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Best Authentic Restaurants in Old City

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159 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4185)
$$$$
• Italian • Old City
Booked 16 times today
Enjoy the beauty of the Amalfi Coast in Italy right in Old City while dining at Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti. Whether stopping in for brunch, lunch, dinner or happy hour, you'll love the seeing Philadelphia from our 2nd story view point. Known primarily for our fresh fish and seafood, we welcome our guests to savor a menu full of delicious selections, including some favorite dishes such as our spicy fried calamari, zucchini crabcake, tagliatelle bolognese and our pork chop milanese.Weekend Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am to 2:30pm. Enjoy our belgian waffles, avocado toast or brunch burger and pair them with our mimosa & sangria specials! Join us for happy hour Tuesday-Friday, between 4pm and 6pm.Outdoor Dining is available on both of our patios, and during warmer weather on our sidewalk cafe!
A photo of Amada PHL restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(8843)
$$$$
• Spanish • Old City
Booked 37 times today
Amada is an Andalusian style tapas bar & restaurant where James Beard Award Winning Chef Jose Garces embraces the rich traditions of Spanish cuisine in a rustic-chic setting. Serving Old City for 20 years, Amada is a Philadelphia staple that is perfect for all occasions. Specialties of the House include:Patatas Bravas, Gambas al Aljillo, Croquettas de Jamón , Paella Valenciana, Seasonal Sangrías, Craft Cocktails & Spanish WinesPrivate Parties: Amada welcomes groups of all sizes. Events can be booked in our private dining rooms or throughout the restaurant seven days a week. For parties of 12 or more, please email our private events team at events@garcesgroup.com or call 215-625-2450
A photo of The Dandelion restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(8515)
$$$$
• Gastro Pub • Center City
Booked 94 times today
London's culinary revolution comes to Philadelphia with this unique gastro-pub. Cozy rooms and intimate bars create a storied, Old World aura, while updated seasonal takes on British food make up the menu. In keeping with tradition, our casks and tap craft beers are always rotating and classic family-style roasts are served on Sundays.
A photo of Spasso Italian Grill - Philadelphia restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2691)
$$$$
• Italian • Old City
Booked 13 times today
Spasso Italian Grill has been a neighborhood favorite for 23 years, specializing in homemade pasta, fresh daily seafood and tender veal all served at reasonable prices. Our relaxed atmosphere, personalized service & great food are sure to make you a regular. We have delivery options with Door Dash.
A photo of Borromini restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1507)
$$$$
• Italian • Center City
Booked 128 times today
Borromini is an ode to the timeless rituals of Italian life. Housed in a transportive, storied space that feels both grand and familiar, Borromini brings the regional dishes and layered design sensibilities of Italy to Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square. Picture towering 100-layer lasagna, Aperol spritzes on tap, and so much more!
A photo of Grandma's Philly restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(231)
$$$$
• Thai • Center City
Booked 38 times today
Reservations for 1–8 guests can be made online. For parties of 9 or more, please contact info@grandmasphilly.com or call (215) 315-9050About Grandma’s PhillyLocated in Center City Philadelphia, Grandma’s Philly is inspired by Chef Locket’s grandmother’s home cooking and the comforting flavors of her childhood in Thailand. The menu celebrates the bold harmony of Thai cuisine — a balance of spice, sweetness, and brightness — crafted with care and made to share.Cooking from memory and guided by family recipes, Chef Locket transforms tradition into vibrant, family-style plates that invite connection. Proudly recognized as Philly’s Favorites Silver Winner for Thai Food in 2024 and 2025, Grandma’s Philly shares the warmth of Thai hospitality through food — not just a meal, but a story told through flavor.
A photo of La Famiglia Ristorante restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2172)
$$$$
• Italian • Old City
Booked 10 times today
La Famiglia Ristorante is authentic because it has a long tradition of culinary excellence, dating back to early 1947 when Carlo 'Papa' Sena first started cooking. The family brought this experience across the Atlantic and opened the restaurant in 1976. Reviewers consistently praise the classic Italian dishes, professional service, and charming, traditional atmosphere. One reviewer even mentioned they've been eating there for two generations, indicating the restaurant has been maintaining its authenticity over time.
A photo of Gran Caffe L'Aquila Authentic Italian restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2779)
$$$$
• Italian • Center City
Booked 31 times today
Gran Caffe L'Aquila is widely appreciated for its authentic Italian cuisine, as per reviews. Customers highlight the restaurant's 'authentic Italian dishes', 'authentic cuisine', and 'authentic Italian trattoria environment'. The weekly specials from different regions of Italy are a hit, paired with region-specific wines. The staff's knowledge and passion for the food and history of the restaurant also add to the authenticity.
A photo of Mawn restaurant
Icon
4.9
Exceptional(412)
$$$$
• Cambodian • Bella Vista
Mawn is open 4 days a week and is a 28 seat BYOB in the heart of South Philadelphia's iconic Italian Market. Receiving national recognition, Chef Phila was the recipient of a James Beard Award for Emerging Chef in 2025, one of Food & Wine's Best New Chefs Class of 2025 and named on the 25 Best restaurants in America list for The New York Times. Reservations are released on the 1st of each month at 12PM NOON for the following month.**** Please note they will book VERY FAST and not all trying at the release will be able to get through. This is due to the HIGH demand and VERY limited availability.If there is nothing showing on OpenTable, it does mean all available reservations are gone. USE the NOTIFY option to receive alerts as people cancel. There is no internal Waitlist. ****Mawn offers WALK IN ONLY Lunch Thursday- Saturday 11am-2:30 (2:15 last seating) Dinner Dishes are offered as additions daily. Lunch is a great way to experience Mawn if you cannot get a reservation.
A photo of Estia - Philadelphia restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(9137)
$$$$
• Greek • Center City
Booked 25 times today
The stunning restaurant, which is first of its kind in Philadelphia, will transport guests to the Greek Islands with an atmosphere reminiscent of an inviting Mediterranean home & a menu of authentic specialties, simply prepared, that represent the best of Greek cuisine. The restaurant specializes in whole grilled fish which are flown in from the Greek Islands, the shores of Morocco, Tunisia, & Portugal. Guests are able to choose from Estia’s expansive display & watch chefs cook their fish to perfection over a charcoal grill in the sparkling open kitchen.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Mariah
    Minneapolis - St. Paul •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Everything we had was delicious. Absolutely best meal we’ve had on our trip. Can’t recommend enough!
    More info
    Borromini$$$$• Italian• Center City
    4.6
  • JosephGold
    Philadelphia County •124 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Our first visit in 20+ years. We opted for the small plate menu for a late afternoon lunch, found the menu excellent, wine offerings the same, very good service at a fair price. Thank you for a very nice dining experience. 
    More info
    Amada PHL$$$$• Spanish• Old City
    4.7
  • Tennille
    1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Overall beautiful experience ! I will recommend and will be coming back again!
    More info
    Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti$$$$• Italian• Old City
    4.7
  • BonnieGold
    Philadelphia County •791 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 29, 2026
    We enjoyed small plates for lunch. Very nice server, prompt service. The Pub is not too loud, so it's great for conversation. Overall, an excellent experience.
    More info
    The Dandelion$$$$• Gastro Pub• Center City
    4.7
  • Fritz
    London •48 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 25, 2026
    It was a memorable evening. Everyone was so kind and fun. We were the three at the bar 🤪 Thank you so much.
    More info
    Almanac$$$$• Cocktail Bar• Old City
    4.9

Discover best authentic restaurants in Old City

Discover the essence of authenticity in the heart of Old City, Philadelphia County, where a curated selection of restaurants offers a genuine taste of global cuisines. Whether you're craving meticulously crafted Italian dishes, traditional Japanese sushi, or comfort foods with a unique twist, Old City is your go-to destination. These restaurants, highly praised for their adherence to authentic flavors and traditional cooking methods, ensure that every meal is both genuine and delightful. Old City's dining scene stands out for its blend of historical charm and culinary innovation, attracting both locals and tourists who seek memorable dining experiences. The authenticity of these establishments is consistently validated by customer reviews, which commend the quality of ingredients and the skillful preparation of each dish. Each restaurant in Old City offers a unique ambiance that complements its culinary offerings, from intimate and traditional settings to lively and family-friendly environments. This area not only caters to a variety of tastes and preferences but also prides itself on maintaining high standards of service and hospitality. Explore Old City to satisfy your palate with truly authentic dining experiences that promise more than just a meal, but a journey into the heart of diverse cultures.

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