Romantic Dining Restaurants

Located on Conshohocken’s main drag, Black Fish couples a simple, unpretentious dining experience with confident cooking. Owned and operated by Chef Charles “Chip” Roman, a Vetri and Perrier trained chef; Black Fish is a gem in this Philadelphia suburb. Packed to the gills every night, this BYOB storefront restaurant highlights seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood. Progressive American cuisine with French influences, fine sensibility and simple elegance make Black Fish a favorite among locals, as well as diners searching for fine-dining in a relaxed intimate atmosphere.

Nestled into its charming Midtown Village locale, Olivier Desaintmartin’s second Philadelphia feat, Zinc, is the essence of class meets comfort. In a city filled with attempts at the French bistro, Desaintmartin sets this 11th street gem above the rest by offering unfussy bistro classics and an exclusively French wine selection. Zinc offers diners the rare chance to feel right at home with a dining room décor that features exposed brick, dark polished wood, bistro chalkboards and authentic Parisian paintings. Complete with a knowledgeable and friendly staff, Zinc’s quaint, romantic appeal is reminiscent of a true bistro a vins one might …

Owner and Chef Peter Gilmore brings more than 30 years of experience to Gilmore’s Restaurant. This remarkably talented chef worked for 22 years as Chef de Cuisine at Philadelphia’s Le Bec-Fin before venturing out on his own. Located on West Chester’s main drag, Gilmore’s Restaurant offers classic French fare with an American twist. Dishes like Confit of Boneless Duck Leg and Escargots sit side-by-side with Shrimp Corn Dogs and Foie Gras Pizza (from humanely raised ducks). Although Chef Gilmore has a little fun with his menu, it does not mean there is anything lacking in the classic French tradition. The …

While Butcher and Singer invites comparisons to the finest steakhouses across America, this Philadelphia eatery is in a class by itself. With plush surroundings and unmatched service, Stephen Starr's newest venture delivers sumptuous dishes along with an unforgettable dining experience. Patrons are treated to a transformative meal in the well-appointed dining room and a wait staff that does more than simply serve; they contribute to the overall atmosphere of indulgence and enjoyment. One glance at Butcher and Singer's menu reveals that Chef Anthony Goodwin has achieved a rare balance between traditional and modern, while never straying from the highest culinary …

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse creates a world apart from the rest of Philadelphia’s big name steakhouses by infusing the dining experience with Old-World elegance and glamour. From the cloth-draped columns to sky-high ceilings, one step inside the restaurant showcases how majestic a meal can be-- given the right chef and a commitment to fine dining. Serving up premium steaks and seafood is always done with the utmost quality. Leaving no corner of steakhouse cuisine untouched, Del Frisco’s explores classic American fare with a passion for excess and delivers an unforgettable evening in the comfort of its plush surroundings.

Brandywine Prime infuses tradition and history with a refreshing dose of modernity. The 200-year old Chadds Ford Inn, which houses Brandywine Prime, has been stripped of its outdated and worn down stuffiness and given a chic new personality with sleekly minimalist accents. The menu is anything but antiquated, featuring such dishes as Pan Seared Diver Scallops with Creamy Chorizo Orzo and Coconut Rum Shrimp Tempura to enliven the senses. For palate purists, a hearty selection of prime cuts of beef offer succulently tender indulgences.

Alma de Cuba is a Latin vacation, right in the heart of Philadelphia. Located at 1623 Walnut Street, it’s a perfect destination to pop into on the way home from work or for an elegant dinner. The lounge evokes sultry Miami nightlife with a mix of traditional Cuban and contemporary elements, with traditional drinks such as Caipirinhas and Classic Mojitos, which are always specially priced for happy hour. Upstairs, the balcony-style seating and classic décor promise a mellow and sophisticated ambiance. Chef Rodriguez adds novel twists to old world Cuban standards in his "Nuevo Latino" creations, such as Pan Roasted …

Chef Peter Woolsey uses his know-how and talent to create classic French dishes that can be found across various regions in France at Bistrot La Minette. The elegant flair and friendly wait staff give the restaurant a warm and luxuriously casual atmosphere. Try such dishes as the Magret de Canard au Cassis, a pan-roasted duck breast, grilled white asparagus, potato confit, and black currant sauce, or try the Gateau L’Opera, a multi-layered almond sponge cake with chocolate ganache, coffee butter cream, and crème Chantilly. Give Bistrot La Minette a chance—your taste buds will thank you!

Conveniently located on Mayanunk’s main drag, Bourbon Blue brings a little bit of the Big Easy to Philadelphia. Not only does Bourbon Blue serve new American cuisine with a New Orleans twist, but the restaurant serves up a New Orleans-style late night as well. Chef Mark Ziebis prepares food inspired by the French Quarter, utilizing new ingredients that he infuses into classic dishes. The voluminous building invites guest in with its beautifully decorated canal front and keeps them coming back with interesting spices and an impressive cocktail menu. Or, if an energetic nightlife is more your style stop by to …

Stella Blu is an inviting destination for locals and newcomers alike. Be it a romantic dinner, a relaxing drink after work, or an evening of live entertainment, this smart and sophisticated West Conshohocken bistro sparkles. Bask in the glow of the exceptional customer service, including valet parking, a welcoming ambiance, and the newly expanded Star Bar. The extensive international menu includes such favorites as Lobster “Mac & Cheese and Wild Mushroom Ravioli. The food is heavenly, the décor is celestial, and the customer is always the star at Stella Blu.

Chef Dave Clouser’s impressive resume, including such notable restaurants as Susanna Foo, The Inn at Montcharin and Nectar, has given him the essential tools to open his Bryn Mawr restaurant, Sola. Serving a familiar American cuisine with a distinctive European flair, Sola attempts to redefine the typical bistro. This 50-seat restaurant offers diners a warm intimate environment with fresh seasonal ingredients and an ever evolving weekly prix fixe menu. Since its inception in 2006, Sola has remained a BYOB restaurant and promises to stay that way.

Tequilas shows the highbrow side of Mexico’s popular elixir. Soak in a margarita at the outdoor tables, perfectly situated for watching well-put-together Rittenhouse folk cross the corner of Locust and 16th. Inside, a high-ceilinged space provides an elegant backdrop for Owner David Suro’s classic vision. He brought the fruits of his homeland to Philadelphia in 1986, establishing a Mexican presence in the city’s culinary spectrum. Other spots around town have since twisted Mexican fare into a modern adventure, but chef Claudio Soto’s plates continue to showcase a brute traditionalism that brings diners to the root of it all.

The Rose Tattoo Café brings the balmy romance and sultry drama of Tennessee Williams’ New Orleans to Philadelphia. Its wrought iron railings, abundant flowering plants and antique Victorian edifice aptly conjure the historic charm of the French Quarter and set a seductive stage fit for the play that inspired the restaurant’s name. The eclectic menu features clever reinventions of Southern and American comfort food classics like Jambalaya and Baby Back Ribs in addition to more unexpected and delicious surprises like a Lobster Quesadilla with tarragon cream and Shiitake and Vegetable Spring Rolls. The attentive staff make “depending on the kindness …

The space formerly known as Sonoma was recently revamped by dynamic chef and owner Derek Davis. The result is Derek’s, a casual contemporary lounge serving sophisticated comfort food in a family atmosphere. Whether opting to order from their sweeping wine list or to BYO with no additional corkage fee, casual wine drinkers and enthusiasts alike are sure to feel at home. The menu is no less welcoming and offers thoughtful small plates and regular portioned entrees made from sustainable and seasonal ingredients. Sidewalk seating is ideal in the warmer months and conveys a European joie de vivre you’ll be hard-pressed …

Positano Coast, an Aldo Lamberti restaurant, was created to reflect the ambiance, energy and traditions of the Amalfi coast and it has done just that. With a modern twist on classic Italian dishes, Chef Pippo Lamberti brings a quiet sophistication to Philly’s Old City District. Positano Coast has a sleek and progressive open-air design with a cobalt blue floor, dramatically white walls and floor-to ceiling windows. The restaurant is located on the 2nd floor and offers two patios and a terrace for al fresco dining. Positano Coast’s Sopra Lounge is a comfortable and stylish place to enjoy a tasty concoction …

Escape to the Greek Isles without leaving Philadelphia when you visit Kanella. This authentic Greek kitchen serves up some of the freshest, most honest Mediterranean cuisine Philadelphia has to offer. Kanella offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner and features some traditional specialty items such as Shaksouka, Mousaka, and hummus. Their décor is rustic with accents of the blue and white thus genuinely paying homage to the Greek flag. The restaurant even offers a Cypriot Meze on Sunday evenings. Come sail away to Greece as you drop anchor at Kanella on Spruce Street.

Cozy and contemporary, Scannicchio’s can be an ideal choice for authentic Italian comfort food. Located in South Philadelphia, Scannicchio’s has been feeding the hungry public since 2003. With friendly service and an attention to detail in mind, this BYOB eatery consistently graces the top of local reader’s polls. Serving up warm, fresh dishes such as Sausage and Figs, Stuffed Calamari, and Chicken Parmesan, Scannicchio’s boasts that their fan base is always expanding in allegiance. They offer options for catering any private event, and are open for dinner seven days of the week. Come and taste what all the hype is …

Refreshingly contemporary, and wickedly chic, R2L has re-imagined classic American cuisine and décor for the better. The restaurant’s dining space showcases the minimalist elements and lines of iconic art deco and midcentury modern design, while featuring decidedly modern details in the form of animal print upholstery and abstract art fixtures. Similarly, R2L’s menu reflects an appreciation for simplicity and quality that is balanced by a flair for the dramatic. Chef Daniel Stern marries the rustic with the refined, ensuring that every dish is as memorable as it is satisfying.