Press Release

HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA’S DINING REVOLUTION
Diners Celebrate Life, Liberty And The Pursuit Of Great Food At More Than 100 Restaurants

PHILADELPHIA, April 3, 2008 - As recently as 10 years ago, hungry visitors exploring the galleries in Historic Philadelphia’s Old City had just a few dining options. Today, the neighborhood and its environs are dining destinations. Stephen Starr’s hipster Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar and Ellen Yin’s stylish Fork launched the restaurant boom in the mid-90s, and the proliferation of bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) restaurants sealed the deal. Today, there are more than 100 dining spots within a five-block radius of Old City (and dozens more beyond). Here are a few restaurants that will tempt any palate:

Positano Coast

Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC

 

• Aqua – A new addition to Historic Philadelphia’s dining scene, the lively and brightly hued Aqua features exotic Thai and Malaysian cuisine. 705 Chestnut Street, (215) 928-2838
• Buddakan – Under the watchful eye of the giant Buddha and the soothing sounds of a waterfall, gusts enjoy top-notch Asian fusion cuisine in a casually elegant setting. For adventurous diners, a large community table allows for ample socializing. 325 Chestnut Street, (215) 574-9440, www.buddakan.com
• Café Spice – Exotic Indian flavors meet contemporary cuisine at this trendy spot. Visitors can grab a table by the wide-open doors or go for a more intimate dinner in a tucked-away booth. 35 S. 2^nd Street, (215) 627-6273, www.cafespice.com
• Kisso Sushi Bar – Sake (of the bring-your-own variety) is the ideal accompaniment to the chef’s traditional sushi and sashimi, as well as his inventive Japanese dishes. 205 N. 4^th Street, (215) 922-1770
• Meju – The chef keeps the menu simple so he can concentrate on preparing traditional Korean favorites such as kimchee, kimbap and dish after dish of banchan. 213 Chestnut Street, (215) 238-9403
• Morimoto – Set amid a decidedly sleek and modern environment, TV’s Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto brings his signature modern style to sushi, noodles, tempura and other Japanese cuisine. 723 Chestnut Street, (215) 413-9070, www.morimotorestaurant.com  

• LaScala’s – The food: hearty traditional Italian fare. The setting: lively and family-friendly. The daily lunch and dinner specials: an update of classic Italian cuisine designed to appeal to every age and preference. 615 Chestnut Street, (215) 928-0900, www.lascalasphilly.com
• Positano Coast – All the flavors of Italy’s Amalfi Coast are prepared with authentic and innovative flair. Indoor and outdoor dining options are available for those feasting on classic dishes and “crudo,” the Italian version of sushi. 212 Walnut Street, (215) 238-0499, www.lambertis.com
• Ristorante Panorama – Romance and authentic Italian cuisine are on the menu at this upscale but casual trattoria. Boasting 27 wine flights, 150 by-the-glass selections and a 530-bottle reserve, it is easy to find the right vintage for every dish. 14 N. Front Street, (215) 922-7800, www.pennsviewhotel.com

• DiNardo’s Famous Crabs – Their shell-cracking, finger-licking crab feasts have earned nine “Best of Philly” awards from Philadelphia Magazine for their Baltimore-style “hot and dirty” crabs. 312 Race Street, (215) 925-5115, www.dinardos.com
• Old Original Bookbinders – With an accent on seafood, this Philadelphia dining landmark has a new look and a new menu. The recent renovation includes the world’s largest circular lobster tank, holding more than 350 of the tasty creatures. 125 Walnut Street, (215) 925-7027, www.bookbinders.biz
• Philadelphia Fish & Company – Fans of this local seafood spot tout the $6 bar menu. It is one of the best deals around and changes daily based on what’s fresh. 207 Chestnut Street, (215) 625-8605, www.philadelphiafish.com

• Beneluxx – This quirky restaurant only accepts reservations online, and guests clean out their glasses at the special rinser tables when sampling the more than 80 beers. The fondues, Belgian-accented menu, imported cheeses and dessert chocolates sold by the ounce add to the charm. 33 S. 3^rd Street, (215) 318-7269, www.beneluxx.com
• Jones – Old-time comfort food and a Brady Bunch-like setting make this a popular casual dining spot for singles, couples and families. The mac and cheese, meat loaf and fried chicken wreak havoc with diets, but the taste is worth every calorie. 700 Chestnut Street, (215) 223-5663, www.jones-restaurant.com
• Kibitz in the City – Hungry diners load up on giant-sized Reuben sandwiches, corned beef specials, knishes, kugels and other traditional Jewish deli treats that are big enough for the whole family to share. 703 Chestnut Street, (215) 928-1447, www.kibitzinthecity.com
• National Mechanics – The menu, featuring sandwiches, comfort foods and unusual takes on classic bar food, is as lighthearted as the unusual funhouse décor. 22 S. 3^rd Street, (215) 701-4883, www.nationalmechanics.com
• Society Hill Hotel and Bar Restaurant – An outdoor table is the ideal place for a sandwich, salad, cold beverage and people-watching. 301 Chestnut Street, (215) 923-3711, www.phillyhotelbar.com
• Triumph Brewing Company – Each item on this American pub-style menu can be paired with handcrafted beers, many of which are brewed onsite. 117 Chestnut Street, (215) 625-0855, www.triumphbrewing.com

• Amada – Authentic Spanish tapas and Mediterranean specialties are served in a casual but sophisticated setting. Adventurous diners go for La Mesa de Jose, a dining surprise that lets the chef select his favorites for the table. 217 Chestnut Street, (215) 625-2450, www.amadarestaurant.com
• GiGi – Part restaurant and part lounge, this hotspot features Mediterranean cuisine and a spacious outdoor patio. The prix-fixe mojito cocktail dinner, which pairs four tapas with four flavored mojitos, has become an after-work favorite. 319 Market Street, (215) 574-8880, www.gigiphilly.com
• Konak – Diners think they stumbled into an elaborate mansion in the heart of Istanbul when they see the lushly interior filled with Middle Eastern antiques. Traditional Turkish kebabs and other delicacies are all homemade. 228 Vine Street, (215) 592-1212, www.konakturkishrestaurant.com
• Serrano – The reasonable prices reflect the neighborhood restaurant atmosphere, but the bold, brash flavors of their international comfort food add a sophisticated touch to the cuisine. 20 S. 2^nd Street, (215) 928-0770, www.tinangel.com
• Tangerine – The only thing more chic than the luxurious setting is the sophisticated Moroccan, Middle Eastern and fusion cuisine. 232 Market Street, (215) 627-5116, www.tangerinerestaurant.com

• City Tavern – History and award-winning cuisine are highlights at this family-friendly, 18^th-century restaurant, where the Founding Fathers frequently wined and dined. Today, servers clad in Colonial garb add atmosphere while the chef prepares 21^st-century versions of traditional dishes. 138 S. 2^nd Street, (215) 413-1443, www.citytavern.com
• Fork – Noted by Philadelphia Magazine for its “Wine List with Real World Prices,” this new American bistro has also earned national kudos for its seasonally based menu. The adjacent take-out spot lets diners bring home many of Fork’s sauces, marinades and specialty menu items. 306 Market Street, (215) 625-9425, www.forkrestaurant.com
• Moshulu – The contemporary American menu wows diners, and so does the skyline view from the ship’s outdoor deck. The elegant Sunday brunch is only one reason it earned the coveted AAA Four Diamonds award. Families are welcome. 401 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 923-2500, www.moshulu.com

• Bistro 7 – The menu changes weekly as the chef whips up American cuisine based on whatever’s fresh at the farms. 7 N. 3^rd Street, (215) 931-1560, www.bistro7restaurant.com
• Chloe – At this petite, couple-run spot, there is an international flavor to the ever-changing menu. 232 Arch Street, (215) 629-2337, www.chloebyob.com
• Kabul – The Afghan and Middle Eastern menu features vegetarian, lamb and chicken dishes and warm, fresh-baked bread. 106 Chestnut Street, (215) 922-3676, www.kabulafghancuisine.com
• Radicchio Café – Warm colors and a cozy setting are the perfect backdrops for the chef’s simple and straightforward Italian menu.  402 Wood Street, (215) 627-6850, www.radicchio-cafe.com
• Zento – This don’t-blink-or-you’ll-miss-it sushi spot packs a lot of flavor into a small spot. The chef’s innovative rolls are best accompanied by saki. 138 Chestnut Street, (215) 925-9998, www.zentocontemporary.com

• Franklin Fountain – Old-fashioned Victorian charm is the perfect setting for their homemade, hand-dipped ice cream. Dozens of flavors made with seasonal fruits are delicious in a cone or dish or as step one on a mountainous sundae. 116 Market Street, (215) 627-1899, www.franklinfountain.com
• Tartes – Packed into this little jewel box of a bakery are more calories per square foot than imaginable. But forget about calories—everyone enjoys the rich homemade tarts, cookies and cakes. 212 Arch Street, (215) 625-2510

Note to Editors: For photos of Greater Philadelphia, visit our Photo Gallery.

CONTACT:

Cara Schneider, GPTMC
(215) 599-0789, cara@gptmc.com

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