Everything you need to know about the hautest spots to wine and dine with the best of them!
Here, get the scoop on the newest restaurants, along with a rotating cast of city favorites, highlighting the dishes and personalities driving Philadelphia’s cuisine scene. Prices reflect average cost of a three- course dinner for one, excluding drinks, t
MAIN LINE
Autograph Brasserie The newest addition to Marty Grims’ 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 wildmushroom toast, butternut squash ravioli and an artisanal cheese plate from Fernandez’s kitchen, sure to wow any guest.
503 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, 610.964.2588, autographbrasserie. com $$$ White Dog Cafe Since Marty Grims’ contemporary cafe opened in 1983, it has become beloved for its seasonal farm-to-table cuisine and friendly service. With dozens of paintings of dogs adorning the walls and items such as artisanal cheese plates and smoked salmon sandwiches filling the menu, it’s no wonder White Dog has three successful locations from University City to the Main Line.
Multiple locations, 215.386.9224, whitedog. com $$$$
CENTER CITY
a. kitchen
This sleek Rittenhouse Square eatery oozes culinary confidence thanks to creative seasonal small plates, a charcoal grill and thoughtful pours. Sneak down the hallway to a.bar for a postprandial cocktail or grab a seat at the chef ’s counter and try one of the wine flights featuring a trio of tastes from the terroirdriven wine list.
113 S. 18th St., 215.825.7030, akitchenandbar. com $$$ 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 $$$ Aqimero
Located in the lobby of the iconic RitzCarlton, Chef Richard Sandoval brings unique flavors to the city. Thanks to the wood-fired grill, plates like filet mignon, whole Maine lobster, king Pacific salmon, and rib- eye can be ordered in an array of marinades,
including adobo and
mojo. 10 Avenue of the Arts, 215.523.8200, richardsandoval.com/aqimero $$$$ Barclay Prime Nestled inside the historic Barclay Building, the luxe Stephen Starr steakhouse boasts some of the best cuts in town. Arrive early or stay late to enjoy the intimate library lounge— with a martini in hand, of course. The Barclay Prime Cheesesteak takes the classic Philly sandwich to new culinary heights with Japanese Wagyu beef, foie gras and truffles.
237 S. 18th St., 215.732.7560, barclayprime. com $$$$ Buddakan
Stephen Starr’s ode to Asian fusion remains one of Philly’s biggest restaurant success stories. Guests Zen out over shareable plates, lychee martinis and the towering golden Buddha that lords over the dining room.
325 Chestnut St., 215.574.9440, buddakan.com $$$ Butcher Bar
The talented team behind city favorites like Valanni, Mercato, and Varga Bar invite you to join them at a meat lover’s paradise. Menu items at Butcher Bar include house-made beef jerky, bacon cheddar brats and motherapproved Italian meatballs that are accompanied by an impressive whiskey- based cocktail program.
2034 Chestnut St., 215.563.6328, butcherbarphilly.com $$$ Cinder
Teddy Sourias, the restaurateur behind favorites BRU Craft & Wurst and U-bahn, has opened a cider and sour bar in Center City that features 32 taps and 70-plus bottles. Chef Jonathan Petruce provides the perfect pairings. On your next visit, order up the lamb sausage pizza with mozzarella and shishito pepper, and pair it with the Big Hill Marmalade cider for a sweet ending.
1500 Locust St., 267.761.5582, cinderphilly. com $$$ 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 latenight dancing.
256 S. 20th St., 215.546.3935, dangelosristorante.com $$$ Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse This second-floor Rittenhouse steakhouse continues to reinvent itself with seasonal dishes and cocktails, gluten-free menus and a decadent Sunday brunch that includes their famed cheesesteak spring rolls. If you are spending the day shopping at the new King of Prussia Town Center, pop into the restaurant’s newest location, which features the same great menu as the Center City spot, plus outdoor dining.
111 S. 17th St., 215.563.4810, davios.com/phil $$$$ Friday Saturday Sunday
After more than a year of renovations, this cozy Rittenhouse dining institution recently opened under new ownership. Guests will be pleased to find an array of fresh fish, steak appetizers and entrees on the menu, as well as vegetable- based dishes like roasted root vegetable salad with a buttermilk dressing. The restaurant has an array of specialty cocktails and beers, but be sure to check out the on-tap wines as well. 261 S.
21st St., 215.546.4232, fridaysaturdaysunday.com $$$ Gran Caffe L’aquila The deep Italian heritage of this landmark bilevel cafe can be found in both the impressive menu and the beautiful decor. Served tapasstyle, be sure to try the fresh pasta and salumi, and save room for the creamy, rich, handmade gelato.
1716 Chestnut St., 215.568.5600, grancaffelaquila.com $$ Harp & Crown Michael Schulson adds another notch on his restaurant belt with Harp & Crown, a Sansom Street hideaway adorned with vintage wallpaper and chandeliers. Definitely try their pizza creations, including the smoked octopus pizza. After dinner, duck downstairs to the two-lane, reservationsonly bowling alley.
1525 Sansom St., 215.330.2800, harpcrown.com $$$ 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. Come celebrate culinary artistry with a high- class tea or a savory dinner. 210 W. Rittenhouse Square, 215.790.2533, lacroixrestaurant.com $$$$ Morimoto
The enduring hot spot radiates an unmistakably trendy vibe. In addition to raw and sushi bars, Iron Chef Masahuru Morimoto offers dishes that put a twist on the usual sushi cuisine. Reserve a seat at the chef ’s counter to survey the hectic kitchen and minimalist dining room.
723 Chestnut St., 215.413.9070, morimotorestaurant.com $$$$ Osteria
The warm, inviting atmosphere at Marc Vetri’s Northern Italian-inspired restaurant is reason enough to pay a visit, but it’s also one of the most celebrated Italian restaurants in the city. Plant your group of 14 at the Kitchen Table to truly understand the culinary experience.
640 N. Broad St., 215.763.0920, osteriaphilly.com $$$ Positano Coast
Take a trip 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 $$ R2L
Take in breathtaking views of the city from 37 floors above, while enjoying signature drinks and American fare courtesy of Chef Daniel Stern. Best bet: the seasonal Veal Rib Chop and the three- step margarita with Olmeca Blanco, best enjoyed at a window- booth seat.
50 S. 16th St., 215.564.5337, r2lrestaurant.com $$$$ Res Ipsa
This two-in- one cafe and BYO sits conveniently between Rittenhouse and University City. In the morning, stop by the cafe for chia- seed parfait to pair with your cappuccino. When the sun sets, grab a bottle