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Culinary Champions & Classic Cuisine: Must-Visit Restaurants in Center City
Center City is home to more than 400 restaurants, with new spots opening all the time. But what about the long-standing gems, nationally recognized destinations and chefs that have branched out beyond Philadelphia? Check out 16 essential restaurants in Center City below.
Note: Please contact these restaurants for the most up-to-date information and menus.
Restaurant Week Deals | Essential Center City Restaurants | Check the Map
Restaurant Week Deals
Barbuzzo
Rustic, Mediterranean-inspired cuisines find a home in Philadelphia at Turney and Safran’s popular restaurant, Barbuzzo. Shareable options for dinner include the whipped ricotta and the “Barbuzzo board.”
📍 110 S. 13th Street
🔗 Website | Restaurant Week Dinner Menu
Bellini
Bellini has been a Center City favorite since 2001. Executive Chef Francesco Parmisciano grew up just outside of Salerno, Italy, where he honed his skills in alongside his mother in their family restaurant.
📍 220 S. 16th Street
🔗 Website | Restaurant Week Dinner Menu
Buca D’Oro Ristorante
Since the 1980s, Buca D’Oro has been bringing true Italian dining right to the heart of historic Washington Square. From handmade pastas to delicious wines, enjoy the flavors of the Amalfi Coast.
📍 711 Locust Street
🔗 Website | Restaurant Week Lunch & Dinner Menus
Bud & Marilyn’s
For more than a decade, the focus of Bud & Marilyn’s has been simple: updated takes on American comfort food classics and creative cocktails, served with neighborhood hospitality.
📍 1234 Locust Street
🔗 Website | Restaurant Week Dinner Menu
Con Murphy’s Irish Pub
Established in 2009 as a tribute to an old friend from Ireland, Con Murphy, and to the city's Irish community, Con Murphy's is an authentic Irish pub serving great drinks and classic cuisine.
📍1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
🔗 Website | Restaurant Week Lunch & Dinner Menus
Photo courtesy of Bud & Marilyn's
Oyster House
Run by third-generation restaurateur Sam Mink, Oyster House has called Philadelphia home for over 40 years. Savor their CCD Restaurant Week specials like the warm lobster roll and raw oysters on the half-shell.
📍 1516 Sansom Street
🔗 Website | Restaurant Week Dinner Menu
Photo courtesy of Village Whiskey
Tequila’s
Upscale authentic Mexican cuisine and an extensive tequila selection are on the menu at this Philadelphia classic. Established in 1986, Tequila's has recently been updated with a refreshed look, expanded space, and a new café.
📍 1602 Locust Street
🔗 Website | Restaurant Week Dinner Menu
Village Whiskey
Garces Group’s Village Whiskey is well-known for making one of the best burgers in the city. Bring your appetite for a delicious dinner and contemporary cocktail in their speakeasy-inspired space.
📍 118 S. 20th Street
🔗 Website | Restaurant Week Lunch & Dinner Menus
Essential Center City Restaurants
Caribou Café
This cozy brasserie has been serving classic French cuisine on Walnut Street for 30 years. Menu favorites include coq au vin, pâté campagne, and duck cassoulet, complemented by a fine selection of French wines and cocktails.
📍 1126 Walnut Street
🔗 Website
Fergie’s Pub
Established in 1994, Fergie's feels like an authentic Irish pub — largely thanks to the hospitality of its eponymous owner, a native Dubliner. Along with great beer and hearty food, Fergie’s also offers activities from Quizzo to open mic nights.
📍 1214 Sansom Street
🔗 Website
Happy Rooster
Mixing old-school charm with quirky sensibility (check out the large collection of rooster collectibles throughout the space!), this local gem since 1968 serves delicious American fare like burgers, lobster mac and cheese, and more.
📍 118 S. 16th Street
🔗 Website
Her Place Supper Club
Newly awarded a Michelin Star, chef Amanda Shulman proves why Philadelphia's dining scene is one to be reckoned with. Quintessentially Philly with its rowhome charm and dinner-party vibes, the frequently changing menu highlights what's in season—and what the chef feels like making.
📍 1740 Sansom Street
🔗 Website
McGillin's Olde Ale House
McGillin’s is Philadelphia's oldest continuously operating tavern, opening its doors the year Abraham Lincoln became president. Perfect for celebrating a special occasion, watching a big game or just enjoying drinks with friends.
📍 1310 Drury Street
🔗 Website
Monk’s Café
The soul of Belgium in the heart of Philadelphia since 1997. Monk’s is well-known for serving hard-to-find beers on tap and by the bottle. Order a pot of mussels with pommes frites, and you’ll be a happy camper.
📍 264 S. 16th Street
🔗 Website
Parc
Renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr's brasserie on Rittenhouse Square, Parc transports diners to Paris with its authentic French bistro atmosphere and sidewalk seating facing the square, perfect for people-watching.
📍 227 S. 18th Street
🔗 Website
Vic Sushi
A true hidden gem, this tiny-but-mighty sushi spot has been serving Philadelphians for almost 20 years. Vic Sushi is a neighborhood sushi spot with budget-friendly specials and BYOB options.
📍 2035 Sansom Street
🔗 Website
Check the Map
Select a restaurant on the list to view it on the map!
Looking for More?
Have plans for after you eat? From shopping to performances by world-renowned institutions, there’s always something happening in Center City. Visit our Explore page for more information on what’s new.