12 Best Restaurants in Pennsylvania, USA

Well traveled and well trained, award-winning chef Christopher Kearse presents his unique take on French cuisine at the modern Forsythia. Start with shareable canapés, like fresh local oysters and pickled deviled eggs, before digging into small plates, pastas, and shareable mains (try the trout grenobloise or rabbit with foie gras for two) that split the difference between edgy and accessible. The space is decorated with a sophisticated, somewhat tropical feel; the long, narrow barroom, which leads to the intimate dining room and open kitchen in the rear, is an excellent stop-in for a quick cocktail or snack.

NoLibs' dining scene is usually known for gastropubs, but Pietramala has brought an edge of elegance and creativity to the neighborhood. While the restaurant is vegan, Chef Ian Graye isn't—a key factor because his threshold for deliciousness is that of a meat-eater—but he works hard, sourcing excellent ingredients and fermenting ingredients to build dishes that are at once comforting and unexpected. It's a small plates restaurant, with lots of Italian influence, but it's hard to put such an exceptional restaurant in a box.

Located along Philly's legendary Headhouse Square, Bloomsday’s modern, eclectic menu features a wide assortment of large and small plates suitable for sharing, as well as hearty, seasonal, and farm-to-table specialties like baba ghanoush, sweet-and-spicy wings, fish-and-chips, and beef stew. Fans keep returning to this friendly, stylish restaurant for the Bloomsday dry-aged burger and an array of tinned fish plates, which include sardines, tuna, mussels, and octopus. The food here is accompanied by a robust wine list, so be sure to wander into the on-site bottle shop for some lesser-known vintages.

Located inside the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing, this nautical-themed restaurant is open all day with a contemporary American menu that features a wide variety of tasty offerings, from cheesesteaks and salads to roasted chicken and grilled seafood specialties. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the light-filled dining room is an ideal spot to refuel for Penn's Landing explorations; during warmer months, sit outside on the patio and enjoy breezy views of the Delaware River. 

Across the street from Independence Mall and steps away from many historical sights, this Philly-based company offers a variety of coffee and beverage options as well as pastries and light snacks. There's ample seating inside, with additional outdoor seating during warmer months, which makes it a great place for a break while visiting the city's most popular sights.

Charming and light-filled, the menu at PJ Clarke's—yes, of the New York PJ Clarke's—showcases American cuisine, from salads and sandwiches to an assortment of hearty entrées. The sprawling space inside the historic Curtis building features a large bar overlooking Independence Mall; be sure to have a glimpse of the famous Tiffany glass mosaic The Dream Garden before or after you dine. 

The warm and cheery first floor of this renovated bank feels like a genuine Irish pub. The eatery's long bar features over a dozen taps—invariably spouting several imported and a few local brews—and the menu includes good Irish smoked salmon on grainy bread as well as a panoply of worldly appetizers, salads, and main courses. In winter, patrons crowd around a blazing fireplace on stools set around small tables.

This second-floor, Amalfi coast–inspired restaurant is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows that offer guests a great view of Old City; the decor is inspired by the owner's seaside home in Italy. The menu includes something for everyone—there's an array of zesty homemade Italian specialties, including pastas; grilled octopus and shrimp scampi appetizers; a selection of fresh salads; and entrée favorites like zucchini crab cakes and a pan-seared pork chop. It's a fun, lively spot that transforms into an alfresco experience during the warmer months. Happy hour specials during the week are ideal for sipping some vino at the bar while nibbling on light bites. Weekend brunch features live DJ music.

This modern corner restaurant is situated off the lobby of Hotel Monaco and features a rustic, contemporary design, with a long bar and a mezzanine with tables overlooking the main restaurant. Steps from all the major historical sites in Old City, Red Owl is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a menu that offers something for everyone and plenty of solid, tasty food choices.

Co-owners Chris D'Ambro and Marina de Oliveira run this beloved neighborhood restaurant that has one of the city's best bars. The menu features seasonal produce prepared using Italian techniques; the house-made pastas are always a good bet, and their burger is among the best in the city. The intimate bar is as romantic as it is comfortable. On Monday, their sommelier takes over for a wine-focused bar night and there's a limited food-menu and a by-the-glass menu featuring reserve bottles.

Exceptional Japanese cuisine and creative sushi attracts neighborhood foodies as well as visitors to owner and chef Kenneth Sze's Tuna Bar. Fresh specialties made from locally sourced seafood and other ingredients include favorites such as hand rolls, seaweed salad, and shrimp tempura, along with some unique house specialties that showcase a delectable mix of Japanese flavors and textures. Order one of the specialty combination plates—the "Big Tuna" or "Little Tuna"—and let the chef choose for you. The extensive sake and wine list is worth sampling, as are the craft cocktails. Sushi-making classes are also available (check the website for details). 

Across from Independence Hall, the world's largest Wawa convenience store (at over 11,000 square feet) is located inside an impressive historic structure and sells a grand assortment of satisfying quick bites all day long, including breakfast items and their famous made-to-order hoagie sandwiches. There's also pizza, wraps, and plenty of grab-and-go foods, such as pre-made fruit bowls and salads, along with aisles of packaged snacks. (Wawa's coffee is a local favorite, too).