photo credit: dougtone

If you’re headed to Philadelphia, then get ready to dive into some delightful cuisine that competes with the best in the world.

10 Arts by Eric Ripert

New to the city, 10 Arts by Eric Ripert is causing quite a stir among Philadelphia’s foodies. Namesake, famed chef Eric Ripert takes his talent to the table with his current twist on American cuisine with a focus on locally raised and grown ingredients. Housed in the Ritz-Carlton hotel, 10 Arts brings delightful flavor to its guests in a classy and romantic atmosphere.

Osteria

Another new restaurant that’s not only drawing raves but has been nominated by the James Beard Foundation as the Best New Restaurant 2008 is Osteria. Osteria brings traditional Italian meals to Philadelphia with homemade pastas, traditional thin crust pizzas, wood grilled meats and fish. The meals are simple in the old, authentic ways of Italy with large portions and an open dining concept that encourages lively conversation in a friendly atmosphere. Make several visits to Osteria as the menu and wine list change regularly to reflect the seasons.

Zahav
Moving from a possible Best New Restaurant to one that’s already won the title from Philadelphia Magazine and Best in Philly, Zahav is an incredible dining experience with a pan-global flare. Taking a note from minimalism, Zahav makes its meals simple with the focus on fresh and flavorful ingredients that delight the taste buds rather than visual masterpieces. The atmosphere is very relaxed and inviting and meals are served family style so bring you friends or family for an experiment in simple taste sensations.

Amada

Tapas style restaurants are all the rage these days and cropping up in every city across the United States, unfortunately these tapas restaurants are not usually good or traditional tapas. Amada is exactly what a tapas restaurant should be, it’s a truly authentic Spanish tapas restaurant with food that is packed full of earthy Mediterranean flavors. In fact some of the recipes used at Amada are centuries old, reflecting the true authenticity of this great tapas restaurant. Come with a group and Chef Jose Garces will hand select a tapas menu specifically for your table.

Barclay Prime

If you’re really in the mood to dig into a plate full of incredible food then head over to Barclay Prime for a steakhouse quality meal in an upscale, sleek atmosphere. Some of the best beef around, Barclay Prime gives its guests an experience that is a gastronomical delight. Be prepared to pay top dollar for this top-notch food and dress to impress but you’re guaranteed to enjoy every single bite.

Fountain

One of the city and the countries most acclaimed restaurants, Fountain brings you the freshest seafood around with perfect matching accompaniments. Housed in the Four Seasons Hotel, Fountain is a chic and sophisticated way to experience the best the city has to offer its culinary crowd. Of course the centerpiece of this magnificent restaurant is the fountain so if you’re going for a special occasion, ask to sit by the stunning Alexander Stirling Calder’s Swann Memorial Fountain and request the prix fixe menu so you get to soak in the best of the best.

Lolita

If you’re not as interested in romance and an expensive evening out, then Lolita’s is the exact opposite of Fountain. Lolita serves a hot and happening crowd some of the tastiest Mexican food around. Crowds flock to this popular B3 neighborhood to experience the authentic flavors of Lolita’s and to have a good time. But be prepared, you shouldn’t come to Lolita’s unprepared as it’s a BYOB restaurant, so you’ll have to bring your own alcohol, but the staff will be more than happy to take your favorite tequila and create a margarita masterpiece. If you find yourself headed toward Lolita’s on a last minute whim, don’t despair, a liquor store is just down the street and happy to accommodate.

Morimoto

If you’re a fan of the Iron Chef then Morimoto’s is a must stop location, but even if you haven’t seen the show its one of the best sushi restaurant around. If you’re adventurous, try the Omakase, a multi-course tasting menu that lets you experience the full scale of flavors created by Morimoto. In addition to the great tastes, the atmosphere at Morimoto’s is somehow warm and inviting and modernly chic at the same time. It’s an experience you’ll be talking about for a long time to come.

Striped Bass

Looking for more fresh fish, then Striped Bass fits the bill. The restaurant has been reworked under new owner Stephen Starr but it still retains its original charm and class that patrons have grown to love over the years. But to experience the best that Stephen Starr has brought to the establishment, go for broke and order the Chef’s five course seasonal tasting menu, you’re sure to be delighted.

James

One of the biggest trends in dining to hit the public in the last few years is the fresh and local food fad. Many chefs are looking to incorporate as many fresh and locally grown ingredients as possible and James has taken the lead in the Philadelphia region. Chef Jim Burke uses as many fresh and local ingredients as possible to create his American cuisine for guests to the restaurant. Known as a fine dining establishment, James is popular and usually packed, but relax and spend a few moments in the modern styled bar and lounge or warm up by the fireplace.

Philadelphia is known as the city of brotherly love but perhaps it should be recognized for its love of great food and good times. No matter what you’ve got a craving for you’re bound to not only find it in Philadelphia but find the best version of it that you’ve ever tasted. Bon Appetite.

Brothely love also extends to hotel deals in Philadelphia, check out Hotels Cheap.

After landing at the Philadelphia International Airport, there’s plenty to see and do while you’re in Philly, whether you’re a family there for a weekend or you’re a single person who lives in the city. From the famous murals that decorate the entire city to the shopping of Antique Row, here are 50 things to do in Philadelphia:

1. Antiquing at Antique Row.
2. Visit Ben Franklin’s place, Franklin Court.
3. Catch a show at the Old City District.
4. Check out the architecture of Society Hill.
5. Honor the heroes at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
6. Consider seafaring at the Independence Seaport Museum.
7. Dance in your mind while the professionals do it onstage at the Academy of Music.
8. Picnic in the Poconos.
9. Cry for “mummy” at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.
10. Take in a performance anywhere along the Avenue of the Arts.
11. Drink tea at Pine Breeze Villa Shofuso.
12. See old medical tools at the Mutter Museum.
13. Enjoy an interactive history experience at the National Constitution Center.
14. Drive over the Betsy Ross Bridge.
15. Escape the sounds of the city at the peaceful Morris Arboretum.
16. Experience living history at The Amish Village.
17. Explore the past at the Liberty Bell.
18. Get some local culture at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
19. Go back to school at the University of Pennsylvania.
20. Go behind bars at the Eastern State Penitentiary.
21. Go goth at Laurel Hill Cemetery.
22. Shop for delicacies at the Italian Market.
23. Indulge in art at the Rodin Museum.
24. Jog along the path at Fairmount Park.
25. Listen to a summer concert at Penn’s Landing.
26. Outlet shopping at Franklin Mills Mall.
27. People-watch at Rittenhouse Square.
28. Photograph the murals.
29. Read a book at the Rosenbach Museum and Library.
30. Read to your heart’s content at the Free Library of Philadelphia.
31. Remember the key and lightning experiment at the Franklin Institute.
32. Roar with the lions at The Philadelphia Zoo.
33. Run from the dinosaurs at the Academy of Natural Sciences.
34. Shop ‘til you drop on South Street.
35. Bug out at the Insectarium.
36. Salute the flag at the Betsy Ross House.
37. Sing the blues (or listen to them anyway) at WarmDaddy’s.
38. Souvenir shopping at the Headhouse/Shambles historic open air market.
39. Stop and smell the roses at Bartram’s Garden.
40. Stroll along the historic Independence Mall neighborhood.
41. Take a look at historic documents housed at Independence Hall.
42. Take the kids to see the Animal Kingdom Pet Store and Zoo.
43. Taste something new at Reading Terminal Market.
44. Touch all you want at the Please Touch Museum.
45. Tour a wildlife refuge.
46. Treat yourself to dessert at the The Naked Chocolate Café.
47. Walk along pedestrian-only Chestnut Street.
48. Watch money grow on trees at the U.S. Mint.
49. Watch the city lights flicker on the amazing Ben Franklin Bridge.
50. Remember to tell everyone that you went to the City of Brotherly Love.

In order to save money to enjoy these activities, be sure to book your discounted Philadelphia hotel here.

(Photo via flickr cc)