Upscale Restaurants in Philly

[Alex&Rufusmom]

I'm going to Philly for a couple of days this week and I have no idea where to find a really good restaurant ?? Can anyone recommend a nice place to eat. Anythig but Mexican food would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Stacy

[Capaneus]

I'm going to Philly for a couple of days this week and I have no idea where to find a really good restaurant ?? Can anyone recommend a nice place to eat. Anythig but Mexican food would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Stacy

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Can you narrow it down beyond "No Mexican"?

Off the top of my head, sticking to what I think of as "upscale", and staying in Center City and immediate environs, you have Le Bec-Fin, Striped Bass, Susanna Foo's, Brasserie Perrier, Lacroix, Barclay Prime/the Palm/Prime rib/other steakhouses (the Saloon being the only one with a twist, Italian in this case), Rae, Vetri, Morimoto. Monte Carlo was good once, not sure these days. I'm sure I'm forgetting a bunch.

All of the above have strengths to recommend them, with the caveat that I haven't tried Rae yet or Monte Carlo in a long time.

If the prices here are beyond your budget, there are a multitude of other candidates where it is possible to eat very well and have a fun time, even if the standards of service or decor may be a tad lower. To be able to pick among those, we'd really need further guidance.

[mattohara]

i know the post said 'upscale' but if you're not from the area you may not know about philly's huge BYOB scene. there are lots of smaller restaurants with really great food that let you bring your own beer/wine/liquor.

also i see that you're interested in baking and pastry. you should try to get to some of the fantastic italian pastry shops that are in south philly ( varallo, isgro, termini, cosmi ) or at least get to isgro's stand in the Reading Terminal Market.

[rlibkind]

. . . at least get to isgro's stand in the Reading Terminal Market.

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Isgro doesn't have a stand at the RTM. Termini's does.

[Alec Hart]

If money is not an issue, I highly recommend Lacroix followed closely by Vetri.

For something less expensive, I suggest Amada or Gayle.

--Alec

[mattohara]

. . . at least get to isgro's stand in the Reading Terminal Market.

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Isgro doesn't have a stand at the RTM. Termini's does.

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oh, right. i knew that.

[Alex&Rufusmom]

Thanks so much for the replies. I'll make note of all the places you suggested and decide once I get there which to try. Not sure where I'll be in town so I guess that will dictate where I end up eating??

Thanks again for the fast replies

Stacy

[Alex&Rufusmom]

Had to stop back by and say thanks for all the suggestions. I had a wonderful dining experience. I did end up going to two little places one which you BYOB and the other had a choice of over 100 types of beer!!! I have to say, I had the most wonderful time. The Afghanistan restaurant called Kabul was very good and the Belgian Tavern was also quite enjoyable. Who knew there was such a place that served over 100 types of beer?? Anyway thanks so much for all the suggestions. I can't wait to go back and try a few more places out.

Stacy

[cdh]

"Belgian Tavern"? Did you go to Eulogy or Monk's, or is there another player in the Belgian beer game in town now that I've not heard of yet?

[Alex&Rufusmom]

"Belgian Tavern"?  Did you go to Eulogy or Monk's, or is there another player in the Belgian beer game in town now that I've not heard of yet?

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We went to Eulogy. There is another one?? Is it located in another part of town?

[mattohara]

yes monk's is over on 16th and locust. great food there as well.

and Zot just opened on 2nd and Lombard.

hey what BYOB did you go to?

[Alex&Rufusmom]

yes monk's is over on 16th and locust.  great food there as well.

and Zot just opened on 2nd and Lombard.

hey what BYOB did you go to?

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We went to Kabul on Chestnut between 2nd and Front. Really enjoyed it We stuffed ourselves.