THE SOURCE: SCENE
GET READY TO FALL IN LOVE WITH ITALIAN DINING DESTINATION PANORAMA ALL OVER AGAIN.
The best of Philadelphia dining and drinking.
Located inside the quaint Penn’s View Hotel, Panorama has been an Italian dining staple in Philadelphia since 1990. Recently, owner Luca Sena revamped the restaurant with the help of Philadelphia firm Marguerite Rodgers Interior Design. Step into the hotel and get a glimpse of the restaurant just beyond through a new wall made up of iron and glass windows. Fabrics and custom light fixtures were added throughout to resemble what one might see while dining in Italy. The new, casually elegant ambience pairs well with the updated menu from executive chef Matthew Gentile. But many of the dishes, which have been in Sena’s family for generations, can still be found on the menu, such as the homemade pastas and the braciola. 14 N. Front St., 215-9227800; pennsviewhotel.com/panorama
A.KITCHEN
This sleek Rittenhouse eatery oozes culinary confidence thanks to creative seasonal small plates, a charcoal grill, and thoughtful pours. Sneak down the hallway to a.bar for a postprandial cocktail. INSIDER TIP: Grab a seat at the chef’s counter and try one of the wine flights featuring a trio of tastes from the terroir-driven wine list. 135 S. 18th St., 215-825-7030; akitchenandbar.com
AMADA
Jose Garces began his empire with Amada, a rustic-chic restaurant that celebrates Spanish cuisine. Get a front-row seat to the theatrics at the chef’s counter and dive into signature plates like lobster paella and roasted suckling pig. 217–219 Chestnut St., 215-625-2450; amadarestaurant.com
AQIMERO
Located in the lobby of the iconic Ritz-carlton, Aqimero brings unique flavors from chef Richard Sandoval. Thanks to the wood-fired grill, plates like filet mignon, whole Maine lobster, king Pacific salmon, and ribeye can be ordered in an array of marinades including adobo and mojo. 10 Avenue of the Arts, 215-523-8200; richardsandoval.com/aqimer
AUTOGRAPH BRASSERIE
The newest addition to Marty Grims’ impressive restaurant collection is Autograph Brasserie, a modern American eatery that features a contemporary menu from executive chef Ralph Fernandez. The walls of the Wayne restaurant are covered with over 1,000 celebrity autographs and record albums. Guests can enjoy truffle wild-mushroom toast, butternut squash ravioli, and an artisanal cheese plate from Fernandez’s kitchen, which uses only the freshest ingredients available. 503 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, 610964-2588; autographbrasserie.com
BARCLAY PRIME
Nestled inside the historic Barclay Building, this luxe Stephen Starr steakhouse boasts some of the best cuts of beef in town. Arrive early or stay late to enjoy the intimate library lounge with a martini in hand, of course. INSIDER TIP: The Barclay Prime Cheesesteak takes the classic Philly sandwich to new culinary heights with Japanese Wagyu beef, foie gras, and truffles. 237 S. 18th St., 215-732-7560; barclayprime.com
BUDDAKAN
Stephen Starr’s ode to Asian fusion remains one of Philly’s biggest restaurant success stories. Guests Zen out over shareable plates, lychee martinis, and the towering golden Buddha that lords over the dining room. 325 Chestnut St., 215-5749440; buddakan.com
BUTCHER BAR
The talented team behind city favorites including Valanni, Mercato, and Varga Bar invite you to join them in a meat-lover’s paradise. Menu items such as house-made beef jerky, bacon cheddar brats, and mother-approved Italian meatballs are accompanied by an impressive whiskey-based cocktail program. 2034 Chestnut St., 215-5636328; butcherbarphilly.com
CAFFE ALDO LAMBERTI
Open for more than two decades, Caffe Aldo Lamberti has something for every taste and occasion. Go casual with small plates at the bar or reserve a table for two and sample from an exhaustive menu of Italian fare—traditional to contemporary—in the main dining room. 2011 Rte. 70 W., Cherry Hill, NJ, 856-663-1747; caffelamberti.com
NEW CINDER
Teddy Sourias, the restauranteur behind BRU Craft & Wurst and U-bahn, has opened a cider and sour
bar in Center City that features 32 taps and 70 plus bottles. Chef Jonathan Petruce provides the perfect pairings with artisanal pizzas, fresh mussels and oysters, cheese boards, and more. On your next visit, order up the lamb sausage pizza with mozzarella and shishito pepper, and pair it with the Big Hill Marmalade cider for a sweet ending. 1500 Locust St., 267-7615582; cinderphilly.com
D’ANGELO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO
This Italian restaurant’s best dishes are culled from generations of family recipes: Think classics like chicken cacciatore, veal francaise, and lasagna. Stop by on Fridays and Saturdays for live music and late-night dancing. 256 S. 20th St., 215-5463935; dangeloristorante.com
DAVIO’S NORTHERN ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE
This second-floor Rittenhouse steakhouse continues to reinvent itself with seasonal dishes and cocktails, gluten-free menus, and a decadent Sunday brunch. Don’t miss the famed cheesesteak spring rolls. INSIDER TIP: If you are spending the day shopping at the new King of Prussia Town Center, pop into the restaurant’s newest location, which features the same great menu as the Center City spot plus outdoor dining. 111 S. 17th St., 215-563-4810; davios.com/phil
NEW FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
After more than a year of renovations, this too-cute-to-handle Rittenhouse dining institution recently opened under new ownership. Upon entering the cozy and dimly lit space, guests will be pleased to find an array of fresh fish and steak appetizers and entrees on the menu, as well as vegetablebased dishes like roasted root vegetable salad with a buttermilk dressing. INSIDER TIP: The restaurant has an array of specialty cocktails and beers, but be sure to check out their on-tap wines as well. 261 S. 21st St., 215-546-4232; fridaysaturdaysunday.com
GRAN CAFFE L’AQUILA
The rich Italian heritage of this landmark bilevel cafe can be found in both the impressive menu and beautiful decor. In addition to fresh pasta and bruschetta, save room for their creamy, rich, handmade gelato and ricotta-filled tiramisu. 1716 Chestnut St., 215-568-5600; grancaffelaquila.com
NEW HARP & CROWN
Michael Schulson adds another notch on his restaurant belt with Harp & Crown, a Sansom Street hideaway adorned with vintage wallpaper and chandeliers. Menu highlights include big eye tuna crudo and a farro pasta splashed with spinach pesto, ricotta, and crispy ham. INSIDER TIP: The city’s buzziest new restaurant and bar is also home to a two-lane, reservations-only bowling alley. 1525 Sansom St., 215-330-2800; harpcrown.com
HUGO’S FROG BAR AND CHOP HOUSE
The newest restaurant to Sugarhouse Casino, Hugo’s offers diners and casino-goers a meaty variety of steaks and chops from filet mignon to the porterhouse. Seafood fanatics will also enjoy the fresh fish selections such as the Alaskan King Crab chopped salad. 1001 N. Delaware Ave., 215-7173900; hugosfrogbar.com
LACROIX
Executive chef Jonathan Cichon leads the charge at the Rittenhouse Hotel’s celebrated kitchen, where his artful dishes are inspired by the seasons and locally sourced ingredients. Drop by the Library Bar or the Mary Cassatt Tea Room to experience all the hotel has to offer. INSIDER TIP: Lacroix’s sommeliers can pair any menu item with your drink of choice, from handcrafted libations to craft beers. 210 W. Rittenhouse Sq., 215-7902533; lacroixrestaurant.com
MORIMOTO
This enduring hot spot radiates an unmistakably trendy vibe. In addition to raw and sushi bars, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto offers dishes such as light, tender rock shrimp tempura and spicy king crab. Reserve a seat at the chef’s counter to survey the hectic kitchen and minimalist dining room scene. 723 Chestnut St., 215-413-9070; morimotorestaurant.com
MOSHULU
Marty Grims invites you to join him aboard the world’s oldest and largest ship, docked along the famed Penn’s Landing. Grab a seat on the outdoor deck and order up the Grand Plateau—-a fresh collection of lobster, shrimp, oysters, colossal crab cocktail, and tuna tartare, which pairs perfectly with their Ship Wrecked specialty cocktail. 401 S. Columbus Blvd., 215-923-2500; moshulu.com
OSTERIA
The inviting, warm atmosphere at Marc Vetri’s Northern Italian-inspired restaurant is reason enough to pay a visit. Plant your group of 14 at the Kitchen Table, or rent out Osteria for a seated dinner or standing-only cocktail reception. 640 N. Broad St., 215-763-0920; osteriaphilly.com
POSITANO COAST
You’ll be transported to the coast of Italy courtesy of the stark white tiles and beautiful murals at this Old City favorite. Known for savory Italian cuisine, Positano Coast also offers some of the city’s freshest seafood. Opt for the tuna tartare or crabmeat tacos with chipotle aioli. 212 Walnut St., 215-238-0499; positanocoast.net
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., 215-564-5337;r2lrestaurant.com
NEW RES IPSA
The two-in-one cafe and BYO conveniently sits in between Rittenhouse and University City. In the morning, stop by the café for a chia seed parfait to pair with your cappucino. 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
NEW RESTAURANT AMBRA
Queen Village’s newest eatery plans their farm fresh menu around the changing seasons. Owners Marina de Oliveira and Chris D’ambro, who brought us Southwark, bend the rules by featuring Italian cuisine in a contemporary environment. Reservations are only available from 6 to 9 pm for tables of four or less. 705 S. Fourth St., 267-858-9232; ambraphilly.com
ROUGE
Rouge endures as the city’s ultimate see-and-be-seen spot. Sip Champagne at a sidewalk table or the marble-topped round bar and dive into one of the hefty signature burgers or dayboat scallops while soaking up views of the Square. 205 S. 18th St., 215-732-6622; rouge98.com
NEW ROYAL SUSHI & IZAKAYA
After 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, and 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
The James Beard-nominated restaurant highlights local ingredients and features menu favorites including branzino, creamy cavatelli, and their 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., 215-5584199; ldvhospitality.com
SUGA
Acclaimed chef Susanna Foo, a two-time James Beard 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., 215-717-8968; sugabyfoo.com
THE FAT HAM
Top Chef winner Kevin Sbraga does not disappoint with this pork-centric restaurant. The Southern country-inspired menu features snacks, plates, and salads that pair perfectly with their 120 different whiskeys. INSIDER TIP: Do not miss the super-sized, soul-soothing hot chicken. King of Prussia Mall, 610-765-4045; sbragadining.com/thefatham
TREDICI ENOTECA
Tredici is home to an entirely different vibe than sister restaurant Zavino, right across the street, with its Mediterranean plates and intimate raw bar. On your next visit order up 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 offers a trendy vibe with its 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. Volver’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
NEW WISTER
Old City’s newest seasonal BYOB comes to us from chef Benjamin Moore, formerly of Lacroix. This season, our favorite dishes include the roasted cauliflower appetizer and 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 with a lengthy list of spirits and wines in a casual, high-energy room. 112 S. 13th St., 215-732-2400; zavino.com