Philly Restauant Recommendations?

[maps]

Hi

Will be taking a family trip to Philly next week (never been). Any restaurants not to miss?

We'll be staying in center city and plan to go to Penn's Landing, South st and the Italian Market.

Thanks

 

[Principessa Alba]

What kind of food do you like and what is your budget?

 

[deelam]

If you are near the Italian market, try Ralph's on 9th street.
You could also try Monk's, try sampleing their beer.

I would stay away from City Tavern, it's a really cool place to eat but very overpriced.

 

[Mkrop]

Penns Landing has some nice places to eat.

Family like is The Chart House, the view is awesome and although it is a chain it is very nice.

More upscale you have La Veranda and the Moshilu.

For fun Dave and Busters, sports bar but with LOTS of video and vitrual reality games for the kids, also Hibachi is fun where they cook the meal in front of you or on Sundays there is a fabulous, not expensive, jazz brunch, I have also seen lots of kids there.

All of these place have fabulous views of the waterfront and you could always take the ferry over and see the Adventure Aquarium

Have fun.

 

[Sugardimples]

I'm originally from the Italian Market area and I have to second the Ralph's recommendation. Also, the Villa Di Roma. Ralph's is on 9th Street between Catherine and Fitzwater (which is a couple of blocks north of the Italian Market), Villa Di Roma is on 9th between Christian and Carpenter (right in the market area). There is a fabulous cheese shop called DiBruno's which is right next door to Villa Di Roma.

I'm not 100% sure but I think both restaurants are cash only.

 

[Dina]

I like Chart House and Moshulu (pricey)-- although I haven't been to Moshulu since it's been renovated. I've always liked Downey's for lunch (right on South near Penn's Landing). I like their lobster bisque. My favorite restaurant downtown is Maggiano's--- but it's not near Penn's Landing, it's around 12th and Arch, I believe. If you want to try a steak sandwhich while you're down there--- Jim's Steaks is my favorite, and it's on South (a few blocks from Penn's Landing.

 

[tedhowe]

For a truly unique dining experience, I'll recommend Victor Cafe in South Philly (13th and Dickinson streets).

I first dined there as a teenager 25 years ago (for my parents' 25th anniversary party) - good Italian food served in the most unique setting. The Distefano family has operated the restaurant for 74 years - originally the location was a Victrola dealership run by patriarch John Distefano - after changing to a restaurant, the place became renowned for the unmatched collection of opera recordings that are used for entertainment.

Starting in 1979, the wait staff has been largely composed of students at the Philadelphia Opera Company. Periodically throughout the eveninig, members of the wait staff will ring a bell and then deliver an aria for the entertainment of the patrons.

Though I haven't eaten there in a long time, the reports are still that the food is good and the entertainment even better.

 

[maps]

Thanks for all the great suggestions!

 

[MelanieC]

There are some great restaurants on Walnut St. like Le Bec Fin (preety pricey), Brasserie Perriere, Suzanna Fu, Striped Bass.

These may be too pricey for bringing the family depending on their ages, but they are great restaurants.

 

[Duane Dibley]

i heard the dumpster behind ralph's is awesome!

 

[deelam]

Just wondering, have you ever been to the Italian market in Philly? It can be quite a shock if you are expecting a boutique type shopping experience.

I also would second Del Bruono Brothers on 9th street. It is a great cheese shop. There is also a bread bakery, Sarconne's I think. It is very popular and people line up right outside the door for bread.