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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in South Philly

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23 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Buddakan - Philadelphia restaurant
1. Buddakan - Philadelphia
4.7
Exceptional(11332)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Old City
Booked 91 times today
Stephen Starr’s Buddakan is a spectacular restaurant featuring exotic flavors of modern Asian cuisine with creativity and drama. Bon Appetit notes, "The mostly white space is striking, with a lit-from-within communal table in the middle of the room, a waterfall & a ten-foot, candle-bedecked Buddha. The religious icon watches over hip customers indulging in pan-Asian cuisine that far surpasses the fare usually found at hot spots like this." Newsweek reports, "Design also serves as a signifier for cuisine. You walk into Buddakan, one of the hottest new restaurants in Philadelphia, past a shimmering waterfall & Japanese river stones & you say to yourself, 'ginger-miso everything' even before you see the magnificent 10-foot Buddha dominating the dining room." Named one of “America's Top 50 Restaurants" by Travel & Leisure and 'Top Restaurant for Fun' by Gourmet, Buddakan has become one of the country's most talked about restaurants.
A photo of Parc restaurant
2. Parc
4.8
Exceptional(17426)
Price: Expensive
• French • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 233 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."
A photo of Craftsman Row Saloon restaurant
3. Craftsman Row Saloon
4.5
Awesome(1152)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old City
Booked 67 times today
Craftsman Row Saloon is a hot spot due to its festive atmosphere and delicious food, as highlighted in the reviews. Customers love the seasonal changes, creative presentations, and the excellent service. The restaurant has also been featured on The Travel Channel's Food Paradise and more, making it a must-visit place. One review said, 'Simple comfort foods done well, with some fun twists. The decorations make it such a fun atmosphere and hot spot it visit.'
A photo of The Love restaurant
4. The Love
4.8
Exceptional(7304)
Price: Expensive
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 182 times today
Aimee Olexy and Stephen Starr's The Love is a bi-level sanctuary features 150 seats, split between the main dining room, sidewalk seating, and an upper-level loft. The restaurant is a spirited and carefree neighborhood café celebrating everyday American cuisine. The menu is crafted around what’s truly seasonal and local, while the beverage program reflects the best of the region. This creative energy is matched by a front-of-house service staff passionate about providing homey hospitality morning, noon and night.
A photo of Saloon Restaurant restaurant
5. Saloon Restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2567)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • South Philly
Booked 30 times today
Saloon Restaurant is a hot spot because of its authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine and welcoming ambiance. Customers rave about the 'outstanding' service, 'amazing' food, and 'beautiful surroundings.' The 'unique and interesting' setting, which includes two dining rooms and a vintage bar, adds to the appeal. The restaurant's consistent quality and excellent value also make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
A photo of Barclay Prime restaurant
6. Barclay Prime
4.8
Exceptional(5430)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 75 times today
Barclay Prime is a luxury boutique steakhouse serving a traditional yet modern menu in a comfortable & contemporary setting.
A photo of Talula’s Garden restaurant
7. Talula’s Garden
4.9
Exceptional(13229)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Washington Square
Booked 90 times today
Behind the wrought iron gate, past the herbaceous patio and through the atrium is Talula's Garden, the warm and elegant Washington Square eatery from Aimee Olexy and Starr Restaurants. The modern menu, prepared with carefully-sourced ingredients and a light European touch, changes with the seasons. The artful cuisine, hospitable staff, sustainable spirits, and a focus on cheese make the dining experience here incredibly memorable.
A photo of El Vez restaurant
8. El Vez
4.7
Exceptional(7032)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican / Southwestern • Center City
Booked 83 times today
A contemporary Mexican restaurant, El Vez offers many unique items such as mahi mahi tacos, ahi tuna tostadas, carne asada and pasilla braised pork pozole. Enjoy their made-to-order guacamole & margaritas with fresh-squeezed juices. Top off your meal with "The El Vez," a flourless chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse and carmelized bananas.
A photo of Morimoto restaurant
9. Morimoto
4.7
Exceptional(6770)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Center City
Booked 57 times today
Morimoto is serving contemporary Japanese cuisine. Chef Masaharu Morimoto of Iron Chef prepares traditional dishes with a modern flair.
A photo of Amada PHL restaurant
10. Amada PHL
4.7
Exceptional(8721)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • Old City
Booked 47 times today
Amada is an Andalusian tapas bar & restaurant where Chef Jose Garces embraces the rich traditions of Spanish gastronomy while incorporating avant-garde cooking techniques in a gorgeous rustic-chic settingSpecialties of the HouseSpanish Octopus, Garlic Shrimp, Tortilla Española, Paella Valenciana, Whole Roasted Suckling Pig (Call to order 72 hours in advance, excluding Sundays), Seasonal Sangrías, Cocktails, and Wine.Private Parties: Amada welcomes groups of all sizes. Festive settings, service and menus are perfect for intimate dinners with friends, special occasions and holidays, corporate meetings and staff parties. Events can be booked throughout the restaurant and in our private dining rooms seven days a week. For parties of 10 or more, please call our private events team at 267-284-7979 or email events@garcesgroup.com

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • BebeVIP
    Philadelphia County •31 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Had a delicious brunch at the Love-excellent service, interesting menu, large portions. I would give it 5 stars but the potatoes served with the eggs were useless-too salty, no other seasoning-just unembellished potatoes straight from the fryolater. Everyone at the table agreed. Everything else was fabulous, tho.
    More info
    The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
    •
    4.8
  • Lori
    Philadelphia County •20 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We had an excellent evening at Saloon. From beginning to end our dining experience was wonderful. Our waitress was attentive and knowledgeable. The food was amazing and the dessert a great way to end our meal. A bonus was valet parking, which made our evening so much easier. I would definitely recommend this restaurant and look forward to returning.
    More info
    Saloon RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• South Philly
    •
    4.9
  • RogerVIP
    Philadelphia County •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    I a bacon cheeseburger that was better than I expected. Washed it down with a vanilla milkshake. My daughter got the grilled cheese and she liked it . She considers herself a bit of a grilled cheese connoisseur. We came two Wednesdays before Christmas and the place was jam-packed but it was a great atmosphere and the decorations are splendid. It seemed like everyone who stepped through the door was immediately in a joyous mood. I guess it’s the ambience of the place.
    More info
    Craftsman Row SaloonPrice: Moderate• American• Old City
    •
    4.5
  • Dionne
    Philadelphia County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Fantastic service from everyone in the restaurant. I’ve felt POST COVID, customer service at restaurants has been poor but the service, food, and drinks were exceptional tonight. Very happy I chose an old favorite to celebrate my bday.
    More info
    Buddakan - PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Asian• Old City
    •
    4.7
  • MariaVIP
    Philadelphia County •55 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Always the perfect spot for a reunion with friends! Parc’s food, service and professional staff met all our expectations today: from the seafood appetizers to the the trout amandine, comforting roasted chicken, delicious mussels, and chicken paillard, everyone enjoyed their lunch. Our server, Tiffany, was wonderful.
    More info
    ParcPrice: Expensive• French• Rittenhouse Square
    •
    4.8

Discover best hot spot restaurants in South Philly

Discover the vibrant dining scene in South Philly, where the keyword "hot spot" brings up a curated list of top-notch restaurants ideal for any food enthusiast. South Philly is renowned for its dynamic and diverse culinary offerings, blending traditional flavors with innovative dining concepts. Whether you're craving sumptuous Italian dishes, spicy Asian fare, or classic American eats, this neighborhood promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Each restaurant featured on this page has been selected for its exceptional service, unique atmosphere, and commitment to culinary excellence. Visitors and locals alike praise these establishments for their ability to consistently deliver both delightful dishes and an inviting dining experience. As you plan your next outing, consider these culinary gems in Philadelphia County, South Philly, for a taste of the local flavor and hospitality that make this area a true dining destination.

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