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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Old City

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77 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Buddakan - Philadelphia restaurant
1. Buddakan - Philadelphia
4.8
Exceptional(11464)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Old City
Booked 99 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(8769)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • Old City
Booked 58 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
4.8
Exceptional(5192)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Old City
Booked 24 times today
Fork has been part of Philadelphia's exciting dining scene for over 25 years. Always evolving , Fork has stayed true to its mission, with a commitment to seasonality, carefully sourced local ingredients grown and produced by local farmers, producers and fishermen. Located in Old City, a neighborhood of art galleries, shops and independent small businesses, Fork is completely consistent with that spirit. The dining room includes gorgeous contemporary murals and a newly updated central bar where you can watch the action in our open kitchen or relax and enjoy the warm hospitality offered by our team.James Beard Winner-Outstanding Restaurateur, Ellen Yin, 2024James Beard Foundation Finalist - Outstanding Restaurateur, Ellen Yin, 2018, 2019, 2021; Best Chef Mid-Atlantic, Eli Kulp 2016Esquire - "100 Restaurants We Can't Afford to Lose" 20% gratuity added to all parties of 6+.
A photo of Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti restaurant
4. Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti
4.6
Exceptional(3999)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old City
Booked 26 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 La Famiglia Ristorante restaurant
5. La Famiglia Ristorante
4.8
Exceptional(2109)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Old City
Booked 7 times today
The Sena family tradition of culinary excellence dates back to early 1947 when Carlo “Papa” Sena began to cook in postwar Naples. The family carried this experience across the Atlantic and opened La Famiglia in 1976 in the shell of a Colonial tea warehouse. Today, La Famiglia stands as the finest Italian restaurant in Philadelphia and a major landmark on the city’s vibrant restaurant scene.
A photo of Panorama restaurant
6. Panorama
4.6
Exceptional(2751)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Old City
Booked 10 times today
Panorama is a special occasion restaurant because of its unique, intimate setting and unbeatable wine selection. Reviews often mention its 'quiet', 'relaxing', and 'beautiful' ambiance, making it perfect for special dinners, date nights, or even business meals. The service is consistently rated highly, and the food, especially the 'creative' and 'impeccable' dishes, is savored by all.
A photo of Spasso Italian Grill - Philadelphia restaurant
7. Spasso Italian Grill - Philadelphia
4.7
Exceptional(2627)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old City
Booked 13 times today
Spasso Italian Grill has been a neighborhood favorite for 23 years, specializing in homemade pasta, fresh daily seafood and tender veal all served at reasonable prices. Our relaxed atmosphere, personalized service & great food are sure to make you a regular. We have delivery options with Door Dash.
A photo of Red Owl Tavern restaurant
8. Red Owl Tavern
4.6
Exceptional(1496)
Price: Expensive
• American • Old City
Booked 10 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 Parc restaurant
9. Parc
4.8
Exceptional(17682)
Price: Expensive
• French • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 272 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 Saloon Restaurant restaurant
10. Saloon Restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2639)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • South Philly
Booked 67 times today
Saloon Restaurant is a special occasion destination with its warm, casual atmosphere and excellent food. As quoted from the reviews, it's a 'spectacular establishment' for Valentine’s Day, a 'fantastic birthday celebration place', a 'perfect setting for a friends dinner' and a 'go to place for special occasion'. With its authentic local antiques and vintage bars, it creates a unique and memorable dining experience.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Cara
    Key West / Florida Keys •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Amazing! One of the best meals we’ve ever had. Service was outstanding. Can’t wait to go back.
    More info
    La Famiglia RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Old City
    •
    4.8
  • SteveVIP
    Philadelphia County •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Every dish was a masterpiece. To start, we had the bacon wrapped dates (my server insisted that I'd love them although I'm not a dates fan), which was a perfect balance of flavors and textures. They were incredibly delicious. TheLolly Pop Lamb Chops was the highlight of the meal—cooked to perfection, with each bite better than the last. The flavors were bold and fresh, showcasing the chef's commitment to quality ingredients and expert preparation. We had a recommended Spanish wine that was also incredible. The service was attentive and also terrific. Great dining experience at Amada. BTW, I've been there before and insist that lamb lolly pops are best in Philly
    More info
    Amada PHLPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Old City
    •
    4.7
  • Daniel
    Philadelphia County •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Always terrific food and environment. Also, last night had a great server and manager who helped me find something I lost. Above and beyond. Highly recommended.
    More info
    Buddakan - PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Asian• Old City
    •
    4.8
  • SandraVIP
    Detroit / Eastern Michigan •20 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The food was excellent, the group have a great time. If we were to come back to Philadelphia again we would go back.
    More info
    Positano Coast by Aldo LambertiPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old City
    •
    4.6
  • Kay
    Philadelphia County •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    I've been dining at Fork for decades. It is rare for our experience to be anything but stellar from the inventive cocktails, delectable cuisine, and VERY friendly and accommodating staff.
    More info
    Fork - PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Old City
    •
    4.8

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Old City

In the historic heart of Old City, Philadelphia County, an array of restaurants caters to those looking to celebrate special occasions with style and substance. These establishments are renowned for their ability to create memorable dining experiences, offering a mix of sophisticated ambiance, exceptional service, and culinary excellence. Each restaurant in this locale provides a unique setting, from intimate and romantic to vibrant and lively, ensuring that every special occasion is marked with distinction. The dining scene in Old City is diverse, combining rich historical charm with contemporary culinary innovations, making it a prime destination for celebratory meals. Patrons can expect menus that feature creative dishes crafted from high-quality ingredients, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. Whether it's a milestone birthday, an anniversary, or a significant personal achievement, these restaurants offer the perfect backdrop for a memorable celebration. This summary, focusing on the collective attributes of these dining spots, reflects their commitment to providing a top-tier experience for any special occasion.

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