Philly

[Jessica]

I was thinking about going to Philly for a weekend to celebrate DH's grad school graduation. I wanted to take him out to a nice dinner but could use some recommendations. I know people like Morimoto alot, but we've been to Nobu a bunch of times (my friend was their pastry chef). Any other suggestions?

[Myra]

I love Django and Twenty Manning. My favorite is Marrakesh, which does a seven course Moroccan dinner.

[Sashi]

Jessica - I was just at Morimoto two days ago and I just can't RAVE enough about it. I really love it there but that being said you want some place different.

I love Brasserie Perrier which is George Perrier's sister restaurant to LeBec Fin (the most expensive meal in the city). I also really enjoy Susanna Foo but other people have had mixed feelings.

I will second Twenty Manning, I had grouper there and it was WONDERFUL! Ummm..let me think about it on my ride into work and come back with some other great suggestions. :)

[RobynScott]

What kind of food / atmosphere are you looking for? Buddakan is also a good choice I think. One of our favorite places (but a little more low key) is Friday, Saturday, Sunday (extensive wine list - all proced at $10 over retail / list)

A colleague also highly recommends Barclay Prime. For steak, love Capital Grille as well. Lots of choices to choose from - congrats to your DH!

[Sashi]

I just came in to recommend Buddakan (http://www.buddakan.com/) as so many people love it there although i've never had the privilege. I can't believe I forgot about that place, it was the one thing I was thinking about recommending but just slipped my mind in the earlier post. My husband is seriously the only person I know that claims to not like it and I think he just had a bad experience (bad company more specifically)

The other place I thought of was an italian place called Ristorante Panorama (http://www.pennsviewhotel.com/ristorante_panorama/index.aspx), it's a small place in a boutique hotel with AMAZING italian and a huge bar with over 100 wine's on tap! (If you like wine) I honestly haven't had better pasta anywhere.

Here are the other recommended places:

Brasserie Perrier (http://www.brasserieperrier.com/)
Susanna Foo (http://www.susannafoo.com/)
Twenty Manning (http://www.twentymanning.com/)
The other low-key place I could think of is Continental Mid-Town (http://www.continentalmidtown.com/). Just like the atmosphere, not as stuffy but more fun! The food is typical (with some flare) but not overly pricey IMO.

[Jessica]

Thanks for the recommendations, I'l look into those. We like Nobu/Morimoto and Buddakan in NY, so we're definetly in the right vein. A friend recommended Vetri or the restaurant in the Rittenhouse, anyone ever been to those?

Also, is the King Tut exhibit worth it? I used to love the Franklin Institute growing up.

[literati]

I know you didn't ask for brunch but if you're in Philly for the weekend. . . check out LaCroix's brunch. It is phenomenal!!! It was recently rated the best brunch in the city surpassing the Fountain (Four Seasons).

If you're looking for upscale dinner, I would suggest the Fountain at the Four Seasons, Vetri, Le Bec Fin and Striped Bass. They are all well regarded. While I'm not crazy about the decor, I also like The Grill at the Ritz-Carlton. They have a new chef so I haven't yet returned but the past cheft set a high bar.

If you want something nice but casual, I'm currently hailing BYOBs. I really like Marigold Kitchen (West Philly townhome) and Matyson (Downtown). Vetri's owner has a new spot that got a pretty decent review. Gayle is another new place that has created a lot of buzz.

You might also have luck with www.chowhound.com for recommendations.

[alootikki]

My current favorite Philly restaurant is Alma de Cuba - I LOVE the steak topped with spicy crab! Fun and elegant ambiance, too.

I also liked the ambiance at 20 Manning - it seemed very NYC-ish for Philly :)

Have fun!

[ginad724]

I'll third or fourth Buddakan, but since you've been to the one in NYC, you may want to try something different.

The BYOB craze has really taken over here thanks to PA's strict liquor laws. With that being said, a lot of restaurants are able to go smaller and focus more on the food than marked up liquor for their sales. The result is we have a lot of really great small restaurants everywhere. I really enjoyed Matyson. Lolita (www.lolitabyob.com) is a really good upscale Mexican. They have the BEST margaritas, you just have to bring the tequila. I also enjoyed Mercato (www.mercatobyob.com). I haven't been to Django since the new owners took over.

I haven't heard such great reviews about King Tut, though I didn't visit myself.

Definitely checkout chowhound (www.chowhound.com)

[j*east]

Any hotel recommendations in Philly? I might take DH for a weekend getaway...something nice with quiet rooms would be great, expensive is OK.

Thanks for all the restaurant recs! :)

[thedoorchick]

I stayed at the Four Seasons when I was there on business a year or so ago and it was very nice. Can't remember the price, but we got a corporate deal anyway.

[Sashi]

I would second the Four Seasons, mainly for the location too. I've never stayed in a room, just went to events there but I've been told by many that it's wonderful. The location is great too......sort of between the museums and the shopping. There is a ton of construction going on near some of the other nicer hotels so I would stay away from them because it could get noisy.

[ginad724]

I've only ever stayed at the Sofitel in CC and thought it was great. Nice rooms, wasn't too pricey and the location is great. I think it's 17th and Sansom - near Rittenhouse Square.

[j*east]

Thanks for the suggestions, ginad724, sashi, and thedoorchick! I checked those out on tripadvisor and they got great reviews. I'm also interested in The Rittenhouse Hotel and Rittenhouse 1715, if anyone has experience with those. Thanks! :)