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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Center City

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110 restaurants available nearby

A photo of El Vez restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7039)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican / Southwestern • Center City
Booked 130 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 Estia - Philadelphia restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(8795)
Price: Very Expensive
• Greek • Center City
Booked 78 times today
Estia in Philadelphia is a neighborhood gem. It's a unique Greek restaurant with a warm, inviting ambiance and a menu of authentic Greek specialties. As one reviewer said, 'Estia is one of my favorite restaurants and my neighborhood gem.' The food is consistently praised as 'delicious', 'creative', and 'fresh', and the service is often highlighted as 'impeccable' and 'friendly'. It's also loved for its excellent location, in the heart of the theatre district.
A photo of Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2369)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Center City
Booked 8 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.
A photo of Oyster House Philadelphia restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(91)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Center City
Booked 57 times today
Philadelphia’s premier destination for seafood lovers since 1976. With a menu that is as traditional as it is innovative, this family-owned business run by third-generation restaurateur Sam Mink has been a community cornerstone for almost 50 years. Cherished by Philly locals and visitors alike for its decadent lobster rolls, signature crab cakes and crispy fried oysters, Oyster House continues to honor the region’s culinary roots while constantly cooking up tasty, new favorites. Oyster House’s robust seafood menu curated by executive chef Joe Campoli, promises high quality cuisine along with an excellent dining experience. Enjoy a seat at Philadelphia’s most famed oyster bar while enjoying a show by Philly’s most legendary oyster shuckers. The weekday Happy Hour is always abuzz with a lively mix of coworkers and friends.
A photo of The Capital Grille - Philadelphia restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(6081)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Center City
Booked 83 times today
Make it a day to remember. From birthdays and anniversaries to professional milestones, we aim to make every gathering special at The Capital Grille. Open seven days a week, The Capital Grille is best known for our expertly prepared steaks, which are dry aged in house for 18 to 24 days and then hand-cut by our restaurant's on-premise butcher. The Capital Grille's wine list features more than 350 selections, and its floor-to-ceiling wine kiosk regularly houses 3,500 - 5,000 bottles. Reservations are recommended but not required. For more information, please visit our website. We look forward to delighting you.
A photo of Mercato restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1942)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Center City
Booked 18 times today
Mercato BYOB is a festive and modern Italian eatery that lets you bring your own drinks. A simple and to the point menu focuses on quality over quantity and features items like ricotta raviolo and a spicy crab bucatini with squid ink pasta.The artisan cheeses and house-cured meats at Mercato BYOB are perfect for sharing and are paired with sauces and condiments like agrodolce and pickled white grapes. A whole grilled artichoke appetizer will undoubtedly turn you into the vegetable's biggest fan. Heavier dishes, like the Grilled Hanger Steak with yukon gold potato wedge, are equally impressive. Mercato BYOB opens at 4 p.m. The restaurant has a four course tasting menu that is ideal for groups. Conveniently located to all the theatres, shopping and convention center. Outdoor seating available when weather permits.
A photo of McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Philadelphia restaurant
4.1
Excellent(5302)
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.
A photo of Bellini restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1158)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Center City
Booked 29 times today
Some of the most inspired and acclaimed Italian food in the country is served here. We use innovative flavors and artful presentations prepared by Italian born Chef Francesco Parmisciano. Chef Francesco was born in small town in Naples, Italy where he learned the beautiful art of Italian cuisine. Our goal is not only to prepare authentic and delicious dishes, but we strive to give all of our guests a flawless dining experience. With ownership change in 2021 Parid and Kristi Spiro have brought new life to Bellini and bustling to new heights. Please note outdoor reservations are weather permitting!
A photo of La Viola - West restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(821)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 21 times today
Warm Weather, Cool Cuisine: Join Us for Outdoor Dining!La Viola West is now OPEN and operating at normal business hours. To have your table reserved please call us at 215 735 8631. Walk-ins are welcome!La Viola - West offers an authentic Italian dining experience. An excellent place for date night, it has decor that includes wood furnishings, crisp linens, and soft, romantic lighting. The menu at La Viola - West includes a variety of pasta along with grilled and roasted meats such as veal, chicken, and fresh fish.An array of desserts, hot coffees, and sodas are available to order with your meal at La Viola - West. However, no alcohol is served, although you are welcome to bring your own bottle with you. Offering catering services and designated event space, the restaurant hosts special parties and celebrations upon request.
A photo of Iron Hill - Center City restaurant
4.2
Awesome(1167)
Price: Moderate
• American • Center City
Booked 41 times today
Iron Hill - Center City is a gem of a restaurant in its neighborhood. With reviews praising its 'great mix of American casual cuisine', 'good mix of choices on the menu' and 'delicious food', it's clear this place is a hit. Plus, it's got a 'cute and energetic' atmosphere, which adds to its charm. Whether you're meeting up with friends or looking for a family-friendly spot downtown, Iron Hill is a top pick.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Sae
    Philadelphia County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    Incredible food, incredible service. Emily was amazing and even gave suggestions for places to visit on our trip. Our food wars wonderful- halibut and crab cakes, and chocolate pecan pie dessert- we died. Beautiful restaurant as well, really enjoyed the ambiance. Highly, highly recommend!
    More info
    Oyster House PhiladelphiaPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Center City
    4.9
  • Jasen
    Dallas - Fort Worth •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We had a great experience overall. While my wife’s food was cold in the middle, the staff handled the situation promptly and professionally, which we appreciated. One standout moment was their attention to detail. I had noted on the OpenTable app that it was her birthday, and they not only read the note but acknowledged her special day without me having to say a word to the staff. That personal touch made the experience memorable. Despite the small hiccup, we would definitely recommend this place, especially for special occasions.
    More info
    El VezPrice: Moderate• Mexican / Southwestern• Center City
    4.7
  • Meryl
    Philadelphia County •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    My husband and I returned to Vetri Cucina to celebrate our anniversary, as we had done the year prior. Immediately, we were encompassed by the warm singular ambience of the small dining room: it feels like coming home. Eric, our server, was outstanding. He was with us throughout the multi-course prix-fixe meal, and gave us excellent commentary about what we were about to eat and drink. He even laughed when I asked, “Does everyone make it through all of the courses?” and he responded, “No. You are the first one.” Vetri is a unique experience. The courses arrive in a decent pace, always giving us enough time to digest and ruminate. The food is uniformly excellent; you can’t really go wrong. Highly recommend!
    More info
    Vetri Cucina - PhiladelphiaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Center City
    4.9
  • GregoryVIP
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Jennifer our server was absolutely phenomenal & made our time there so wonderful
    More info
    The Capital Grille - PhiladelphiaPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Center City
    4.8
  • ElizabethVIP
    Philadelphia County •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Absolutely wonderful. Delicious food and friendly service. Our favorite place in the city for special occasions.
    More info
    Estia - PhiladelphiaPrice: Very Expensive• Greek• Center City
    4.8

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Center City

Discover the charm of Center City, Philadelphia through its array of neighborhood gems that offer a unique and local dining experience. Center City is celebrated for its vibrant dining scene, featuring a mix of culinary delights that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. Each restaurant in this locale embodies the spirit of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, offering everything from intimate settings with homemade dishes to upscale establishments boasting high-quality steaks and fresh seafood. These establishments are praised not only for their exceptional food but also for their welcoming atmospheres and top-notch service, creating a perfect setting for both casual and sophisticated dining. Whether you're in the mood for modern American cuisine, authentic ethnic dishes, or innovative gastronomic creations, Center City’s neighborhood gems provide a delightful culinary journey. The reviews consistently highlight the restaurants’ ability to combine excellent menus with a cozy, neighborhood feel, making each dining experience truly memorable. Ideal for food enthusiasts and casual diners alike, these restaurants have established themselves as integral parts of the local community, cherished for their quality, creativity, and the warm hospitality that typifies Philadelphia’s dining culture. Whether you are planning a family meal, a romantic date, or a friendly get-together, Center City's neighborhood gems offer a rich tapestry of flavors that promise to enhance your dining experience in Philadelphia.

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