Best Restaurants for Foodies in South Street

28 restaurants available nearby

1. Little Water

4.6

Exceptional(108)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Center City

Booked 39 times today

Located in the historic neighborhood of Rittenhouse Square, Little Water is the latest restaurant from husband-and-wife team, Chef Randy Rucker and Amanda Rucker. Inspired by the Ruckers' experiences living along the Gulf Coast, New England, and Mid-Atlantic regions, Little Water is a contemporary coastal restaurant that celebrates the ecological diversity of life by the sea.The sister restaurant to the acclaimed East Passyunk Avenue gem, River Twice—which has been recognized by The Philadelphia Inquirer and The New York Times, and has earned Chef Randy’s Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best Chef” and, most recently, a James Beard Award nomination in 2024 for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic—Little Water continues the Ruckers' dedication to sustainability and local sourcing. With an a la carte menu inspired by the dynamic ecosystem of tranquil marshes, expansive bays, and secluded coves, Little Water captures the coastal spirit in a warm and lively atmosphere.

2. Talula’s Garden

4.9

Exceptional(13261)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Washington Square

Booked 125 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.

3. Vernick Fish

4.7

Exceptional(2210)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Center City

Booked 70 times today

Vernick Fish presents Philadelphia’s own, Chef Greg Vernick’s exploration beyond the boundaries of a seafood restaurant. His ingredient-driven cooking style, paired with a love for global flavors, results in an inventive menu of fish and shellfish dishes, and a range of vegetable preparations. Taking a detailed, seasonal, and sustainable approach with small and large plate offerings, the kitchen brings new life to the favorite hallmarks of American oyster bar fare and raw bar. Complementing the experience are well-crafted cocktails, and a focused wine list of seafood-friendly white and sparkling offerings, as well as light, fresh reds.

4. Amada PHL

4.7

Exceptional(8733)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Old City

Booked 68 times today

Amada is an Andalusian tapas bar & restaurant where Chef Jose Garces embraces the rich traditions of Spanish gastronomy while incorporating avant-garde cooking techniques in a gorgeous rustic-chic settingSpecialties of the HouseSpanish Octopus, Garlic Shrimp, Tortilla Española, Paella Valenciana, Whole Roasted Suckling Pig (Call to order 72 hours in advance, excluding Sundays), Seasonal Sangrías, Cocktails, and Wine.Private Parties: Amada welcomes groups of all sizes. Festive settings, service and menus are perfect for intimate dinners with friends, special occasions and holidays, corporate meetings and staff parties. Events can be booked throughout the restaurant and in our private dining rooms seven days a week. For parties of 10 or more, please call our private events team at 267-284-7979 or email events@garcesgroup.com

5. Spice Finch

4.8

Exceptional(1263)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Center City

Booked 26 times today

Named after the bird that populates nearly every port along the ancient maritime spice routes, Spice Finch pays homage to a passerine that does not sing, yet is known to vocalize or chirp in recognition of good eats. We are inspired by the distinctive flavors of the nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea, and heavily influenced by the cultures and culinary traditions of Morocco and Greece. Our menu is a bold, seasonally accurate menu featuring an array of small plates, vegetables, grilled meats and fish. Follow us on Instagram @SpiceFinchPhilly

6. The Love

4.8

Exceptional(7382)

Price: Expensive

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 222 times today

Aimee Olexy and Stephen Starr's The Love is a bi-level sanctuary features 150 seats, split between the main dining room, sidewalk seating, and an upper-level loft. The restaurant is a spirited and carefree neighborhood café celebrating everyday American cuisine. The menu is crafted around what’s truly seasonal and local, while the beverage program reflects the best of the region. This creative energy is matched by a front-of-house service staff passionate about providing homey hospitality morning, noon and night.

7. El Vez

4.8

Exceptional(7054)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican / Southwestern • Center City

Booked 111 times today

A contemporary Mexican restaurant, El Vez offers many unique items such as mahi mahi tacos, ahi tuna tostadas, carne asada and pasilla braised pork pozole. Enjoy their made-to-order guacamole & margaritas with fresh-squeezed juices. Top off your meal with "The El Vez," a flourless chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse and carmelized bananas.

A photo of Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia restaurant

8. Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia

4.9

Exceptional(2385)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Center City

Booked 15 times today

Located in a historic townhome in the heart of Philadelphia, Vetri Cucina is a unique space that invites guests to become part of our family. The intimate dining rooms evoke the charms of Italy with custom crafted features including hand-blown Murano glass chandeliers, Richard Ginori porcelain and Venetian glassware.Showcasing the constantly evolving, dynamic creativity of Chef Vetri and his team, Vetri Cucina serves a classic tasting menu at $165pp using the highest quality local and specialty ingredients. The menu is inspired by both classic Italian recipes and our extensive culinary research across the globe. Vetri Cucina also offers a seasonal Forchetta menu which is a premium tasting menu experience at $215pp. These are the restaurant’s sole dining options, designed to provide each guest with a memorable, unparalleled experience. Reservations are released on the first of the month for the following month: ie. On October 1st, reservations are released for the month of November.

9. AMINA

4.5

Awesome(1381)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Southern • Old City

Booked 37 times today

Owner Felicia Wilson and Chef Partner Darryl Harmon, who hails from Gouldstown, NJ in Cumberland County, which is considered the oldest black community in the U.S., is an award-winning chef for The Lure Group in New York City. He previously served as the Executive Chef at the Water Works Restaurant in Philadelphia between 2007 and 2012.

A photo of Buddakan - Philadelphia restaurant

10. Buddakan - Philadelphia

4.7

Exceptional(11370)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • Old City

Booked 136 times today

Stephen Starr’s Buddakan is a spectacular restaurant featuring exotic flavors of modern Asian cuisine with creativity and drama. Bon Appetit notes, "The mostly white space is striking, with a lit-from-within communal table in the middle of the room, a waterfall & a ten-foot, candle-bedecked Buddha. The religious icon watches over hip customers indulging in pan-Asian cuisine that far surpasses the fare usually found at hot spots like this." Newsweek reports, "Design also serves as a signifier for cuisine. You walk into Buddakan, one of the hottest new restaurants in Philadelphia, past a shimmering waterfall & Japanese river stones & you say to yourself, 'ginger-miso everything' even before you see the magnificent 10-foot Buddha dominating the dining room." Named one of “America's Top 50 Restaurants" by Travel & Leisure and 'Top Restaurant for Fun' by Gourmet, Buddakan has become one of the country's most talked about restaurants.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Megan
Philadelphia County •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Everything was amazing! Our server, Kevin, was attentive and had an extensive knowledge of the menu. We came here for a special occasion and can’t wait to return!
More info
Talula’s GardenPrice: Very Expensive• American• Washington Square
•
4.9
J
Joshua
Montreal / Quebec •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We got an outstanding service by Erica and the food explanation was amazing. Definitely recommend going and trying the whole raw menu.
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Vernick FishPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Center City
•
4.7
C
Chris
Philadelphia County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Our second time at Little Water and quickly becoming our favorite restaurant in the city. Upon walking in, the hostesses greeted us by name and our server knew of our food allergies from our last visit. From their non-alcoholic drink options to every flavor on the menu, each item we ordered was fantastic and just as good as we remembered from the first visit. The fried sea bass is definitely a star of the show and we have literally told no less than 3 dozen people about it lol. I’m not normally one to leave a long detailed review, but Little Water really delivers a phenomenal dining experience in every way — best food/drink and service/hospitality in recent memory no question!
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Little WaterPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Center City
•
4.6
L
Leopoldo
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The …Vale, Chicos! is excellent and at $27 per person a great value
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Amada PHLPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Old City
•
4.7
K
KimberlyVIP
New York City •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Absolutely one of the best meals we have ever had. We were recovering from a cancelled concert and came in demoralized. Josh and the team provided lots of kindness and good cheer. The drinks were robust and the duck wings and lamb ribs so tasty. Everything was served on savory sauces or dips. Try the garlic yogurt! Creations of a creative chef.
More info
Spice FinchPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Center City
•
4.8

Best Restaurants for Foodies in South Street

Price

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Top Rated

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Award-winning

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28 restaurants available nearby

1. Little Water

2. Talula’s Garden

3. Vernick Fish

4. Amada PHL

5. Spice Finch

6. The Love

7. El Vez

8. Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia

9. AMINA

10. Buddakan - Philadelphia

See what locals rave about

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