Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Philadelphia

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Philadelphia? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Fork - Philadelphia

4.7

4.7 (5118)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Old City

About the restaurant

Fork has been part of Philadelphia's exciting dining scene for over 25 years. Always evolving , Fork has stayed true to its mission, with a commitment to seasonality, carefully sourced local ingredients grown and produced by local farmers, producers and fishermen. Located in Old City, a neighborhood of art galleries, shops and independent small businesses, Fork is completely consistent with that spirit. The dining room includes gorgeous contemporary murals and a newly updated central bar where you can watch the action in our open kitchen or relax and enjoy the warm hospitality offered by our team.

James Beard Winner-Outstanding Restaurateur, Ellen Yin, 2024
James Beard Foundation Finalist - Outstanding Restaurateur, Ellen Yin, 2018, 2019, 2021; Best Chef Mid-Atlantic, Eli Kulp 2016
Esquire - "100 Restaurants We Can't Afford to Lose"

20% service fee added to all checks

Top review

Briellen

Dined 5 days ago

Had some of the best food I’ve ever eaten at Fork. The service was excellent and they went out of their way to offer recommendations to us while visiting Philly. Recommend it to anyone visiting who doesn’t want touristy vibes.

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Experience

New Year's Eve 2024

Experience

2024 Christmas Eve- Feast of the Seven Fishes

White Dog Cafe - University City

4.7

4.7 (5475)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

University City

About the restaurant

An iconic restaurant in University City since 1983, White Dog Cafe is a leader in using environmentally sustainable, organic, and local foods from farms within 50 miles. Known for warm hospitality, and inspiring award-winning food, the White Dog's historic three brownstones offer charming and whimsical dog décor and artwork in its many unique dining spaces and outdoor dining on the sidewalk.

Top review

JamesVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Outstanding food. Great, fresh taste and nice presentation. Service was prompt and attentive. Server was welcoming and informative. Thank you, Lillian. It was a wonderful family evening.

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Popular dish

Goat Cheese Whipped Ricotta

Popular dish

Kennett Square Mushroom Soup

Popular dish

Pork Belly Benedict

Moshulu

4.7

4.7 (8710)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Penn's Landing

About the restaurant

Moshulu is one of the most unique dining experiences in Philadelphia aboard a ship. Dine indoors in our newly remodeled dining rooms or outdoors in the open-air or covered decks. Our menu features modern American fare including the freshest seafood, steaks, and sushi. Paired with seasonal craft cocktails, canned beer, and an extensive wine list. Reservations are recommended and available for indoor tables and outdoor dining under the covered tent. We look forward to seeing you!

Top review

Katori

Dined 7 days ago

The food, view and service were amazing. Highly recommend!

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Popular dish

Warm Ricotta Donuts

Popular dish

Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée

Popular dish

Lobster Bisque

Little Water

4.6

4.6 (80)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Center City

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Sara

Dined 2 days ago

Mostly good- chicken was really overcooked we were disappointed since we were really sold on it by the staff. Would try something else next time

Revolution House

4.4

4.4 (123)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Old City

About the restaurant

If you would like to make a reservation for a group of 10 or more, please call us at (215) 625-4566 Wed-Sun after 2pm. Thank you.

In the heart of Old City, with historic features tastefully presented throughout our two-level restaurant & bar, Revolution House truly has Philadelphia running through its veins. We are so eager for you to try our completely reimagined menu of elevated yet affordable tapas-style international cuisine crafted with the utmost care. Our signature dishes by Chef Evan Barghout, such as our sesame saku tuna or our Korean rib tacos pair perfectly with new, inspired cocktails, like our Eternal Springtime, as well as our carefully curated fine wines and local craft draught beers.

Make your reservation today to claim your stake in the revolution!

Top review

Danielle

Dined on Dec 1, 2024

This was an amazing dinner! The fastest service on everything… drinks, dinner, dessert. What a treat!

Moonshine Philly

4.5

4.5 (530)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

South Philly

About the restaurant

Moonshine is a craft beer restaurant located in the heart of the Pennsport section of South Philadelphia. We focus on a fresh menu and a friendly atmosphere. With over 10 crafts on draught, a wide variety of bottled and canned beer, multiple selections of wine, and a menu consisting of old classics with a twist and some unique creations, Moonshine is sure to please any palate.

Top review

kathleenVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Brunch with friends, food and drinks were delicious. Our server Amelia was very friendly and attentive. We had an enjoyable afternoon.

Fia Philadelphia

4.3

4.3 (59)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Center City

About the restaurant

Located in Midtown Village, Libertine is Derek Davis’s contribution to the Philadelphia food scene and celebrates the history and future of our great city. Chic, sophisticated and playful, the indoor dining and bar area with seasonal outdoor seating running along the entire length of the property at Spruce and 13th Streets. The contemporary American menu is planned seasonally around what is available and freshest at the markets and complimented by scratch specialty concoctions, 20 wines by the glass, and a significant handful of local craft beer. “Good Eating, Drinking and Fine Hospitality” is served every night of the week and brunch on the weekends.

Top review

CharletteVIP

Dined on Dec 10, 2024

Delicious food and excellent service. The cocktails were good too. I had the old fashioned. The black eyed peas, cornbread and collards were amazing 😋

SOMO

4.5

4.5 (1410)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Manayunk

About the restaurant

SOMO is located in the heart of the Manayunk neighborhood of Philadelphia right on Main Street. We are an American restaurant & bar featuring friendly service, delicious seasonal dishes and a wide assortment of craft beer, craft cocktails and wine. SOMO offers indoor & heated outdoor dining. Our outdoor dining is all covered & heated to keep you warm during your dining experience.

Top review

Sharon

Dined 6 days ago

Had a really good brunch date with my husband. The pitcher of mimosas will never do you wrong lol that’s if you are able to finish it but worth the price. Food was good and the service is good

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Popular dish

French Toast

Popular dish

Fried Chicken French Toast

Thirteen - Philadelphia Marriott

3.4

3.4 (227)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Center City

About the restaurant

THIRTEEN Restaurant is located inside the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Hotel across from Reading Terminal. Breakfast is about getting your day started and we offer a delectable variety of items, including a breakfast buffet with made-to-order omelets & waffles. Lunch is available and serving a selection of salads, appetizers, sandwiches & entrees.

Dinner features Chef Emmitt Smith creations of modern American and regional influenced ingredients that include 40-day+ dry-aged steaks, Maryland blue crab, Atlantic salmon & lemon tilefish to name a few. Enjoy one of the thirteen locally sourced wines selected from some award-winning regional vineyards.

Join us if you're visiting Philly for business or leisure. We welcome all guests with reservations or walk-in, plus large party private dining options available too. Our location also features Circ Bar & Lounge, Center City Pantry w/ La Colombe Coffee & Liberty Lanes Duckpin Bowling (check availability).

Top review

Michelle

Dined on Aug 14, 2024

Excellent service, the scallops were amazing! Awesome bartender.

Franklin Social Kitchen & Bar

3.6

3.6 (152)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Old City

About the restaurant

Franklin Social, at the Renaissance Hotel Philadelphia Downtown, serves up contemporary American dining in the heart of Philadelphia's Old City Historic District.
Gather with friends, family and colleagues, as Ben Franklin frequently did in his time – He was quite the entertainer didn’t you know and enjoy a meal showcasing an attitude that's all Philly. Join us for a craft beer from around the corner, or an award-winning wine from around the world.
Whether you're craving a quick bite or full meal, Franklin Social will bring you the best products and flavors from around the region to entice your taste buds. All of this Philly flair is brought to you by a friendly and engaging team that should make you feel right at home. Franklin Social allows you to take part in a piece of American history, while creating a piece of your own history all in a vibrant, welcoming environment.

Top review

Jerry

Dined on Nov 28, 2024

Amazing waiter! Nice atmosphere! Loved the Christmas tree up. Cocktails were great!

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