Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Old City

20 restaurants available nearby

1. The Olde Bar

3.8

Excellent(1524)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Old City

A contemporary oyster saloon that pays homage to the original tradition.The Olde Bar, located in Philadelphia’s landmark Old Original Bookbinder’s, is a contemporary oyster bar and cocktail lounge steeped in the city’s nautical and culinary traditions. Serving oysters on the half shell, alongside a smart menu of modern re-imaginings of traditional bar snacks and a comprehensive cocktail and spirit list, The Olde Bar is at once a tribute to the city’s storied past and an updated version of one of our most beloved dining spaces.For Reservations over 4, please contact the restaurant directly.

2. Panorama

4.7

Exceptional(2701)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Old City

Booked 14 times today

Panorama brings the authentic flavors of Italy to the heart of the Old City, in the Penn’s View Hotel. Panorama elevates classic Italian specialties to new heights with a carefully composed menu of varied contemporary cuisine, such as house made burrata, hand rolled pastas and passionately crafted veal, lamb, steak & seafood dishes. Panorama was recognized with a Guinness World Record as the World’s Largest Wine Bar via an award bestowed on its custom-designed winekeeper/cruvinet, which offers 120 wines on tap.The restaurant is hyper-focused on wine, with up to 150 wines by the glass available at any time. Try one of our signature Panoramic Flights — a personal wine tasting offering a sampling of five different wines within a select group - from a selection of over 2 dozen fun and provocative themes.

3. Talula’s Garden

4.9

Exceptional(13165)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Washington Square

Booked 164 times today

Behind the wrought iron gate, past the herbaceous patio and through the atrium is Talula's Garden, the warm and elegant Washington Square eatery from Aimee Olexy and Starr Restaurants. The modern menu, prepared with carefully-sourced ingredients and a light European touch, changes with the seasons. The artful cuisine, hospitable staff, sustainable spirits, and a focus on cheese make the dining experience here incredibly memorable.

A photo of Craftsman Row Saloon restaurant

4. Craftsman Row Saloon

4.6

Exceptional(1070)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old City

Booked 78 times today

We are famously known to provide holiday pop-ups with all the festivities and delights and are currently showcasing our Holiday Wonderland Pop Up. This holiday season we are even more super-sized and decked out than ever and ready to provide the festivities and delights of the holiday season. The drinks and food items will take you on a full sensory experience of the holiday. Whether inside or out, there is a perfect spot to take your holiday picture so have your camera ready!Our year round Iconic Burgers, Milkshakes and other Sandwiches such as our Doritos Mozzarella Sticks, French Toast Burger and Donut Fried Chicken sandwich are always on the menu as we continuously change it up seasonally. Every moment can be magical time to share experiences with family and friends so check back for our other seasonal pop ups. Proudly featured on The Travel Channel's Food Paradise, Fox29, 6ABC, Opentable’s Holiday lists and more!

A photo of Estia - Philadelphia restaurant

5. Estia - Philadelphia

4.8

Exceptional(8742)

Price: Very Expensive

• Greek • Center City

Booked 44 times today

The stunning restaurant, which is first of its kind in Philadelphia, will transport guests to the Greek Islands with an atmosphere reminiscent of an inviting Mediterranean home & a menu of authentic specialties, simply prepared, that represent the best of Greek cuisine. The restaurant specializes in whole grilled fish which are flown in from the Greek Islands, the shores of Morocco, Tunisia, & Portugal. Guests are able to choose from Estia’s expansive display & watch chefs cook their fish to perfection over a charcoal grill in the sparkling open kitchen.

6. The Morris

4.7

Exceptional(312)

Price: Expensive

• American • Center City

Booked 23 times today

The Morris is a new restaurant and bar in a truly unique location. It’s connected to a boutique, 17 room colonial hotel and courtyard located right next to Washington Square Park. We have a scratch kitchen that only uses the freshest ingredients available by season. Our bar program consists of delicious hand-crafted cocktails, organic wines, selection of local beers, and spirit-free beverages. Whether it's for a casual night out, business dinner, or date night, we are so excited to serve you in our newly renovate dining room or in the garden courtyard*! *We want to inform our guests that the courtyard is fully tented and heated throughout the winter!

A photo of Loch Bar - Philadelphia restaurant

7. Loch Bar - Philadelphia

4.5

Awesome(654)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Center City

Booked 41 times today

Located on Philadelphia's vibrant Avenue of the Arts in the heart of the city, Loch Bar is a classic seafood tavern that blends the best of land & sea!Spotlighted by an impressive raw bar that offers an array of succulent seafood & fresh flavors, Loch Bar's menu incorporates some of the region's most popular seafood dishes including oysters, Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab & more.In addition to our stellar raw bar, we present an extensive whiskey list from around the world that caters to both the seasoned aficionado as well as curious newcomers. To complement our whiskey offerings, our bar program features handcrafted cocktails & local craft beers.Loch Bar hosts live music every night of the week showcasing the incredible talent of Philadelphia's local music scene.Loch Bar on Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts is more than just a restaurant; it's an immersive journey through the finest culinary offerings, live music &

A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant

8. White Dog Cafe - University City

4.7

Exceptional(5461)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • University City

Booked 91 times today

An iconic restaurant in University City since 1983, White Dog Cafe is a leader in using environmentally sustainable, organic, and local foods from farms within 50 miles. Known for warm hospitality, and inspiring award-winning food, the White Dog's historic three brownstones offer charming and whimsical dog décor and artwork in its many unique dining spaces and outdoor dining on the sidewalk.

9. SouthGate

4.8

Exceptional(422)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Korean • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 9 times today

Located on the edge of Rittenhouse Square and Graduate Hospital neighborhoods of Philadelphia, SouthGate is a twist on the traditional gastropub. Elevating food and drink in a modern but in an approachable way, the menu and the décor of Southgate are heavily influenced by both our Korean roots as well as modern American culture, preferring to be interesting and friendly rather than trendy.The menu consists of a wide range of options, including several vegetarian meals. Popular dishes include Korean fried chicken, bulgogi burger, dumplings and buns, and assorted banchan. In addition to the delectable cuisine, Southgate offers an extensive drink menu that includes cocktails, wine, spirits and an extensive craft beer list.

A photo of Miss Saigon Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

10. Miss Saigon Restaurant & Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(143)

Price: Moderate

• Vietnamese • Center City

Booked 26 times today

Welcome to Miss Saigon, an homage to the vibrant streets of Vietnam nestled in the heart of Philadelphia. Immerse yourself in the authenticity of Vietnamese street food, each dish a flavorful journey through the bustling markets of Vietnam. Step inside and be transported to Vietnam with our decor, a nostalgic ode to the city's charm. The ambiance is carefully curated to foster connections, making Miss Saigon the perfect place to create lasting memories. As dusk falls, our space transforms into a dynamic nightlife haven, with a guest DJ and cocktails that mirror the hues of the LGBTQ+ Pride flag, celebrating diversity and unity in every sip.Our space is more than just design and contemporary cooking; it's an immersive experience where cocktails and food become the bridge to the soul of Vietnam. Join us at Miss Saigon, where every visit is a vibrant brushstroke in the masterpiece of cultural immersion, connection, diversity, and inclusion.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
Linda
Philadelphia County •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
This has become a favorite restaurant for us. Everything is great. Drinks, wine list, menu selections, service. Never disappoints.
More info
PanoramaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Old City
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4.7
M
Michelle
Kansas City / Kansas •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Tabula Gardens is magical from the second you find the sign pointing you along the outdoor seating to enter the restaurant. Everyone is there to ensure that you are enjoying a wonderful experience. Every morsel of food was flavored to provide a symphony of delight. I can't say enough about the service and how they make you feel so special. Joseph, our lead server, made sure everything that arrived was to our liking. He is such a extraordinary server! The food was amazing! I cannot wait to return to Philly, so I can experience the wonders of Talula's Garden.
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Talula’s GardenPrice: Very Expensive• American• Washington Square
•
4.9
T
Tiffany
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Delicious and fun holiday themed food and drinks, the decor is beautiful. But in our 9 years as a family, we have never spent so much on a dinner with 2 kids. Not at Disney, not on vacation. I think that would detour me from going back, honestly.
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Craftsman Row SaloonPrice: Moderate• American• Old City
•
4.6
B
Brianvip
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Good food and good value for a pre-theater dinner. Waiter was knowledgeable and attentive. General commentary for most wait staff these days and a pet peeve of mine- like many others says “are we” when asking “we diners” a question. Not sure who instructed wait staff to say “we” instead of “you” but it’s incorrect. They are not at table with “us.” Endeavoring to Include themselves in the diner’s experience is overly familiar, incorrect and at times condescending. Nonetheless, They work hard. Tip well!
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Estia - PhiladelphiaPrice: Very Expensive• Greek• Center City
•
4.8
J
Joelvip
Dallas - Fort Worth •13 reviews
5.0
Dined on 6 Nov 2024
Great food, great drinks. Sad to hear this location is closing
More info
The Olde BarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Old City
•
3.8

Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Old City

Price

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Top Rated

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20 restaurants available nearby

1. The Olde Bar

2. Panorama

3. Talula’s Garden

4. Craftsman Row Saloon

5. Estia - Philadelphia

6. The Morris

7. Loch Bar - Philadelphia

8. White Dog Cafe - University City

9. SouthGate

10. Miss Saigon Restaurant & Lounge

See what locals rave about

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