Where to Eat in Old City Philadelphia – The American Eats Guide
If you’re planning a trip to Philadelphia soon, you’ll definitely want to visit the Old City region. This area of Philadelphia boasts a rich history and plenty of attractions, including restaurants that will make your trip worthwhile. Here are some of the best Old City restaurants Philadelphia has to offer, no matter what you’re craving.
Sonny’s Famous Steaks
228 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 629-5760
Sonny’s is one of the best places in Philadelphia to get a cheesesteak, and that’s saying a lot since there are plenty of local eateries where you can find the city’s famous sandwich. You can even choose from creative cheesesteaks like pepperoni cheesesteak with applewood smoked bacon or pizza cheesesteak with mozzarella and marinara. The fries at Sonny’s Famous Steaks are pretty impressive as well, and you can also order a burger if you’re not in the mood for a cheesesteak. Sonny’s has several grilled cheese sandwiches to choose from as well, including ribeye grilled cheese and bacon grilled cheese.
Amada
217-219 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 625-2450
Amada is a Spanish restaurant and bar, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a great meal with friends or family. You can choose from delicious tapas like patatas bravas or Ensalada Verde, or select a variety of cured meats and cheeses to enjoy. Grilled meat and seafood are also popular choices; you’ll love the shrimp or black cod a la plancha with a side of veggies like sauteed carrots or chickpeas. End your meal with a sweet treat like Spanish cheesecake or pastels.
Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar
10 S. 2nd St. Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-0666
Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar is a popular hangout in Old City, and once you visit, you’ll see why. The eatery has tasty appetizers such as guacamole Cubano and entrees like vaca frita. The steak sliders with house-made potato chips is a great choice as well, and if you love seafood, you’ll likely enjoy the coconut crab fritters. If you want dessert after dining, try the chocolate churros, tres leches cake, Cuban flan, or arroz con leche. Don’t forget to try a mojito with your meal; you can order a glass or a pitcher, and mojitos are available in flavors like mango, coconut, and raspberry.
Morimoto
723 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 413-9070
Morimoto is one of the best eateries in Philadelphia for Japanese-inspired cuisine. The shrimp tempura is one of the most popular items on the menu, and the black cod entree is a favorite as well. You also have several sushi rolls to choose from, like spicy tuna or spicy salmon. If you’re visiting Morimoto with a large group, you can take advantage of their dinner packages, like the temaki party combo, which makes 10 temaki (hand rolls) and comes with avocado mousse, spicy mayo, sushi rice, and cucumber. Morimoto also has several vegetarian rolls to choose from, like shitake mushroom and seasonal vegetable.
Fork
306 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 625-9425
This trendy and sophisticated restaurant in Old City offers interesting dishes that feature a wealth of colors and flavors. If you’re looking for a delicious vegetarian meal, try the cauliflower steaks, topped with shaved carrots and squash. The seared scallops and asparagus is a great choice if you want a seafood dinner. Fork also serves an impressive Porterhouse steak braised with butter and herbs. If you want a decadent dessert with just the right amount of sweetness, try the chocolate cream with fresh fruit.
Spasso Italian Grill
34 S Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 592-7661
Spasso Italian Grill has been a favorite in Old City for about 12 years, and it will likely make your list of top Philadelphia restaurants once you give it a try. Start your meal with the goat cheese and walnut salad, and enjoy an entree like the risotto with pesto. There’s also a fish of the day, so depending on when you visit Spasso Italian Grill, you could enjoy the cioppino, timballo, or seafood risotto. If you prefer to have a salad as your entree, try the Caesar salad with grilled salmon. When you’re ready for dessert, you can choose from a slice of New York-style cheesecake, creme brulee, chocolate mousse cake, or cannoli.
Race Street Cafe
208 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-6181
When you’re in the mood for a delicious burger and want to enjoy your meal in a fun, casual setting, Race Street Cafe is the place to go when you’re in Old Town. You can also enjoy favorites like the buffalo chicken sandwich and chorizo nachos. Other delicious options include the soup of the day, or a bowl of chili made with steak, chicken, and andouille sausage. Race Street Cafe is also one of the best places to visit when you want a tasty root beer float. The floats are made with authentic root beer and house-made vanilla ice cream. If you want a dessert that is a little more decadent, the bread pudding is a great choice.
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