Vernick is one of the best restaurants in Philly, with a formal dining room upstairs and a more casual bar below.

Zahav is an Israeli restaurant in Old City/Society Hill that’s become a Philly institution.

Laurel is a tasting menu spot in East Passyunk that’s perfect for celebrating something big.

As long as you’re prepared to spend a lot, go to Barclay Prime for the best steaks in Philly.

Southwark is a bar and restaurant in Queen Village that’s basically a 3-in-1, with a cocktail bar, a dressy dining room, and a casual back patio.

Fork is a big, seasonal American spot in Old City where you should go for a celebratory group dinner.

Sakana is the best option for an affordable omakase in Philly.

Res Ipsa in Rittenhouse is a casual cafe during the day, but turns into a full-service Italian restaurant at night that’s perfect for a date.

Alpen Rose is a small steakhouse in Midtown Village that looks like the inside of a retired Harvard professor’s personal library.

Audrey Claire is a Mediterranean spot in Rittenhouse and it’s one of our favorite BYOBs in the area.

Morimoto is a sushi place in Old City that’s super expensive, so you should save it for a special occasion or when someone else is paying.

A Mano is an Italian BYOB in Fairmount that works for everything from a casual weeknight dinner to an anniversary celebration.

Walnut Street Cafe is an all-day spot near 30th Street Station that looks like the apartment in Rittenhouse you’ll never be able to afford.

Amada is a Spanish tapas spot in Old City where you should on a date or for Happy Hour.

The Love in Rittenhouse feels like a nicer version of a mall restaurant, but their pastas and fried chicken are some of the best around.

Urban Farmer is a big modern steakhouse in Logan Square where you can get a “steak tasting.”