Best Historic Restaurants in Center City

31 restaurants available nearby

1. Butcher & Singer

4.9

Exceptional(8817)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steak • Center City

Booked 66 times today

Butcher & Singer, in the amazing historic location of 1500 Walnut, is an intimate and sophisticated dining experience in a relaxed clubhouse setting. We brought back the true classics from perfect Manhattans and Sidecars to hand-cut steaks and chops, and freshly caught fish. Timeless and fun for all in the continued age of the American chophouse.

A photo of Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia restaurant

2. Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia

4.9

Exceptional(2369)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Center City

Booked 14 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.

A photo of Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse - Philadelphia restaurant

3. Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse - Philadelphia

4.6

Exceptional(9452)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Center City

Booked 69 times today

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse embodies the rich tradition of the classic American steakhouse, serving USDA Prime Beef, fresh seafood and premium wines from our award-winning wine selection.

A photo of McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Philadelphia restaurant

4. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Philadelphia

4.1

Excellent(5291)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Center City

Booked 37 times today

Located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia, directly across from the historic City Hall and on the renowned Avenue of the Arts, McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks brings the freshest seafood dining experience to Philadelphia, PA. Enjoy traditional white tablecloth dining in dark wood-paneled rooms accented by handcrafted stained glass ceilings and mosaic-tiled floors. From fresh seafood and shellfish to Steak and garden fresh salads, our goal is to exceed your dining expectations. As our guest, you will experience culinary excellence at its best. Our menus reflect seafood from the Pacific Rim, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico. We also source products from local ranches, farms, and wineries to showcase regionally inspired dishes.

5. Sabroso + Sorbo

3.9

Excellent(41)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Center City

Booked 2 times today

Sabroso & Sorbo is an eclectic establishment showcasing Spanish inspired fare & spirits in the heart of historic center city

6. The Tavern

4.5

Awesome(293)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Center City

The Tavern, a cozy underground hideaway serving fresh American bar fare. The subterranean dining room is housed in the historic Tavern on Camac, a long-running piano bar and nightclub serving exceptional food to pre/post theater goers, and a solid crowd of the city’s “in the biz” hospitality professionals long after most establishments have closed their doors for the night. The Tavern boasts an approachable menu of refined bar food staples, all available from open until close, even after the bar has given last call. The Tavern makes for a great first or last stop for diners and revelers alike. Built in 1937, it is one of the nation’s oldest music venues and a natural home for The Tavern’s lived-in vibe and casual appeal. Exposed brick and wide, dark pine paneling make the space feel comfortable yet tucked away on picturesque Camac Street.

7. Bistro Romano

4.8

Exceptional(4969)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Society Hill

Booked 15 times today

This Historic Landmark in Society Hill, nestled in an 18th century granary, will stimulate your senses with an ambiance of candlelight and casual elegance while creating an unforgettable dining experience. Wine Spectator Award for our wine list! Voted a “Best of Philly” Restaurant, guests enjoy Bistro Romano’s acclaimed Regional Italian Cuisine and rave of the award-winning Caesar Salad and the romantic underground wine cellar for two to four. Wine Cellar reservations book the Wine Cellar Experience on OpenTable. We are now celebrating our 36th year! Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence (Two Glasses). Over 750 wine selections, including 20 by the glass.

8. Little Water

4.6

Exceptional(86)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Center City

Booked 16 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.

9. The Morris

4.7

Exceptional(326)

Price: Expensive

• American • Center City

Booked 13 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 High Street Restaurant & Bar restaurant

10. High Street Restaurant & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(73)

Price: Moderate

• American • Center City

Booked 18 times today

Located in the historic Franklin Building, High Street is a modern American eatery and bar that celebrates the essence of local grains. With an on-site bakery at the heart of our culinary creations, we pride ourselves on crafting artisanal breads, pastries, pizzas, and handmade pastas that showcase the best of the region.Under the guidance of Chef Christina McKeough, our seasonal menu highlights the bounty of local producers, offering a fresh take on classic flavors and dishes. Our commitment to supporting American winemakers adds an exciting dimension to your dining experience, with a carefully curated selection of wines to complement your meal.At High Street Restaurant, we invite you to savor the rich tapestry of flavors that define our culinary philosophy, blending tradition, innovation, and a passion for local ingredients.Parties of 7 or more require a credit card on file and are required to participate in our "Leave It To Us" menu.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Chris
Baltimore / Maryland •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
What an absolute delight this restaurant is! Starr has knocked it out of the park once again!! Food, ambiance, and service was outstanding! Very clean. Ask for Leah if you’re able to; she was the BEST! (Honestly, best server we’ve ever had, anywhere! 🙂)
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Butcher & SingerPrice: Very Expensive• Steak• Center City
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4.9
B
Beth
Philadelphia County •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Fabulous dinner! Steaks, mashed potatoes, dessert. All perfection. While waitstaff was friendly, wasn’t very attentive to checking back.
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Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse - PhiladelphiaPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Center City
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4.6
M
Meryl
Philadelphia County •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
My husband and I returned to Vetri Cucina to celebrate our anniversary, as we had done the year prior. Immediately, we were encompassed by the warm singular ambience of the small dining room: it feels like coming home. Eric, our server, was outstanding. He was with us throughout the multi-course prix-fixe meal, and gave us excellent commentary about what we were about to eat and drink. He even laughed when I asked, “Does everyone make it through all of the courses?” and he responded, “No. You are the first one.” Vetri is a unique experience. The courses arrive in a decent pace, always giving us enough time to digest and ruminate. The food is uniformly excellent; you can’t really go wrong. Highly recommend!
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Vetri Cucina - PhiladelphiaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Center City
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4.9
K
KV
Philadelphia County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
2nd time back. The host was very accommodating and pleasant.Everything was exquisite! Eli was an amazing server. Very hospitable and polite. The Wagyu steaks frites and the calamari were worth every savoring moment! My friend had a salad that featured steak. We both had a great time catching up on things there. This will be my go to place to eat. Will be back soon.
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McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - PhiladelphiaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Center City
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4.1
T
Tammy
Denver / Colorado •1 review
5.0
Dined on 12 Oct 2024
Had the ribeye - exceptional and well flavored. Our server was attentive and delightful.
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Sabroso + SorboPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Center City
•
3.9

Best Historic Restaurants in Center City

Price

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Top Rated

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31 restaurants available nearby

1. Butcher & Singer

2. Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia

3. Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse - Philadelphia

4. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Philadelphia

5. Sabroso + Sorbo

6. The Tavern

7. Bistro Romano

8. Little Water

9. The Morris

10. High Street Restaurant & Bar

See what locals rave about

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