The Best Restaurants In South Philly

"This tiny, tasting-menu-only spot serves incredible Italian food, but the big draw of Ambra is the experience beyond what you're going to eat. There are only two seating options: in the kitchen with the chefs, or at the single communal table in the candlelit, plant-filled dining room where you'll have a wine, caviar, and truffle-fueled dinner party with nine new friends. The menu changes seasonally, but you can always expect things like handmade pasta in a veal and artichoke ragu, perfectly seared lamb loin, and 'nduja-topped oysters. Ambra also proves that exceptional service doesn't have to be so serious—only restaurants making food this good can have this much fun, but most don’t." - candis mclean, alison kessler