Best Restaurants for Foodies in Upper North Philadelphia

30 restaurants available nearby

1. SkyHigh

4.6

Exceptional(2803)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Center City

Booked 60 times today

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

2. Vernick Fish

4.7

Exceptional(2192)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Center City

Booked 60 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. Talula’s Garden

4.9

Exceptional(13216)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Washington Square

Booked 107 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.

4. Little Water

4.7

Exceptional(75)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Center City

Booked 49 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.

5. Amada PHL

4.7

Exceptional(8721)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Old City

Booked 41 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

6. AMINA

4.6

Exceptional(1364)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Southern • Old City

Booked 18 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.

A photo of Fork - Philadelphia restaurant

7. Fork - Philadelphia

4.7

Exceptional(5116)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Old City

Booked 28 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(11321)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • Old City

Booked 95 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. El Vez

4.7

Exceptional(7026)

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.

10. The Love

4.8

Exceptional(7282)

Price: Expensive

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 208 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
Christine
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
10/10 experience. Excellent food, service, and ambiance. They went above and beyond making our dining experience special for our anniversary. We will absolutely be back and highly recommend others to dine there!
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Talula’s GardenPrice: Very Expensive• American• Washington Square
•
4.9
J
Jamila
Philadelphia County •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 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.
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SkyHighPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Center City
•
4.6
K
Karell
Philadelphia County •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Amada is in my Mount Rushmore of fine dining! It’s a must do kind of experience for any date or joyous occasion. I love the dim lighting, romantic vibe, soft sexy instrumental music playing in the background, and very attentive staff. The bathroom even smelled great! There are so many delicious flavors to try with the tapas and the price is surprisingly reasonable for what you get! Thanks Again!!
More info
Amada PHLPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Old City
•
4.7
E
EricVIP
Houston •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The food and service is amazing. This restaurant is a neighborhood gem. I am certain it will quickly become a hard reservation to get. The wait staff is attentive without being smothering. They are there when you need them, and they give you space when you don’t. The fried sea bass was great and their shrimp cocktail is to die for. Ask for their hot sauce.
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Little WaterPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Center City
•
4.7
R
RobertVIP
Philadelphia County •76 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
This is possibly the best restaurant in Philadelphia! We’ve gone to many times and have never been disappointed.
More info
Vernick FishPrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Center City
•
4.7

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Upper North Philadelphia

Best Restaurants for Foodies in Upper North Philadelphia

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30 restaurants available nearby

1. SkyHigh

2. Vernick Fish

3. Talula’s Garden

4. Little Water

5. Amada PHL

6. AMINA

7. Fork - Philadelphia

8. Buddakan - Philadelphia

9. El Vez

10. The Love

See what locals rave about

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