THE SOURCE: SCENE
LIGHT INTO LUNCH— OR BRUNCH—AT FIREPOINT GRILL.
The best of Philadelphia dining and drinking.
Tucked away in adorable Newtown Square, Firepoint Grill showcases an open kitchen with a wood-fired grill, manned by Corporate Chef Christopher Heath and Executive Chef Nicolo Catenza. Their Sunday brunch is a favorite among Main Line locals. In addition to breakfast staples, including blueberry buttermilk pancakes and Belgian waffles, you will also find twists on classics, like bananas Foster French toast and portobello eggs Benedict. In the mood for lunch instead? From 10 AM to 3 PM, the robust menu also offers a burger bar and a variety of handmade wood-fired pizzas. In early April, Firepoint opened its covered outdoor patio, which boasts a full bar, lounge seating, ceiling fans, heaters, and a cozy fireplace. 3739 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, 484428-3093; firepointgrill.com
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 rib eye can be ordered in an array of marinades, including adobo and mojo. 10 Avenue of the Arts, 215-523-8200; richardsandoval.com/aqimero
AUTOGRAPH BRASSERIE
The newest addition to Marty Grims’s impressive restaurant collection is Autograph Brasserie, a modern American eatery featuring 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 like 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—both traditional and contemporary—in the main dining room. 2011 Rte. 70 W., Cherry Hill, NJ, 856-6631747; caffelamberti.com
CINDER
Teddy Sourias, the restaurateur 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 française, 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
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 entrées 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 the on-tap wines as well. 261 S. 21st St., 215-546-4232; fridaysaturdaysunday.com
One of Atlantic City’s premier dining destinations, Girasole features a seasonal menu highlighting Italian favorites from gnocchi to tagliolini, which are all made by hand in-house. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the family-owned eatery creates made-toorder dishes with the freshest and most authentic ingredients outside of Italy. Spend the summer dining under the stars in the beautiful outdoor garden dining area. 3108 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City, 609-345-5554; mygirasole.com
GRAN CAFFE L’AQUILA
The deep Italian heritage of this landmark bilevel café can be found in both the impressive menu and the beautiful décor. In addition to fresh pasta and bruschetta, save room for the creamy, rich, handmade gelato and mascarpone and fresh roasted coffee-infused tiramisu. 1716 Chestnut St., 215-568-5600; grancaffelaquila.com
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 bigeye 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
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., 215-790-2533; lacroixrestaurant.com
MARIE NICOLE’S GRILL
Since early 2000, Marie Nicole’s has been a staple in Wildwood Crest. Located on Diamond Beach, it serves upscale food with an elegant, modern twist. There’s an array of traditional Italian dishes, plus a cocktail menu filled with martinis, bourbons, craft beers, and vintage wines. On Thursdays, the restaurant offers signature burgers made from short rib, brisket, and steak trimmings. Did we mention that all the burgers come with truffle-herb fries? 9510 Pacific Ave., Wildwood Crest, NJ, 609-522-5425; marienicoles.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. 723 Chestnut St., 215-413-9070; morimotorestaurant.com
OSTERIA
The warm, inviting 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., 215-7630920; osteriaphilly.com
PANORAMA
Located inside the quaint Penn’s View Hotel, Luca Sena’s newly renovated Panorama has been an Italian dining staple in Philadelphia since 1900. The casually elegant ambience pairs well with the updated menu—though favorites that have been in Sena’s family for generations, like the homemade pastas and the braciola, remain. 14 N. Front St., 215-9227800; pennsviewhotel.com/panorama
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 the crabmeat tacos with chipotle aioli. 212 Walnut St., 215-238-0499; positanocoast.net