Dining in Philadelphia with kids
 

Looking for a nice place to dine downtown.
We don't want a coffee shop, would like some suggestions without spoiling anyone elses romantic dinner.

What kind of food do you prefer? For Italian I'd go with Spasso or Upstares at Varalli. Just up the street from Upstares at Varalli and a little more casual, but good, is the Italian Bistro. For seafood Philadelphia Fish and Company and McCormick and Schmick's would be my choice. Continental has good American food served family style.

http://www.spasso.citysearch.com/

http://www.varalliusa.com/upstares.html

http://www.italianbistro.com/

http://www.philadelphiafish.com/

http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/...l&locID=58

http://continentalmartinibar.citysearch.com/

Also check out: www.philadelphia.citysearch.com

I am not sure how old your children are but on the waterfront is "Dave and Busters." A large place with every imaginable indoor activity for kids. The food is not bad. A variety of selections.

If you are Downtown, I would agree with Upstairs at Varalli,,, it is a nice place, good food, and if you can get a table by the window, the kids should be amused. Dave and Busters is not downtown. The Continental is a martini bar,,, they do have good food, but may not be the best place for kids. Another option may be two places near Rittenhouse Square,,, Bleu or 21 Manning. Both a little nicer than Upstairs at V, but the food is better. These both have outdoor seating,, if the kids are reasonable, that may do the trick.

-Marathon on the Square
-Buddakan
-Sansom Street Oyster House

I'm not so sure about little kids and Upstares (that's how it's spelled) at Varalli's. You don't mention the kids' ages, but that restaurant is sort of for the after- pre-theater crowd and not a great place for kids. Just my opinion. Varalli's did put in a smaller, less formal restaurant on the first floor, but I haven't been there and can't comment.

I would also add Mama DePalma's for pizza on 23rd and Spruce. It is not your typical pizza joint; there are a lot of gourmet pizzas (like the white cheese with smoked asparagus). Nice setting and it's a favorite with the Rittenhouse/Fitler squares crowds (it has won many awards for best pizza in the city). But it's definitely casual, not romantic. Marathon on the Square is a good idea, too. If your kids are well behaved, take them for afternoon tea at the Four Seasons. A treat for everyone!