The Belgian Café: Flemish Fantasia in the Heart of Philadelphia

This exceptional bar and restaurant has won raves from Philadelphia locals for its powerful dedication to the art of beer. The Belgian Café boasts a well-curated selection of a dozen drafts as well as over 200 bottled varieties. Located on a bright, tree-lined corner near Philadelphia's art museum district, The Belgian Café has both inside and outside seating. The food is just as much of a draw as the beer – regulars rave about the absolutely spectacular mussels, harvested off of Prince Edward Island and cooked in one of two different beer broths. Served with fresh-cut Belgian frites and bourbon aoli, both are worth trying. The rest of the menu is equally strong, with diners praising the moist, juicy burgers as well as the copious vegetarian and even vegan options. The brunch menu is also a lot of fun, with incredible French toast one of this place's most popular picks.

The Belgian Café
21st & Green Street
Philadelphia, PA 19176
(215) 235-3500
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-belgian-caf%C3%A9-philadelphia-2

August: A Culinary Delight in South Philadelphia

This awesome Italian restaurant is one of Philadelphia’s most popular eateries, and for good reason. The kitchen is absolutely top-notch. This is an intimate BYOB restaurant, with just 30 seats. Opening across from Columbus Square Park in South Philly, August developed a local following with incredible speed. The menu is Italian fusion, incorporating flavors and ingredients from all over the world, and there’s not a bad dish on the entire menu. Appetizers are well-constructed and lead you into the meal with ease – try the great beet salad or the sautéed artichoke hearts with sun-dried tomato, white beans, and spinach. Some of the favorites according to regular diners include the astounding farfalle pasta with lump crabmeat, porcini mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes in a light, refreshing cream sauce, as well as the awesome pan-roasted salmon with sweet chili sauce and risotto. Desserts are very good, with the banana bread pudding and the cheesecake both winning raves.

August
1247 S. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 468-5926
http://www.yelp.com/biz/august-philadelphia

Salt & Pepper: Always In Season

Located in Philadelphia's booming Passyunk Square neighborhood, Salt & Pepper has built a reputation for simple, flavorful dishes made with fresh ingredients. The menu is extremely varied, drawing inspiration from all over the globe. Some of the more popular appetizers include the awesome fried plantains with a chilled sardine and onion salad and habanero peppers, as well as the roasted beet and pineapple salad. For entrees, the pan-seared salmon with horseradish mash has plenty of fans. If you’re in the mood for a spectacular burger, the 10 ounce beef with cave-aged Gruyere cheese is not to be missed. There are usually a number of specials on the menu that change daily, all of which are excellent. The bar is also worthwhile, mixing strong, innovative cocktails to order. Desserts aren’t anything to write home about, with the possible exception of the crème brulee. Service Salt & Pepper is good and prices are fairly reasonable.

Salt & Pepper
1623 E. Passyunk Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 238-1920
http://www.yelp.com/biz/salt-and-pepper-philadelphia

Amuse: A Philadelphia Favorite for French Cuisine

This fantastic Penn Center restaurant has become a Philadelphia favorite for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the ambience at Amuse is spectacular. The rooms are heated by large, impressive fireplaces and decorated beautifully. Service is discreet and attentive as well. But the real reason that Amuse is excelling is because of the food. A toothsome combination of French bistro classics with some new influences, the menu is top-to-bottom great. Some of the most popular dishes include the great steak frites, the salad of baby lettuces, and the house-made charcuterie plate. Go for the French onion soup if you want a decadent treat to start your meal – made from three types of onions and an Emmenthaler Swiss gratin, it might be the best in the city. Desserts are also great – try the deconstructed take on coffee & donuts with a donut bread pudding and house-made Illy coffee ice cream. Amuse's prices are very reasonable for such high-quality food.

Amuse
1421 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 422-8222
http://www.yelp.com/biz/amuse-philadelphia

Beau Monde: Classy Crepes

Crepes are undergoing a bit of a renaissance in American restaurants lately, and for good reason. The skinny French pancakes are remarkably versatile, pairing equally well with sweet and savory ingredients. At Philadelphia’s Beau Monde, loyal diners rave about the exceptionally light, airy crepes and well-chosen fillings that make up the menu. Owners Jim Caiola and David Salama imported traditional cast-iron griddles from the Brittany region of France for their restaurant, and they make them the traditional way. Pretty much everything on the menu is splendid, but some dishes that draw raves from regulars include the mushroom, Swiss cheese, and toasted almond crepe, as well as the Andouille sausage with ratatouille and caramelized tomato sauce. You can also create your own crepe from a wide range of ingredients, and Beau Monde is happy to recommend combinations for you. The Saturday and Sunday brunches are a great way to start a day as well.

Beau Monde
624 S. 6th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 592-0656
http://www.yelp.com/biz/beau-monde-philadelphia

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