A Fertilizer Trader's Guide to Philadelphia
 
 
Hungry?
 
Benjamin FranklinWe guarantee that you will have a good meal during your stay in Philadelphia. Even our airport was recently commended as serving the best food of its type in the country. We don t want to compete with the Zagat Guide, but we thought that it would be helpful if we listed some of our favorites. Reservations are important at the better establishments and are taken seriously, so plan to be seated promptly. Call if you are running late. If you have any dietary concerns, do not hesitate to ask direct questions of your servers. Most of the kitchens on this list will be pleased to accommodate your specific needs.
 
IRM's Top 20 Restaurants

  1. The Fountain
    The Four Seasons Hotel One Logan Square Center City West (215).963.1500 A beautiful setting with exceptional four star food and service. A good spot for a quiet power breakfast.

  2. Lacroix
    The Rittenhouse Hotel 210 West Rittenhouse Square Rittenhouse Square (215).546.9000 Recently renovated and owned by the former chef at the Four Seasons. The food is exceptional. This is a quiet setting with picturesque views of Rittenhouse Square. This is also a good spot for a quiet power breakfast.

  3. Le Bec Fin
    1523 Walnut Street Rittenhouse Square (215).567.1000 Five Stars, French, world class, almost too much so. Reserve this joint for the few producers that still have American Express Cards.

  4. Vetri
    1312 Spruce Street Washington Square West (215).732.3478 Mario Batali calls Vetri "the best Italian restaurant in America". We agree. Their prix fixe nine-course meal will fill your stomach with great and innovative food but empty your wallet of cash. Reservations highly recommended.

  5. Morimoto
    723 Chestnut Street Center City (215).413.9070 The Iron Chef lives here! Very new age, and very, very good. Reservations are a must. We would like to hear some reviews from our Japanese friends.

  6. The Saloon
    750 South 7th Street Queens Village (215).627.1811 Great Food. Great Atmosphere. Northern Italian chop House seafood too. Listen to the specials carefully. Real fertilizer salesmen will be seen here. Both the Tuna and Porterhouse steaks are exceptional, so is the broccoli rabe. Try to take home one of the sassy waitresses!

  7. Amada
    217 Chestnut Street Old City (215).625.2450 Iron Chef Jose Garces brings authentic Spanish tapas to his flagship restaurant here in Old City. If you grab seven friends, you can order a whole suckling pig. This alone is worth making seven new friends. (Pig must be ordered three days in advance.)

  8. Talula s Garden
    210 W. Washington Square Washington Square (215).592.7787 Seasonal and farm fresh cuisine served in a comfortable yet elegant setting. Must try: any of their cheese plates.

  9. Matyson (BYOB)
    37 South 19th Street Rittenhouse Square (215).564.2925 At the top of Philadelphia's BYOB restaurants (Bring your own bottle), Matyson has an edge with their innovative New American cuisine. Keep an eye out for the weekly tasting menus.

  10. Buddakan
    325 Chestnut Street Old City (215).574.9440 This is one of our favorites, as it is just around the corner from our office. The calamari salad is excellent as well as the miso soup. We also suggest the aged beef. The coffee is also great. Book the "big" table if you have lots of friends.

  11. Butcher and Singer
    1500 Walnut Street Center City (215).732.4444 You may feel like asking the bartender for your martini "shaken, not stirred", as you wait for your perfectly cooked steaks.

  12. Supper
    926 South Street Queens Village (215).592.8180 Upscale modern American cuisine nestled in one of Philadelphia's most vibrant neighborhoods. Be sure to try the deviled eggs.

  13. Farm and the Fisherman (BYOB)
    1120 Pine Street Washington Square West (267).687.1555 This farm-to-table BYOB offers great cuisine in an intimate setting. Dish to try: the beet steak or the papardelle.

  14. Parc Restaurant Bistro and Cafe
    227 South 18th Street Rittenhouse Square (215).545.2262 You might think you are in Paris as you dine on recreated classic dishes as you watch the people stroll by in Rittenhouse Square. Dish to try: 1/2 Roast Chicken.

  15. Alma de Cuba
    1623 Walnut Street Rittenhouse Square (215).988.1799 You might think you are in Paris as you dine on recreated classic dishes as you watch the people stroll by in Rittenhouse Square. Dish to try: 1/2 Roast Chicken.

  16. Tequilas
    1602 Locust Street Rittenhouse Square (215).546.0181 Servers walk around with drinks on their heads as they dish up delicious Mexican food. Dish to try: Queso fundido.

  17. Garces Trading Company
    1111 Locust Street (Washington Square West) (215).574.1099 Garces Trading Company is a go-to spot for all meals with artisanal cheese and charcuterie in a bistro setting.

  18. Little Fish (BYOB)
    746 South 6th Street Queens Village (267).455.0172 This is a little restaurant that serves some of the best fish in town. Reservations highly recommended.

  19. The Dandelion Pub
    124 South 18th Street Rittenhouse Square (215).558.2500 Excellent fish and chips? Check. Beer? Check. You have now entered the bustling London scene here in Philadelphia.

  20. Continental
    138 Market Street Old City (215).923.6069
    1801 Chestnut Street Rittenhouse Square (215).567.1800
    Continental has two locations with comfort foods in vibrant settings. At their Old City location, you have the option to sit at the counter and be part of the crowd. In the Rittenhouse location, you have the option to sip and eat while swinging from the large wooden seats. Be sure to try one of their special martinis. The Buzz Aldrin is a favorite. Who doesn t love Tang?
Top of the Line
The Fountain The Four Seasons Hotel - One Logan Square - Center City (215).963.1500 Ext. 2611 A beautiful setting with exceptional four star food and service. A good spot for a quiet power breakfast.

Lacroix The Rittenhouse Hotel 210 West Rittenhouse Square - Center City (215).546.9000 Recently renovated and owned by the former chef at the Four Seasons. The food is exceptional. This is a quiet setting with picturesque views of Rittenhouse Square. This is also a good spot for a quiet power breakfast.

Le Bec Fin 1523 Walnut Street (215).567.1000 Five Stars, French, world class, almost too much so. Reserve this joint for the few producers that still have American Express Cards.

Vetri 1312 Spruce Street Washington Square West (215).732.3478 Mario Batali calls Vetri "the best Italian restaurant in America". We agree. Their prix fixe nine-course meal will fill your stomach with great and innovative food but empty your wallet of cash. Reservations highly recommended.

The Saloon 750 South 7th Street - South Philadelphia (215).627.1811 Great Food. Great Atmosphere. Northern Italian chop House seafood too. Listen to the specials carefully. Real fertilizer salesmen will be seen here. Both the Tuna and Porterhouse steaks are exceptional, so is the broccoli rabe. Try to take home one of the sassy waitresses!

Fine Dining
BuddakanThese restaurants are all on this list because this is where we go when we want to treat ourselves. They are not as expensive as the "Top of the Line" establishments. For the most part you are sacrificing only the pretentiousness. The food offered is excellent, worthy of your best friends and customers.

Buddakan 325 Chestnut Street Old City (215).574.9440 This is one of our favorites, as it is just around the corner from our office. The calamari salad is excellent as well as the miso soup. We also suggest the aged beef. The coffee is also great. Book the "big" table if you have lots of friends.

Rouge 205 S 18th St Center City - (215).732.6622 In Philadelphia there are several renditions of Dante s vision of the Gates of Hell One is a sculptural mural at the entrance to the Rodin Museum. Rouge is a similar work of art, initially reminding us of a cabaret we stumbled into on the last night of IFA in Rio. We had never seen such beautiful women. We managed to escape quickly with our wallets still intact. Rouge is a happening spot. The excellent limited menu kitchen is open until midnight. The action continues much later.

Morimoto 723 Chestnut Street Center City (215).413.9070 The Iron Chef lives here! Very new age, and very, very good. Reservations are a must. We would like to hear some reviews from our Japanese friends.

Amada 217 Chestnut Street Old City (215).625.2450 Iron Chef Jose Garces brings authentic Spanish tapas to his flagship restaurant here in Old City. If you grab seven friends, you can order a whole suckling pig. This alone is worth making seven new friends. (Pig must be ordered three days in advance.)

Talula s Garden 210 W. Washington Square Washington Square (215).592.7787 Seasonal and farm fresh cuisine served in a comfortable yet elegant setting. Must try: any of their cheese plates.

Butcher and Singer 1500 Walnut Street Center City (215).732.4444 You may feel like asking the bartender for your martini "shaken, not stirred", as you wait for your perfectly cooked steaks.

Parc Restaurant Bistro and Cafe 227 South 18th Street Rittenhouse Square (215).545.2262 You might think you are in Paris as you dine on recreated classic dishes as you watch the people stroll by in Rittenhouse Square. Dish to try: 1/2 Roast Chicken.

Alma de Cuba 1623 Walnut Street Rittenhouse Square (215).988.1799 You might think you are in Paris as you dine on recreated classic dishes as you watch the people stroll by in Rittenhouse Square. Dish to try: 1/2 Roast Chicken.

White Dog Caf 3420 Sansom Street West Philadelphia (215).386.9224 If you crave a dustup with a liberal, environmentalist or similar this is the place for you. Located at the edge of Penn s campus, the food is really pretty good. Ignore the vegetarian and organic propaganda on the menu. The Salmon burger is a favorite; also the three egg omelet. There is a private room which is excellent for a small dinner party amongst friends. We suggest the Spanish brandy at the bar after a dozen; those liberal women start to look pretty good. This joint should be somewhat quiet as school will be out.

Yang Ming 1051 Conestoga Rd Bryn Mawr (610).527.3200 This very popular upscale Chinese restaurant is in the suburbs, about 30 minutes from downtown in off traffic hours. You will need private transport, as a cab will be just too much of a hassle. This is the K-Man's favorite spot. He never visits Philadelphia without eating here at least once, sometimes several times. The food is exceptional and the service is even better; no plate throwing waiters need apply. Tell the owner Alan that Mit-z sent you.

Panorama Penn's View Hotel Front & Market Streets Old City (215).922.7800 This is our favorite upscale Italian spot. The wine list is extensive, and the Northern Italian cuisine is very good. The basement wine cellar is a good spot for a private function. This is also a good launching spot for a post dinner excursion to the East Market Street scene.

Fork 306 Market Street Old City (215).625.9425 Located right in the heart of the East Market Street scene, the Fork is relatively new, serving modest portions from an innovative menu. Consider a sidewalk table if the weather is favorable.

Local Favorites

Matyson (BYOB) 37 South 19th Street Rittenhouse Square (215).564.2925 At the top of Philadelphia's BYOB restaurants (Bring your own bottle), Matyson has an edge with their innovative New American cuisine. Keep an eye out for the weekly tasting menus.

Supper 926 South Street Queens Village (215).592.8180 Upscale modern American cuisine nestled in one of Philadelphia's most vibrant neighborhoods. Be sure to try the deviled eggs.

Farm and the Fisherman (BYOB) 1120 Pine Street Washington Square West (267).687.1555 This farm-to-table BYOB offers great cuisine in an intimate setting. Dish to try: the beet steak or the papardelle.

Tequilas 1602 Locust Street Rittenhouse Square (215).546.0181 Servers walk around with drinks on their heads as they dish up delicious Mexican food. Dish to try: Queso fundido.

Garces Trading Company 1111 Locust Street (Washington Square West) (215).574.1099 Garces Trading Company is a go-to spot for all meals with artisanal cheese and charcuterie in a bistro setting.

Little Fish (BYOB) 746 South 6th Street Queens Village (267).455.0172 This is a little restaurant that serves some of the best fish in town. Reservations highly recommended.

The Dandelion Pub 124 South 18th Street Rittenhouse Square (215).558.2500 Excellent fish and chips? Check. Beer? Check. You have now entered the bustling London scene here in Philadelphia.

Continental 138 Market Street Old City (215).923.6069 and 1801 Chestnut Street Rittenhouse Square (215).567.1800 Continental has two locations with comfort foods in vibrant settings. At their Old City location, you have the option to sit at the counter and be part of the crowd. In the Rittenhouse location, you have the option to sip and eat while swinging from the large wooden seats. Be sure to try one of their special martinis. The Buzz Aldrin is a favorite. Who doesn t love Tang?

Melrose Diner 1501 Snyder Avenue South Philadelphia (215).467.6644 This joint serves classic American diner food in the neighborhood. Take your friends for a midnight breakfast. The Spanish omelet is really an Italian Omelet, the scrapple is crispy, and the hot apple pie in vanilla sauce is beyond description. Good coffee. We saw Elvis on our last visit really.

Fitzwater Caf 7th & Fitzwater Streets South Philadelphia - (215).629.0428 This is a quiet informal neighborhood Caf one block from the Saloon. We like the quality for value ratio here. Although the menu is limited for both breakfast and lunch, we expect that you will be pleased. The large kitchen is also a bakery for the Saloon. Miraculously they have free parking.

Snockey's 2nd Street & Washington Avenue South Philadelphia (215).339.9578 This is a classic neighborhood fish house. The prices are great, the beer is cheap and the fish is very fresh; served au naturel.

Reading Terminal Market Favorites
Dutch Eating PlaceBy mid-week, your credit cards are starting to wear thin. At the same time you might want to see how the local's eat. We list below where we go when we crave a meatloaf platter, a big omelet, or some local seafood served without a double reduction sauce.

Reading Terminal Market 51 N. 12th Street (12th and Arch Streets) Center City is America's Oldest Farmer's Market. A few blocks from major tourist attractions like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and City Hall, it is a great place to stop for a quick lunch or a leisurely stroll through the market as you snack on some of the best eats in Philadelphia. Here are a few of our favorite spots to stop in the Terminal.

Down Home Diner Excellent southern American diner food. Formica tables, juke box, grits and collard greens. Try the meatloaf. For breakfast the farmer's scrambled eggs. The scrapple is always good. Take one of these waitresses home at your own risk.

Dutch Eating Place *Open Wednesday through Saturday with counter service only If you arrive late expect to wait a short while in line. There are usually several cops at the counter, which is always a good sign. You will never taste fresher eggs... served by friendly Amish maidens, equally farm fresh.

DiNic s Voted America's Best Sandwich, expect to wait in line for one of their classic Roast Pork Sandwiches. It's worth the wait.

Salumeria If you are looking for a place to taste some cheese while you order your hoagie, look no further. Be sure to get the "house dressing" on your sandwich.

Sang Kee Peking Duck If you need a Chinese food fix, Sang Kee is one of the best places to go. From their roasted pork wonton soup to their Peking duck, you will not leave hungry. Note: they have a full-style restaurant in Chinatown as well.

The Famous 4th Street Cookie Company With a wide selection of their large, decadent cookie varieties, you can't go wrong if you choose chocolate chip over snickerdoodle at this Philadelphia mainstay. Of course, you could just get both.

Miller's Twist *Open Wednesday through Saturday Philadelphians love their pretzels, and Miller's Twist offers the Amish version. Be sure to get more than one because you won't want to share.

Beiler's Bakery *Open Wednesday through Saturday Grab a number and drool at the variety of sticky buns, pies, breads, and cookies that Beiler's offers. Our personal favorite is the sticky buns with raisins.

Termini Brothers Bakery After you eat some scrapple at the Down Home Diner, be sure to leave room for a cannoli from Termini Brothers right next door. You won't find a better cannoli anywhere else in the U.S.

Cheesesteaks

Philadelphia is known for their cheesesteaks served with some Philly attitude. Be prepared to wait in long lines and bark your order at the window. Here is a short list of where to get a Philly Cheesesteak. We recommend taking a taxi.

Jim's Steaks 400 South Street South Philadelphia

Tony Luke's 39 East Oregon Avenue South Philadelphia

Pat's 1237 E. Passyunk Avenue (9th and Wharton Streets)

Geno's 1219 S. 9th Street (9th and Passyunk)

Pat's and Geno's are across the street from each other and have a notorious feud to be the best Cheesesteak. If your arteries can take it, do the "taste test" to see which is better: Pat's or Geno's.

Chain Restaurants
We have a handful of the major upscale chain restaurants. Most are located in Center City and are within distance of each other and not surprisingly the convention hotels. We know that some of our visitors will feel more comfortable with these venues. It is important to note though that while these venues are highly successful in other metropolitan areas; they face serious competition in this market.

McCormick and Schmick s Seafood & Steaks One South Broad Street (across the street from the Ritz-Carlton) - Center City (215).568.6888 We have spent tens of thousands of dollars at the sister restaurants in Portland and Oregon over twenty years. The Philadelphia rendition, which is reasonably new, carries on the tradition with excellent seafood, and much faster service than their western brethren.

The Palm 200 South Broad Street (first floor of The Bellevue Hotel) Center City (215).546.7256 In our opinion this is the best of the local nationally branded chop houses. A steak is always available at lunch, even if it is not on the featured menu; just ask.

Chart House 555 S. Columbus Blvd. Old City (215).625.8383 Typical of other Chart Houses, this one too offers a river view. Fortunately the Delaware River at this point is very wide so only the eagle eyed will get a clear view of Camden.

Smith & Wollensky Rittenhouse Hotel 210 West Rittenhouse Square Center City (215).545.1700

The Capital Grille 1338-46 Chestnut Street Center City (215).545.9588

Morton s 1411 Walnut Street Center City (215).557.0724

Ruth s Chris Steak House 260 South Broad Street Center City (215).790.1515

 

  
     
 
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