It’s that time of year again! Philadelphians are rapidly Googling “best Philly restaurants” in hopes of finding the perfect plate and scrambling to make those last-minute reservations. This notorious week is called Center City District Restaurant Week!
More than 120 restaurants in the central Philadelphia area will participate with a specially prepared three-course lunch or dinner menu for the awesome low price of $20 or $35. Like most Philly fads, these deals won’t last long; Philly Restaurant Week runs January 18th until the 23rd, and again from January 25th to the 30th.
Below is a list of superlatives of the top participating restaurants for Philadelphia’s Restaurant Week that will leave you satisfied for the night and have you eager to return again.
Best Environment: Tequilas Restaurant, 1602 Locust St.
If you often choose your restaurants based on the atmosphere and experience, then Tequilas’ authentic vibe is the place for you! Indulge in a Mexican feast, while sipping a margarita or two. The dining area is dressy, warm and superbly presented; and their breakfast-style lunch options like Omelete de Chorizo and Huevos Rancheros will make you want to return for Pescado Al Mango for dinner (that’s a grouper fillet stuffed with guacamole and finished in a mango-ginger sauce).
Best Cuisine: FARMiCiA , 15 S 3rd St.
With an emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients, FARMiCiA prides itself on healthy, simply crafted and creative cuisine; from their numerous farm-fresh salads to flavorful dinner entrees like Dijon Grilled Pork and Smoked Beef Shortrib. Crafted from organic and artisanal producers, there is something for everyone on the menu. Did we mention this is a BYOB restaurant? Grab your favorite bottle and enjoy a relaxed, delicious dinner in Old City.
Date Night: Twenty Manning Grill, 261 S 20th St.
Located in Rittenhouse Square, Twenty Manning Grill is definitely the place to take your significant other for special dinner. Known for its seasonal, classic fare served in a relaxed setting, it’s an ideal location for a first date or special night out! Treat your S.O. to aromatic plates, like Roasted Tomato Bisque along with a Crispy Scottish Salmon for a wholly sensory experience. Twenty Manning Grill effortlessly creates a romantic atmosphere that’s perfect for date night.
Best Comfort Food: Bistro La Viola, 253 S 16th St.
This family-owned BYOB restaurant is the ideal spot to ensure you leave with a full and satisfied stomach! Bistro La Viola offers fine Italian dining from the Abruzzo region of Italy with an array of classic and contemporary dishes, like Mozzarella Al Basilico (homemade buffalo mozzarella with roasted peppers), savory risotto and veal medallions. With a variety of appetizer platters, pasta dishes and chef’s special of the day, this bistro is sure to become your new favorite Italian spot.
Girls Night: Yakitori Boy, 211 N 11th St.
Yakitori Boy is Philadelphia’s first and only authentic Izakaya and Japanese cuisine and offers five courses for their dinner menu! The Eagles Roll definitely gets people talking, with tuna tataki, mango and tempura crunch topped with shrimp and avocado. Even if you aren’t big on sushi, they offer apps like avocado salad and Hama Sui (clear clam soup), and entrees like Chilean sea bass. Yakitori Boy not only offers cheap and yummy dishes and drinks, but also a karaoke lounge to unwind and sing your heart out with your girlfriends. Call to reserve a dinner reservation and karaoke room to spice up your night!
What better way to spend these cold winter nights than indulging in a warm meal from some of the top restaurants in the city of Philadelphia? There is no better time than now to try out restaurants you’ve been dying to go to! Make your reservations through OpenTable online, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #CCDRW and tag @PhilaRestWeek when taking pics of your plates!
Pingback: This Week in Philly | Philly PR Girl