Hello, I'll be in Philly w/ my husband this weekend. We lived in Philly many years ago and are returning for a few days to visit friends. Would like a dinner suggestion - someplace nice but not outrageously expensive (like Le Bec). Since we've been away for many years, we didn't know what the latest good places were. We were thinking maybe Opus 251 or City Tavern? The Original Bookbinders used to be a reliable alternative, but I couldn't seem to find a phone # for them - have they gone out of business? We were also toying w/ Roy's or Fork, but I understand Fork is in the process of renovating or relocating?

Any other suggestions? Thanks!!

I ate at Fork about 2 years ago and it was just fantastic! The food, the service and the decor. I'd go back there in a heartbeat! Also had a wonderful dinner at Pasion! We still talk about the lambs tongue ceviche, marvelous!!!

Both old original bookbinders and newer bookbinders have closed. They grew very over-rated and very overpriced. City Tavern is also pretty mediocre food, though nice atmosphere. What part of the city do you plan to be in, and I'll try to list some suggestions?

I'll choose Opus 251 over City Tavern. Roy's is excellent, though you'll be eating at a "chain" restaurant. Fork is great as well, but I don't know anything about renovation.

One of my favs is Morimoto, of Iron Chef fame. Pasion is excellent too, as the chef has won the Mid-Atlantic James Beard award. However, both would be hard to get into on a weekend in such short notice. You may be able to get seated at the sushi bar at Morimoto - my favorite spot in the restaurant as you can watch the chefs preparing the food (which is quite an art form).

Others I really like include:
Matyson (19th btw Market & Chestnut)
D'jango (4th st btw Lombard & South)
I think both would be fully booked this weekend as well, but you may get lucky to try walk-in.

You might not want to splurge on Le Bec, but you could eat at the bar at Brasserie Perrier, Georges' other restaurant on Walnut. There's also Ernesto's 1521 on Spruce. The Striped Bass has closed and reopened as a Stephen Starr restaurant. Salt on 19th near Rittenhouse. Bluezette on Market Street. El Vez on 13th near Sansom. Bliss on Broad Street. Buddakhan on Chestnut. I'd agree with Lesliec1 that it's best to avoid City Tavern.

I'd skip both Opus 251 and City Tavern. I vote for Roy's (possibly my favorite) or Buddakhan, but the places I like to bring visitors are Vietnam restaurant in chinatown (and then to the Zen tea house next door), or Marrakesh (moroccan, a real experience) near South and 4th. Neither are expensive.

You probably can't get reservations at Buddakhan this late, but the other 3 would work.

Sigh, I have yet to make it to Fork or Morimoto...