Restaurants in Philadelphia

A Stephen Starr classic, this Rittenhouse Square steakhouse is a throwback to post prohibition Hollywood or New York, with art deco interiors, a 9m-high (28ft) ceiling, dark leather booths with red velvet couches and waiters with long, starched, white aprons. The fantastic prime steaks aside, food lovers will faint at the sight of the towering plateaus of fresh seafood.

The setting is lovely - a long, narrow dining room with earthy tones, minimalist décor and large windows that overlook Rittenhouse Square. Here chefs dazzle diners with gamy selections and fish dishes on a creative bill of fare that allows them to mix and match from any part of the menu. Superb best describes the food, service and the wine list that boasts a cast of 500.

This French spot, run by chef Nicholas Elmi, has quickly established itself as Philadelphia’s most in-demand restaurant. Reservations fill up fast, often months in advance, but when you sit down to truffle crusted wagyu beef or seared foie gras, the wait will definitely have been worth it. It’s not obscenely expensive and is bring your own bottle.

Greg Vernick’s ‘New American’ hotspot has developed into something truly special. It serves American classics, but also has a relentless focus on the best ingredients. Sea urchin with scrambled eggs rubs shoulders with buckwheat fettuccine on a hugely creative menu. But the real story here is the toasts: try the Maryland crab, it’ll be the best crab you’ve ever tasted.

Directly opposite Rittenhouse Square, Parc is a glorious homage to Parisian brasseries. Again this has Stephen Starr's signature all over it with authentic French cuisine, crusty bread and an interior that screams Champs-Élysées. If the weather is good, get a table on the street and drink in the historic square. Its salad Lyonnaise with warm bacon vinaigrette and poached egg might just whet your appetite.

Although a vegan restaurant, even confirmed meat eaters should visit Vedge to experience the hugely creative cooking. This is a place that turns humble roots into something so mouth-watering that you might give up flesh for good. It’s not just the food that draws in the customers: the mansion in which the restaurant is set is stunning too.

At Geno’s, the 24-hour service is so quick that by the time you have given your order, your money will be taken and your sandwich will be waiting at the window. The inevitable queue will give you enough time to pick which cheese you'd like (Provolone, American or Cheese Whiz) on your cheesesteak.

The best place to find cheesesteaks in Philadelphia is Pat's King of Steaks or Geno's. The same family has run the former since 1930 and for over 40 years, Pat’s and Geno’s have waged a friendly competition to win the title of best cheesesteak in town. Located in South Philadelphia, near the Italian Market, Pat's is the local eating place for these great sandwiches packed with sliced steak and melted cheese. Expect a long line and no nonsense service. Open 24 hours.

Situated just off Arch Street, the green facade of Rangoon is easy to spot. As the name suggests, Burmese specialities (spinach salad, chilli shrimp and thousand-layer bread with potato curry dip) predominate. Run by three Burmese women, this restaurant, with its simple interior, is a favourite with locals in search of exotic Asian food.