Best Lunch Restaurants in Center City

Great ambiance, a very creative menu, and a knowledgeable, friendly staff. I was pleasantly surprised to see a few Mexican wines on the list because they are so scarce in PA. We’re looking forward to our next visit.

We headed to El Vez for brunch, and let me start by saying: make a reservation. This spot is popular—and for good reason. While dinner reservations can be hard to snag, brunch turned out to be the perfect choice. The moment we walked in, we were transported. The decor is warm, colorful, and vibrant—everything you’d hope for in a great Mexican restaurant. There’s a cozy, welcoming vibe, but it’s also lively and buzzing with energy. The eclectic touches, like the low-rider bike suspended over the dining area, add just the right amount of whimsy without feeling over the top. It’s the kind of space that makes you want to stay and soak it all in. Now, onto the food—because wow. We started with the Macho Nachos, and let me just say, these are nachos done right. Served on a pizza-style pan, every single chip was covered in toppings—no sad, bare nachos at the bottom here. We went with chicken and chorizo for our proteins, and the combination was perfect. The chicken was tender and flavorful, the chorizo added a spicy kick, and everything was brought together with gooey melted cheese, fresh guacamole, and tangy salsa. It’s easily one of the best nacho dishes I’ve ever had. For the main course, we ordered the Steak Burrito and Huevos Rancheros. The burrito was phenomenal—the steak inside was unbelievably tender, and you could taste the care that went into seasoning it just right. Each bite melted in your mouth. The huevos rancheros were just as impressive, with eggs so fresh they practically stole the show. Paired with the perfect mix of beans, tortillas, and salsa, it was hearty and satisfying without being too heavy. We couldn’t resist trying their Blood Orange Margaritas, which were as refreshing as they were delicious. They were perfectly balanced—tangy, sweet, and just strong enough to keep us in that happy brunch mood. The service at El Vez was another highlight. The staff were warm, friendly, and attentive without being overbearing. They made us feel right at home

Vetri Cucina provided the experience we were seeking to celebrate our 46th wedding anniversary! Our table for 2 in a quiet corner of the cozy intimate dining room was perfect. Eric was our primary server provided so much care and attention we felt like we were his only table. He was supported by a team of 4 others who were equally attentive. The wine pairings were superb. There aren't enough adjectives to describe the exquisitely prepared plates. This was truly an exceptional evening right here in our city of Philadelphia!!

Great place with fabulous food. A little pricey, but that’s center city. Would definitely go back! Crab cakes and the swordfish were both delicious!!

Our first time turned out to be very good. We had reservations and was seated within a few minutes after our arrival. Our food was delicious. I had the "jumbo" crab cake that was listed as an appetizer. It was definitely not jumbo in size but was the best crab cake I've ever tasted.