 S. Second St., 267-909-9002; royalsushiandizakaya.com
SCARPETTA
Local ingredients are the highlight at this James Beard Awardnominated restaurant, where the menu favorites include branzino, creamy cavatelli, and the famously simple spaghetti. INSIDER TIP: After dinner in the upstairs dining room, float down to the first-floor lounge, where Italian spirits and regional wines flow freely. 210 W. Rittenhouse Sq., 215-558-4199; ldvhospitality.com
SUGA
Acclaimed chef Susanna Foo, a two-time James Beard Award winner, and her son Gabriel offer an eclectic mix of modern Chinese cuisine. The popcorn pork ravioli is the perfect appetizer to enjoy before indulging in the whole branzino, stuffed with lump crab meat, squash, and a tomato tamarind sauce. 1720 Sansom St., 215-7178968; sugabyfoo.com
TREDICI ENOTECA
Tredici has an entirely different vibe than its sister restaurant Zavino, right across the street, with Mediterranean plates and an intimate raw bar. On your next visit, order the Israeli couscous, with cherry tomatoes, avocado, basil, almonds, burrata, and basil pesto. Drop by for happy hour or brunch and steal a seat at the lively bar. 112 S. 13th St., 267-928-2092; tredicienoteca.com
VALANNI
Serving Mediterranean-latin cuisine, Valanni has a trendy vibe with upbeat music and many specialty cocktails—and morphs into a nightspot on weekends. 1229 Spruce St., 215-790-9494; valanni.com
VOLVÉR
Jose Garces offers upscale tasting menus and unparalleled service in a setting that combines industrial and modern design. Volvér’s location at the Kimmel Center makes it a go-to for concertgoers, but the plush lounge is a must for cocktails any night of the week. 300 S. Broad St., 215-670-2303; philadelphia. volverrestaurant.com
WHITE DOG CAFE
Marty Grims’s contemporary café is well-known for its seasonal farm-to-table cuisine and friendly service. Since 1983, it has been committed to purchasing only environmentally sustainable ingredients from farms within 50 miles of its restaurants. With dozens of paintings of dogs adorning the walls and items such as artisanal cheese plates and smoked salmon sandwiches filling the menu, it’s no wonder White Dog has three successful locations, from University City to the Main Line. Multiple locations, 215-386-9224; whitedog.com
WISTER
Old City’s newest seasonal BYOB comes to us from chef Benjamin Moore, formerly of Lacroix. Recent menu favorites include the roasted cauliflower appetizer and the Ora King salmon entrée with heirloom carrots, lentils, and a carrot reduction. The warm atmosphere is perfect for hosting private events. 26 N. Third St., 267-239-5900; wisterbyob.com
ZAVINO
This comfortable Midtown Village eatery serves thin-crust pizzas and handmade pastas, along with a lengthy list of spirits and wines, in a casual, highenergy room. 112 S. 13th St., 215-732-2400; zavino.com