This South Philadelphia market is one of the largest and oldest markets around. It features gourmet shops, groceries, and vendors selling Italian goodies such as fresh pasta, meats, seafood, cheese, herbs, cookware and more. If you like Italian cooking, don't miss it.
Price: Least ExpensiveButcher and Singer is a steakhouse where classy meets trendy. This restaurant pays homage to old Hollywood with low lights, dark woods, plush booths, and tall ceilings. It's expensive and best suited to those looking for steakhouse ambiance and market-style menu.
Price: ExpensiveCapital Grille is a top of the line steakhouse that is perfect for a business meal or celebration. Non-meat eaters can look to a variety of seafood dishes and one chicken dinner entrée. Vegetarians will want to go somewhere else.
Price: ExpensiveThis popular market located in Clark Park offers fresh produce, baked goods, honey, flowers and other specialty products. The park locale attracts a nice crowd especially on Saturdays.
Along with the regular samples, there are baked goods and fresh breads all at bargain prices.
Located in the Reading Terminal Market, this diner style eatery with its chrome stools and formica counter offers a real Amish eating experience.
Price: Least ExpensiveThis Chinatown Thai eatery features a big menu in a casual setting. It's not hip or trendy, but the food is above average, service is attentive and the menu affords plenty of options for light and hearty eaters.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveEssene offers natural foods, organic produce, vitamins and other grocery items. Essene also boasts a deli, bakery and self-serve buffet style cafe. All food for the café is prepared on site and is free of animal products and refined sweeteners.
Price: Least ExpensiveGovinda's offers those eschewing animal products a comfortable and homey setting for which to nosh. The American and Internationally inspired menu is pure vegetarian with vegan entrées noted. Govinda's also offers "gourmet to go," which is open daily.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveHarmony is small and often crowded, which means that people like the Chinese vegetarian cuisine. The decor is modest and Chinese typical with peach tablecloths, mirrored walls and fake flowers.
Price: Least ExpensiveThis outdoor market features fresh produce, specialty items including maple syrup, cheeses, grass-fed lamb and organic greens. Count on the usual samples and baked goods if you're hungry.
Sundays 10a to 2 pm Late May through Thanksgiving.
La Castagne's exposed brick walls, sheer white curtains, industrial style terra cotta pillars and shiny blond marble floors create an urban, sleek and contemporary ambiance. Black leather chairs and white table cloths add an upscale vibe.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThis city takes its pizza very seriously and in fact no matter where you are staying downtown, there are likely over 20 pizza joints within a half mile radius. Mama Palma's is a notable option and will appeal to those who like the crust thin.
Price: Least ExpensiveDirectly across from City Hall, this classic, traditional, American grill offers an extensive menu with plenty of healthy ordering options. Grilled preparations, creative entrée salads, wide appetizer and side selection.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveOver the top glitzy decor, top-notch Japanese cuisine, and attentive service make Morimoto the place to go when you are in search of sushi with a scene.
Price: ExpensiveThis neighborhood eatery prides itself on fresh takes on familiar foods and offers a diverse menu of breakfast and lunch eats. The vibe is welcoming, friendly and a little hip. Come during the week to avoid the wait, and if you're on your own look for a seat at the counter.
Price: Least ExpensiveThere's a lot to like about this stylish Italian restaurant located in Philly's Old City on the second floor of a renovated building. The seaside murals, vibrant blues, yellows and whites, large terrace and coastline theme will transport you to Positano.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveCome here for lunch! This year round covered market offers fresh produce, flowers, meats, seafood, cheeses along with a unique selection of ethnic foods. The market boasts over 80 merchants and hosts a plethora of eateries and food vendors.
Price: Least ExpensiveThis smallish restaurant is typically crowded with business types who appreciate solid Japanese cuisine without a lot of fuss. The pleasant setting is contemporary with hardwood floors and Japanese artwork. The sushi bar seats about eight and there are about 14 tables. A full bar is upstairs.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThe setting is classic diner meets hipster with neon, formica counter and stools, booths and a big menu. For those who want to eat and exercise, the next-door lounge is a popular dance spot especially at night.
Price: Least ExpensiveLocated in the wonderful Reading Terminal Market, The Original Turkey offers "Thanksgiving" all year with its carved turkey sandwiches and platters with all the favorite holiday sides.
Open M-Sat 8a-6p; Sunday 9a-5p
Price: Least ExpensiveTJ's offers prepared foods, produce, trail mix, energy bars and more. Entrance and parking off Commerce Street. Ready to go salads and sandwiches along with other goodies makes TJs a great spot for a quick meal hit. 8 am to 10 pm daily Beer & Wine not sold here
Price: Least ExpensiveIt's all about the vegetable here, and there is no meat envy. The uber chef, classically trained, creates a gourmet menu celebrating everything the garden has to offer. For those visiting Philly, consider this pricey spot for a unique experience.
Located in three neighboring Victorian brownstones near University of Pennsylvania, this homey cafe offers a very local and flavorful experience. The place is known for its social activism, support for small local farmers and seasonal menus.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveCome for the healthy prepared foods and fresh salad bar. Lots of gourmet goodies for all.
Open 8 to 10 pm daily
Price: Least ExpensiveCome for the fresh salad bar, excellent prepared foods and grocery staples.
Open daily 7a-10p
Price: Least Expensive