Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

When choosing a restaurant in Historic Philadelphia, the key word is choice. In fact, there are so many restaurants, cafés and bistros that discerning diners could eat out all 108 days of summer without ever hitting the same spot twice. After a long day of touring, hungry visitors can take an adventurous turn by sampling Chifa’s Latin/Asian menu, dine in elegance at the new Union Trust Steak House or join the bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) revolution at long-time favorite Chloe. Here are just a few places where diners can please their palates:

Asian And South Asian:

• Aqua – Those in the know order the special Thai iced tea or bring a favorite libation to this lively and brightly hued BYOB and feast on exotic Thai and Malaysian cuisine. 705 Chestnut Street, (215) 928-2838
• Buddakan – Under the watchful eye of the giant Buddha and the soothing sounds of a waterfall, guests enjoy top-notch Asian-fusion cuisine in a casually elegant setting. For adventurous diners, a large community table allows for ample socializing. 325 Chestnut Street, (215) 574-9440, buddakan.com
• Chifa – In his latest venture, star restaurateur Jose Garces combines Latin and Asian cuisine and cooking techniques for a menu that’s both memorable and flavorful. 707 Chestnut Street, (215) 925-5555, chifarestaurant.com
• Kisso Sushi Bar – Sake (of the bring-your-own variety) is the ideal accompaniment to the chef’s traditional sushi and sashimi, as well as his inventive Japanese dishes. 205 N. 4^th Street, (215) 922-1770
• Meju – The chef keeps the menu simple so he can concentrate on preparing traditional Korean favorites such as kimchee, kimbap and banchan. 213 Chestnut Street, (215) 238-9403
• Morimoto – Set amid a decidedly sleek and modern environment, TV’s Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto brings his signature modern style to sushi, noodles, tempura and other Japanese cuisine. 723 Chestnut Street, (215) 413-9070, morimotorestaurant.com
• Zento – This don’t-blink-or-you’ll-miss-it BYOB sushi spot packs a lot of flavor into a small spot. The chef’s innovative rolls are best accompanied by a bottle of your favorite saki. 138 Chestnut Street, (215) 925-9998, zentocontemporary.com

French:

• Anjou – Popular Asian favorites are infused with a French accent, but it’s the chef’s original sushi combos that have made this dining spot a hit. 206-208 Market Street, (215) 923-1600, anjouphilly.net
• Patou – A sultry setting and authentic French coast cuisine create a sophisticated Cote d’Azur vibe in this stylish bistro. 312 Market Street, (215) 928-2987, patourestaurant.com

Italian:

• Dolce – The award-winning “Godiva Soup” dessert isn’t the only reason to try this menu—one that puts a sophisticated spin on traditional Italian cuisine. 241 Chestnut Street, (215) 238-9983, dolcerestaurant.com
• Positano Coast – All the flavors of Italy’s Amalfi Coast are prepared with authentic and innovative flair. Indoor and outdoor dining options are available for those feasting on classic dishes and “Crudo,” the Italian version of sushi. 212 Walnut Street, 2^nd floor, (215) 238-0499, lambertis.com
• Radicchio Café – Warm colors and a cozy BYOB setting make a perfect backdrop for the chef’s simple and straightforward Italian menu. 402 Wood Street, (215) 627-6850, radicchio-cafe.com
• Ristorante Panorama – Romance and delicious Italian cuisine are on the menu at this upscale but casual trattoria. Boasting 27 wine flights, 150 by-the-glass selections and a 530-bottle reserve, it’s easy to find the right vintage for every dish. 14 N. Front Street, (215) 922-7800, pennsviewhotel.com

Seafood:

• DiNardo’s Famous Crabs – Their shell-cracking, finger-licking crab feasts have earned nine “Best of Philly” awards from Philadelphia Magazine for their Baltimore-style “hot and dirty” crabs. 312 Race Street, (215) 925-5115, dinardos.com
• The Oceanaire Seafood Room – In a setting reminiscent of a 1930s luxury ocean liner, Oceanaire changes its menu daily so that only fresh seafood is served. 700 Walnut Street, (215) 625-8862, theoceanaire.com

Pubs And Brew Houses:

• Beneluxx – This quirky restaurant only accepts reservations online, and guests clean out their glasses at the special rinser tables when sampling the more than 80 beers. The fondues, Belgian-accented menu, imported cheeses and dessert chocolates sold by the ounce add to the charm. 33 S. 3^rd Street, (215) 318-7269
• The Irish Pōl – Despite its decidedly regular-folk character, this Irish joint pours 40 microbrews. And the taps change weekly, allowing room to serve some of the rarest beers available. 45 S. 3^rd Street, (267) 761-9532, theirishpol.com
• The Plough & the Stars – Patrons here cozy up to the fireplace, snag an outdoor table or sit at the bar for a fine selection of imported brews on tap and a menu of Western European cuisine. 123 Chestnut Street, (215) 733-0300, ploughstars.com
• Triumph Brewing Company – Each item on this American pub-style menu can be paired with handcrafted beers, many of which are brewed onsite. 117 Chestnut Street, (215) 625-0855, triumphbrewing.com

Casual Dining:

• Jones – Old-time comfort food and a Brady Bunch-like setting make this spot popular for singles, couples and families. The mac and cheese, meat loaf and fried chicken wreak havoc with diets, but the taste is worth every calorie. 700 Chestnut Street, (215) 223-5663, jones-restaurant.com
• Kibitz in the City – Hungry diners load up on giant-sized Reuben sandwiches, corned beef specials, knishes, kugels and other traditional Jewish deli treats that are big enough for the whole family to share. 703 Chestnut Street, (215) 928-1447
• National Mechanics – The menu, featuring sandwiches, comfort food and unusual takes on classic bar food, is as lighthearted as the unusual funhouse décor. 22 S. 3rd Street, (215) 701-4883, nationalmechanics.com
• Society Hill Hotel and Bar Restaurant – An outdoor table is the ideal place for a sandwich, salad, cold beverage and people-watching. 301 Chestnut Street, (215) 923-3711, phillyhotelbar.com

Mediterranean, Cuban And Points Beyond:

• Amada – Authentic Spanish tapas and Mediterranean specialties are served in a casual but sophisticated setting at superstar chef Jose Garces’ first restaurant. Adventurous diners go for La Mesa de Jose, a dining surprise that lets the chef select his favorites for the table. 217 Chestnut Street, (215) 625-2450, amadarestaurant.com
• Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar – Rum aficionados can choose one of the more than 70 varieties of rum or select one of the signature mojitos to accompany the authentic Latin menu created by award-winning chef Guillermo Pernot. 10 S. 2^nd Street, (215) 627-0666, cubalibrerestaurant.com
• GiGi – Part-restaurant and part-lounge, this hotspot features Mediterranean cuisine and a spacious outdoor patio. The prix fixe mojito cocktail dinner, which pairs four tapas with four flavored mojitos, has become an after-work favorite. 319 Market Street, (215) 574-8880, gigiphilly.com
• Kabul – Guests bring a bottle of wine and savor the Afghan and Middle Eastern menu featuring vegetarian, lamb and chicken dishes and warm, fresh-baked bread. 106 Chestnut Street, (215) 922-3676, kabulafghancuisine.com
• Konak – Diners think they stumbled into an elaborate mansion in the heart of Istanbul when they see the lush interior filled with Middle Eastern antiques. Traditional Turkish kebabs and other delicacies are all homemade. 228 Vine Street, (215) 592-1212, konakturkishrestaurant.com
• Serrano – The reasonable prices reflect the neighborhood-restaurant atmosphere, but the bold, brash flavors of the international comfort food add a sophisticated touch to the cuisine. 20 S. 2^nd Street, (215) 928-0770, tinangel.com
• Tangerine – The only thing more chic than the luxurious setting is the sophisticated Moroccan, Middle Eastern and fusion cuisine. 232 Market Street, (215) 627-5116, tangerinerestaurant.com
• Zahav – Chef Michael Solomonov’s modern spin on traditional Mediterranean and Israeli cuisine has earned kudos from Bon Appétit, Esquire, Food & Wine and Travel + Leisure magazines. 237 St. James Place, (215) 625-8800, zahavrestaurant.com

American:

• Bistro 7 – The menu changes weekly at this BYOB as the chef whips up American cuisine based on whatever’s fresh at the farms. 7 N. 3^rd Street, (215) 931-1560, bistro7restaurant.com
• Chloe – The young couple who run this petite, cash-only BYOB infuse their contemporary American dishes with a decidedly international flair. 232 Arch Street, (215) 629-2337, chloebyob.com
• City Tavern – History and award-winning fare are highlights at this family-friendly, 18^th-century restaurant, which recreates the inn where the Founding Fathers frequently wined and dined. Today, servers clad in Colonial garb add atmosphere while the chef prepares 21^st-century versions of traditional dishes. 138 S. 2^nd Street, (215) 413-1443, citytavern.com
• Fork – Chef Terence Feury, who has delighted foodies at some of the city’s most celebrated restaurants, brings his delicate touch to Fork’s New American bistro menu. Diners bring home many of Fork’s sauces, marinades and specialty menu items from the adjacent take-out spot. 306 Market Street, (215) 625-9425, forkrestaurant.com
• Moshulu – The contemporary American menu wows diners, and so does the skyline view from the ship’s outdoor deck. The elegant Sunday brunch is only one reason it earned the coveted AAA Four Diamond award. Families are welcome. 401 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 923-2500, moshulu.com
• Qbbq & Tequila – Owner Kevin Meeker transformed his seafood spot into a barbeque mecca featuring slow-cooked Southern-style rubs, special sauces, all the fixings and tequilas and bourbons that line the shelves. 207 Chestnut Street, (215) 625-8605, qoldcity.com
• Union Trust Steak House – Diners can bank on the hearty flavors of the mouthwatering steak specialties, but the seafood selections are worth a nibble too. 717 Chestnut Street, (215) 925-6000, uniontruststeakhouse.com

Desserts And Sweets:

• The Franklin Fountain – Old-fashioned Victorian charm is the perfect setting for the homemade, hand-dipped ice cream. Dozens of flavors made with seasonal fruits are delicious in a cone or dish or as step one on a mountainous sundae. 116 Market Street, (215) 627-1899, franklinfountain.com
• Tartes – Packed into this little jewel box of a bakery are more calories per square foot than imaginable. But forget about calories—everyone enjoys the rich homemade tarts, cookies and cakes. 212 Arch Street, (215) 625-2510

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality.

For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit gophila.com or uwishunu.com, where you can build itineraries; search event calendars; see photos and videos; view interactive maps; sign up for newsletters; listen to Hear Philly, an online radio station about what to see and do in the region; book hotel reservations and more. Or, call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Historic Philadelphia, at (800) 537-7676.

Contact(s):

• Cara Schneider, (215) 599-0789
• Donna Schorr, (215) 599-0782