Best of 10 restaurants in Old City
Discover the rich culinary scene of "restaurants in Old City." Nestled in historic surroundings, these establishments offer diverse menus and unique atmospheres. From cozy corners to gourmet eateries, "restaurants in Old City" cater to all tastes. Experience a culinary journey like no other in this vibrant and charming district.
1. Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
Authentic Cuban atmosphere and mojito menu

The service at this establishment is highly regarded, with customers praising its speed and quality. Reviewers have consistently reported positive experiences with the staff and their attentiveness.
The food at this location is a highlight, with customers raving about the amazing, outstanding, and delicious dishes. Authentic Cuban flavors are infused into many of the offerings, providing a unique and satisfying dining experience. Although some dishes are priced higher, customers feel that the quality justifies the cost.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
2. Buddakan
Housed in a historic building with a spacious interior and popular bar area

Buddakan is known for providing a positive dining experience. The staff works hard to ensure customers feel acknowledged, heard, and valued. They offer warm greetings and attentive service, making sure everything runs smoothly and at a comfortable pace. The menu features an array of delicious dishes, including the highly recommended seared beef tenderloin, which is cooked to perfection.
The pork belly bao buns and shrimp dumplings are other popular choices, impressing guests with their taste and presentation. However, the shoestring potatoes are not held in the same high regard. Despite this, Buddakan has established itself as a memorable dining destination, known for its knowledgeable staff and delectable dishes, such as the whole Peking duck. Overall, Buddakan offers an enjoyable and satisfying dining experience.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
3. The Plough & the Stars in Old City
Live Irish music and traditional dance performances

The restaurant offers amazing drinks, delicious food, and excellent service, making it a place where customers can enjoy top-quality meals at modest prices. The lamb lollipops, mint sauce, and crispy Brussel sprouts were so good that they made the diners' juices flow. The owner personally introduced themselves and asked if the customers were enjoying their entrees, which explains why the restaurant has been in business for twelve years.
On a Sunday afternoon, the restaurant was the perfect spot for a delicious brunch, offering bar food without the smoky and stinky atmosphere. Customers can sit outside on the sidewalk and enjoy their meals. During Sunday brunch, the restaurant has a waffle station in the dining room, offering leavened waffles that are lighter and crisper than regular ones. However, one of the customers opted for the fish and chips and was amazed by the best fish batter they ever had, which was incredibly crispy.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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4. Han Dynasty - Old City
Authentic Han Dynasty cuisine, historic location

Han Dynasty takeout was a recent delightful meal experience. The order included Dan Dan noodles and Wonton soup, both of which were packed with spicy and robust flavors. The Dan Dan noodles were particularly noteworthy, as they provided a satisfyingly spicy and savory taste.
I have recently become a regular at Han Dynasty's Cherry Hill, NJ branch, which offers exceptional Chinese cuisine. Among my favorite dishes are the Dan Dan noodles, garlic sauce with shrimp, crispy rice chicken, and Kung Pao items, all of which are delicious and skillfully prepared. This location has quickly become my go-to spot for Chinese food, and I highly recommend it.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
5. Spasso Italian Grill
Extensive wine list, homemade pasta, live music on weekends

Spasso Italian Grill offers exceptional service, with friendly and knowledgeable staff who provide great timing with dishes and drinks. The service is fast, ensuring a great dining experience. The restaurant is known for its well-prepared, authentic Italian food. Pasta is cooked al dente, making for a delicious meal.
Spasso Italian Grill creates a welcoming atmosphere for its patrons. Friendly servers are dedicated to making the dining experience memorable. The restaurant's authentic Italian food and well-prepared dishes have received much praise. From the fast service to the delicious food, Spasso Italian Grill offers a great dining experience for all.
TOPICS
- Holiday Celebrations
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
6. The Olde Bar
Housed in a former bank's marble hall from 1904

Drinks at the establishment are widely praised by customers for their great taste, high quality, and extensive variety. The bartenders are a highlight, known for their friendly demeanor and impressive knowledge about the drinks they serve. This creates a pleasant and enjoyable atmosphere for customers.
However, there are some mixed reviews about the service. While many customers describe it as good, a portion of reviewers have noted that it could be slower or less professional at times. Despite these occasional issues, the positive aspects of the establishment seem to outweigh the negatives for most customers.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Happy Hours
7. Fork
Hand-rolled noodles, locally sourced ingredients, and a diverse menu

The menu at this restaurant offered a variety of delicious options, making it challenging to make a decision. We ordered dishes from different sections of the menu, and each one was a hit. The oysters, served with grapefruit mignonette, stood out for their freshness and impeccable presentation. The quail, pasta, and duck also received high praise for their taste and quality.
The restaurant's cinnamon morning bun received rave reviews for its balanced flavor and lack of bite without cinnamon. However, the sticky bun fell short due to its excessive stickiness. To ensure a table, reservations are recommended through OpenTable, although it's possible to get a reservation without one. The restaurant boasts a pleasant ambiance, featuring both indoor and outdoor seating, making it an ideal spot to dine and enjoy the surroundings.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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8. Royal Boucherie
Housed in a 19th-century building with a stunning bar and French-inspired cuisine.

The food at this establishment is described as typical French bistro cuisine. Some guests have raved about the dishes, calling them outstanding and amazing. However, other guests have described the food as just okay. Despite the mixed reviews, the atmosphere of the restaurant is consistently praised. Guests describe it as beautiful and friendly, making for an enjoyable dining experience.
The food served at this French bistro has been lauded as outstanding and amazing by some guests, while others have found it to be merely satisfactory. The standout feature of the restaurant is its atmosphere, which has been uniformly positively reviewed. Guests describe it as beautiful and friendly, creating a warm and inviting ambiance that enhances their dining experience. The combination of the charming atmosphere and the French bistro fare, whether amazing or just okay, makes for a memorable meal.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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9. Panorama in Old City
Historic location with a rooftop bar

Panorama is known for their delicious homemade pasta dishes, such as the fazzoletti pasta with black trumpet mushrooms and chestnut pesto. Their cakes have received high praise for their moist texture and delightful toppings, with the chocolate cake being a standout option. The staff at Panorama is also noted for being friendly and helpful.
The food at this establishment was outstanding and our group was able to sample nearly every dish on the menu. Among the appetizers, the Calamari and Bruschetta were particularly enjoyed. The entrees were even more impressive, with standout dishes including a generously portioned and perfectly prepared Salmon and a delicious N.Y. Strip, which was perfectly cooked, nicely seasoned, and topped with tasty hens of the woods mushrooms.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
10. La Famiglia Ristorante
Family-owned and operated, extensive wine list, homemade pasta

La Famiglia is a renowned Italian restaurant in Philadelphia, known for its excellent food and old-school service. Many of the waiters appear to be quite elderly, contributing to the establishment's traditional atmosphere. The restaurant's wine list is extensive, resemling a medieval bible in size and containing a multitude of exceptional choices.
The menu at La Famiglia is one of the best in Philadelphia, featuring house specialties such as branzino and gnocchi. Our party of four enjoyed these dishes, savoring each bite and expressing their satisfaction audibly. The restaurant's atmosphere is fitting for the Godfather trilogy, making it one of the more storied dining locations in the city.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Celebrations
- Mid-Range