Romantic Restaurants in Philadelphia (2025)
Friday Saturday Sunday
New American restaurant · Rittenhouse
An eight-course tasting upstairs and a stellar cocktail bar downstairs make this Rittenhouse landmark feel tailor-made for celebrations. Awarded Outstanding Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation and praised by The Philadelphia Inquirer for refined hospitality.
Vetri Cucina
Italian restaurant · Washington Square West
Marc Vetri’s townhouse temple to Italian cooking remains one of the city’s most romantic rooms, with a tasting menu that evolves while honoring beloved signatures. Lauded by The Philadelphia Inquirer and national critics for soulful, season-driven cuisine.
River Twice
Restaurant · East Passyunk Crossing
An intimate Passyunk dining room where Chef Randy Rucker’s mid-Atlantic tasting menus spotlight regional ingredients with finesse. Recognized by Eater and named among the city’s best by The New York Times, it’s a thoughtful, conversation-friendly date spot.
Vernick Food & Drink
New American restaurant · Rittenhouse
Greg Vernick’s bi-level brownstone blends understated elegance with deeply satisfying cooking. A four-bell favorite of The Philadelphia Inquirer and celebrated by national critics, it’s ideal for lingering dates over seasonal plates and a smart wine list.
Vedge
Vegan restaurant · Washington Square West
In a stately townhouse, chefs Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby craft vegetable-driven fine dining that feels indulgent and special. Frequently cited by Philadelphia Magazine and The Infatuation, it’s a standout for plant-loving couples and omnivores alike.
Zahav
Israeli restaurant · Society Hill
Michael Solomonov’s Israeli icon still dazzles with prix-fixe feasts, salatim, and the mesibah lamb shoulder. Bar seats for walk-ins add date-night flexibility. Regularly praised by national outlets and loved locally for celebratory energy and warm hospitality.
Le Virtù
Restaurant · East Passyunk Crossing
A love letter to Abruzzo with house-made pastas, soulful braises, and one of the city’s most atmospheric patios. Recently revitalized under chef Andrew Wood and celebrated by The Philadelphia Inquirer for renewed excellence and rustic elegance.
Little Fish BYOB
Seafood restaurant · Bella Vista
Sixteen seats, an open kitchen, and a seafood menu that changes with the catch make this BYOB wonderfully intimate. The Infatuation and local critics commend chef Alex Yoon’s inventive plates; bring a favorite bottle and settle in.
Forsythia
French restaurant · Old City
Christopher Kearse’s Old City charmer leans modern French—think escargot, aged duck for two, and polished cocktails. Frequently listed by Eater among Philly’s romantic spots and beloved by locals for its intimate lighting and refined service.
Ambra Restaurant
Italian restaurant · Queen Village
An ultra-intimate modern Italian tasting from chef Chris D’Ambro, tucked beside sister restaurant Southwark. A few seats, chef interaction, and three-hour dinners create theater. Noted by Food & Wine and local press as a singular experience.
Fork
Restaurant · Old City
Ellen Yin’s enduring Old City icon marries seasonal, contemporary dishes with urbane charm. Recently refreshed interiors, a thoughtful wine list, and steady acclaim from Visit Philadelphia and OpenTable make it a polished choice for date night.
Suraya Restaurant
Lebanese restaurant · Fishtown
Levantine feasts unfold in a transportive Fishtown garden with lanterns and a fire pit—romance without fuss. Celebrated by Eater, Visit Philadelphia, and critics for mezze, charcoal-grilled dishes, and a sense of escape.