7 of the Best Center City Restaurants in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s Center City has a reputation for being one of Philly’s busiest neighborhoods. With so much foot traffic, it’s no surprise that world class restaurants are there to accommodate the crowds. We’ve ID’d 8 incredible dining destinations in this one of a kind neighborhood – tell us on social media (@bestamericaneats) if you think we missed any!
1. Vernick Food and Drink
2031 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 639-6644
Chef Greg Vernick is a world class chef, winning James Beard Awards and “Chef of the Year” accolades from the Philadelphia Enquirer. A member of the Jean-Georges Vongrichten coaching tree, Chef Vernick’s biggest inspiration may be his family history – his grandfather owned a butcher shop and mother owner a local restaurant. Those worlds come together in dishes that bring the flavor of home with the attention to detail of fine dining.
2. Parc
227 S 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 545-2262
Ben Franklin and his hometown are inextricably linked to one another. But it’s also well known that Franklin enjoyed his near decade in Paris VERY much. If Ben were around today, he’d surely be curled up with a croissant and coffee at Parc, inventing stuff. Parc essentially goes from cafe by day to brasserie by night, serving up incredible French classics like steak frites, escargot and beef bourguignon.
3. Friday Saturday Sunday
261 S 21st St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 546-4232
Tucked into a corner of Rittenhouse Square, Friday Saturday Sunday is a delicious hidden gem that’s been operating for nearly 50 years. Named after the days fo the week it used to be open (it’s open Wednesday and Thursday now, too), they received recent new ownership that have created one of Philly’s best Four Course, Prix Fixe Menus.
4. Vedge
1221 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 320-7500
Husband and Wife team Richard Landau and Kate Jacoby have each been focusing on plant based dining for at least twenty years, culminating in the opening of Vedge in 2011. Now, the rest of the world has caught up to them. With dishes like the Korean influenced Crispy Cauliflower Tacos to the Mexican Sopa de Tortilla, Vedge brings plant forward dishes influenced by cuisines from around the world to Philly.
5. Double Knot
120 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 631-3868
With a beautifully designed space, Double knot brings multiple concepts under one roof – a coffee and cocktail bar upstairs, and a sushi bar + robatayaki downstairs. Inspired by Japanese underground Izakayas (or local pub) and all the flavors of Asia, the Chef’s tasting menu is a great way to experience everything Double Knot has to offer.
6. Bud and Marilyn’s
1234 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 546-2220
With decor that leaves a great first impression, and comfort food that keeps you coming back, Bud and Marilyn’s is just so so satisfying. The name comes from Chef Marcie Turney’s grandparents, who owned a restaurant/diner in Wisconsin for 50 years and showed chef how to deliver a experience that left your customers happy. The Fried chicken is a must have, but we also loved the Brussels sprout Toast and fried rices.
7. Charlie Was a Sinner
131 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(267) 758-5372
With a name like Charlie Was a Sinner, you’re automatically intrigued. But does the food hold up? The answer is yes – if you’re willing to try new approaches to vegan dishes. While mostly serving a cocktails-only crowd, they have incredible snack plates like potato croquettes with chipotle aioli and warm spiced peanuts to solo dishes like their Zucchini “Crabcake” slider, wild mushroom toast and Korean style tofu. If you’re looking for something heartier, they do “Beef” burgers and sliders, a tofu scallop bouillabaisse, gnocchi, bucatini and “meatballs” and more!
Featured Blog Posts
17 Top Rooftop Restaurants in Philly With Breathtaking Views
The sky’s the limit at these Philadelphia rooftop restaurants and bars offering both stunning views and fabulous food. Here are some great places around town to social distance from the ground!
Best Christmas Bars/Pop-ups in Philadelphia, PA
Is there anything better than the holiday season in one of the great American cities? While city sidewalks bustling with holiday shoppers, streetlights pinned with wreaths, and retail window displays full of wholesome scenes all make Christmastime in Philadelphia a magical experience, the magic doesn’t end there. Once Thanksgiving is over, Christmas pop-up bars start popping up throughout the city. Many of Philly’s best bars transform into winter wonderlands full of festive cocktails. Check out the eight best Christmas pop-up bars in Philadelphia happening this year!
Best Hot Dog Spots in Philadelphia, PA
The delicious, simple, often maligned hot dog is an American classic. Hot dogs can be as simple or as fancy as you want them to be. Philadelphia has developed quite the food scene where chefs go the extra mile to make their dogs delicious! We’ve found some of the best hot dog spots in Philly so you can be sure to have an amazing lunch, dinner, or late-night snack.
Bottomless Brunches in Philadelphia, PA
One of the best ways to celebrate the weekend in Philadelphia is with brunch. And when it’s bottomless, it’s even more fun! Rally up your friends for a Saturday or Sunday brunch and get your fill on all the mimosas and bloodies you can drink. Check out this article for some of our favorite bottomless brunch spots in Philadelphia, PA.