Fish: Very Seaworthy

Philadelphia isn’t as famous for seafood as some of its East Coast neighbors, but this restaurant shows that talented chefs do have a flair for the fruit of the ocean. Opened in 2009, Fish has been winning raves from the press since with their exciting menu and excellent service. Chef Mike Stollenwirk has been awarded the opportunity to present his cuisine at the exclusive James Beard House, one of the greatest honors that can be given to any kitchen jockey. Sit at one of the stools around the open kitchen and order from the extensive raw bar, featuring oysters from both coasts, clams and a variety of crudo, or go deeper into the menu. The “snacks” are spectacular takes on seafood prepared unconventionally – try the addictive skate chips with Parmesan powder. Try the char-grilled octopus with a breaded and fried egg yolk for an appetizer. Entrees are uniformly great, but the one standout has to be the skate wing in Parmesan broth.

Fish
1234 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-9600
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fish-philadelphia

Fond: Get Fond

Diners are fond of Fond’s winning culinary formula. A spacious, open dining room, attentive service, stellar views of the Passyunk fountain and a sleek, handcrafted bar add to the appeal of this trendy hotspot. You can also arrange your own intimate party in their private dining room with a peekaboo window to the kitchen. The menu features an array of delectable appetizers like Butternut Squash Soup, Seared Fois Gras, Lobster Risotto and Escargot. Once you’ve whetted your appetite, move on to an entrée such as Chicken Breast with confit cabbage, Pork Belly with Okinawa sweet potatoes, Beef Short Ribs with Bordelaise sauce or Swordfish with garlic vichyssoise. Don’t forget dessert – Chocolate Almond Croissant Pudding, anyone? Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

Fond
1537 S 11th St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 551-5000
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fond-philadelphia

Garces Trading Company: New American Cuisine from Jose Garces

Chef Jose Garces designed this eat-in/take-out place to be a casual gathering spot for locals who want fine food in an unfussy atmosphere. Weekend brunch offers you chance to dine on a main dish, side, brunch cocktail and coffee for $28. The menu includes Pastrami Hash, Steak & Eggs, Scotch Eggs and a variety of sandwiches and salads. Stop by for lunch for yummy fare like a Lyonnaise Salad with duck confit, a GTC Burger with tomato conserve, Pistachio Pesto Pizza with baby arugula, and Steak Frites with hanger steak and duck fat fries. Charcuterie and cheese plates are also available. Pasta dishes, plus entrees like Pan Roasted Scallops, Pan Roasted Duck Breast and Roasted Organic Half Chicken are on the dinner menu. Open every day.

Garces Trading Company
1111 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 574-1099
http://www.yelp.com/biz/garces-trading-company-philadelphia-2

Plenty: Philadelphia’s Best Deli?

If you’re looking for a great sandwich in Philadelphia, stop in to Plenty. This incredible restaurant was opened to deliver farm fresh ingredients in amazing combinations, and Philadelphians love it. All of Plenty's meats are house-cured and come from local, organic, and sustainable farms. The pressed Panini sandwiches are amazingly good, with special kudos going to the Tasso ham with gruyere and chile mayonnaise and the meatballs made with grass-fed beef, organic pork, and doused with tomato sauce and pecorino Romano cheese. Plenty's slow-roasted rotisserie chicken is marinated and then cooked for five hours, making the flesh incredibly moist and tender with crispy, delicious skin. They also have a variety of salads available if you’re watching your waistline. Plenty also stocks a collection of locally-sourced foods from producers all over the area, including delicious honey and fresh ice cream.

Plenty
1710 E. Passyunk Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 909-8033
http://www.yelp.com/biz/plenty-philadelphia

Doma: Splendid Sushi

If you have a hankering for top-flight Japanese cuisine in Philadelphia, stop into Doma and have your tastebuds tantalized with exceptional sushi and more. With a vibrant, modern design, Doma captures the trendy style of Tokyo while remaining respectful of the country’s food traditions. The menu is extensive, featuring not only sushi but other Japanese dishes and even some Korean fusion concepts. The fish is sourced fresh and cut to perfection by the well-trained sushi chefs, and regulars rave about the awesome rolls. Some favorites include the pachinko roll, made with shrimp tempura, avocado, and cucumber wrapped in a rainbow of thinly-sliced fish, as well as the Korean-style bibimbap roll with seasoned vegetables, kochujang paste, and sesame oil. The triple spicy double tuna roll also wins raves from heat-obsessed diners. Hot entrees include a delectable Scottish salmon teriyaki and Korean kalbi short ribs, both of which are sure to satisfy. Doma's prices are very reasonable as well.

Doma
1822 Callowhill Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 564-1114
http://www.yelp.com/biz/doma-philadelphia

Morimoto: One of Philadelphia’s Top Restaurants

Morimoto features a modern décor, attentive service, and stellar cuisine fashioned by Chef Morimoto, who learned the art of sushi while training under some of Japan’s most esteemed sushi masters. Let the chef guide your meal with a multi-course Omakase tasting menu with beverage pairings. Or order off the menu and treat yourself to an array of dishes like Monkfish Nabe Hot Pot with ankimo, baby leeks, lemon & chili, Black Cod with miso mustard, Duck Madras with duck breast & confit fried rice or Morimoto Tempura with roasted red pepper and daikon soy sauce. One of the top restaurants in Philadelphia, Morimoto is open Mondays through Sundays from 11:30 a.m. until 2 a.m.

Morimoto
723 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 413-9070
http://www.yelp.com/biz/morimoto-philadelphia

Bibou: Fresh French Fare

This charming little bistro has won a sizable fan following among Philadelphians for its incredible food and spectacular service. Bibou isn’t large and tables are at a premium, so make sure to make a reservation. You won’t get seated without one. Once you’ve arrived, pretty much everything on the menu is worth your attention. The offerings change seasonally, but some of the best include the exceptional bergamot-infused foie gras crème brulee, which is a house specialty, as well as the astounding pork rillettes with pickled sunchokes. If the bone marrow is on offer, you absolutely need to order it. For entrees, the duck confit is a French specialty executed to perfection, and while the braised pig’s foot may sound gross, it’s filled with foie gras and French lentils and it's delectable. Bibou is BYOB and cash only, and people bring some truly spectacular wines to pair with this food.

Bibou
1009 S. 8th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 965-8290
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bibou-philadelphia

Giorgio on Pine

Giorgio on Pine is a rustic trattoria featuring a savory menu of authentic Italian fare. Settle in with a glass of wine – it’s BYOB, but they’re happy to uncork and serve it to you. Fire up your appetite with an antipasti like Mussels & Clams with cognac & herbs, Grilled Caesar Salad, Carpaccio Salad with thinly shaved beef, and Sauteed Calamari with baby shrimp. Move on to a pasta course with something sumptuous like Linguini & Clams, Spaghetti with Baby Shrimp, or Ravioli with fresh basil cream sauce. Other entrees include Veal with Lemon, Loin of Pork, Chicken with Spinach, Grilled Salmon, Grilled Ribeye Steak, and Stuffed Chicken Breast. Pizza is also on the menu. Lunch specials feature three courses for $20.

Giorgio on Pine
1328 Pine St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-6265
http://www.yelp.com/biz/giorgio-on-pine-philadelphia

Café L’Aube: Crepes And More

This lovely Fairmount restaurant has become a local favorite for a number of reasons. When owners Jean-Luc and Rachel emigrated to the United States, they began to miss the simple, flavorful street food of Europe. In 2008, they decided to do something about it and opened the doors at Café L’Aube. The restaurant quickly built up an impressive collection of regulars who rave about the high-quality coffee and delicious crepes. If you’re hungry, the Complete is one of the best savory meals in town – filled with bacon, eggs, and Emmenthaler Swiss cheese, it’s great for breakfast or lunch. The Normandy, stuffed with turkey, Camembert fondue, and caramelized apple, is also a must-try. Diners with a sweet tooth rave about the fresh-baked muffins. There is plenty of comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi internet if you want to make a day of it, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Prices are reasonable.

Café L’Aube
631 Wallace Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 235-2720
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-l-aube-philadelphia-3

Bufad: Wood-Fired Pizza

Bufad, Philly’s latest entry on the wood-fired pizza scene, features a hip, energetic ambiance, friendly service and a small menu of Italian offerings. Starters include Scamorza with smoked cheese seared in a cast iron skillet with oven roasted mushrooms, and Crostone Bacala with potato, chicken liver & a puree of cannellini beans & fresh herbs. For a delectable, healthy meal, try the Escarole Salad with green apples, toasted almonds & warm raisin vinaigrette. Pizza choices include the Sausage with house made fennel sausage, sauteed greens, & shaved pecorino, the Escarole with tomato sauce, spicy marinated escarole, napolitan salumi and ricotta cheese, and the Mushroom with wood roasted mixed mushrooms, rosemary, guanciale, smoked mozzarella, taleggio & white truffle oil. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday.

Bufad
1240 Spring Garden Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 238-9311
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bufad-philadelphia

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