Best Restaurants for People Watching in Center City

14 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Marathon - 16th & Sansom restaurant

1. Marathon - 16th & Sansom

4.5

Price: Moderate

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 13 times today

Marathon has served the neighborhoods of Philadelphia for over 25 years as a family-run restaurant group. We serve well-made American classics, and strive to source the freshest food locally available to us, including from our own Marathon Farm in Brewerytown, Philadelphia. Our favorite farm to table items include our grass-fed Cheesesteak, free-range Turkey Plate, and fluffy Omelets made with cage-free eggs.

2. Parc

4.8

Exceptional(17471)

Price: Expensive

• French • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 293 times today

Stephen Starr's stylish addition to Rittenhouse Square pays tribute to French cafe culture, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, ideal for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Parc recalls the chic brasseries of Paris, serving classic French fare in a charming space. Red leather banquettes topped with frosted glass provide a sense of intimacy. Details such as well-worn wooden chairs, vintage framed paintings and photos and antique brass fixtures transport guests across the Atlantic. French doors spill onto a sidewalk terrace covered by a dark red awning perfect for dining "en plein air."

3. a.kitchen

4.7

Exceptional(2100)

Price: Expensive

• French American • Center City

Booked 31 times today

a.kitchen, situated in Hotel AKA Rittenhouse Square, is a French-inspired American restaurant led by Executive Chef Eli Collins. The bistro-style menu offers everything from small plates to more traditional lunch and dinner options. Known for its innovative wine list, a.kitchen is a top destination for natural and terroir-driven wines from regions around the world. Reservations are available for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.Adjacent to a.kitchen, a.bar offers a cocktail-focused experience along with a menu of snacks, burgers, salads, and seasonal dishes. Guests of Hotel AKA Rittenhouse Square can also enjoy in-suite dining for a more private experience.

A photo of La Fontana Della Citta restaurant

4. La Fontana Della Citta

4.3

Awesome(2028)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 11 times today

Jersey Shore pilgrims might be familiar with La Fontana Del Mare ("The Fountain of the Sea"), the award-winning restaurant in Strathmere. Owner Rafael Kupa is excited to bring his most popular dishes to Philly at this new "Fountain of the City," a 100-seat BYOB right off Rittenhouse Square.

5. Aleksandar

4.5

Awesome(508)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary European • Center City

Booked 10 times today

Aleksandar is the newest addition to the acclaimed Rittenhouse Square restaurant scene. We are inspired by seasonal ingredients, chef-driven techniques, and the traditions and flavors of ancestral and modern Europe. With floor-to-ceiling windows, large-scale original artwork, and cozy wood finishes, we at Aleksandar strive to marry Old World authenticity and modern culinary flare. Aleksandar is an approachable introduction to different corners of Europe, a place to discover new flavors and old traditions. Reservations are highly recommended. Walk-ins are accommodated whenever possible. We look forward to your visit!

6. Mabu Kitchen

4.8

Exceptional(191)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary French • Center City

Booked 13 times today

BYOB French restaurant with a unique blend of Southern-inspired cuisine and bistro classics: think Confit Fried Chicken and Waffle, and Steak au Poivre. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, with antique mirrors lining the walls, candlelight, and warm and friendly service. We have seasonal outdoor seating along a lovely alleyway with potted blooms and bird serenades.Located on historic Antique Row, this charming spot is a great place to meet for a special occasion, date-night, business meal, or a casual dinner with friends. This is a small family-owned business and everything is made to order. Grab your favorite bottle of wine and head to this hidden gem to experience a contemporary take on French cuisine.

A photo of Louie Louie Bistro Bar restaurant

7. Louie Louie Bistro Bar

4.6

Exceptional(1795)

Price: Moderate

• French American • University City

Booked 37 times today

Located in University City, Louie Louie is an American bistro with a French inspired menu offering seasonal, ingredient-inspired dishes based on a classical combination of flavors. House-made pastries and an extensive beverage program highlighting wines by the glass and bottle as well as seasonal specialty cocktails and craft beers add to the dining experience. The décor pays homage to Art Nouveau and European cafes with a touch of the 1970s. Traditional wood tones, reclaimed subway tiles, tried and true black and white marble stones as flooring and wainscoting and blue and buttery leathers, fabrics and patterns bring color and graphic identities to the space. The Lounge offers custom lux seating, perfect for gathering with friends for cocktails and snacks. Outdoor seating reminiscent of French cafes is the ideal spot for dining and people watching.

8. Apricot Stone

4.7

Exceptional(452)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Fishtown

Booked 8 times today

WE HAVE MOVED TO OUR NEW LOCATION 426 W GIRARD AVE.Currently we are offering indoor dining.Tables of 2 guests are reserved for 1.5 hours and tables of 3+ guests a 2 hour dining period from original reservation time. We will hold your reservation up to 15 minutes past your reservation start time. Apricot Stone is a cozy restaurant serving traditional Armenian, Eastern Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern dishes. Guests can share appetizers and enjoy large portioned entrée plates. The menu is comprised of plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and fresh domestic meats. There is a 3.95% processing fee on all card payments.We offer dine in, take out, catering and delivery through our online ordering partners.

A photo of Con Murphy's Irish Pub restaurant

9. Con Murphy's Irish Pub

4.7

Exceptional(453)

Price: Moderate

• American • Center City

Booked 4 times today

Con Murphy's is an authentic cozy Irish Pub in the heart of Center City. Just a stones throw from Philly's best museums, hotels & attractions. Serving perhaps the best pint of Guinness in the city, along with other craft beers and signature cocktails, a classy yet comfortable pub awaits you. With an outdoor patio right on The Ben Franklin Parkway there's no better place for people watching & taking in a nice sunset.Con Murphy's has created a menu to please all palates from the traditional Shepherds Pie (made with Lamb) & Fish'n'Chips & the local favorite Philly Cheesesteak.

A photo of Yakitori Boy Japas - Philadelphia restaurant

10. Yakitori Boy Japas - Philadelphia

4.7

Exceptional(595)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Chinatown

Booked 3 times today

DINING RESERVATIONS ARE ONLY FOR OUR 1ST FLOOR RESTAURANT, NOT FOR KARAOKE.• Make an inquiry for a karaoke room/lounge table @ yakitoriboy.com/sing or call our Events Team at (215)-923-8088 ext. 3WE CAN SEAT UP TO 20 GUESTS AT 1 TABLE (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)! FOR RESERVATIONS WITH A PARTY OF MORE THAN 5 GUESTS, PLEASE CALL US AT (215)-923-8088 EXT. 1 TO MAKE A RESERVATION!Yakitori Boy is a premier izakaya destination in Philadelphia! We serve a variety of tapas style dishes (japas), sushi and a variety of yakitori. On our 1st floor, we have restaurant seating and a full bar serving delicious food and cocktails. The 2nd floor features our lounge, bar and private karaoke rooms that can accommodate up to 20 guests for business meetings and private parties. Come eat, drink and sing!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
Philadelphia County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
From out greeting at the host stand to the amazing Service from Samantha and the other wait staff, theres a reason we return to Parc. The food remains unmatched and delicious
More info
ParcPrice: Expensive• French• Rittenhouse Square
•
4.8
N
Nicole
Philadelphia County •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent experience from service to food. Delicious menu with a lot of variety. Classic options like 2 eggs any style which was perfect. Everything was well prepared and flavorful, as well as quick to come out and with good service. A great restaurant that I always enjoying dining at whether for brunch or dinner.
More info
a.kitchenPrice: Expensive• French American• Center City
•
4.7
J
JohnVIP
Philadelphia County •23 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We have dined twice recently at Aleksandar, and both times everything was exquisite. The staff are welcoming and well informed. The dishes are thoughtfully conceived, beautifully presented, and scrumptious. The ambiance is warm and inviting. Highly recommended.!
More info
AleksandarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary European• Center City
•
4.5
J
Jeff
Philadelphia County •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Great service and food, relaxed atmosphere, easy to find location
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Marathon - 16th & SansomPrice: Moderate• American• Rittenhouse Square
•
4.5
P
Penny
Jacksonville / Northeast Florida •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 25, 2024
I was there on Christmas Day evening. It was very busy and both the Kitchen and the front of the house did a really good job. My server was prompt and very attentive and my food arrived quickly and was hot and of good flavor yet I did not feel rushed. I live in the neighborhood and will definitely return.
More info
La Fontana Della CittaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Rittenhouse Square
•
4.3

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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Center City

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14 restaurants available nearby

1. Marathon - 16th & Sansom

2. Parc

3. a.kitchen

4. La Fontana Della Citta

5. Aleksandar

6. Mabu Kitchen

7. Louie Louie Bistro Bar

8. Apricot Stone

9. Con Murphy's Irish Pub

10. Yakitori Boy Japas - Philadelphia

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