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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Old City

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23 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Buddakan - Philadelphia restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(11353)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Old City
Booked 73 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
4.7
Exceptional(8726)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • Old City
Booked 21 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
4.7
Exceptional(5130)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Old City
Booked 22 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
4.6
Exceptional(3966)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old City
Booked 8 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 Craftsman Row Saloon restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1190)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old City
Booked 30 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
4.8
Exceptional(17464)
Price: Expensive
• French • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 162 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
4.8
Exceptional(7352)
Price: Expensive
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 151 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
4.9
Exceptional(13250)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Washington Square
Booked 79 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
4.7
Exceptional(6771)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Center City
Booked 53 times today
Morimoto is serving contemporary Japanese cuisine. Chef Masaharu Morimoto of Iron Chef prepares traditional dishes with a modern flair.
A photo of Saloon Restaurant restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2578)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • South Philly
Booked 57 times today
Saloon Restaurant is a hot spot because of its authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine and welcoming ambiance. Customers rave about the 'outstanding' service, 'amazing' food, and 'beautiful surroundings.' The 'unique and interesting' setting, which includes two dining rooms and a vintage bar, adds to the appeal. The restaurant's consistent quality and excellent value also make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Julia
    Philadelphia County •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We got lucky and got a last minute reservation yesterday after being on waitlist for a few days. Felt like I hit the lottery lol, as I know this restaurant starts booking up in October for the holidays! Timing worked out perfectly as we had to get my daughter to her bus back to another city where she lives — and we had exactly one hour to eat. Got seated right away, thankfully. Atmosphere is always festive this time of year, which is the main reason we wanted to eat here. Food arrived promptly and was tasty, service was good and we were on our way out the door on time as very satisfied customers! We will be back ☺️
    More info
    Craftsman Row SaloonPrice: Moderate• American• Old City
    4.4
  • RichardVIP
    Philadelphia County •55 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    We love this neighborhood gem. The food is always delicious. We are grateful for amazing service on Christmas Eve, many thanks! The wine selection is fantastic. Any seafood meal is always a hit.
    More info
    Positano Coast by Aldo LambertiPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old City
    4.6
  • cocco
    Austin •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Service was amazing, food was fantastic, drinks were delish. Couldn’t ask for a better experience.
    More info
    Amada PHLPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Old City
    4.7
  • Christina
    Philadelphia County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 24, 2024
    Christmas Eve Seven Fishes dinner was truly spectacular! The newly remodeled restaurant is beautiful, and the ambience was warm and buzzing. Can’t forget the food — which was wonderful. Owner Ellen Yin was there circulating and helping out the staff, which really made the whole night special. Thank you Fork for helping make this year’s Christmas festivities memorable!
    More info
    Fork - PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Old City
    4.7
  • Stefanie
    New York City •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 24, 2024
    We had such an excellent experience tonight. Our server Ryan was knowledgeable and friendly. Made awesome recommendations. We were very well tended to. Food was also outstanding. This was by far the best experience we had at Buddakan.
    More info
    Buddakan - PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Asian• Old City
    4.7

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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