Philadelphia is one of the largest cities in the United States and is home to literally hundreds of restaurants. A number of these establishments surround Fairmount Park, the largest park in the city, taking up about 10 percent of the city's total area. Philadelphia is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country, and the restaurants around Fairmount Park reflect this fact in their menus.
The building that houses the Centennial Cafe, located within southwest Fairmount Park, was originally constructed in 1876 for the centennial anniversary of the United States. Because of this, the restaurant's decor and ambiance hail to the19th century and give guests a glimpse of the past. A few of the Centennial Cafe's menu items are various sandwiches and paninis, including the Centennial BLT and grilled chicken caesar, specialty soups and salads, and classic desserts such as brownies and ice cream. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast and lunch.
The Centennial Cafe
4700 States Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19131
215-877-3055
thecentennialcafe.com
The Ibis Lounge is situated about one quarter of a mile from the south end of Fairmount Park and specializes in Caribbean and West Indian cuisine. The feel of the lounge resembles a party or club atmosphere, especially on weekday evenings, and it is geared mainly toward adults. A few of the Ibis Lounge's menu specialties include roti (chicken, goat, shrimp, or potato served with an unleavened flatbread); cow-heel soup; chicken, oxtail, and fish soups; and a variety of tropical Caribbean juices.
Ibis Lounge
5420 Lancaster Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19131
215-878 8420
ibislounge.com
Franco's Trattoria can be found just across the Schuylkill River from Fairmount Park and serves traditional Italian chicken, veal, pork and seafood dishes. The restaurant presents an air of old Italy, and the staff caters to guests' needs, according to Franco's website. Some menu specialties are steamed mussels, gnocchi (potato dumplings), veal marsala, chicken parmigiana, pasta e fagoli, shrimp scampi and grilled salmon.
Franco's Trattoria
4116 Ridge Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19129
215-438-4848
francostrattoria.net
