Updated for 2026 — the definitive local guide to eating and exploring in Philadelphia
Home / Neighborhoods / Old City
Neighborhood guide

The Best Restaurants in Old City

Historic cobblestone blocks packed with tapas, sushi, and Stephen Starr landmarks.

Advertisement728 × 90 · Monetag zone

Philadelphia's most historic quarter is also a serious dining destination, where founding-era cobblestones lead to buzzy tapas houses, omakase counters, and theatrical Stephen Starr rooms.

Here are the best restaurants in Old City right now.

AdvertisementResponsive · Monetag native / display zone
1

Fork

ForkFork

A pioneer of Old City fine dining since 1997, Fork turns seasonal Mid-Atlantic ingredients into refined, ever-changing plates. The warm, design-forward room makes it a reliable choice for date nights and special occasions.

Signature  Seasonal tasting
2

Amada

AmadaAmada

Chef Jose Garces built his reputation on this bustling Andalusian tapas house, where small plates are meant for sharing across a long, lively meal. Cured meats, cheeses, and hot tapas pair with sangria and the occasional burst of live flamenco.

Signature  Short rib empanadas
3

Buddakan

BuddakanBuddakan

A Stephen Starr institution, Buddakan pairs theatrical dining rooms with bold pan-Asian cooking meant to be passed around the table. A giant golden Buddha presides over crowd-pleasers like char siu pork buns and Kobe beef satay.

Signature  Edamame dumplings
4

Forsythia

ForsythiaForsythia

Chef Christopher Kearse's contemporary French bistro blends classic technique with a stylish, garden-inspired setting. The seasonal menu leans into refined comfort, from crispy panisse fries to elegant plates of fish and game.

Signature  Panisse fries
5

Ogawa Sushi & Kappo

Ogawa Sushi & KappoOgawa Sushi & Kappo

This intimate counter delivers a multi-course omakase experience built around pristine, seasonal fish. With just a handful of nightly seatings, it is one of Philadelphia's most sought-after sushi destinations.

Signature  Omakase
AdvertisementResponsive · Monetag native / display zone
6

Royal Boucherie

Royal BoucherieRoyal Boucherie

A corner brasserie serving French-leaning American fare, from raw-bar oysters to hearty mains and a well-stocked bar. Its relaxed, convivial atmosphere makes it a neighborhood go-to for brunch or a late dinner.

Signature  Raw-bar oysters
7

Han Dynasty

Han DynastyHan Dynasty

The Old City outpost of this beloved local chain is known for fiery, numbing Sichuan cooking that does not pull its punches. Regulars come for the dan dan noodles, dry pepper chicken, and cumin lamb.

Signature  Dan dan noodles
8

Tuna Bar

Tuna BarTuna Bar

A sleek, modern sushi spot turning out creative maki rolls, sashimi, and Japanese small plates. The stylish room and inventive cocktail list make it as good for a night out as for a quiet dinner.

Signature  Creative maki
9

Cuba Libre

Cuba LibreCuba Libre

Designed to evoke a Havana streetscape, this festive restaurant serves vibrant Cuban dishes alongside an expansive rum selection. Mojitos, plantains, and slow-cooked classics keep the energy high through weekend live music.

Signature  Mojitos & plantains
10

Panorama

PanoramaPanorama

Tucked inside the Penn's View Hotel, this Italian restaurant is famous for a Guinness-record by-the-glass wine program. House-made pastas and burrata pair with pours from more than 150 open bottles.

Signature  Wines by the glass
AdvertisementResponsive · Monetag native / display zone
11

Positano Coast

Positano CoastPositano Coast

A breezy second-floor dining room evokes the southern Italian coast with its bright, airy design. The kitchen specializes in coastal Italian cooking and a dedicated crudo bar of raw seafood.

Signature  Crudo bar