Culinary Champions & Classic Cuisine: Must-Visit Restaurants in Center City
Essential Center City Restaurants
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
Bellini
Bellini has been a Center City favorite since 2001. Executive Chef Francesco Parmisciano grew up just outside Salerno, Italy, honing his skills alongside his mother in their family restaurant.
📍 220 S. 16th Street
🔗 Website
Buca D’Oro Ristorante
Since the 1980s, Buca D’Oro has brought authentic Italian dining to historic Washington Square. Experience the flavors of the Amalfi Coast through handmade pastas and carefully selected wines.
📍 711 Locust Street
🔗 Website
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
Caribou Café
This cozy Walnut Street brasserie has served classic French cuisine for 30 years, from coq au vin and pâté de campagne to duck cassoulet, with French wines and cocktails to match.
📍 1126 Walnut Street
🔗 Website
Con Murphy’s Irish Pub
Established by two Limerick natives in 2009 as a tribute to an old friend from Ireland, Con Murphy, and to the city’s Irish community, this authentic Irish pub serves traditional plates and Guiness pints.
📍1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
🔗 Website
Fergie’s Pub
Fergie’s has been a Center City favorite since 1994, 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 rooster collectibles throughout the space!), this local gem since 1968 serves hearty American fare like burgers, lobster mac and cheese, and more.
📍 118 S. 16th Street
🔗 Website
Her Place Supper Club
Chef Amanda Shulman’s Michelin Star-winning restaurant captures Philadelphia’s rowhome charm with dinner-party vibes and a frequently changing menu that
highlights what’s in season—and what the chef feels like making.
📍 1740 Sansom Street
🔗 Website
McGillin’s Olde Ale House
Philadelphia’s oldest continuously operating tavern, McGillin’s opened the year Lincoln became president. Perfect for celebrating milestones, watching games, or 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 renowned for rare beers on tap and by the bottle. Pair a pot of mussels with pommes frites for the full experience.
📍 264 S. 16th Street
🔗 Website
Oyster House
Run by third-generation restaurateur Sam Mink, Oyster House has called Philadelphia home for over 40 years. Savor specialties like warm lobster rolls and raw oysters on the half-shell.
📍 1516 Sansom Street
🔗 Website
Parc
From renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr, Parc transports diners to Paris with its French bistro atmosphere and sidewalk seating facing Rittenhouse Square, perfect for people-watching.
📍 227 S. 18th Street
🔗 Website
Vic Sushi
This tiny-but-mighty neighborhood sushi and sashimi BYOB has been serving in-the-know Philadelphians since 2007 with budget-friendly specialty rolls and much more.
📍 2035 Sansom Street
🔗 Website
Tequila’s
Upscale authentic Mexican cuisine and an extensive tequila selection are on the menu at this Center City classic established in 1986 and updated with a refreshed look, expanded space, and a new café.
📍 1602 Locust Street
🔗 Website
Village Whiskey
Garces Group’s Village Whiskey serves one of the city’s best burgers. Enjoy dinner and contemporary cocktails in their speakeasy-inspired space.
Photo courtesy of Village Whiskey
📍 118 S. 20th Street
🔗 Website
Looking for More?
Have after-dinner plans? From top-notch shopping to performances by world-renowned institutions, something’s always happening in Center City. Visit our Explore page for more information on what’s new.
