Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Old City

123 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Buddakan - Philadelphia restaurant

1. Buddakan - Philadelphia

4.7

Exceptional(11293)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • Old City

Booked 93 times today

Stephen Starr’s Buddakan is a spectacular restaurant featuring exotic flavors of modern Asian cuisine with creativity and drama. Bon Appetit notes, "The mostly white space is striking, with a lit-from-within communal table in the middle of the room, a waterfall & a ten-foot, candle-bedecked Buddha. The religious icon watches over hip customers indulging in pan-Asian cuisine that far surpasses the fare usually found at hot spots like this." Newsweek reports, "Design also serves as a signifier for cuisine. You walk into Buddakan, one of the hottest new restaurants in Philadelphia, past a shimmering waterfall & Japanese river stones & you say to yourself, 'ginger-miso everything' even before you see the magnificent 10-foot Buddha dominating the dining room." Named one of “America's Top 50 Restaurants" by Travel & Leisure and 'Top Restaurant for Fun' by Gourmet, Buddakan has become one of the country's most talked about restaurants.

A photo of Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti restaurant

2. Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti

4.6

Exceptional(3955)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Old City

Booked 41 times today

Enjoy the beauty of the Amalfi Coast in Italy right in Old City while dining at Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti. Whether stopping in for brunch, lunch, dinner or happy hour, you'll love the seeing Philadelphia from our 2nd story view point. Known primarily for our fresh fish and seafood, we welcome our guests to savor a menu full of delicious selections, including some favorite dishes such as our spicy fried calamari, zucchini crabcake, tagliatelle bolognese and our pork chop milanese.Weekend Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am to 2:30pm. Enjoy our belgian waffles, avocado toast or brunch burger and pair them with our mimosa & sangria specials! Join us for happy hour Tuesday-Friday, between 4pm and 6pm.Outdoor Dining is available on both of our patios, and during warmer weather on our sidewalk cafe!

3. Mei Mei

4.5

Awesome(1482)

Price: Very Expensive

• Taiwanese • Old City

Booked 66 times today

Mei Mei led by Chef Jay Ho, is a vibrant cornerstone of Philadelphia's dining scene, offering a captivating blend of Asian fusion cuisine in the heart of Old City. Mei Mei is renowned for its lively atmosphere and innovative dishes that reflect Chef Jay Ho's creative vision and culinary expertise.The restaurant's ambiance is as inviting as it is stylish, with an energetic yet intimate vibe that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're seeking a lively evening out with friends or a memorable meal for a special occasion, Mei Mei provides a welcoming environment that caters to all occasions.

A photo of Tomo Sushi & Ramen restaurant

4. Tomo Sushi & Ramen

4.8

Exceptional(674)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Old City

Booked 23 times today

We are a BYOB sushi and ramen restaurant located in Old City, Philadelphia, serving traditional style sushi and ramen with a newfangled twist. Tomo was funded out of passion by two lifelong tomodachi (friends in Japanese): Sushi Chef Andy and Ramen Chef Steven.

5. BlackHen

4.4

Awesome(104)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old City

Booked 9 times today

Felicia Wilson-Bell and Executive Chef Darryl Harmon have teamed up for the second time to launch a newly successful restaurant – BlackHen Fried Chicken. Offering gourmet fried chicken unlike any other, this new venture is sure to amaze its customers. Plus, their unique take on brunch is not one to miss out on! With their first collaboration having been Amina Southern Cuisine, these two are familiar with success and are now back with an even greater menu of delicious eats.

6. Red Owl Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(1477)

Price: Expensive

• American • Old City

Booked 20 times today

Neighborly meets sophisticated at Red Owl, a modern tavern in the heart of Old City, just across from the Liberty Bell. Among soaring windows and cozy tables, the kitchen serves up smart, stylish takes on American staples (a cheesesteak never tasted as good as ours, made with premium shaved rib-eye). When paired with craft beers and classic cocktails, it’s a clever balance of fancy and familiar, with a dash of Philly flair.We look forward to seeing you soon!

7. Franklin Social Kitchen & Bar

3.8

Excellent(151)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Old City

Booked 5 times today

Franklin Social, at the Renaissance Hotel Philadelphia Downtown, serves up contemporary American dining in the heart of Philadelphia's Old City Historic District.Gather with friends, family and colleagues, as Ben Franklin frequently did in his time – He was quite the entertainer didn’t you know and enjoy a meal showcasing an attitude that's all Philly. Join us for a craft beer from around the corner, or an award-winning wine from around the world.Whether you're craving a quick bite or full meal, Franklin Social will bring you the best products and flavors from around the region to entice your taste buds. All of this Philly flair is brought to you by a friendly and engaging team that should make you feel right at home. Franklin Social allows you to take part in a piece of American history, while creating a piece of your own history all in a vibrant, welcoming environment.

8. Panorama

4.7

Exceptional(2700)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Old City

Booked 19 times today

Panorama brings the authentic flavors of Italy to the heart of the Old City, in the Penn’s View Hotel. Panorama elevates classic Italian specialties to new heights with a carefully composed menu of varied contemporary cuisine, such as house made burrata, hand rolled pastas and passionately crafted veal, lamb, steak & seafood dishes. Panorama was recognized with a Guinness World Record as the World’s Largest Wine Bar via an award bestowed on its custom-designed winekeeper/cruvinet, which offers 120 wines on tap.The restaurant is hyper-focused on wine, with up to 150 wines by the glass available at any time. Try one of our signature Panoramic Flights — a personal wine tasting offering a sampling of five different wines within a select group - from a selection of over 2 dozen fun and provocative themes.

9. The Olde Bar

3.8

Excellent(1524)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Old City

A contemporary oyster saloon that pays homage to the original tradition.The Olde Bar, located in Philadelphia’s landmark Old Original Bookbinder’s, is a contemporary oyster bar and cocktail lounge steeped in the city’s nautical and culinary traditions. Serving oysters on the half shell, alongside a smart menu of modern re-imaginings of traditional bar snacks and a comprehensive cocktail and spirit list, The Olde Bar is at once a tribute to the city’s storied past and an updated version of one of our most beloved dining spaces.For Reservations over 4, please contact the restaurant directly.

10. Parc

4.8

Exceptional(17313)

Price: Expensive

• French • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 296 times today

Stephen Starr's stylish addition to Rittenhouse Square pays tribute to French cafe culture, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, ideal for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Parc recalls the chic brasseries of Paris, serving classic French fare in a charming space. Red leather banquettes topped with frosted glass provide a sense of intimacy. Details such as well-worn wooden chairs, vintage framed paintings and photos and antique brass fixtures transport guests across the Atlantic. French doors spill onto a sidewalk terrace covered by a dark red awning perfect for dining "en plein air."

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

E
Erin
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Incredible flavors, outstanding food. Our waiter, Alex, was super knowledgeable and helpful.
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Spice FinchPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Center City
•
4.6
M
Marge
New Jersey •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We were celebrating our daughter's 50th birthday and couldn't have selected a better place to celebrate. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by a very friendly hostess who escorted us to our table for ten. Immediately we were greeted by our waiter Elvis who was the best. He was always on top of everything. We brought a cake in from the outside and had candles "50th" to be placed on the cake, but before that could be done Elvis informed me that one of the candles had been broken at which time he went across the street to try and replace it with no luck. Not a big deal but it was to us because of his tenacity. Would highly recommend a night of pour delectable food and atmosphere and the bar was on spot! We will go again often!
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DiPaolo's Ristorante ItalianoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Penns Grove
•
4.7
MO
MaggieOvip
Philadelphia County •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Food was delicious and flavorful. Drinks were very tasty as well
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La Llorona Cantina MexicanaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• South Philly
•
4.7
J
Jobina
Philadelphia County •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on 15 Nov 2024
Second time here in the last few months and tonight confirmed we need to come more. We tried all different things on the menu. Just yummy variety. The service is attentive and accurate.
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Toska Restaurant & BreweryPrice: Moderate• American• Chestnut Hill
•
4.8
S
Shadria
Philadelphia County •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 5 Oct 2024
AMAZINGGGGGG I LOVED IT!!!! I made a RSVP and was running behind schedule (typical me) they were so accommodating, especially since it was Game 1 of the playoffs. Amazing service! Food! First time visiting and I most certainly will be visiting again!!!! Shadria!
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Off the Rail - MediaPrice: Moderate• Grill• Media
•
4.7

Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Old City

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating options

Accessibility

123 restaurants available nearby

1. Buddakan - Philadelphia

2. Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti

3. Mei Mei

4. Tomo Sushi & Ramen

5. BlackHen

6. Red Owl Tavern

7. Franklin Social Kitchen & Bar

8. Panorama

9. The Olde Bar

10. Parc

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