Your Philly Food Guide
Good morning to everyone on this rainy summer day!
Many of you are headed my way for the Healthy Living Summit. I am so thrilled it is in Philadelphia this year so you can see what a beautiful city we live in… even in the rain. While I will always be a Rhode Island girl at heart, Philly has begun to take over just a little bit as the years go on….
For those of you looking for places to eat this weekend, here are some of my favorite places within walking distance from the hotel:
*DiBruno’s
18th & Chestnut
Perfect for lunch, DiBruno’s is an Italian market/cafeteria. During normal lunch hours the upstairs is open and they serve salads, sandwiches, soups and normal lunch fare. Downstairs in the market area they have fresh pressed panini, a daily special (which is often meatball subs) and lots of prepared foods that they will heat up for you if you ask.
Highlights: the caprese panino, the San Pellegrino aranciata in a can
What to watch for: If you going during the lunch rush expect to have to fight for an upstairs table.
www.dibruno.com
*Scoop DeVille
18th & Chestnut, next to DiBruno’s
This is one of my favorite ice cream shops of all time. They have a very basic list of ice cream flavors that they blend with everything under the sun to make a creamy unique soft serve ice cream.
Highlights: The vanilla ice cream blended with frozen strawberries and milk chocolate chips.
What to watch for: The price tag. A small cup of ice cream can cost you $5-6 depending on what mix-ins you select.
http://www.scoopdeville.net/
*Capogiro
13th & Sansom
Welcome to Italy with this authentic gelato. At Capogiro they focus on what’s available in season to create fresh, creative flavors as well as the usual gelato classics of pistachio & hazelnut. Their cones are incredible and come straight from France. This is not a place to miss.
Highlights: I love the classic hazelnut (nocciola) gelato in a cone.
What to watch for: While the price tag is high, it is worth every penny. The smallest size is plenty as the flavors are rich, so don’t let your eyes order for you.
http://www.capogirogelato.com/
*Amis
On 13th between Pine & Lombard
Amis is fairly new to the Philly scene, and it still has the excitement of a new restaurant. The tables are packed every night, and the menu is fresh, innovative, and often changing. They have a great cocktail menu and even make their own homemade cherry soda (which is divine).
Highlights: The swordfish meatballs are unique and tasty.
What to watch for: The salad portions are very small.
http://www.amisphilly.com
*Barbuzzo
13th & Sansom
I can’t wait to go back to Barbuzzo. Their pizzas taste like they came out of a classic oven in Italy, and the service is impeccable.
Highlights: The vegetable sampler. The classic margherita pizza.
What to watch for: There is no room for large groups here. Stick to 4 or less if you can.
http://www.barbuzzo.com
*Serafina
On 18th at Rittenhouse Square
Serafina is exactly what you want out of a last minute dinner. I wouldn’t go here on a special date, but the prices are reasonable and the food is good. This is a chain restaurant.
Highlights: The salad portions are large. The menu is sure to please all.
What to watch for: They don’t accept reservations, so get there early.
http://www.serafinarestaurant.com/serafina/philadelphia.html
*Parc
18th & Rittenhouse Square
Perfect for large parties, this French bistro is a Rittenhouse classic. I’ve been eating there since I met PB four years ago, as the food is always reliable and the prices reasonable. You also can’t beat the people watching- it is right on Rittenhouse Square. This place is great for lunch or dinner.
Highlights: The salad with shrimp and avocado. Yum!
What to watch for: The menu doesn’t often change. This is both good and bad, depending on what you like.
http://www.parc-restaurant.com/
*Rittenhouse Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, 9:30 AM- 3:00 PM at Rittenhouse Square
If you have the time to sneak away, you must go to the Rittenhouse Farmer’s Market. Not only will you find the season’s best produce and flowers, but plenty of fun treats too. Great for people watching!
Highlights: The Wildflour Bakery scones are incredible. The homemade lemonade stand is refreshing.
What to watch for: Nothing. It is a really fun market to visit.
If I ever go to Philly I will definitely check out your suggestions! For now I’ll have to live vicariously through every other blogger who is going to HLS ๐
Don’t forget Sampan (Asian Fusion) and Zavino (best pizza ever)
Youre so sweet for putting this together! I wish i could come!!
di bruno’s and capogiro’s are my go-to’s when i’m in philly, since my in-laws live in rittenhouse square!
have you ever had Tacconelli’s in Kensington? I think that mom and pop pizza joint is the best pizza I have ever had.
@Karineh, I haven’t been yet, but I hear it’s famously awesome!
@Karineh,
yes! so good! the one in kensington you have to call and reserve the dough but the one in NJ(owned by a brother) you do not have to and they have delicious salads. Also, it is BYOB. =) Enjoy!
You are looking great, btw! I enjoy your blog a lot.
Great reviews! I’m going to Parc next week for the first time ๐
Wooo g-frand I am totally using this!!! Do you know if any of these places have gluten-free options? Specifically the sandwich and pizza places ๐
@Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn, I asked around and someone said the Garces restaurants havd gluten free menus. Garces Trading Company is right near the hotel- maybe check there?!
@RhodeyGirlTests, thanks girliepants ill check it out!
I can no longer have dairy but agree…Scoop DeVille is the BEST! Well, maybe Bassetts PB Swirl Ice Cream (heaven on a spoon) is a lil ahead in the race ๐
Been trying to get the huby to take me to Parc for a while now!
Excited for HLS!!!
@Laury @thefitnessdish, I really hope they have Bassett’s at the cocktail hour tonight!
What an awesome idea for a post for all the lucky people going to HLS. I really like the inside tips ๐
I totally agree with Capogiro! I love their gelato! There are so many good restaurants in Philly, I get too excited thinking about it that I can’t pick a favorite!
So great meeting you! I know we only got to talk briefly but u r too sweet! Thanks so much for the bag, I love it, what a great idea! I totally need to think of something cool like that for next summit! Hope we can chat more soon
Sabrina I’ve loved seeing pics of you on the various blogs this weekend..Tina, Gina, Kath, etc and you look amazing
And what a great job you’ve done playing ‘hostess’ to the out of towners and showing off your city to everyone and opening up your home, too.
Amazing job for anyone, 34+ weeks pregnant, no less! ๐