While Philly is long known for American history, as it is in THE state of independence, this unique urban hubbub continues to rise to the occasion of modern, diverse and eclectic dining. You will find some of the country's finest restaurants here! Throughout the city in neighborhoods of all backgrounds, Colonial-era style restaurants share parking space with boisterous upscale bistros. Plop down at a local brewery for moderate pub fare, strut into a high-profile establishment, or chill out with friends at a family-operated Bring-Your-Own-Bottle (BYOB) cafe. Philadelphia is becoming a culinary destination, offering some of the most varied you've ever heard of, seen, or tasted! Whatever you're craving, the kitchens in Philly are eager to deliver.  Bring your appetite!

Philly has four distinct districts including Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City and South Philly.  Each has its own flavor, atmosphere and growing list of eateries to thrill you!

Northern Liberties - After wandering through the numerous art galleries, boutiques and antique shops, you'll be ready for some tempting dishes in this revitalized section of Philadelphia.  With scenery from the Delaware River and the nearby Penn's Landing, shoppers and concert-goers have many reasons to check out the fare.

Aden's - Dine o­n Mediterranean specialties with quaint nooks inside or under the stars outside! Notable items include fresh seafood like pan-seared tilapia, or Spanish saffron rice with shellfish.

614 N. 2nd St.215-627-9844

Azure - Just up the block from Aden's, Azure is a hot little Caribbean bistro with vacation-style dining.  Expect flavors from the islands and Latin America; Caribbean black bean soup, coconut shrimp and a Jamaican Jerk chicken salad all await your taste buds!

931 N. 2nd St.215-629-0500
www.azurerestaurant.net/index.html

Sovalo - You'll think you've stepped off a gondola and into Italy's simple flavors when you walk into Sovalo!  Try the chicken and prosciutto-stuffed tortellini, lemony, tender grouper and slow roasted meats like pork shoulder for a hearty meal! There is a special bar menu with lighter dishes as well.  Don't forget to order a wine to compliment your meal; the food is Italian, but the wine, oddly enough, is Californian!

702 N 2nd St.215-413-7770
www.sovalo.com/

Siam Lotus - Walk up the street and walk into Thailand!  Siam Lotus features brightly colored walls and paper lanterns to create a truly Asian mood.  Begin with a coconut chicken soup or chicken satay, and end with red snapper in garlic-chile sauce for a different taste! Compliment your meal with some Thai sangria!

931 Spring Garden St.215-769-2031
www.siamlotuscuisine.com/intro.html

Old City - Historic attractions, coffee shops, and more galleries decorate the streets of Old City. Just east of Independence National Historical Park and some of Philly's most notable historic sites, this neighborhood is home to 18th century buildings as well as trendy restaurants. There are over 100 restaurants in Old City alone; here are four must-eats:

Morimoto - Did someone say raw fish?  Well you'll find it at Philly's most popular and delicious sushi bar!  Here, traditional Japanese culture meets modern design, and Japanese cooking meets Western ingredients.Try the Morimoto tempura with gorgonzola and braised pork, yellowtail tartar, or the house specialty, Omikase, a multi-course tasting menu.

723 Chestnut St.215-413-9070
www.morimotorestaurant.com

Buddakan - Also serving up Asian food, Buddakan is modern and old world.  You'll be greeted with a giant golden Buddha and a waterfall, immediately putting you in a peaceful mood.  Delicious dishes include pan roasted duck breast, Japanese black cod, and a variety of noodle and rice creations.  Finish with some sorbet and white chocolate chopsticks.

325 Chestnut St.215-574-9440
www.buddakan.com

Tangerine - For a really different taste, walk down the long candlelit hallway into the world of Moroccan cuisine.  Sit o­n overstuffed pillows and try some of the local's favorite dishes like honeyed lamb with couscous or Moombassa Sirloin with spiced butter.  Cap off your meal with baklava rolls or banana crème brulee.

232 Market St.215-627-5116
www.tangerinerestaurant.com

Center City - Located just east of the Schuylkill River, Center City is nationally known for it's delectable dining choices.  Spend the day at Fairmount Park or the Franklin Institute Science Museum and re-energize with French, Cuban and Chinese eateries.

Alma de Cuba's - "The Soul of Cuba" can surely be felt here when you order dishes like skirt steak with o­nions, Cuban oregano, black beans and rice and roast pork!  Other specialties include Chilean sea bass, lobster and crab coconut ceviche and chocolate flan.

1623 Walnut St.215-988-1799
www.almadecubarestaurant.com

El Vez - This place is modern Mexican food meets pop culture!Don't miss the appetizer of fresh guacamole.  Dinner entrees entail turkey mole with rice, black beans and tomato-avocado salsa; crab and zucchini cake; and black bass tacos with sweet potato puree.End your meal with some Mexican coffee!

121 S. 13th St.215-928-9800
www.elvezrestaurant.com

Le Bec-Fin - You may never make it to France, but if you make it to Philly, this flawless French bistro will certainly satisfy!  Take pleasure in the six-course feast in an 18th-centruy Parisian dining salon.Enjoy snails in champagne and hazelnut butter; veal medallions and crushed fingerling potatoes and aged cheeses.  Don't let the famous dessert cart pass you by

1523 Walnut St.215-567-1000
www.lebecfin.com/index.cfm

South Philly - In South Philly, you'll find the real deal almost everywhere you go, whether you're looking for an authentic Italian market, friendly vendors selling everything from kitchenware to antiques, or just a great place to eat. This district is overwhelmingly Italian and Old World.You'll find your fair share of Italian bistros and cafes, but there are a few surprises in store for the traveling foodie!

Italian Market - You'll really believe you have stepped into an old storybook illustration o­nce you enter this can't-miss destination.  With a mixture of modest shops and open-air stalls selling everything from meats and seafood, aged cheeses, breads, pastries and more, you'll find everything you need to make your own meal or visit o­ne of the vendors for a hoagie sandwich, crusty slice of pizza, or a steamy plate of pasta!Save room for the world-famous cannolis!

Along 9th St. from Wharton to Fitzwater St.
www.phillyitalianmarket.com

Marra's - This establishment claims to be the oldest Italian eatery serving up wood-fired pizzas, homemade lasagna, spaghetti and more!  The food is delicious and the atmosphere is tough to beat!

1734 E. Passyunk Ave.215-463-9249

Café de Laos - Thai and Laotian food can be found in this charming restaurant; highly-spiced dishes include the flavors of lemongrass, kaffir lime, galangal, curry and fried shallots.

1117 S. 11th St.215-467-1546

La Lupe - Sitting o­n the edge of the Italian Market, almost as a defiant competitor to the Italian presence so dominant in South Philly, this cozy little Mexican place offers true south-of-the-border food!  Try the enchiladas suizas filled with Mexican cheese!  The burritos are also quite legendary!  Wash it down with a Mexican juice or soda!

1201 S. 9th St.215-551-9920

Pif - South Philly visitors enter the sphere of Parisian cooking at Pif.  You never know what will be o­n the menu as it all depends o­n what the chef can get at the market that morning.  You might enjoy fresh halibut, frog's legs appetizers, or quail!  The menu items might be uncertain, but they will be characteristically French and you won't leave hungry.