Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Center City

19 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Estia - Philadelphia restaurant

1. Estia - Philadelphia

4.8

Exceptional(8745)

Price: Very Expensive

• Greek • Center City

Booked 59 times today

The stunning restaurant, which is first of its kind in Philadelphia, will transport guests to the Greek Islands with an atmosphere reminiscent of an inviting Mediterranean home & a menu of authentic specialties, simply prepared, that represent the best of Greek cuisine. The restaurant specializes in whole grilled fish which are flown in from the Greek Islands, the shores of Morocco, Tunisia, & Portugal. Guests are able to choose from Estia’s expansive display & watch chefs cook their fish to perfection over a charcoal grill in the sparkling open kitchen.

A photo of Loch Bar - Philadelphia restaurant

2. Loch Bar - Philadelphia

4.5

Awesome(657)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Center City

Booked 53 times today

Located on Philadelphia's vibrant Avenue of the Arts in the heart of the city, Loch Bar is a classic seafood tavern that blends the best of land & sea!Spotlighted by an impressive raw bar that offers an array of succulent seafood & fresh flavors, Loch Bar's menu incorporates some of the region's most popular seafood dishes including oysters, Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab & more.In addition to our stellar raw bar, we present an extensive whiskey list from around the world that caters to both the seasoned aficionado as well as curious newcomers. To complement our whiskey offerings, our bar program features handcrafted cocktails & local craft beers.Loch Bar hosts live music every night of the week showcasing the incredible talent of Philadelphia's local music scene.Loch Bar on Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts is more than just a restaurant; it's an immersive journey through the finest culinary offerings, live music &

A photo of Miss Saigon Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

3. Miss Saigon Restaurant & Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(144)

Price: Moderate

• Vietnamese • Center City

Booked 38 times today

Welcome to Miss Saigon, an homage to the vibrant streets of Vietnam nestled in the heart of Philadelphia. Immerse yourself in the authenticity of Vietnamese street food, each dish a flavorful journey through the bustling markets of Vietnam. Step inside and be transported to Vietnam with our decor, a nostalgic ode to the city's charm. The ambiance is carefully curated to foster connections, making Miss Saigon the perfect place to create lasting memories. As dusk falls, our space transforms into a dynamic nightlife haven, with a guest DJ and cocktails that mirror the hues of the LGBTQ+ Pride flag, celebrating diversity and unity in every sip.Our space is more than just design and contemporary cooking; it's an immersive experience where cocktails and food become the bridge to the soul of Vietnam. Join us at Miss Saigon, where every visit is a vibrant brushstroke in the masterpiece of cultural immersion, connection, diversity, and inclusion.

A photo of Dolce Italian - Philadelphia restaurant

4. Dolce Italian - Philadelphia

4.3

Awesome(122)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Center City

Booked 2 times today

Capturing the timeless spirit of Fellini’s 1960’s Rome, Dolce Italian truly brings ‘la dolce vita’ to life with its effortless charm and approachable sophistication. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with house-made pastas, Neapolitan-style pizzas, and other signature Italian dishes.

5. The Tavern

4.5

Awesome(293)

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.

6. La Viola Bistro

4.6

Exceptional(436)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 7 times today

For PARTIES OF 10+, please call 215 735 8630 to make a reservation. To place an order, call us at 215-735-8630.To have your table reserved please call us at 215 735 8630. Walk-ins are welcome!La Viola Bistro is open for both lunch and dinner during the week and dinner on weekends. A fine-dining establishment, it specializes in Italian fare. Some items on the menu at La Viola - East include pasta such as bowtie pasta with shrimp, along with a linguini pasta dish with veal. In addition to pasta, La Viola serves a variety of seafood and grilled steak entrées. No alcohol is served at La Viola - East, but you are welcome to bring your own bottle of wine or champagne to accompany your meal. Offering a casual but chic dining space, its décor includes wood furnishings and chandelier lighting.

A photo of DBG- Drury Beer Garden restaurant

7. DBG- Drury Beer Garden

4.1

Excellent(1052)

Price: Moderate

• Burgers • Center City

Booked 1 time today

DBG is serving delicious and handcrafted gourmet burgers

A photo of Craftsman Row Saloon restaurant

8. Craftsman Row Saloon

4.6

Exceptional(1078)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old City

Booked 102 times today

We are famously known to provide holiday pop-ups with all the festivities and delights and are currently showcasing our Holiday Wonderland Pop Up. This holiday season we are even more super-sized and decked out than ever and ready to provide the festivities and delights of the holiday season. The drinks and food items will take you on a full sensory experience of the holiday. Whether inside or out, there is a perfect spot to take your holiday picture so have your camera ready!Our year round Iconic Burgers, Milkshakes and other Sandwiches such as our Doritos Mozzarella Sticks, French Toast Burger and Donut Fried Chicken sandwich are always on the menu as we continuously change it up seasonally. Every moment can be magical time to share experiences with family and friends so check back for our other seasonal pop ups. Proudly featured on The Travel Channel's Food Paradise, Fox29, 6ABC, Opentable’s Holiday lists and more!

9. The Morris

4.7

Exceptional(313)

Price: Expensive

• American • Center City

Booked 13 times today

The Morris is a new restaurant and bar in a truly unique location. It’s connected to a boutique, 17 room colonial hotel and courtyard located right next to Washington Square Park. We have a scratch kitchen that only uses the freshest ingredients available by season. Our bar program consists of delicious hand-crafted cocktails, organic wines, selection of local beers, and spirit-free beverages. Whether it's for a casual night out, business dinner, or date night, we are so excited to serve you in our newly renovate dining room or in the garden courtyard*! *We want to inform our guests that the courtyard is fully tented and heated throughout the winter!

10. SouthGate

4.8

Exceptional(422)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Korean • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 20 times today

Located on the edge of Rittenhouse Square and Graduate Hospital neighborhoods of Philadelphia, SouthGate is a twist on the traditional gastropub. Elevating food and drink in a modern but in an approachable way, the menu and the décor of Southgate are heavily influenced by both our Korean roots as well as modern American culture, preferring to be interesting and friendly rather than trendy.The menu consists of a wide range of options, including several vegetarian meals. Popular dishes include Korean fried chicken, bulgogi burger, dumplings and buns, and assorted banchan. In addition to the delectable cuisine, Southgate offers an extensive drink menu that includes cocktails, wine, spirits and an extensive craft beer list.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Thomas
Philadelphia County •28 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Dinner before Jazz show. Chicken Gumbo soup was good! Calamari was really chewy! Wife didn’t enjoy it. Had Fish and Chips. Good. Drinks were good! Always enjoy it here! Nice atmosphere! Good food although a little pricey! 3 Shrimp Cocktail $20. You’ll enjoy it though! Server David very polite and helpful! Food arrived in timely manner
More info
Loch Bar - PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Center City
•
4.5
D
Deanna
Hawaii •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Such a wonderful experience!!! Staff was so friendly and accommodating and the food was outstanding. So were the drinks!
More info
Dolce Italian - PhiladelphiaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Center City
•
4.3
C
Cory
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 22 Nov 2024
It was a date night with my girlfriend. The hostess sat us upstairs and we enjoyed the view as well as the vibe. We’ll definitely be going back.
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Miss Saigon Restaurant & LoungePrice: Moderate• Vietnamese• Center City
•
4.7
B
Brianvip
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 19 Nov 2024
Good food and good value for a pre-theater dinner. Waiter was knowledgeable and attentive. General commentary for most wait staff these days and a pet peeve of mine- like many others says “are we” when asking “we diners” a question. Not sure who instructed wait staff to say “we” instead of “you” but it’s incorrect. They are not at table with “us.” Endeavoring to Include themselves in the diner’s experience is overly familiar, incorrect and at times condescending. Nonetheless, They work hard. Tip well!
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Estia - PhiladelphiaPrice: Very Expensive• Greek• Center City
•
4.8
F
finickyfoodievip
Philadelphia County •35 reviews
5.0
Dined on 27 July 2024
It’s a great neighborhood restaurant. Food & service are very good & everyone is welcoming.
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The TavernPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Center City
•
4.5

Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Center City

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Top Rated

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19 restaurants available nearby

1. Estia - Philadelphia

2. Loch Bar - Philadelphia

3. Miss Saigon Restaurant & Lounge

4. Dolce Italian - Philadelphia

5. The Tavern

6. La Viola Bistro

7. DBG- Drury Beer Garden

8. Craftsman Row Saloon

9. The Morris

10. SouthGate

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