Best Restaurants for People Watching in Center City

16 restaurants available nearby

1. Time

4.5

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Center City

When seated in the dining room during a performance there will be a $5 charge per person to support our ability to present live local music.Time offers something for everyone. The cuisine at Time focuses on seasonal American cuisine. Every palate will be satisfied by the plates that Executive Chef Pat Szoke creates in a cosmopolitan, stylish atmosphere. The main dining room offers an elegant bar, ample comfortable seating and live music every night. The Whisky Bar & Tap Room offers twenty beers on draft, over One Hundred single malts, small batch bourbons, whiskeys and Ryes as well as a 3 flat screens with the game on. The upstairs Lounge dances until 2:00am Fridays and Saturdays. This space is also great for private events throughout the week!

A photo of Marathon - 16th & Sansom restaurant

2. Marathon - 16th & Sansom

4.5

Awesome(902)

Price: Moderate

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 30 times today

Marathon has served the neighborhoods of Philadelphia for over 25 years as a family-run restaurant group. We serve well-made American classics, and strive to source the freshest food locally available to us, including from our own Marathon Farm in Brewerytown, Philadelphia. Our favorite farm to table items include our grass-fed Cheesesteak, free-range Turkey Plate, and fluffy Omelets made with cage-free eggs.

3. Parc

4.8

Exceptional(17313)

Price: Expensive

• French • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 319 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."

4. a.kitchen

4.8

Exceptional(2072)

Price: Expensive

• French American • Center City

Booked 27 times today

a.kitchen is an all-day French-inspired American restaurant under Executive Chef Eli Collins. His new bistro-style menu allows guests to stop by for a few small plates or enjoy a more traditional dinner or lunch. The restaurant continues to be a top wine destination in the country with its innovative natural and terroir driven list representing regions throughout the world. Reservations are available for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. a.bar, at 1737 Walnut Street, is the sibling to a.kitchen and has a cocktail focus. It also serves snacks, burgers, salads and other seasonal selections.

A photo of Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant restaurant

5. Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2122)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Center City

Booked 59 times today

For parties of 5 or larger, please contact the restaurant directly by visiting www.grancaffelaquila.com or calling 215.568.5600Authentic Italian Restaurant, Caffe, Bar, Luxury Italian Market, & Italian Culture School. The culinary and wine program is based on all 20 regions of Italy including wine, cocktail, and beer selections crafted by award winning culinary and wine director Riccardo Longo. The experience also featuring Gelato from the Italian Gelato Champion Maestro Stefano Biasini as well as award winning coffee roasted in house. Private events including Lunch, Dinner, Apertivo, and Tasting Menus designed to each groups desires. Best of Philly Readers Choice Best Italian Restaurant Winner and Gambero Rosso rated Top Italian Restaurants in the world; Featuring an expertly trained staff and authentic environment.2nd Floor Reservations are for Lunch & Dinner service only. Dessert service may be provided on our first level anytime.

6. Aleksandar

4.6

Exceptional(491)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary European • Center City

Booked 24 times today

Aleksandar is the newest addition to the acclaimed Rittenhouse Square restaurant scene. We are inspired by seasonal ingredients, chef-driven techniques, and the traditions and flavors of ancestral and modern Europe. With floor-to-ceiling windows, large-scale original artwork, and cozy wood finishes, we at Aleksandar strive to marry Old World authenticity and modern culinary flare. Aleksandar is an approachable introduction to different corners of Europe, a place to discover new flavors and old traditions. Reservations are highly recommended. Walk-ins are accommodated whenever possible. We look forward to your visit!

7. Mabu Kitchen

4.8

Exceptional(172)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary French • Center City

Booked 6 times today

BYOB French restaurant with a unique blend of Southern-inspired cuisine and bistro classics: think Confit Fried Chicken and Waffle, and Steak au Poivre. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, with antique mirrors lining the walls, candlelight, and warm and friendly service. We have seasonal outdoor seating along a lovely alleyway with potted blooms and bird serenades.Located on historic Antique Row, this charming spot is a great place to meet for a special occasion, date-night, business meal, or a casual dinner with friends. This is a small family-owned business and everything is made to order. Grab your favorite bottle of wine and head to this hidden gem to experience a contemporary take on French cuisine.

A photo of Louie Louie Bistro Bar restaurant

8. Louie Louie Bistro Bar

4.6

Exceptional(1771)

Price: Moderate

• French American • University City

Booked 29 times today

Located in University City, Louie Louie is an American bistro with a French inspired menu offering seasonal, ingredient-inspired dishes based on a classical combination of flavors. House-made pastries and an extensive beverage program highlighting wines by the glass and bottle as well as seasonal specialty cocktails and craft beers add to the dining experience. The décor pays homage to Art Nouveau and European cafes with a touch of the 1970s. Traditional wood tones, reclaimed subway tiles, tried and true black and white marble stones as flooring and wainscoting and blue and buttery leathers, fabrics and patterns bring color and graphic identities to the space. The Lounge offers custom lux seating, perfect for gathering with friends for cocktails and snacks. Outdoor seating reminiscent of French cafes is the ideal spot for dining and people watching.

9. Apricot Stone

4.8

Exceptional(448)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Fishtown

Booked 17 times today

WE HAVE MOVED TO OUR NEW LOCATION 426 W GIRARD AVE.Currently we are offering indoor dining.Tables of 2 guests are reserved for 1.5 hours and tables of 3+ guests a 2 hour dining period from original reservation time. We will hold your reservation up to 15 minutes past your reservation start time. Apricot Stone is a cozy restaurant serving traditional Armenian, Eastern Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern dishes. Guests can share appetizers and enjoy large portioned entrée plates. The menu is comprised of plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and fresh domestic meats. There is a 3.95% processing fee on all card payments.We offer dine in, take out, catering and delivery through our online ordering partners.

A photo of Con Murphy's Irish Pub restaurant

10. Con Murphy's Irish Pub

4.7

Exceptional(452)

Price: Moderate

• American • Center City

Booked 6 times today

Con Murphy's is an authentic cozy Irish Pub in the heart of Center City. Just a stones throw from Philly's best museums, hotels & attractions. Serving perhaps the best pint of Guinness in the city, along with other craft beers and signature cocktails, a classy yet comfortable pub awaits you. With an outdoor patio right on The Ben Franklin Parkway there's no better place for people watching & taking in a nice sunset.Con Murphy's has created a menu to please all palates from the traditional Shepherds Pie (made with Lamb) & Fish'n'Chips & the local favorite Philly Cheesesteak.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
John
Philadelphia County •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Delicious lunch of Nicoise Salad, chicken liver parfait , mushroom soup, and profiteroles. Lunch delicious as usual. Service very good. Bar seats full at 2pm, reservations recommended. Take out order of cheeseburger was missing the caramelized onions. Tomato and lettuce are not automatically included on burger and must be requested if desired.
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ParcPrice: Expensive• French• Rittenhouse Square
•
4.8
D
Davidvip
New York City •52 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great experience. Food was excellent. Wine list was very nice. We picked a Sagrantino. Very nice. Kitchen accommodated a couple of special requests. Very pleased.
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Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Center City
•
4.8
T
Tedvip
Philadelphia County •87 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
This cozy restaurant turns out great food and very good drinks. It’s noisy, but in a comforting way. The menu is varied blending ingredients in a novel way. It works. The service is attentive, but not rushed
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a.kitchenPrice: Expensive• French American• Center City
•
4.8
L
Linda
New York City •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 9, 2024
Delicious food and great service! I had the 18 hour brisket and it was delicious!
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Marathon - 16th & SansomPrice: Moderate• American• Rittenhouse Square
•
4.5
U
Uzo
Charlotte •1 review
5.0
Dined on Oct 14, 2024
Drinks were strong, buffalo wings were perfectly cooked and not too saucy. The fries left a bit to be desired and were a little dry on the inside but not bad! They have a robust whiskey selection and the band was grooving all night. Definitely the place for a date, solo or otherwise if you want some good grub and a jazzy atmosphere
More info
TimePrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Center City
•
4.5

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Center City

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Center City

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16 restaurants available nearby

1. Time

2. Marathon - 16th & Sansom

3. Parc

4. a.kitchen

5. Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant

6. Aleksandar

7. Mabu Kitchen

8. Louie Louie Bistro Bar

9. Apricot Stone

10. Con Murphy's Irish Pub

See what locals rave about

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