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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Old City

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25 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Buddakan - Philadelphia restaurant
1. Buddakan - Philadelphia
4.7
Exceptional(11332)
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 Amada PHL restaurant
2. Amada PHL
4.7
Exceptional(8721)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • Old City
Booked 45 times today
Amada is an Andalusian tapas bar & restaurant where Chef Jose Garces embraces the rich traditions of Spanish gastronomy while incorporating avant-garde cooking techniques in a gorgeous rustic-chic settingSpecialties of the HouseSpanish Octopus, Garlic Shrimp, Tortilla Española, Paella Valenciana, Whole Roasted Suckling Pig (Call to order 72 hours in advance, excluding Sundays), Seasonal Sangrías, Cocktails, and Wine.Private Parties: Amada welcomes groups of all sizes. Festive settings, service and menus are perfect for intimate dinners with friends, special occasions and holidays, corporate meetings and staff parties. Events can be booked throughout the restaurant and in our private dining rooms seven days a week. For parties of 10 or more, please call our private events team at 267-284-7979 or email events@garcesgroup.com
A photo of Fork - Philadelphia restaurant
3. Fork - Philadelphia
4.7
Exceptional(5119)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Old City
Booked 36 times today
Fork in Philadelphia has been a hot spot for over 25 years, with its commitment to seasonality, locally sourced ingredients, and an evolving menu that's both creative and consistently delicious. The dining room boasts gorgeous contemporary murals and a central bar where you can watch the action. Reviewers consistently rate the restaurant highly for its warm and friendly service, attentive staff, and outstanding food. It's a favorite spot for both casual meals and special occasions, as described by Esquire as one of the '100 Restaurants We Can't Afford to Lose'.
A photo of Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti restaurant
4. Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti
4.6
Exceptional(3962)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old City
Booked 29 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!
A photo of Red Owl Tavern restaurant
5. Red Owl Tavern
4.4
Awesome(1483)
Price: Expensive
• American • Old City
Booked 7 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!
A photo of Craftsman Row Saloon restaurant
6. Craftsman Row Saloon
4.5
Awesome(1152)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old City
Booked 67 times today
Craftsman Row Saloon is a hot spot due to its festive atmosphere and delicious food, as highlighted in the reviews. Customers love the seasonal changes, creative presentations, and the excellent service. The restaurant has also been featured on The Travel Channel's Food Paradise and more, making it a must-visit place. One review said, 'Simple comfort foods done well, with some fun twists. The decorations make it such a fun atmosphere and hot spot it visit.'
A photo of Parc restaurant
7. Parc
4.8
Exceptional(17426)
Price: Expensive
• French • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 237 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."
A photo of The Love restaurant
8. The Love
4.8
Exceptional(7304)
Price: Expensive
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 177 times today
Aimee Olexy and Stephen Starr's The Love is a bi-level sanctuary features 150 seats, split between the main dining room, sidewalk seating, and an upper-level loft. The restaurant is a spirited and carefree neighborhood café celebrating everyday American cuisine. The menu is crafted around what’s truly seasonal and local, while the beverage program reflects the best of the region. This creative energy is matched by a front-of-house service staff passionate about providing homey hospitality morning, noon and night.
A photo of Talula’s Garden restaurant
9. Talula’s Garden
4.9
Exceptional(13229)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Washington Square
Booked 90 times today
Behind the wrought iron gate, past the herbaceous patio and through the atrium is Talula's Garden, the warm and elegant Washington Square eatery from Aimee Olexy and Starr Restaurants. The modern menu, prepared with carefully-sourced ingredients and a light European touch, changes with the seasons. The artful cuisine, hospitable staff, sustainable spirits, and a focus on cheese make the dining experience here incredibly memorable.
A photo of Morimoto restaurant
10. Morimoto
4.7
Exceptional(6770)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Center City
Booked 56 times today
Morimoto is serving contemporary Japanese cuisine. Chef Masaharu Morimoto of Iron Chef prepares traditional dishes with a modern flair.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Dionne
    Philadelphia County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Fantastic service from everyone in the restaurant. I’ve felt POST COVID, customer service at restaurants has been poor but the service, food, and drinks were exceptional tonight. Very happy I chose an old favorite to celebrate my bday.
    More info
    Buddakan - PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Asian• Old City
    •
    4.7
  • Briellen
    Minneapolis - St. Paul •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Had some of the best food I’ve ever eaten at Fork. The service was excellent and they went out of their way to offer recommendations to us while visiting Philly. Recommend it to anyone visiting who doesn’t want touristy vibes.
    More info
    Fork - PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Old City
    •
    4.7
  • KatherineVIP
    Central Kentucky •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 14 Dec 2024
    Food was good. The place was busy which meant the server was spread pretty thin. It was nice that the managers were out greeting the guests.
    More info
    Red Owl TavernPrice: Expensive• American• Old City
    •
    4.4
  • Karell
    Philadelphia County •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 14 Dec 2024
    Amada is in my Mount Rushmore of fine dining! It’s a must do kind of experience for any date or joyous occasion. I love the dim lighting, romantic vibe, soft sexy instrumental music playing in the background, and very attentive staff. The bathroom even smelled great! There are so many delicious flavors to try with the tapas and the price is surprisingly reasonable for what you get! Thanks Again!!
    More info
    Amada PHLPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Old City
    •
    4.7
  • Henry
    Philadelphia County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 13 Dec 2024
    This is my new go-to place for Italian. Everything about the experience was beyond expectations.
    More info
    Positano Coast by Aldo LambertiPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old City
    •
    4.6

Discover best hot spot restaurants in Old City

Discover the vibrant culinary scene of Old City, Philadelphia County, where dining options meet the mark for every taste enthusiast searching for "hot spots." Nestled in the historic heart of Philadelphia, this area boasts an array of restaurants that are celebrated for their atmosphere, innovative menus, and excellent service. From award-winning Italian cuisines to cozy saloons offering comfort foods with a twist, Old City is a prime destination for food lovers. The restaurants here are known for their dedication to quality, using locally sourced ingredients and providing a dining experience that's both unique and memorable. Visitors can expect a mix of elegant, intimate settings and lively, festive atmospheres, making each visit a distinct encounter. Whether you're planning a special night out or a casual meal with friends, Old City's restaurant scene provides an exceptional blend of culinary excellence and cultural charm, making it a true hot spot in Philadelphia.

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