When it comes to things to do in Philadelphia, a food tour should be at the top of your list. Philly has exploded into a foodie town over the past decade with innovative eateries featuring celebrity chefs and five-star restaurants.
You’ll find every type of flavor imaginable from Dutch to Malayasian, to American and Italian. Here are some of the best restaurants in Philadelphia that will complement even the most sophisticated or pickiest of palates.
XIX Restaurant
Located atop The Bellevue Hotel, XIX Restaurant offers exceptional gourmet dining overlooking spectacular views of the vibrant city. It’s the ideal destination for fine dining in an intimate setting. It’s one of the highest restaurants in Philadelphia serving unique creations from its team of sought-after chefs. You won’t find better seafood dishes or NY strip steak in the area. XIX Restaurant is a stunning place for a special occasion, Sunday brunch, or romantic evening for two.
Palm Restaurant
Another fine-dining establishment located in The Bellevue Hotel is the Palm Restaurant. It was recently renovated in 2017 to include sophisticated accents with a more modern flair. The Palm Restaurant is the perfect location for a memorable dinner with family and friends or an important business lunch. The spectacular food will never disappoint along with its perfectly paired wine. Expect prime aged steaks, Italian classics, and whole lobster flown in from Nova Scotia. One favorite includes the Grilled Chicken Paillard with basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, baby arugula, and grilled asparagus salad.
Volver
Experience Iron Chef Jose Garces’ ever-evolving menu based on his culinary travels. His cuisine focuses on modern techniques using seasonal ingredients that amplify and capture their unique flavors. Volver is located at the Kimmel Center and provides their patrons with a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere. The menu includes Cannelloni Chicken with foie gras, pumpkin, smoked swiss chard, truffle chicken jus, sherry, and foie gras cream. Steak lovers will salivate over the Grasslands Veal Hanger Steak with chanterelle mushrooms, black garlic puree, artichokes, and red chile and tahini dressing.
Fork
Experts agree that Fork has an unrivaled level of service and attention to detail. Oysters are presented in a crystal bowl making for an impressive dining experience. It’s a contemporary American establishment serving dinner every night along with a Sunday brunch. The menu is inspired by the local growers and producers of the Mid-Atlantic region. Fork was a James Beard Semi-Finalist for Outstanding Restaurant in 2015, 2016, and 2017.
Panorama
Panorama is widely known for its fine wine by setting the Guinness World Record as the World’s Largest Wine Bar. You have several options from choosing one of the 30 wine flights, or one of the 150 wines by the glass. Executive Chef Matthew Gentile created every dish on the menu to pair exquisitely with the wine. Bar snacks include sweet Amalia oysters, and chicken liver mousse. You can’t pass on their handmade potato gnocchi, or the monkfish saltimbocca with parsnips and Brussels sprouts.
Scarpetta
Scarpetta is a restaurant for those who are looking for a setting that suits a special occasion. Overlooking Rittenhouse Square, the atmosphere is sleek, and fancy, with relaxing music playing in the background. Dishes are served under a white cloche which adds glamor to your meal. Some Scarpetta favorites are duck ravioli, polenta with truffled mushrooms, and veal tenderloin.
