Best Historic Restaurants in Center City

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodJapaneseSpanish

Regions

CamdenPhiladelphia

Neighborhoods

Center CityFishtownGloucester CityOld CityQueen VillageSociety 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

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

25 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia restaurant

1. Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia

4.9

Exceptional(2429)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Center City

Booked 10 times today

Located in a historic townhome in the heart of Philadelphia, Vetri Cucina is a unique space that invites guests to become part of our family. The intimate dining rooms evoke the charms of Italy with custom crafted features including hand-blown Murano glass chandeliers, Richard Ginori porcelain and Venetian glassware.Showcasing the constantly evolving, dynamic creativity of Chef Vetri and his team, Vetri Cucina serves a classic tasting menu at $165pp using the highest quality local and specialty ingredients. The menu is inspired by both classic Italian recipes and our extensive culinary research across the globe. Vetri Cucina also offers a seasonal Forchetta menu which is a premium tasting menu experience at $215pp. These are the restaurant’s sole dining options, designed to provide each guest with a memorable, unparalleled experience. Reservations are released on the first of the month for the following month: ie. On October 1st, reservations are released for the month of November.

2. Butcher & Singer

4.9

Exceptional(8934)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steak • Center City

Booked 83 times today

Butcher & Singer, in the amazing historic location of 1500 Walnut, is an intimate and sophisticated dining experience in a relaxed clubhouse setting. We brought back the true classics from perfect Manhattans and Sidecars to hand-cut steaks and chops, and freshly caught fish. Timeless and fun for all in the continued age of the American chophouse.

3. Aqimero

4.6

Exceptional(1238)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Latin American • Center City

Booked 19 times today

Aqimero is a vibrant culinary oasis located in the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia, where acclaimed chef Richard Sandoval takes you on a flavorful journey through Latin America with a modern twist. The elegant ambiance features high ceilings, shimmering chandeliers, and plush seating, creating a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. The enticing aroma of wood-fired grilling fills the air, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience. Aqimero's menu offers a delightful array of shareable plates and expertly crafted cocktails. Start with the tantalizing tuna tartare or crispy calamari, showcasing the chef's artistry. Then, savor the succulent wood-fired grill selections, including prime dry-aged ribeye and perfectly seared branzino, each dish bursting with flavor from the freshest ingredients. To complement your meal, explore Aqimero's extensive wine list and signature cocktails, crafted by skilled mixologists. Join us for an unforgettable culinary adventure.

A photo of McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Philadelphia restaurant

4. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Philadelphia

4.1

Excellent(5369)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Center City

Booked 25 times today

Located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia, directly across from the historic City Hall and on the renowned Avenue of the Arts, McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks brings the freshest seafood dining experience to Philadelphia, PA. Enjoy traditional white tablecloth dining in dark wood-paneled rooms accented by handcrafted stained glass ceilings and mosaic-tiled floors. From fresh seafood and shellfish to Steak and garden fresh salads, our goal is to exceed your dining expectations. As our guest, you will experience culinary excellence at its best. Our menus reflect seafood from the Pacific Rim, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico. We also source products from local ranches, farms, and wineries to showcase regionally inspired dishes.

5. Sabroso + Sorbo

3.4

Very Good(48)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Center City

Sabroso & Sorbo is an eclectic establishment showcasing Spanish inspired fare & spirits in the heart of historic center city

6. The Tavern

4.5

Awesome(292)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Center City

The Tavern, a cozy underground hideaway serving fresh American bar fare. The subterranean dining room is housed in the historic Tavern on Camac, a long-running piano bar and nightclub serving exceptional food to pre/post theater goers, and a solid crowd of the city’s “in the biz” hospitality professionals long after most establishments have closed their doors for the night. The Tavern boasts an approachable menu of refined bar food staples, all available from open until close, even after the bar has given last call. The Tavern makes for a great first or last stop for diners and revelers alike. Built in 1937, it is one of the nation’s oldest music venues and a natural home for The Tavern’s lived-in vibe and casual appeal. Exposed brick and wide, dark pine paneling make the space feel comfortable yet tucked away on picturesque Camac Street.

7. Little Water

4.7

Exceptional(183)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Center City

Booked 43 times today

Located in the historic neighborhood of Rittenhouse Square, Little Water is the latest restaurant from husband-and-wife team, Chef Randy Rucker and Amanda Rucker. Inspired by the Ruckers' experiences living along the Gulf Coast, New England, and Mid-Atlantic regions, Little Water is a contemporary coastal restaurant that celebrates the ecological diversity of life by the sea.The sister restaurant to the acclaimed East Passyunk Avenue gem, River Twice—which has been recognized by The Philadelphia Inquirer and The New York Times, and has earned Chef Randy’s Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best Chef” and, most recently, a James Beard Award nomination in 2024 for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic—Little Water continues the Ruckers' dedication to sustainability and local sourcing. With an a la carte menu inspired by the dynamic ecosystem of tranquil marshes, expansive bays, and secluded coves, Little Water captures the coastal spirit in a warm and lively atmosphere.

8. Bistro Romano

4.8

Exceptional(5040)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Society Hill

Booked 21 times today

This Historic Landmark in Society Hill, just off Headhouse Square, nestled in an 18th century granary, will stimulate your senses with an ambiance of candlelight and casual elegance while creating an unforgettable dining experience. Voted a “Best of Philly” Restaurant, guests enjoy Bistro Romano’s acclaimed Regional Italian Cuisine with an innovative twist and rave of the award-winning Caesar Salad and house-made pastas. Don't miss the Wine Cellar Experience, a secluded table for two or four guests, rose petal topped table, 5 course Chef Tasting Menu, with limoncellos to finish. Our Wine List has received the prestigious Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence (Two Glasses). Over 700 wine selections, including 20 by the glass. Celebrating 37 years on Lombard, we look forward to your arrival.

A photo of High Street Restaurant & Bar restaurant

9. High Street Restaurant & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(123)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Center City

Booked 23 times today

Located in the historic Franklin Building, High Street is a modern American eatery and bar that celebrates the essence of local grains. With an on-site bakery at the heart of our culinary creations, we pride ourselves on crafting artisanal breads, pastries, pizzas, and handmade pastas that showcase the best of the region.Under the guidance of Chef Christina McKeough, our seasonal menu highlights the bounty of local producers, offering a fresh take on classic flavors and dishes. Our commitment to supporting American winemakers adds an exciting dimension to your dining experience, with a carefully curated selection of wines to complement your meal.At High Street Restaurant, we invite you to savor the rich tapestry of flavors that define our culinary philosophy, blending tradition, innovation, and a passion for local ingredients.Parties of 7 or more require a credit card on file and are required to participate in our "Leave It To Us" menu.

10. Bastia

4.8

Exceptional(215)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Fishtown

Booked 34 times today

Leisurely cafe by day, Bastia transforms to a Mediterranean restaurant by night and draws culinary inspiration from the sun-drenched islands of Corsica and Sardinia

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
SHARON
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Food here is perfection, yes it is expensive but worth every penny. Even the bread has you rolling your eyes and saying OMG so good! The staff is warm and friendly but still professional. The space is relaxing and elegant.
More info
Vetri Cucina - PhiladelphiaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Center City
•
4.9
E
Elizabeth
Philadelphia County •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We were celebrating a bday. When they called to confirm, I asked for a specific dessert to be delivered along with dessert menus, which they did. It was our first visit and a much fancier restaurant than where we usually go, but they treated us so well and made us feel welcome and the food was amazing!
More info
Butcher & SingerPrice: Very Expensive• Steak• Center City
•
4.9
J
Justin
Baltimore / Maryland •9 reviews
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
The food was very good and the vibe was perfect. Unfortunately there was not much staff to work the food and drink service and we waited a long time to be seated and had to keep going up to the bar for drinks since no one would come to our table.
More info
Sabroso + SorboPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Center City
•
3.4
MR
MaryR
Scranton / Poconos •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
From the drinks,starters to the main dish everything was phenomenal!
More info
AqimeroPrice: Expensive• Latin American• Center City
•
4.6
R
Robert
Philadelphia County •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 3, 2025
The food was absolutely delicious. There were great choices and a great presentation.
More info
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - PhiladelphiaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Center City
•
4.1

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