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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Center City

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110 restaurants available nearby

A photo of El Vez restaurant
1. El Vez
4.8
Exceptional(7006)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican / Southwestern • Center City
Booked 86 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
2. Estia - Philadelphia
4.8
Exceptional(8738)
Price: Very Expensive
• Greek • Center City
Booked 90 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
3. Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia
4.9
Exceptional(2342)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Center City
Booked 13 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 Mercato restaurant
4. Mercato
4.6
Exceptional(1929)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Center City
Booked 20 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 Bellini restaurant
5. Bellini
4.7
Exceptional(1132)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Center City
Booked 23 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 McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Philadelphia restaurant
6. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Philadelphia
4.3
Awesome(5265)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Center City
Booked 32 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 La Viola - West restaurant
7. La Viola - West
4.6
Exceptional(795)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 28 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
8. Iron Hill - Center City
4.3
Awesome(1140)
Price: Moderate
• American • Center City
Booked 29 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.
A photo of Marathon - 16th & Sansom restaurant
9. Marathon - 16th & Sansom
4.5
Awesome(902)
Price: Moderate
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 27 times today
Marathon has served the neighborhoods of Philadelphia for over 25 years as a family-run restaurant group. We serve well-made American classics, and strive to source the freshest food locally available to us, including from our own Marathon Farm in Brewerytown, Philadelphia. Our favorite farm to table items include our grass-fed Cheesesteak, free-range Turkey Plate, and fluffy Omelets made with cage-free eggs.
A photo of La Viola Bistro restaurant
10. La Viola Bistro
4.6
Exceptional(435)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 18 times today
La Viola Bistro is a gem in Rittenhouse Square. It's a casual but chic Italian spot with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Reviewers rave about the excellent food and service, calling it a 'great local neighborhood find' and a 'neighborhood gem'. The family-owned restaurant adds to the charm, with one reviewer saying it reminds them of their family store in the 1950s. Plus, it's a BYOB spot which adds to its appeal.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Leo
    Chicago / Illinois •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We had an amazing time with our two small kids while visiting Philadelphia! Great ambience and excellent food…but what made our experience so special was our server Jelly who was so kind, helpful, and great with the kids.
    More info
    El VezPrice: Moderate• Mexican / Southwestern• Center City
    •
    4.8
  • Ann
    Philadelphia County •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Fabulous gem in Philly! We have been several times before or after shows and had amazing meals and service every time, with a family member with severe food allergies.
    More info
    BelliniPrice: Expensive• Italian• Center City
    •
    4.7
  • Tonyvip
    Philadelphia County •78 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Vetri Cucina was an experience truly extraordinary on every level. The atmosphere was extremely friendly and welcoming. The wait staff was so professional and especially knowledgeable on every aspect of the superbly crafted menu. No question was left unanswered. We were served in a timely manner by pleasant staff that described the dishes brilliantly. The entire meal was one will never forget. Thank you for a wonderful anniversary dinner.
    More info
    Vetri Cucina - PhiladelphiaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Center City
    •
    4.9
  • Aaron
    California Central Coast •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Fun neighborhood bistro with delicious food and great service!
    More info
    MercatoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Center City
    •
    4.6
  • Giselle
    Philadelphia County •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We were running late and the hostess was able to accommodate our new schedule. As soon as we arrived we were seated. We had theater tickets and our waitress made sure we got through dinner on time. Betty was amazing. We were able to get vegetables for the hummus for the gluten free people. The theater menu was perfect. Food was delicious and service was top notch. Highly recommend this location.
    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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