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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Washington Square

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110 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Talula’s Garden restaurant
1. Talula’s Garden
4.9
Exceptional(13168)
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.
A photo of Craftsman Row Saloon restaurant
2. Craftsman Row Saloon
4.6
Exceptional(1074)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old City
Booked 101 times today
Craftsman Row Saloon is a neighborhood gem for its festive, unique ambiance and creative menu. Reviews rave about the 'fun cocktails', 'outstanding' decorations and 'excellent' service. It's praised for being a 'great place for bar food' with a 'fun atmosphere'. It's also noted for its 'charming establishment' and 'friendly efficient servers'. The restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, making it a must-visit place in the Old City neighborhood.
A photo of Morimoto restaurant
3. Morimoto
4.7
Exceptional(6751)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Center City
Booked 67 times today
Morimoto is serving contemporary Japanese cuisine. Chef Masaharu Morimoto of Iron Chef prepares traditional dishes with a modern flair.
A photo of Red Owl Tavern restaurant
4. Red Owl Tavern
4.5
Awesome(1479)
Price: Expensive
• American • Old City
Booked 16 times today
Neighborly meets sophisticated at Red Owl, a modern tavern in the heart of Old City, just across from the Liberty Bell. Among soaring windows and cozy tables, the kitchen serves up smart, stylish takes on American staples (a cheesesteak never tasted as good as ours, made with premium shaved rib-eye). When paired with craft beers and classic cocktails, it’s a clever balance of fancy and familiar, with a dash of Philly flair.We look forward to seeing you soon!
A photo of LaScala's Fire - Philadelphia restaurant
5. LaScala's Fire - Philadelphia
4.7
Exceptional(3261)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old City
Booked 28 times today
LaScala’s Fire, located in the heart of Philadelphia, is a fresh and vibrant addition to the Center City community! With a blend of Italian and American dishes, decadent desserts, handcrafted cocktails, 16 craft beers on tap and more, this will surely become your new favorite spot to eat in the city!
A photo of Bleu Sushi restaurant
6. Bleu Sushi
4.8
Exceptional(609)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Center City
Booked 3 times today
Welcome To Bleu Sushi Japanese Restaurant!Bleu Sushi brings the rich culinary arts of Japan right to Center City, Philadelphia. Recognized as being a premier BYOB restaurant with the best sushi in Philly, Bleu Sushi gives a fresh take on Japanese cuisine. No wonder customers everywhere have deemed Bleu Sushi the best sushi in town. Furthermore, we are constantly thinking of new food and ideas at Bleu Sushi, thats where the Bleu Bot comes into play. We want to enhance our customers contact-less pick-up experience during the pandemic while implementing a little humor. With that said, our mechanical robotic arm and our outdoor dining patio are all here, ready to serve our beloved clienteles.
A photo of Parc restaurant
7. Parc
4.8
Exceptional(17324)
Price: Expensive
• French • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 319 times today
Stephen Starr's stylish addition to Rittenhouse Square pays tribute to French cafe culture, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, ideal for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Parc recalls the chic brasseries of Paris, serving classic French fare in a charming space. Red leather banquettes topped with frosted glass provide a sense of intimacy. Details such as well-worn wooden chairs, vintage framed paintings and photos and antique brass fixtures transport guests across the Atlantic. French doors spill onto a sidewalk terrace covered by a dark red awning perfect for dining "en plein air."
A photo of The Love restaurant
8. The Love
4.8
Exceptional(7222)
Price: Expensive
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 149 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.
A photo of El Vez restaurant
9. El Vez
4.7
Exceptional(7008)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican / Southwestern • Center City
Booked 98 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 Buddakan - Philadelphia restaurant
10. Buddakan - Philadelphia
4.7
Exceptional(11297)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Old City
Booked 103 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Tannis
    Philadelphia County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We enjoyed our time here. It definitely the time to make a reservation!! We each had 2 of the specialty cocktails & they were delicious! Got the nutcracker old fashioned, fireside chat, snowglobe spritz and an Ornament globe. We got the fried pickles as an appetizer to share which were good. lightly coated to go with the spicy aioli! for our entrees, we got the lasagna burger (which sounds crazy but definitely taste like it) and the parisian sandwich which was fried chicken with a brie&cranberry aioli, gruyere cheese, apples on a croissant bun! their menu states that 20% gratuity is automatically added and then they charge a credit card processing fee as well.
    More info
    Craftsman Row SaloonPrice: Moderate• American• Old City
    •
    4.6
  • Caroline
    Philadelphia County •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Excellent service, great food and atmosphere. Our server was super attentive and kind. We had a nut allergy in the group and he had been made aware through our reservation and double checked that items on the menu were safe. It was a wonderful surprise that the chocolate cake was safe - the frosting was delicious. We’ll definitely be back. Easy parking nearby in the lot on fourth st.
    More info
    Red Owl TavernPrice: Expensive• American• Old City
    •
    4.5
  • nancy
    Philadelphia County •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Always enjoy eating at LaScala Fire never disappoints. The pannis, pizza , salads and entrees are excellent. They validate parking which is another plus.
    More info
    LaScala's Fire - PhiladelphiaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old City
    •
    4.7
  • Lauravip
    Los Angeles •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    One of my favorite restaurants to go to when I am in Philadelphia. The restaurant itself is beautiful – the ceiling and walls really make it special. Food is always delicious, especially the Toro sushi, which is melt in your mouth.  The chicken curry Katsu is tasty and definitely big enough to share. Desserts were heavier - the sorbet trio is always a hit though. Also loved the sesame ice cream. Lots of yuppie couples on first dates!
    More info
    MorimotoPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Center City
    •
    4.7
  • Michelle
    Kansas City / Kansas •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Tabula Gardens is magical from the second you find the sign pointing you along the outdoor seating to enter the restaurant. Everyone is there to ensure that you are enjoying a wonderful experience. Every morsel of food was flavored to provide a symphony of delight. I can't say enough about the service and how they make you feel so special. Joseph, our lead server, made sure everything that arrived was to our liking. He is such a extraordinary server! The food was amazing! I cannot wait to return to Philly, so I can experience the wonders of Talula's Garden.
    More info
    Talula’s GardenPrice: Very Expensive• American• Washington Square
    •
    4.9

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Washington Square

Discover the charm of Washington Square's dining scene, where each restaurant is a celebrated "neighborhood gem" offering unique culinary experiences in the heart of Philadelphia County. This area is renowned for its eclectic mix of eateries that seamlessly blend intimate ambiance with exceptional service, making each meal memorable. From cozy, boutique-style settings to innovative menus that showcase both local and international flavors, these restaurants cater to a variety of dining preferences. Patrons can enjoy everything from casual café environments to upscale dining experiences, all characterized by their commitment to quality and a welcoming atmosphere. The keyword "neighborhood gem" truly reflects the community-focused spirit of these establishments, where locals and visitors alike can find a slice of Philadelphia's rich culinary heritage. Whether you're seeking a spot for a relaxed brunch, a business lunch, or a special dinner, Washington Square's dining options promise a satisfying and delightful experience. This area's reputation as a culinary hotspot is well-deserved, with each restaurant striving to offer not just a meal, but a memorable dining encounter.

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