Philadelphia’s Best Restaurants

Price Key

Best Special Occasion Restaurant [1]: Take the elevator up to XIX [1] ($$$), or Nineteen, named for its location on the 19th floor of the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue. You’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city along with unique, perfectly prepared cuisine in one of the city’s most elegant settings.

Best Coffee [2]: For true strong-coffee lovers, La Colombe [2] ($) is the spot. This is the coffee served by many of the city’s other great coffee shops, so why not go straight to the source.

Best Neighborhood Restaurant [3]: The Fairmount neighborhood has a sprinkling of great restaurants and bars, and Bridgid’s [3] ($$) is a shining star among them, with a stellar beer selection and a small but high-quality lunch and dinner menu. The prices and friendly atmosphere are top-notch.

Best Brunch [4]: Sabrina’s Café [4] ($) offers heaping portions of delicious omelettes and stuffed French toast to eager locals. Be prepared to wait for a table on weekends — but it’s worth it.

Best Vegan Restaurant [5]: Just off South Street, the creative and unexpected flavors of the “New Vegan” cuisine at Horizons [5] ($$) work so well that even carnivores won’t miss the meat.

Most Socially Conscious Restaurant [6]: A University City mainstay, White Dog Café [6] ($$$) is a place where you can feel good about what you’re eating and who you’re supporting. The focus is on locally sourced ingredients and progressive business practices; the result is ultra-fresh, delicious food.

Best Bar Food [7]: The Standard Tap [7] ($) is a Northern Liberties staple offering excellent burgers, fries, and other fare in a lively, young atmosphere. Go for dinner, and stay for drinks to make a night out of it.

Most Romantic Waterfront Dining [8]: Philadelpia’s most romantic restaurant just happens to be on the waterfront. You’ll find the elegant Water Works Restaurant [8] ($$$) overlooking the Schuylkill River.

Best Delivery [9]: While most places only deliver within a short range of their shop, Tiffin [9] ($) offers service to all of Center City and beyond, with plans to expand to the entire city. They also happen to serve the best affordable Indian food in town.

Best Old World Pizzeria [10]: For an authentic Philly experience and the city’s best pizza, you’ll have to get off the beaten path. The family-owned Tacconelli’s Pizzeria [10] ($), in its fifth generation in the Port Richmond neighborhood, still serves up the best thin-crust pizza around).