Best Lunch Restaurants in Old City

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

Burlington CountyCamdenGloucesterPhiladelphiaWestern Suburbs

Neighborhoods

ArdmoreArt MuseumBala CynwydBrewerytownCenter CityCherry Hill

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

James Beard Award

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

159 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Fork - Philadelphia restaurant

1. Fork - Philadelphia

4.8

Exceptional(5166)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Old City

Booked 46 times today

Fork has been part of Philadelphia's exciting dining scene for over 25 years. Always evolving , Fork has stayed true to its mission, with a commitment to seasonality, carefully sourced local ingredients grown and produced by local farmers, producers and fishermen. Located in Old City, a neighborhood of art galleries, shops and independent small businesses, Fork is completely consistent with that spirit. The dining room includes gorgeous contemporary murals and a newly updated central bar where you can watch the action in our open kitchen or relax and enjoy the warm hospitality offered by our team.James Beard Winner-Outstanding Restaurateur, Ellen Yin, 2024James Beard Foundation Finalist - Outstanding Restaurateur, Ellen Yin, 2018, 2019, 2021; Best Chef Mid-Atlantic, Eli Kulp 2016Esquire - "100 Restaurants We Can't Afford to Lose" 20% gratuity added to all parties of 6+.

A photo of Buddakan - Philadelphia restaurant

2. Buddakan - Philadelphia

4.8

Exceptional(11440)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Asian • Old City

Booked 101 times today

Stephen Starr’s Buddakan is a spectacular restaurant featuring exotic flavors of modern Asian cuisine with creativity and drama. Bon Appetit notes, "The mostly white space is striking, with a lit-from-within communal table in the middle of the room, a waterfall & a ten-foot, candle-bedecked Buddha. The religious icon watches over hip customers indulging in pan-Asian cuisine that far surpasses the fare usually found at hot spots like this." Newsweek reports, "Design also serves as a signifier for cuisine. You walk into Buddakan, one of the hottest new restaurants in Philadelphia, past a shimmering waterfall & Japanese river stones & you say to yourself, 'ginger-miso everything' even before you see the magnificent 10-foot Buddha dominating the dining room." Named one of “America's Top 50 Restaurants" by Travel & Leisure and 'Top Restaurant for Fun' by Gourmet, Buddakan has become one of the country's most talked about restaurants.

3. FRAME

4.1

Excellent(423)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Old City

Booked 19 times today

Frame offers an intricately fused menu of flavors and influences in the form of a nostalgic late-night menu, seasonal dinner options, and smart craft cocktails. The alluring space encourages connection, encompassed by velvet-laced walls and intimate booth seating. Fueling new ideas surrounding the senses, Frame is best explored amongst friends through edgy food and drink choices.

A photo of Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti restaurant

4. Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti

4.6

Exceptional(3990)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Old City

Booked 33 times today

Enjoy the beauty of the Amalfi Coast in Italy right in Old City while dining at Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti. Whether stopping in for brunch, lunch, dinner or happy hour, you'll love the seeing Philadelphia from our 2nd story view point. Known primarily for our fresh fish and seafood, we welcome our guests to savor a menu full of delicious selections, including some favorite dishes such as our spicy fried calamari, zucchini crabcake, tagliatelle bolognese and our pork chop milanese.Weekend Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am to 2:30pm. Enjoy our belgian waffles, avocado toast or brunch burger and pair them with our mimosa & sangria specials! Join us for happy hour Tuesday-Friday, between 4pm and 6pm.Outdoor Dining is available on both of our patios, and during warmer weather on our sidewalk cafe!

5. Revolution House

4.7

Exceptional(130)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Old City

Booked 4 times today

If you would like to make a reservation for a group of 10 or more, please call us at (215) 625-4566 Wed-Sun after 2pm. Thank you.In the heart of Old City, with historic features tastefully presented throughout our two-level restaurant & bar, Revolution House truly has Philadelphia running through its veins. We are so eager for you to try our completely reimagined menu of elevated yet affordable tapas-style international cuisine crafted with the utmost care. Our signature dishes by Chef Evan Barghout, such as our sesame saku tuna or our Korean rib tacos pair perfectly with new, inspired cocktails, like our Eternal Springtime, as well as our carefully curated fine wines and local craft draught beers. Make your reservation today to claim your stake in the revolution!

6. Franklin Social Kitchen & Bar

3.8

Excellent(152)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Old City

Booked 8 times today

Franklin Social, at the Renaissance Hotel Philadelphia Downtown, serves up contemporary American dining in the heart of Philadelphia's Old City Historic District.Gather with friends, family and colleagues, as Ben Franklin frequently did in his time – He was quite the entertainer didn’t you know and enjoy a meal showcasing an attitude that's all Philly. Join us for a craft beer from around the corner, or an award-winning wine from around the world.Whether you're craving a quick bite or full meal, Franklin Social will bring you the best products and flavors from around the region to entice your taste buds. All of this Philly flair is brought to you by a friendly and engaging team that should make you feel right at home. Franklin Social allows you to take part in a piece of American history, while creating a piece of your own history all in a vibrant, welcoming environment.

7. Red Owl Tavern

4.5

Awesome(1492)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Old City

Booked 10 times today

Neighborly meets sophisticated at Red Owl, a modern tavern in the heart of Old City, just across from the Liberty Bell. Among soaring windows and cozy tables, the kitchen serves up smart, stylish takes on American staples (a cheesesteak never tasted as good as ours, made with premium shaved rib-eye). When paired with craft beers and classic cocktails, it’s a clever balance of fancy and familiar, with a dash of Philly flair.We look forward to seeing you soon!

8. Panorama

4.6

Exceptional(2746)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Old City

Booked 18 times today

Panorama brings the authentic flavors of Italy to the heart of the Old City, in the Penn’s View Hotel. Panorama elevates classic Italian specialties to new heights with a carefully composed menu of varied contemporary cuisine, such as house made burrata, hand rolled pastas and passionately crafted veal, lamb, steak & seafood dishes. Panorama was recognized with a Guinness World Record as the World’s Largest Wine Bar via an award bestowed on its custom-designed winekeeper/cruvinet, which offers 120 wines on tap.The restaurant is hyper-focused on wine, with up to 150 wines by the glass available at any time. Try one of our signature Panoramic Flights — a personal wine tasting offering a sampling of five different wines within a select group - from a selection of over 2 dozen fun and provocative themes.

A photo of Spasso Italian Grill - Philadelphia restaurant

9. Spasso Italian Grill - Philadelphia

4.7

Exceptional(2620)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Old City

Booked 18 times today

Spasso Italian Grill has been a neighborhood favorite for 23 years, specializing in homemade pasta, fresh daily seafood and tender veal all served at reasonable prices. Our relaxed atmosphere, personalized service & great food are sure to make you a regular. We have delivery options with Door Dash.

A photo of Keating's Rope & Anchor Bar + Kitchen restaurant

10. Keating's Rope & Anchor Bar + Kitchen

3.8

Excellent(291)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Penn's Landing

Welcome to Keating’s Rope & Anchor, Bar + Kitchen, a social eatery where friends gather over waterfront views, toast to milestones and retreat to savor a taste of culinary craftsmanship. A riverside respite, Rope & Anchor serves up contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on sustainable seafood, locally sourced ingredients and hand crafted cocktails. Our refined menu pares perfectly with magnificent views, live entertainment and nautical flair.With weathered textures, maritime influences and bold spaces – Keating’s Rope & Anchor, Bar + Kitchen embraces the heritage of Penn’s Landing in a artistically curated way. You’re invited to step out of the bustling city and into our urban oasis along the Delaware River. Cheers!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
Lynn
Philadelphia County •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
As expected the service was excellent. It was a bit noisier due to it being a holiday-Valentine’s Day the next day. The fish called Orato smelled funny, I returned it and ordered the salmon in its place. This was delicious. The food like the salad was terrific and the soup was great. I would definitely return.
More info
Positano Coast by Aldo LambertiPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old City
•
4.6
V
Vincent
New York City •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Never had dinner here, so I decided to try it with brunch. Didn't disappoint. Parsnip soup is flavorful and rich and warms me up just right. I ordered the mushroom benedict with a side of sausage links. My partner picked the happy valley beef cheeks with pasta. I love the flavors and portions of our order. Service is attentive. I look forward to the culinary adventure here with my next dinner!
More info
Fork - PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Old City
•
4.8
C
Celaya
Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Owner and bartender were very friendly. We had a great time.
More info
FRAMEPrice: Expensive• American• Old City
•
4.1
V
Vince
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Food and service was great as always, my only complaint - we had requested a special table, we come here once a year for a birthday and they did not accommodate our request, and the table remained empty for the entire duration that we were there.
More info
Buddakan - PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Asian• Old City
•
4.8
K
Kelsie
Philadelphia County •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 8, 2025
Waitress was very helpful and polite and food was yummy!
More info
Revolution HousePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Old City
•
4.7

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