The Top 10 Restaurants in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a historic city with a lot of heritage and some of the Philadelphia landmark restaurants have a history, as well. Home to the Philly Cheese Steak, the restaurants offer a unique diversity that offers something for everybody.

* Friday, Saturday, Sunday, (www.frisatsun.com) is one of those parts of the Philadelphia landscape that is a fun, and longtime favorite by locals and tourists, alike. Voted the best tiny romantic restaurant by Philadelphia Magazine, the romantic dining room and upstairs tank bar offers some of the most splendid food like “superb roast duck or best poached fish in town”, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Entrees are $20 to $29 for the Rack of Australian Lamb.

* Le Bec Fin, (www.lebecfin.com) -a Philadelphia fixture since 1970, offers French cuisine in and elegant setting, but gentlemen no longer have to wear jackets and signature dishes like airy crab cake, poached salmon and pork tenderloin with truffle mashed potatoes are still on the new menu, where two people can dine for $100 or under, on items like tuna tartare with caviar or cote de boeuf for two.

* Barclay Prime, (www.barclayprime.com) has great service and amazing appetizers like the Kobe sliders, and one of the best soft-shell appetizers in season. Known for their much-touted Kobe cheesesteak, which is around $100 with a split of champagne- they also have Dover Sole, Seared Ahi and the famous Four Story Hill Farm 16 ounce strip steak, aged for 21 days. An elegant atmosphere for a steakhouse, and prices are in fine dining range, but the food is worth it.

* Dante & Luigi’s, (www.danteandluigis.com) - Philly’s oldest Italian restaurant has authentic Italian food and features a homemade “gravy” you can have served on pasta, veal, sweetbreads with mushrooms and onions or Chicken Parmigiana. Classic tiramisu is always a sure winner for dessert. It gets rave reviews for the friendly people, great service and terrific food at reasonable prices.

* The Plough and the Stars, (www.ploughstars.com), has continental flair in one of the city’s friendliest places to dine and drink, and has some of the best gourmet food in a gorgeous decor. From duck terrine, Irish smoked salmon with home-baked bread, mussels in cream, this Irish-French cuisine is like an upscale Irish restaurant and one of the busiest scenes in the Old City. Be sure to try the chocolate truffle cake for dessert. Entrees are reasonably priced, with most under $20.

* Prime Rib, (www.theprimerib.com), in The Warwick Hotel, is a Philly favorite, with pampering service they have offered over the years, the lump crab meat cocktails are jumbo, and the signature prime rib is huge, and so are the double lamb chops and two-pound stuffed lobster. #1 Steakhouse in DC, Baltimore and Philadelphia has live baby grand piano and string bass music for ambience. Prices are in fine dining range.

* Saloon Restaurant, (www.salonrestaurant.net), is a fixture of South Philly that is classified as a clubby, Italian steakhouse that has huge portions, and great décor. The Steaks are enormous and good, and the Italian dishes specials are well executed. Prices are in the mid-range.

* Thomas’s Restaurant, (www.thomasrestaurant.com), is right on Main Street and a great place to people watch, if you choose the outdoor seating. They have great prices on beer specials and some great appetizers. Happy hour has ½ price specials. Since 1982, they have offered brunch and classic dishes like steak frites, pan seared Salmon and jumbo lump crab cakes. Priced reasonable and choose from casual or go upstairs for fine dining.

* Upstares at Varalli’s, (www.varalliusa.com ), has a great location across from the Academy of Music and offers some unique tastes like grilled Mediterranean Octopus, House made Sausage of the Day, and PEI Mussels and Baby Clams, and that’s just the appetizers. Entrees include steaks, chops, ribs, duck and fish. Priced in the mid-range, it’s a great location with a city view.

* Valley Green Inn, (www.valleygreeninn.com), established in 1683, is a Philadelphia landmark that serves brunch, and some classics like chicken and waffles, lobster, shrimp and scallop hash, smoked salmon benedicts and a Phamous Philly cheesesteak omelet. Prices are reasonable and it’s a great place to take the family.

These are just a few of Philadelphia’s older, established and great eateries, each with a unique menu selection and ambience. Try the classic Cheesesteak sandwiches, but these offerings also have some of the best Philly has to offer.