Best Dining Bets in Philadelphia
- Best for a Big Night: In a city bursting with great Italian bistros, jewel-box Vetri, 1312 Spruce St. (tel. 215/732-3478), has long stood out for its timeless approach and sophisticated but cozy setting. Get the spinach gnocchi with ricotta and brown butter, prosciutto, and mushroom-stuffed guinea hen breast, chocolate polenta soufflé -- or, if it's Saturday, whatever Chef Marc Vetri has whipped up for his tasting menu.
- Best for Breakfast: At Sam's Morning Glory Diner, 10th and Fitzwater streets (tel. 215/413-3999), the coffee comes in big, steely mugs; doughy biscuits are cut square; and the "glory" pancakes are the best flapjacks you'll eat, anywhere, ever. But if you want to do a comparison, oodles of Philadelphians swear by and line up for seriously big breakfasts at both locations of Sabrina's, 910 Christian Street (tel. 215/574-1599), and 1802 Callowhill Street (tel. 215/636-9061).
- Best for Lunch: A mere $15 buys a delicious two-course "Catalan Express" lunch of savory Spanish soup or salad, along with a pernil (pork shoulder) or skirt steak sandwich at sunny Amada, Chestnut Street, 2nd and 3rd streets (tel. 215/625-2450).
- Best for Kids: Just a block from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, hip, booth-filled, reservations-not-required Jones at 7th and Chestnut streets (tel. 215/223-5663) prides itself on its informal decor, family-friendly service, and fresh, crowd-pleasing comfort food, including beef brisket, turkey burgers, chicken Parm, big salads, french fries, and nachos.
- Best Cheesesteak: Late-night crowds line up for a cheesesteak fix at famed rivals Pat's and Geno's in South Philly -- but our cheesesteak critic gives the crown to Cosmi's Deli just a few blocks southeast. Get there early; this family-owned business closes at 9pm (7pm on Sun).
- Best Hoagies: Using seeded Italian bread made a couple doors down, Sarcone's Deli, 9th and Fitzwater streets (tel. 215/922-1717), comes up with the best Italian sandwiches in the city. (A bold statement, I know.) Choose from classic cold cuts, undressed tuna, and specialty sandwiches that combine roasted red peppers, sharp provolone, long hots (hot peppers), and whole cloves of garlic.
- Best for Couples: Tucked into bustling Old City is gently artful, effortlessly elegant, surprisingly serene Fork, 306 Market St. (tel. 215/625-9425), a nouveau-American bistro with a just-gourmet-enough menu that's a far-and-away favorite for stylish, delicious celebrations for two.
- Best Ice Cream: Although Franklin Fountain, 116 Market St. (tel. 215/627-1899), is a relatively new addition to Old City, it feels as though it's been here for decades. Come here for sloppy sundaes, classic egg creams, ice-cream sodas, and other back-in-the-day chilly treats.
- Best Gelato: Now with four locations, divine Capogiro, in Midtown Village at 119 S. 13th St. (tel. 215/351-0900), Rittenhouse at 117 S. 20th St. (tel. 215/636-9250), South Philly at 1625 E. Passyunk Ave. (tel. 215/462-3790), and University City at 3935 Walnut St. (tel. 215/222-0252) serves up the best gelato and sorbetto this side of Firenze. My favorites are the out-there flavors like grapefruit and Campari, strawberry and basil, or heirloom apple.