Water Works Restaurant $$$

After major renovations of the architecturally-magnificent building, Water Works Restaurant opened in 2006 to much local and national acclaim. Part of the Fairmount Water Works National Historic Site [2] complex that once supplied water to the entire city, the restaurant occupies a lovely spot steps from the Philadelphia Museum of Art [3] and Boathouse Row [4] on the edge of the Schuylkill River.

The restaurant serves delicious New American cuisine with Mediterranean influences, and several different seating areas offer different vibes: there’s a dramatic, main dining room; a romantic glassed-in porch offering views of the River; and a stylish bar area.

When the weather is nice, you can dine al fresco on the River. The prices are fairly steep for dinner, but brunch offers another way to experience the unique atmosphere without breaking your budget.