The 10 Best Restaurants In Old City Philadelphia

Old City Philadelphia has a lot to offer: bountiful history, a beautiful waterfront, gorgeous parks, and many delicious restaurants. Read ahead for our guide to the best of the best in Old City’s dining scene.

1. Fork

Market, Restaurant, American

Fork should be on everyone’s list of places to dine. The restaurant features a gorgeous open kitchen and a classy, intimate setting that is great for small family events or lunchtime business meetings. All the food is artistically arranged, from the handmade squid-ink pasta to the Branzino ‘En Croute’.

2. Zahav

Restaurant, Israeli

As you enter Zahav, you are instantly welcomed by the sights and smells of old Jerusalem. The restaurant brings a modern urban twist to traditional Israeli cuisine, from the hummus served with their Laffa bread to the Lamb Merguez.

Cuba Libre

Cuba Libre introduces guests to Old Havana and Cuban heritage through their extensive indoor décor and food. The nenu has a wide variety of Latin food, from the classic Cubano to the more complex Paella. For those with a passion for nightlife and Latin dancing, Cuba Libre stays open Friday and Saturday after dinner hours with a DJ spinning salsa, merengue and bachata.
10 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19106 +1 (215) 627-0666

Amada

Amada features a menu of authentic Andalusia Tapas, as well as extensive selection of Spanish wines for perfect pairings. The restaurant is comprised of an open kitchen, dining room and a lounge area, as well as outdoor seating during warmer months, covering all the seating preferences any patron might be looking for.
217-219 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 +1 (215) 625-2450

3. FARMiCiA

Restaurant, Vegetarian, Vegan, American

Offering local, organic food from artisanal producers, Farmicia is a farm to table restaurant that specializes in healthy cuisine. In addition to the meat entrees, the menu features a substantial vegetarian and vegan list, with entrees such as Capelline & Sauteéd Tofu and Lemon & Artichoke Risotto Croquettes.

City Tavern

Located in the heart of historic Philadelphia, City Tavern lets you travel back in time with its colonial garb and décor. The City Tavern also offers four historic beers brewed by local Yards Brewing Co, which are inspired by the Founding Fathers.
138 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 +1 (215) 413-1443

4. Buddakan

Restaurant, Asian

Within sight of the historic Carpenter’s Hall is Buddakan. A few things that make Buddakan stand out are the faces that adorn the each of the white seats and the giant statue of Buddha that sits above the communal table. Patrons can either enjoy their meal at that communal table, or at one of the private tables along the sides.

5. Continental

Diner, Market, Restaurant, American, Vegetarian, Gluten-free

The façade at Continental is reminiscent of an old fashioned diner, but look carefully to spot the modern twists, like the sleek brown booths and the barstools decorated with olive cushions. One thing to note is the olive and toothpick light fixtures that you certainly won’t see anywhere else. The Continental is trendy and retro and offers a menu featuring everything from udon noodle soup to crab pad thai to cheesesteak eggrolls.

The Plough & the Stars

The Plough & Stars is a traditional Irish Pub with great food and live music every Sunday. During the warmer months, the restaurant has beautiful outdoor seating, complete with colorful flowers in the center of the table and umbrellas to block the sun. Guests can enjoy a pint of beer or glass of wine with the classic fish and chips, or try the heart healthy fish wrap.
123 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 +1 (215) 733-0300

The Gaslight

The Gaslight is a newer addition to the many long-standing restaurants of Old City Philadelphia. The menu is comprised of seasonal and local ingredients, and offers items such as foie gras torchon, pulled lamb sandwich or potato gnocchi. Despite the complexities of some menu items, the atmosphere of The Gaslight is casual and relaxed.
120 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 +1 (215) 925-7691

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.