It’s almost that time again: Center City District’s Philadelphia Restaurant Week is right around the corner (Saturday, September 23rd to Friday, October 5th to be exact)! In case you’re unfamiliar, CCDRW is a Philly tradition. Restaurants all over Center City offer prix-fixe menus (three-course lunch for $20 or three-course dinner for $35), giving diners a chance to try all the spots they’ve been meaning to get to, or even just discover a new restaurant because one dish caught their eye. It’s a really fun time to get out & explore Philly.
It’s been awhile since I covered Philadelphia Restaurant Week on the blog, so I knew I wanted to give you guys an updated take (with plenty of time to make your reservations, of course!). But even for me, my years of going out to a few dinners in a two week span have significantly dwindled (life, people!). So, in order to give you a fresh take, I asked five incredible Philadelphia women to give me their top picks instead!
If you’re new to the city and haven’t been to a Restaurant Week before, these are absolute musts to get yourself acquainted to some of our city’s staples (you should also read my post on my top tips for Center City Restaurant Week). If you’ve been living here and doing the CCDRW thing for a few years, this post is your reminder to revisit some of the spots that made you fall in love with Philly in the first place! (Seriously, I remember the first time I had dinner at Anita’s pick when I was like, 22, and just being like – this is my place). I know it has been for me! xx
Barbuzzo (110 South 13th Street)
“I have been struggling a lot lately. I love Philly, and I want everyone to know, but there’s also a big part of me that doesn’t like to tell too many people how great Philly really is. I want to keep it my little secret. That’s how I feel about Barbuzzo. Everything on the menu is delicious. I dream about their ricotta appetizer, the gnocchi, and what do you even say about the Budino? It’s the best dessert in all of Philly, maybe even the US. All of the restaurants on 13th are delicious, but Barbuzzo holds an extra special place in my stomach…I mean heart.” – Nicole Michalik, Social Media & On Air for iHeartMedia’s Q102, Real 1061, & B104
Amada (217 Chestnut Street)
“The authenticity of Amada’s Spanish cuisine via charming tapas drew me in. The food is absolutely incredible, and the ambiance of a gorgeous interior on an historic Old City block just adds to its character.” – Anita Oh, TV journalist turned Penn Law student
Alma de Cuba (1623 Walnut Street)
1225 Raw (1225 Sansom Street)
“There’s no way I can pick just one!” (Emily note: This is true. Barbie’s runners up included Chima, Devil’s Alley, Maison 208, & South 🙂 ) “I’m going to go with 1225 Raw, because Chef Sam taught me soooo much when I was there. He’s also a master sushi chef, so I know it’s the freshest!” – Barbie Marshall, Executive Chef at Trolley Car Station & Hell’s Kitchen Competitor
Sampan (124 South 13th Street)
“Sampan knows how to do Restaurant Week right! You’re able to select seven dishes to get a true taste of their unique Asian fusion menu, and although it’s shared plates, it ends up being a TON of food. Be sure to order the Edamame Dumplings and Korean BBQ Beef Satay, though you really can’t go wrong with anything from this Center City hot spot!” – Rachel Creighton, Owner of Rachel Roshani Photography
