Frank

Will be visiting Philadelphia on business for two nights in early March and would appreciate dining suggestions within walking distance from the Convention Center area. Restaurants should be comfortable for solo dining; price is not a concern. Seafood, Italian, French, fusion are all possibilities.

Daniel Williams

The best place I can think of to go for lunch/uniquely Philadelphia ambience and feel at ease dining solo would be the Reading Terminal Market, with many booths and other solo diners. You have many choices here from Cheesesteaks to sushi. At night, about a 10-15 minute walk would be Cheesesteak establishments on South St. (near 4th) where I felt fine going solo. Chinatown is also quite close and has many options, but my rule of thumb is I don't like to eat solo at restaurants where one has a waiter come to your table. Buffet, food courts, counters, I have no problems. I don't know what your limit of tolerance is.

Frank

Daniel: Thanks for your suggestion, but just because I'm dining alone I don't want to limit myself to "fast-food" or diner-food options. Are there any better resturants that also serve meals at the bar or have a food counter?

Daniel Williams

Reading Terminal Market has fast-food yes but a few options that I would not call "fast-food" or "diner-food". It's not your typical "FOOD COURT", being over 100 years old. Worth a look see. But it's true that the cheesesteak places are greasy spoons! The best alternative suggestion...Dmitri's on 12th Street (near Locust) south of the Convention Center is a superb seafood place that has food service at the bar. Beyond MY comfortability level for dining solo, but only slightly; I think you'll probably feel all right there. Stylish crowd generally speaking.

elaine

Frank,

If you do a Fodors search, there is a thread "Where to eat/drink in Phila". There are many restaurants noted and any of the restaurants would be fine for solo dining. Note: you may need to take a 5 minute cab ride to some restaurants mentioned. Hope this is helpful.

Frank

Anyone eaten at Fishmarket or Sansom Street Oyster House in Center City? Would appreciate your thoughts as to the food and suitability for dining alone.

Amy

Try the Imperial Inn on 10th Street in Chinatown. The walnut shrimp is terrific, and I've never had a problem dining alone there.

Mike

Don't know if it's considered it to the Convention Center (cab ride most likely), but Philadelphia Fish & Company provided a pleasant, friendly meal when I dined there alone this past summer.

Spanky

Try Caribou Cafe at 1126 Walnut Street, a bistro type restaurant within walking distance. A little further away (but still walkable), my personal favorite is Vetri on Spruce between 13th and Broad. http://www.vetrirestaurant.com/.
It's expensive, but the best authentic Italian food you will find in the city. It's small and cozy and you should feel quite comfortable there.

linda

Went to Fork, based on a recommendation last fall. Quite good as I remember. It's on 2nd or 3rd St. near the river; a short cab ride from the convention center. Definitely don't miss Reading Terminal. Dinics has great roast pork sandwiches - you'll see the line, also, I like the mexican place too. The Amish bakery has many tempting offerings, especially the lemon torte cake (I've been craving a piece!) and the berry pies - sold by the piece with a fork! Also, Termini's is traditional Italian cookies, etc.

Take it all in!

Frank

Thanks to all for your suggestions! It looks like I will not go hungry on this trip!