Philadelphia served as home to more than 1.5 million residents as of July 2009, making it the largest city in the state of Pennsylvania and the sixth largest in the United States. The city's large size has made it home to hundreds of restaurants. Philadelphia's upscale restaurants have won prestigious awards, received top ratings and serve cuisines that include French, Italian and Spanish.
Located in Philadelphia's Washington Square West neighborhood, Vetri Ristorante takes its name from its owner, celebrity chef Marc Vetri. Specializing in Italian cuisine, the restaurant opened in September 1998 and held "Zagat" ratings of "extraordinary to perfection" for its food and service and "very good to excellent" for its decor as of September 2010. The menu begins with 12 appetizers, such as the foie gras pastrami with fruit mustard and the almond tortellini with white truffle sauce. A featured entree, the salt-crusted whole branzino fish comes in a truffle sauce accompanied by brussel sprouts with portions large enough for sharing. The restaurant also offers a tasting menu nightly. Vetri Ristorante serves dinner Mondays through Saturdays and closes every Sunday. Reservations are highly recommended and taken online and by phone. Business casual attire is appropriate.
Vetri Ristorante
1312 Spruce St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-732-3478
vetriristorante.com
The Fountain Restaurant is located inside of the Four Seasons Hotel at Philadelphia's Logan Square. The restaurant held "Zagat" dining guide ratings of "extraordinary to perfection" for its food, decor and service. Four appetizers lead the French-inspired menu like the rabbit tenderloin and leg meat accompanied by morel mushrooms and charred sweet onions. A signature entree, the antelope is barbecued and presented with a grilled peach tart and a walnut and frisee salad. The restaurant also features a nightly tasting menu. With around 700 selections, the wine list is a past recipient of the "Wine Spectator" "Best of Award of Excellence," the second highest honor awarded by the magazine. The Fountain Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Reservations are highly recommended. For men, a jacket is required, while women typically wear business or semi-formal attire. A children's menu is available.
Fountain Restaurant
1 Logan Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-963-1500
fourseasons.com
Specializing in tapas or small plates, Amada is in Philadelphia's Old City and opened in October 2005. Designed by celebrity chef Jose Garces, the restaurant held "Zagat" ratings of "extraordinary to perfection" for its food and "very good to excellent" for its decor and service. The restaurant offers a wide selection of cheeses and charcuterie for diners to mix and match with selections including chorizo, serrano ham and aged manchego cheese with lavender truffle honey. A signature dish is the cochinollo asado, a dinner for four or more people that consists of a whole suckling pig, grilled green onions, herb fingerling potatoes, garbanzo beans and rosemary white beans. The restaurant has a full bar and specializes in sangria, of which it offers three varieties. Amada serves lunch Mondays through Saturdays and dinner nightly. Reservations are taken online and by phone. Business casual attire is the norm. Outdoor dining is available on the restaurant's sidewalk, weather permitting.
Amada
217 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-625-2450
amadarestaurant.com
