Philly Restaurant Reviews

Daniel Golio is an world-renowned author, teacher and restaurant consultant for the food service industry. Restaurant reviews are based on personal opinion derived from actual dining and decades of restaurant experience. Check out the worst Restaurants in Philadelphia Worst Philly Restaurants

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Longhorn Steakhouse

Casual steakhouse chain known for grilled beef & other American dishes in a ranch-style space.

Located in: Columbus Commons Address: 2120 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148 Hours: Closed ⋅ Opens 11 AM Phone: [phone] Menu: longhornsteakhouse.com

Review

Longhorn Steakhouse, while not a Philly native in the truest sense, has firmly established itself as a reliable option for a hearty, satisfying steak lunch or dinner in the Philadelphia area. My recent visit to the Longhorn Steakhouse offered a predictable, yet pleasant, experience, landing squarely in the 'good, dependable' category.

Stepping inside Longhorn is like stepping into a familiar friend's place. The warm, rustic décor with its wood accents, dim lighting, and Western-themed artwork creates a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

Outlaw Ribeye

Our server was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. They were quick to refill drinks, answer questions about the different cuts of steak, and even offered helpful suggestions on sides and pairings. The attentiveness contributed greatly to the overall positive dining experience.

I opted for the Outlaw Ribeye, a bone-in cut seasoned with Longhorn's signature blend. Cooked to a perfect medium-rare, as requested, the steak was tender and juicy with a good char on the outside. While it wasn't the most mind-blowing steak I've ever had, it was certainly enjoyable and well-prepared. The seasoning provided a pleasant, slightly peppery flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the beef.

My dining companion chose the Flo's Filet, a leaner cut that was also cooked to perfection. It was incredibly tender and practically melted in your mouth. We both agreed that the quality of the meat was consistently good.

Flo Steak

Longhorn Steakhouse offers a decent value for the price since you are getting a sizable portion of steak that is generally well-prepared. Also the lunch specials offer an even more affordable option.

Longhorn Steakhouse provides a solid and predictable dining experience. The consistent quality of the meat, coupled with the attentive service, makes it a reliable choice for lunch or a casual night out with friends or family.

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The Dandelion

This spot serves craft beers & modern takes on British cuisine in a English Pub setting. The Dandelion, a sophisticated homage to the British pub serving updated seasonal takes on U.K. cuisine.

Address: 124 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 Hours:  Closed ⋅ Opens 11:30 AM · More hours Phone: [phone] Menu: thedandelionpub.com $30-50

Review

I had a great time eating and drinking at The Dandelion. This is a fantastic restaurant with a large outdoor patio, in a beautiful historic building in Philadelphia. The food here was really good. I ate a shepherd's pie and it was enormous and incredibly satisfying. This was the best shepherd's pie I've ever had, in my opinion. I also tried a few of their drinks. I enjoyed the drinks. My friends ordered some other stuff off of the menu and everything was delicious.

Shepherd's Pie

The Dandelion has a British pub theme, but also incorporates a lot of the standards of American pubs. There's something for everyone on their menu. Overall, we had a really fantastic time at The Dandelion. Definitely recommend it to any hungry person in Philadelphia.

Just steps from Philadelphia’s bustling Rittenhouse Square, this inviting bilevel restaurant features a whirlwind of idiosyncratic seating areas, bars, hallways, rooms and nooks, each impeccably fashioned to carry its own personality.

Hamburger

The menu, featuring beloved classics like Welsh rarebit, fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and a U.K. cheese board, also features plenty of unexpected surprises.

Fish and Chips

Made-from-scratch puddings and hearty family-style roasts served every Sunday round out one of Philly’s most tantalizing dining destinations.

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Buddakan

Hot spot for upscale Asian fusion dishes in a swanky setting with a giant Buddha & techno tunes.

Address: 325 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 Phone: [phone] Hours: Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm $31 to $50 Cuisine: Asian Menu: buddakan.com

While the magnificent, 10-foot-tall Buddha is likely the first thing to catch your eye, it’s the Modern Asian cuisine that will leave a lasting impression. Beloved dishes like edamame dumplings, char siu pork buns and Kobe beef satay share menu space with ambitious entrees that marry daring influences from East, West and beyond. Whether you’re craving a cutting-edge Asian-influenced cocktail, a bento box lunch or a full dinner seated at our dramatic communal table, let Buddakan help you escape across the globe — if only for an evening.

The moment I stepped through the gilded double doors of Buddakan, I felt as though he’d stepped into another world. The air was thick with an intoxicating mix of soy, sesame, and the faint, almost mystical scent of incense. Above loomed a 10-foot Buddha, its carved features serene and timeless, yet its presence strikingly modern. Golden light poured upward from its base, and its gaze seemed to follow me as though it already knew why he was there.

I the followed host through the main dining room, where a dramatic communal table stretched like a bridge to nowhere, brimming with the hum of laughter and clinking glasses. Above the diners, massive iron chandeliers swayed gently, as if breathing along with the fluttering conversations below.

I sat down and moments later, a server emerged—silent as a shadow—to present their first cocktail: the Eastern Solstice, a mesmerizing concoction of yuzu, lemongrass-infused vodka, and a delicate misting of jasmine.

The night unfolded like a dream. I had an appetizer that seemed almost too beautiful to eat: edamame dumplings tucked into soft jade-green wrappers and drizzled with truffle-tinted dashi.

Edamame Dumplings

Soon the main course arrived Kobe beef satay came with the most vibrant peanut sauce I’d ever tasted. Every bite felt like a new revelation, a harmonious marriage between East and West, traditional and experimental.

Kobe beef satay

But it wasn’t just the food that left them spellbound. Buddakan transformed as the evening deepened. The Buddha seemed to exhale a sense of calm over the diners below, the lighting dimming just slightly, cradling them in the comfort of shadows. The communal table, once loud with chatter, now buzzed with quiet laughter and intimate smiles. It truly felt like an escape—not just across the globe, but across dimensions, into a reality where time and stress had no power.

When dessert came, I couldn’t resist ordering Donuts.

Donuts

Buddakan in Philadelphia offers a remarkable dining experience with "fantastic service" and "incredible food." The ambiance is "lively and festive," making it a top choice for celebrations. Signature dishes like Peking Duck and dim sum doughnuts are highlights.

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The Love

Upscale American destination restaurant from Stephen Starr Address: 130 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 Hours: Closed ⋅ Opens 11:30 AM Phone: [phone] $30-50 Menu: theloverestaurant.com

Review

The Love offers an exceptional dining experience with "creative and fabulous food," "great service," and a "lovely ambiance." Guests rave about the "fantastic" dishes like the mushroom soup, lemon risotto, and short-rib burger. The "friendly and attentive" staff ensure a memorable visit, whether for brunch, dinner, or special occasions.

When entering the restaurant the first thing he noticed was the warmth. It wasn’t just the heat from the gently crackling fireplace in the corner or the golden light spilling from overhead sconces. It was the vibe. The air bristled with laughter and contented murmurs, as though the small dining room itself breathed comfort into everyone inside.

I ordered a glass of house white wine—expecting a dusty pour of something overhyped and unbalanced—and declined the menu, asking instead for the staff’s recommendation. “Surprise me,” I said flatly.

Cheese Board

The first dish arrived: a small cheeseboard, deceptively simple and unimpressive. However the cheeses - A creamy brie that felt like a gentle evening snowfall. A sharp Manchego that danced on the tongue like a bolt of lightning. The accompaniments were a work of alchemy: a fig jam and honey with an almost a floral taste.

Next came the Love Bird that came with buttermilk fried chicken, grits, and collard greens. The food was delicious. The chicken was cooked perfectly and the collards were like from the deep South. By the end of the dish, I realized that I had not spoken a single word to the staff or even glanced at my phone for distraction. The food was that good!

The Love Bird

Overall the Love offers a top quality meal, excellent service at a reasonable price. In a city that has over 6,000 restaurants, most of which are over priced, with poor service and mediocre food -

The love stands out as a go to place that will not disappoint - Highly recommended!

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Parc Restaurant

Traditional bistro fare is served in a bustling setting.

Address: 227 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 Hours:  Closed ⋅ Opens 8 AM · More hours Phone: [phone] Menu: parc-restaurant.com Price: $30 - 50

Review

The hum of conversation drifted through the air, mingling with the clinking of glasses and the occasional joyful outburst from a nearby table. The aroma of melted cheese, caramelized onions, and freshly baked bread wafted out from the open kitchen door, embracing everyone who stepped inside Parc, the French bistro on South 18th Street. Nestled beside the verdant beauty of Rittenhouse Square, the restaurant was more than a dining spot—it was a portal, pulling visitors into a Parisian dreamscape without ever needing a passport.

I ordered the French Onion Soup and Steak Frites both of which were excellent.

The French onion soup was flavorful and the cheese was a thick, golden layer of Gruyere that stretches with every bite. I ordered the

Steak Frites burnt on the outside and medium rare on the inside - Perfect!

Parc offers a "fabulous experience" with its exquisite French cuisine and "impeccable service." Highlights include the tuna carpaccio, French onion soup, and a divine pastry basket. The atmosphere transports diners to Paris, making it a "go-to place" for brunch, dinner, or special occasions. Parc consistently delivers "amazing" food and a "magical" dining experience. With its efficient and friendly service Parc is worth the visit.

French Onion Soup

Steak Frites

Relying on authentic design elements imported directly from Europe, the all-day restaurant presents a sweeping cinematic interpretation of the French lifestyle. From a café au lait and fresh-baked croissant to start your morning through to flawless brasserie classics like steak frites, escargots and towering plateaus of fruits de mer, the menu is wide enough to please, while remaining true to the traditions that inspired it. Parc is a lightly perfumed love letter to all the City of Light has to offer, written in a distinct Philadelphian hand.

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Talula's Garden

High-end charmer crafts seasonal American cuisine in a chic farmhouse setting with a summer garden.

Address: 210 W Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA 19106 Hours: Closed ⋅ Opens 5 PM Phone: [phone] Menu: talulasgarden.com $30-50

Review

The old Washington Square Restaurant is back, but with a new name and new menu. Talula's Garden, named after the middle name of Stephen Starr's business partner, Aimee Olexy's daughter, is an elegant restaurant inspired by gardens, farms, creativity, and the seasons. The food is simple, beautiful, and delicious according to Olexy.

The outdoor space is simply remarkable. When the Washington Square Restaurant was first around, it was one of the few restaurants in the city with an outdoor area. Unfortunately, it didn't do too well, and Starr rented it out for private events. Now, the space has been revived as Talula's Garden. It's a wonderful spot to enjoy a meal on a warm summer night.

Seared Sea Scallops & Fresh Gulf Shrimp

Talula's Garden is open for brunch and for dinner, this review is for dinner only.

Dinner Menu Brunch menu

At Talula's Garden, the menu features an eclectic mix of American, Asian, and new Italian cuisines. However, the menu seems to have a greater emphasis on Italian inspired food, with four of the nine dinner entrees having Italian overtones . Some of these entrees include roasted chicken and gnocchi, pork and sweet corn fazzoletti, and handmade ricotta ravioli. However, there are also some great Asian dishes, like the duck lo mein and the Thai cucumber salad. The charred cabbage is also great.

If you are looking for American cuisine, then Talula's Garden is not the place for you. Their menu is more of an eclectic mix of American, Asian, and Italian inspired cuisine.

The only true American items on the menu were seared salmon and sliced strip steak. And for the sides: Cornbread, whipped potatoes and Baked Cheddar-Chive Biscuits.

As far as the food goes, all of the items on Talula's Garden's menu not only tasted great but had excellent plate presentation.

Meatballs al Forno Lamb Bolognese

Great food, excellent service and fabulous ambiance makes Talula's Garden a great choice for your next dinner adventure.

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Maggiano's Little Italy

Maggiano's Little Italy is an American casual dining restaurant chain specializing in Italian-American cuisine.

Address: 1201 Filbert St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 Phone: [phone] $30 and under Menu: maggianos.com

Review

Maggiano’s Little Italy is one of my favorite places to eat in Philadelphia. Located on 12th Street near the Reading Terminal Market, the restaurant offers delicious Italian-American food and a wonderful outdoor patio.

I love sitting on the patio on a warm summer night. The bistro tables are dark and intimate, and the wrought-iron fence and string lights make it feel like you’re in a secret garden. Plus, you get to people-watch as the tourists and locals pass by on their way to different attractions in Philly.

For whatever purpose it serves, this little patio looks quite endearing as we pass by it on our walk down 12th, and we are immediately attracted to its enchanting setting. If we hadn’t already had a reservation we may have found ourselves drifting in a dream-like trance towards the charming atmosphere and the tantalizing scent of food that lingers around it.

I was immediately drawn to the charming atmosphere of Maggiano’s Little Italy in Philadelphia. I almost went into a trance walking by the enchanting outdoor patio on my way to dinner. The bistro tables were intimate and the string lights and wrought-iron fence made the space feel like a secret garden.

Chicken Parmesan

Once we got to the entrance of the patio, we entered through the revolving doors, greeted by the tune of “That’s Amore.” The restaurant was full of people dressed up for celebrations, romantic dates, and family dinners. The atmosphere and the smell of Italian spices made me feel like I was in Italy.

Linguine alle Vongole

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I just finished reading Daniel Golio’s “Restaurant Confidential: The Down and Dirty Exploits of a restaurant Manager” and found it both entertaining and enlightening. The book is a memoir of his professional life in the hospitality and restaurant industry from his time as a Sous Chef to Director of Food and Beverage. The book recalls his down and dirty exploits of being in the hospitality industry starting from the late 1970's until the early 2020's.

The book also provides a detailed account of such major events as the Lufthansa Heist at JFK International airport, the 1977 Blackout in New York City, and even the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Bourdain's personal accounts of what it is like to work in the hospitality and restaurant industry are fascinating. As someone who enjoys cooking, I was especially interested in his accounts of working in a professional kitchen.

Available at Barnes and Noble - Click Here

Overall, I found “Restaurant Confidential: The Down and Dirty Exploits of a restaurant Manager” to be a great read. It's a fascinating look behind the scenes of the restaurant industry, and it's also a lot of fun. If you're a fan of food, cooking, or just good stories, I highly recommend it.

Available at Barnes and Noble - Click Here

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Estia Greek Restaurant

This stylish, multiroom Greek eatery specializes in whole fish flown in from the Mediterranean. Address: 1405-07 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 Hours: Closed ⋅ Opens 3 PM Phone: [phone] Menu: estiarestaurant.com

Review

I recently visited Estia, and I’m so glad I did. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was welcoming, and the service was impeccable. I was impressed with the variety of cuisines available, and the dishes we ordered were cooked to perfection. This place is suitable for a family dinner as well as for a business meeting or business lunch. Estia comes highly recommended from me, and I’m looking forward to going back again soon.

I’m so glad I tried Estia. It was an amazing experience from the moment I walked in the door. The food was just as impressive as the view, and the service was impeccable. I definitely recommend the braised lamb shanks, lamb cutlets, and grilled sea bass. You won’t be disappointed.