Best Restaurants for Foodies in Chinatown

29 restaurants available nearby

1. Talula’s Garden

4.9

Exceptional(13254)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Washington Square

Booked 125 times today

Behind the wrought iron gate, past the herbaceous patio and through the atrium is Talula's Garden, the warm and elegant Washington Square eatery from Aimee Olexy and Starr Restaurants. The modern menu, prepared with carefully-sourced ingredients and a light European touch, changes with the seasons. The artful cuisine, hospitable staff, sustainable spirits, and a focus on cheese make the dining experience here incredibly memorable.

2. Vernick Fish

4.7

Exceptional(2207)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Center City

Booked 39 times today

Vernick Fish presents Philadelphia’s own, Chef Greg Vernick’s exploration beyond the boundaries of a seafood restaurant. His ingredient-driven cooking style, paired with a love for global flavors, results in an inventive menu of fish and shellfish dishes, and a range of vegetable preparations. Taking a detailed, seasonal, and sustainable approach with small and large plate offerings, the kitchen brings new life to the favorite hallmarks of American oyster bar fare and raw bar. Complementing the experience are well-crafted cocktails, and a focused wine list of seafood-friendly white and sparkling offerings, as well as light, fresh reds.

3. Little Water

4.6

Exceptional(94)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Center City

Booked 37 times today

Located in the historic neighborhood of Rittenhouse Square, Little Water is the latest restaurant from husband-and-wife team, Chef Randy Rucker and Amanda Rucker. Inspired by the Ruckers' experiences living along the Gulf Coast, New England, and Mid-Atlantic regions, Little Water is a contemporary coastal restaurant that celebrates the ecological diversity of life by the sea.The sister restaurant to the acclaimed East Passyunk Avenue gem, River Twice—which has been recognized by The Philadelphia Inquirer and The New York Times, and has earned Chef Randy’s Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best Chef” and, most recently, a James Beard Award nomination in 2024 for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic—Little Water continues the Ruckers' dedication to sustainability and local sourcing. With an a la carte menu inspired by the dynamic ecosystem of tranquil marshes, expansive bays, and secluded coves, Little Water captures the coastal spirit in a warm and lively atmosphere.

4. Amada PHL

4.7

Exceptional(8728)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Old City

Booked 45 times today

Amada is an Andalusian tapas bar & restaurant where Chef Jose Garces embraces the rich traditions of Spanish gastronomy while incorporating avant-garde cooking techniques in a gorgeous rustic-chic settingSpecialties of the HouseSpanish Octopus, Garlic Shrimp, Tortilla Española, Paella Valenciana, Whole Roasted Suckling Pig (Call to order 72 hours in advance, excluding Sundays), Seasonal Sangrías, Cocktails, and Wine.Private Parties: Amada welcomes groups of all sizes. Festive settings, service and menus are perfect for intimate dinners with friends, special occasions and holidays, corporate meetings and staff parties. Events can be booked throughout the restaurant and in our private dining rooms seven days a week. For parties of 10 or more, please call our private events team at 267-284-7979 or email events@garcesgroup.com

5. AMINA

4.5

Awesome(1376)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Southern • Old City

Booked 24 times today

Owner Felicia Wilson and Chef Partner Darryl Harmon, who hails from Gouldstown, NJ in Cumberland County, which is considered the oldest black community in the U.S., is an award-winning chef for The Lure Group in New York City. He previously served as the Executive Chef at the Water Works Restaurant in Philadelphia between 2007 and 2012.

6. El Vez

4.7

Exceptional(7046)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican / Southwestern • Center City

Booked 107 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 Fork - Philadelphia restaurant

7. Fork - Philadelphia

4.7

Exceptional(5132)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Old City

Booked 51 times today

Fork in Philadelphia is a foodie paradise, offering a unique and evolving dining experience with a commitment to seasonality and local ingredients. The restaurant has been praised for its creative, well-prepared, and delicious dishes, as per the reviews. The ambience is described as warm and friendly, with an intimate setting that enhances the culinary journey. Apart from the exceptional food, the attentive and knowledgeable service adds to the overall dining experience. Fork has received accolades such as James Beard Foundation Finalist and Esquire's '100 Restaurants We Can't Afford to Lose', solidifying its status as a foodie hotspot.

A photo of Buddakan - Philadelphia restaurant

8. Buddakan - Philadelphia

4.7

Exceptional(11361)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • Old City

Booked 128 times today

Stephen Starr’s Buddakan is a spectacular restaurant featuring exotic flavors of modern Asian cuisine with creativity and drama. Bon Appetit notes, "The mostly white space is striking, with a lit-from-within communal table in the middle of the room, a waterfall & a ten-foot, candle-bedecked Buddha. The religious icon watches over hip customers indulging in pan-Asian cuisine that far surpasses the fare usually found at hot spots like this." Newsweek reports, "Design also serves as a signifier for cuisine. You walk into Buddakan, one of the hottest new restaurants in Philadelphia, past a shimmering waterfall & Japanese river stones & you say to yourself, 'ginger-miso everything' even before you see the magnificent 10-foot Buddha dominating the dining room." Named one of “America's Top 50 Restaurants" by Travel & Leisure and 'Top Restaurant for Fun' by Gourmet, Buddakan has become one of the country's most talked about restaurants.

9. Spice Finch

4.8

Exceptional(1260)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Center City

Booked 22 times today

Named after the bird that populates nearly every port along the ancient maritime spice routes, Spice Finch pays homage to a passerine that does not sing, yet is known to vocalize or chirp in recognition of good eats. We are inspired by the distinctive flavors of the nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea, and heavily influenced by the cultures and culinary traditions of Morocco and Greece. Our menu is a bold, seasonally accurate menu featuring an array of small plates, vegetables, grilled meats and fish. Follow us on Instagram @SpiceFinchPhilly

10. The Love

4.8

Exceptional(7365)

Price: Expensive

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 135 times today

Aimee Olexy and Stephen Starr's The Love is a bi-level sanctuary features 150 seats, split between the main dining room, sidewalk seating, and an upper-level loft. The restaurant is a spirited and carefree neighborhood café celebrating everyday American cuisine. The menu is crafted around what’s truly seasonal and local, while the beverage program reflects the best of the region. This creative energy is matched by a front-of-house service staff passionate about providing homey hospitality morning, noon and night.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Cameron
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Overall, it was a great experience. I had an anniversary dinner here with my wife, and we loved the food and atmosphere. The service was exceptional. It's out of our typical price range, but it is in the heart of Philadelphia, so it is to be expected. It was a night to remember!
More info
Talula’s GardenPrice: Very Expensive• American• Washington Square
•
4.9
G
Gabriella
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The food was fresh and tasted amazing. Had the sea bass, 10/10. Had every raw oyster they had available and loved every single one. The broccolini Caesar was amazing as well. Will definitely go back to try the crab fried rice.
More info
Vernick FishPrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Center City
•
4.7
R
RandiVIP
Philadelphia County •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Our server, Ebony, was excellent. Very courteous. Very demure. 😉 Very attentive without hovering. The bartender was excellent. Our drinks were perfect. The food was amazing!
More info
AMINAPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Southern• Old City
•
4.5
K
Karen
Philadelphia County •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
As always, Chef Rucker knows how to bring it! The food, service, ambience, music and vibe were all on point. The swordfish belly app, lobster toast, hash browns, crab claws, blue fun tuna, cabbage, scallops, swordfish Milanese, sea bass, ham and squid ink biscuits and chicken were unreal. This is our third visit, and the consistency and quality were outstanding. We’ve probably had every menu item and have been enjoying the changing drinks menu as well. The matcha cocktail is a favorite, can drink it like water! The new mezcal Negroni was delish!!! You have to get the desserts. I crave them constantly now. The granola cremeaux is in my dreams.
More info
Little WaterPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Center City
•
4.6
C
cocco
Austin •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 25, 2024
Service was amazing, food was fantastic, drinks were delish. Couldn’t ask for a better experience.
More info
Amada PHLPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Old City
•
4.7

Best Restaurants for Foodies in Chinatown

Price

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Award-winning

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29 restaurants available nearby

1. Talula’s Garden

2. Vernick Fish

3. Little Water

4. Amada PHL

5. AMINA

6. El Vez

7. Fork - Philadelphia

8. Buddakan - Philadelphia

9. Spice Finch

10. The Love

See what locals rave about

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