Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Philadelphia

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Philadelphia? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Philadelphia Distilling

4.8

4.8 (275)

$31 to $50

American

Fishtown

About the restaurant

At Philadelphia Distilling, our distilling team combines craftsmanship, science and skill to create a unique portfolio of premium spirits that rely on the agricultural integrity of authentically sourced grains and botanicals and the finest heritage equipment.

Hand-hammered copper pot stills from the fifth-generation Forsyth family and wooden fermentation vessels from Hall-Woodford, an iconic Philadelphia-based family business, are key points of difference for us—both in their construction value as well as the integrity of the spirits they help us to produce. We continue our batch-by-batch process, creating spirits that celebrate big, bold flavor.

Top review

JaniceVIP

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

Incredibly-designed space with a view of the distillery works. Sat at the bar and service was exceptional. Drinks were expertly-crafted. The gougères were delicious. The other two food items we had were ok, so I don’t recommend coming here expecting to eat dinner; this is a cocktail bar first and foremost. I will return.

Vernick Coffee Bar

4.9

4.9 (308)

$30 and under

Café

Center City

About the restaurant

With Vernick Coffee Bar, James Beard award-winning Chef Greg Vernick partners with Four Seasons Hotel at Comcast Center to deliver a modern coffee bar and café as his second venture in Philadelphia. Featuring a takeaway bakery and barista counter along with a full-service 40-seat café, Vernick Coffee Bar serves up a menu of expertly prepared dishes and in-house baked goods all with the high impact, global flavor combinations Chef Vernick has become known for.
Vernick Coffee Bar is situated on the second level of the new Comcast Technology Center and overlooks the tree canopies in the building’s public lobby. Reservations are available in the full-service café for both breakfast and lunch. The takeaway area includes open seating for up to 48 guests, an excellent walk-in destination for all day dining. Vernick Coffee Bar is open Monday-Friday.

Top review

EleanorVIP

Dined on Dec 4, 2024

Taisha is the most wonderful greeter and server. Always makes you feel welcome. This is a beautiful, pretty quiet place for lunch. Food interesting but I always order from the coffee bar, which is delicious.

The Victor Cafe - Philadelphia

4.9

4.9 (4760)

$30 and under

Italian

South Philly

About the restaurant

The Victor Café is an Italian restaurant that cultivates old traditions and seamlessly blends them with new ones. With classic Italian dishes and unforgettable live music, we invite you to join us for many enjoyable evenings for years to come.

PLEASE NOTE: Multiple reservations made for the same party cannot be seated together. To book large parties that are not available by default on OpenTable, please contact the restaurant directly.
When booking, party size should encompass total number of guests, including children. We try our best to accommodate special requests, however they are not guaranteed.

Top review

Christine

Dined 2 days ago

A unique experience! Being entertained by professional opera singers while having dinner! Truly enjoyed the meal and the entertainment! Will be back!!

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Jean-Georges Philadelphia

4.7

4.7 (1356)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Center City

About the restaurant

Global flavors and elevated cuisine define the restaurant's tasting menu experience set on the 59th floor of Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. Visit OpenTable to book your reservation.

Top review

GEORGEVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We celebrated my Husband's Birthday with a Tasting Menu Dinner. Everything went perfectly. Cocktails were first rate including his Vesper. Each course was a culinary delight and the desserts at the end of the meal blew us away. We were so full by the end. The views of the city at night are magnificent. The multiple servers were friendly, efficient and courteous. For special occasions, this is the place to be.

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Experience

Jean-Georges Tasting Menu

Experience

Jean-Georges Philadelphia Christmas Menu

Experience

NYE at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia

Bistro Romano

4.8

4.8 (4963)

$30 and under

Italian

Society Hill

About the restaurant

This Historic Landmark in Society Hill, nestled in an 18th century granary, will stimulate your senses with an ambiance of candlelight and casual elegance while creating an unforgettable dining experience. Wine Spectator Award for our wine list! Voted a “Best of Philly” Restaurant, guests enjoy Bistro Romano’s acclaimed Regional Italian Cuisine and rave of the award-winning Caesar Salad and the romantic underground wine cellar for two to four. Wine Cellar reservations book the Wine Cellar Experience on OpenTable. We are now celebrating our 36th year! Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence (Two Glasses). Over 750 wine selections, including 20 by the glass.

Top review

Alexis

Dined today

This is probably one of the best restaurants in Philly!!! The food was delicious while the service was quick and friendly. My partner has sensory challenges and the ambiance and noise levels were not overstimulating for him. Thank you Bistro Romano for making his birthday dinner so special. We’ll definitely be back!

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4.8

4.8 (25)

$50 and over

American

South Philly

About the restaurant

River Twice is a Modern American restaurant that celebrates the richness of our regions bounty located on East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia. Our menu frequently changes to reflect the finest of what local purveyors have in season to give guests a unique experience with every visit in our intimate but casual atmosphere. Our thoughtfully curated beverage list and wine pairings coincide with our dedication to develop a sincere connection to the Delaware River Valley and mid-Atlantic region.

Our intimate, window-lined dining room offers a charming view of the iconic Singing Fountain on East Passyunk Avenue. The dining room surrounds an open kitchen where you will be able to see our chefs at work.

River Twice has been recognized by The Philadelphia Inquirer, The New York Times, has earned Chef Randy Rucker’s Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best Chef” and, most recently Chef Randy Rucker garnered a James Beard Award nomination in 2024 for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic.

Top review

CynthiaVIP

Dined 2 days ago

My partner and I really enjoyed our experience here. The care and detail that went into each dish was extraordinary and the vibe was relaxed and fun. We sat at the chefs counter and the entire team were so welcoming and friendly. We love how the menu changes frequently, we are already planning our next visit!

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Experience

New Year's Eve - Seven Course Tasting

Experience

Chef's Counter

Experience

Dining Room Reservation

SkyHigh

4.7

4.7 (2805)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Center City

About the restaurant

Philadelphia's SkyHigh restaurant presents a chic and comfortable dining experience specializing in approachable Jean-Georges cuisine. Experience panoramic views and world-class service.

Top review

Jamila

Dined 5 days ago

We had excellent service and the waiter gave wonderful recommendations. He was very attentive and the ambiance was amazing. Love the partnership with the school district for the students to play jazz on Mondays. They sounded great and very professional.

Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia

4.9

4.9 (2367)

$50 and over

Italian

Center City

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Anca

Dined 3 days ago

Always such a pleasant experience. Lovely and attentive staff and delicious food. The wine list is very well thought. Great job

Saloon Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (2565)

$50 and over

Italian

South Philly

About the restaurant

Entering the Saloon, a family owned restaurant since it opened in 1967 is a bit like stepping into Philadelphia's past. Dark oak paneling, shiny brass and authentic local antiques create a warm congenial and casual atmosphere. The choice of two comfortable dining rooms each with its own vintage bars make dining and conversation a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Both bars feature a delicious and moderately priced food menu. The menu is Italian with seafood specials such as grilled octopus and dover sole. Saloon steaks and veal chops are legendary. Many prefer a plate of fried long hot peppers to compliment the steaks. All desserts and gelatos are made on the premises daily. The Saloon is a Philadelphia neighborhood bar and restaurant with a national reputation. And the parking is FREE!

Top review

Anthony

Dined 4 days ago

Perfect. Amazing food, drinks, staff was excellent . They remember by girlfriends birthday.. really great time! We love this place!

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4.9

4.9 (8813)

$50 and over

Steak

Center City

About the restaurant

Butcher & Singer, in the amazing historic location of 1500 Walnut, is an intimate and sophisticated dining experience in a relaxed clubhouse setting. We brought back the true classics from perfect Manhattans and Sidecars to hand-cut steaks and chops, and freshly caught fish. Timeless and fun for all in the continued age of the American chophouse.

Top review

Kevin

Dined 4 days ago

Delmonico & Porthouze Steaks with Black Truffle Butter were to die for. Maybe the best steaks I’ve ever had. 10/10

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