Celebrating a special occassion, dressy casual to dressy, Non-Asian food (we eat that too often), Center city preferred but not required (West of Philly is better than East), $25.00 - $35.00 entree price range is OK and I'm willing to spend a little more if necessary. A unique theme and/or unusual menu would be nice but a warm, quiet atmosphere for a comfortable table conversation is more important - though it would be nice to have both. Short time frame for reservations for 4 (Sat. 11/04/06). Liquor license or BYOB - either is OK. We are true diners so we don't like to feel rushed. Live music (Jazz or piano player) would be the icing on the cake! Thank you in advance for your input and suggestions.
2006-10-29 02:56:18 · 7 answers · asked by Elements Jazz 1 in Dining Out ➔ United States ➔ Philadelphia
Here are some reviews from a local.
Alma de Cuba (988-1799, 1623 Walnut)*Q
Excellent Cuban-inspired food. Certainly better than anything I could find to eat in Cuba. My current favorite restaurant in Philadelphia. (Why do we do we have four Cuban restaurants in Philadelphia?)
Tangerine (627-5116, 232 Market St.)*Q
Great decor, excellent food. Nouvelle Moroccan. fun. try it
Pasion! (875-9895, 211 S. 15th St)*
The leader in the Phila nuevo latino movement. Perhaps over-priced, but still very good.
La Familia (922-2803, 8 S. Front St)*
Upscale Italian. Recommendable food. It was off my list for a long time after the waiters insisted they knew what wine I wanted better than I did, but on my last visit the service was excellent. Consider Valentino's instead or, if you're willing to spend more, Vetri.
Pumpkin Restaurant 545-4448 1713 South St
I've had truely great meals at Pumpkin, and have been very happy with the service (in spite of what others have said). BYOB, cash only
Porcini (751-1175, 2048 Sansom) L
Nice neighborhood place - Italian. Owner is very friendly, but always underestimates the wait. Cozy (read "crowded") Still it is well worth going! BYOB.
Melograno (875-8116, 2201 Spruce) L, O
Nice neighborhood joint. Most people put it as the top Italian food in Ritt/Fit. Highly recommended. BYOB (not "Melongrano")
Valantino (545-0441, 267 S. 19th St) Superb food; best Italian food in the Rittenhouse Square area, and perhaps the best I have had in Philadelphia (except Vetri, which is in a different league). I hear that the other locations (1328 Pine) are equally good, and (unlike this location) are BYOB.
Le Castagne (1920 chestnut) 751-9913 *
Quite nice. Same price point as Caffe Costa Diva, more elegant (great lighting design, but that swirly wall art does not help the ambiance). Owned by the same people who brought you la Familia and Panorama. Worth trying. They have a liquor license, but a good Italian wine selection. Good place for talking - not too loud.
Gengi (564-1720, 1720 Sansom) Q
Best Japanese food in town. (Unless you're willing to drive to Sagami in NJ.)
Friday Saturday Sunday (546-4232, 261 S 21)
Neighborhood institution; pleasant informal atmosphere. Good wine prices. Still good after all these years.
Rouge (732-6622, 205 S. 18th) LL
Trendy place on Rittenhouse square. Excellent food and good wine but the music is generally too loud indoors. The outdoor tables are great when the weather is nice.
Mama Palma's (735-7357 2229 Spruce Street)
Fun collection of unusual pizzas. Although the waitresses are nice, the man in charge can be a little nasty. sells beer, but not wine.
Caffe Costa Diva (20th St)
Uneven. The best dishes are fantastic (great Veal Chop!), others are a little dull for the price.
The Bards (569-9585; 2013 Walnut)
Good (amazingly!) Irish food.
Audrey Claire (731-1222; 20th and Spruce)
Pleasant neighborhood place, but slightly dull food. I always have the Zuppa de Pesce, which I love. and the chocolate pot de creme. BYOB, no credit cards.
Dimitri's (24th and Pine) LOUD!!!
Not nearly as good as the S. 3rd street location, which has the best grilled squid in Philadelphia, but much more convenient and shorter lines. Too noisy for me.
Seafood Unlimited (732-3663, 270 S. 20th St)
Reasonably priced and casual. Not worth crossing town for, but nice to have in the neighborhood. (I never eat there, but buy lots of fish from them.)
Dock Street (496-0413, 2 Logan Square)
Micro-brewery with surprisingly decent food.
Center City - Central (moderate priced)
Passage To India (732-7300, 1320 Walnut Street)
Authentic Indian food (i.e. not fancy); good buffet.
Valanni - 12 /& Spruce.
Convenient for pre-theater; I hear it is getting to be reasonably good again.
Sansom Street Oyster House (567-7683, 1516 Sansom St)
Fresh seafood. Best to go in early evening. They have a `catch of the day' menu that provides a list of the fish caught that day.
Tequila's (a.k.a. Los Catrines) (546-0181, 1602 Locust)
I no longer go here after having found Taqueria le Veracruzana, which is my concept of a Mexican restaurant: all food and no elegance, but Tequila's is still a classic and a fun place to go. Don't miss the menu description of the "nachos obligatarios."
2006-10-29 03:13:39 · answer #1 · answered by redunicorn 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Mine is already taken, but I will emphasize Bravo. Great food in KC isn't hard to find, but this italian restaurant has such a romantic atmosphere. Granite city, is very tasty, and many good beers, but not as much on the romantic side. Melting pot down at the plaza is also delicious. It's fun too. Fondue pot in the middle of the table where they cook in front of you and you dip your food. The entire dinner with 2 people is around 100$ This includes appetizers, dinner, dessert, drinks. The tables are good for privacy, and the atmosphere is romantic. If you are tired of regular dinner dates this could mix it up.
2016-03-28 00:45:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a fan of the White Dog Cafe. West Philadelphia( Penn Campus)
Great food very interesting dining
2006-10-30 04:42:23 · answer #3 · answered by ishootpix 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I like an upstairs booth at McCormick and Schmicks. The Prime Rib is absolutely fabulous, but is outrageously expensive and jackets are required. I love Swanky Bubbles, but sparkling wine is my favorite drink. Margaret Kuo's is very good, but not in the city.
2006-10-29 21:54:09 · answer #4 · answered by maigen_obx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm. Intimate, quiet, elegant, live jazz a plus, dressy...try Zanzibar Blue in center city (http://www.zanzibarblue.com/menu.htm).
2006-10-29 08:34:00 · answer #5 · answered by ozymndius 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Il Portico is a beautiful restaurant in Center City. It is perfect for celebrations and quiet enough for conversation. Check it out:
http://www.il-portico.com/index.htm
2006-11-01 11:39:02 · answer #6 · answered by reviewee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went to the charter house on my one year wedding anniversary. It was right by the water, very romantic and intimate.
2006-10-29 08:23:51 · answer #7 · answered by SF Giants 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋