Best Places to Eat in Philly

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Morimoto is a cutting-edge restaurant serving contemporary Japanese cuisine. Chef Masaharu Morimoto of Iron Chef fame prepares traditional dishes with a modern flair. Reservations will be accommodated at the sushi bar or a table; both options are fabulous! Special requests are encouraged but not guaranteed; please call the restaurant to discuss your special requests well before your reservation date.

Our Local Expert Says:

Le Bec-Fin is George Perrier's most well-known venture, serving haute French cuisine to locals and visitors, including celebrities who are sometimes sighted here.

Description:

Dining experiences worthy of Louis XVI consist of six-courses, prix fixe menu with a savory stream of dishes including a triple-tiered dessert cart containing over 40 freshly made selections. Since 1970 Le Bec-Fin has been acquiring regional and national accolades for their innovative cuisine and original French cuisine. The restaurant is consistently rated of five star quality by the Zagat Survey and named "The Best French Restaurant in America" by Esquire Magazine. Chef George Perrier's specialties-such as Cailles Farcies au Foie Gras et Ris de Veau, Le Bec-Fin and Eventail d'agneau et son chutney au curry de Madras-fill the menu.

Our Local Expert Says:

Excellent pan-Asian food and an interesting décor make this Stephen Starr restaurant a must-visit.

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This Pan-Asian nightspot centers around a 10½-foot gilded Buddha. Buddakan features glistening decor accented by wasabi-colored booths, two full bars, plenty of sofas for lounging, along with a 20-person community table where you can share food and conversation with friends. Chef Scott Swiderski has created a whirlwind tour of the Pacific Rim in menu form, from Garlic Grilled Shrimp with Long Life Noodle to Wok Smoked Salmon to Szechuan-crusted Tuna with wasabi sour cream.

Description:

This BYOB serves innovative American cuisine, with an emphasis on seafood. The dishes here were so popular that the owners opened up a market for take-out, just a block east on South Street.

Our Local Expert Says:

Amazing Mexican/Native American food and an even more amazing tequila bar.

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Xochitl's menu could be called upscale Mexican, but the theme of the restaurant is based on the Native American Toltecs, who, legend has it, invented the predecessor of tequila. Xochitl offers fresh dishes that will amaze you with their taste and presentation. They also offer a well stocked tequila bar, where you can taste a wide range of tequilas, from the standard bar fare to very high-end sipping tequilas.

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Lolita, opened by Chef Marcie Turney, actually bills itself as a BYOT -- bring your own tequila, and add as much as you want to the restaurant's delicious mixers. Lolita consistently pleases patrons with its upscale Mexican food.

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Marrakesh is a cultural and culinary experience. From the moment you enter the restaurant, tucked away in a poorly lit alley with barely a sign decorating the outside, you'll feel like you've been whisked away to Morocco. Once your eyes adjust to the dim lighting, you'll see groups of people sitting on low cushions around silver platters, eating with their hands and lounging between courses. The menu is a fixed 8-course menu (with a few choices of meats) featuring Moroccan salads, lemony couscous, expertly spiced chicken or lamb, "b'stella" (a delicious spiced chicken pastry), and baklava.

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"Best tiny romantic restaurant" - Philadelphia Magazine "at F.F.S. the focus is on intimate conversation & splendid food" - Philadelphia Weekly "still satisfying after all these years" - Craig Laban, Philadelphia Inquirer Wine lovers: Every bottle of wine just a notch over cost.

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Mercato made its mark immediately on the BYOB scene, quickly becoming known for its delicately and expertly prepared food. While the restaurant bills itself as Italian, it really offers traditional Italian food with a modern and wordly twist.

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Regarded as the best farmers' market in America (at least by Philadelphians), the Reading Terminal Market is a terrific place to sample all the culinary grandeur Philadelphia has to offer. Experience the traditional cheesesteak, a custom-made deli sandwich, or an authentic Pennsylvania Dutch hearty home cooked breakfast prepared by Amish farmers. Aside from the prepared foods, over 80 food merchants purvey fresh fish and meats as well as an assortment of exotic and local fruits and vegetables.

Our Local Expert Says:

Sofitel, in the heart of Center City, sits halfway between Society Hill and the Art Museum, making it a perfect place to stay if you plan to travel by foot to most of your destinations.

Description:

The Sofitel Philadelphia hotel blends French elegance with American style - providing a refined environment for upscale business and leisure travel. Experience this sophisticated downtown Philadelphia hotel, which serves as the cornerstone of the new French Quarter, steps from Rittenhouse Square. Offering the height of contemporary comfort and convenience, this downtown Philadelphia Pennsylvania hotel provides the ideal setting, just minutes from the convention center and historical attractions.