Totally Overwhelmed with Restaurants

Hi all,

My husband and I are spending the night in Philly tomorrow. In the past, we have vistited family/friends, but not been able to enjoy the city. We know you have GREAT and innovative food in your city, so what are the up and coming restaurants?

We are going up in the morning Tuesday and are staying at the Sofitel. We would like to have a good lunch Tuesday and Wednesday, but Dinner Tuesday night needs to be a picnic on the go: we are going to see the Radiohead show (so good deli%26#39;s are welcome in the suggestion list). I am a vegetarian (which is hard in Philly!) and Italian. I love all types of food, but I know you guys are good at Italian so I would love a try! Being from DC, its hard to find food that matches my mom%26#39;s in my hometown!

Because we will be eating light for dinner, we don%26#39;t mind a nicer lunch. We would also not like to break the bank (around $60 for a nice lunch would be the max). During the day we were going to go shopping (Tuesday afternoon) and the art museum (Wednesday morning-- but we can go back towards City Center for food).

Suggestions for good food?

Thanks! I have always been a Philly fan, and I am trying to sculpt a great 24 hours!

Mo

Totally Overwhelmed with Restaurants

Your hotel is right in the middle of a great shopping and restaurant district. You will have no problem finding a good meal within walking distance.

A few recommendations in your lunch price range:

For a nice upscale Italian lunch you might try Il Portico in the 1500 block of Walnut St. They have a variety of meat free pastas and appetizers and all very good.

A nice up and coming spot is Parc at 18th and Locust Sts. It%26#39;s an upscale French bistro with some really nice outdoor seating. It%26#39;s operated by the local Starr Restaurant Group which usually translates into good food and great atmosphere.

For your deli dinner try:

Rachel%26#39;s Nosheri at 19th and Sansom Sts. You can get any combination of huge deli sandwiches or salad at a very reasonable price.

Also you might consider DiBruno%26#39;s in the 1700 block of Chestnut St. It%26#39;s sort of a combination deli and upscale gormet takeout. They specialize in the best of Italian cheeses but you can find virtually anything in this shop.

Another place worth considering is Marathon at 16th and Sansom. Food is very good and not at all expensive. They offer a variety of vegetarian choices and are quite flexible with ingredients.

For something more basic, the food court at Liberty Place (1600 Block of Chestnut St) has a variety of choices. Bain%26#39;s Deli is a highlight for great sandwiches. Also Saladworks makes a huge fresh salad that is more than satisfying. There are several Asian food stands and a Flamers burger stand that makes a decent flame-broiled veggie burger.

All of these places are within a 10 minute walk of your hotel.

Totally Overwhelmed with Restaurants

With the caveat it%26#39;s been a LONG (over 8 years)time since I ate their, Wok and Tofu at 10th and Spruce was amazing vegetarian chinese....