Top Restaurants for Solo Dining in Philadelphia

Planning an upcoming trip to Philadelphia on your own? Solo dining has its advantages.

You can order whatever you want, truly savor your meal, and scope out the scene around you. In a city with such a rich culinary scene, there’s no reason to get room service or grab a fast-food burger. Indulge in some self-care as you take in the ambiance and enjoy one of Philadelphia’s finest meals.

Reading Terminal Market

Cuisine: Various
Neighborhood: Center City
Address:  1136 Arch Street

Located in the former Reading Terminal train shed and across the street from the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Reading Terminal Market is a can’t-miss stop for any Philadelphia visit. Over 80 merchants and eateries offer patrons a myriad of options, from cheesesteaks to gumbo, as well as produce and groceries to take back to your hotel room. Enjoy your eats at a seat in the market or eat outside at a nearby park.

Mulherin’s Pizzeria

Cuisine: Italian
Neighborhood: Midtown Village
Address: 1175 Ludlow St

Taking cues from its sister location in Fishtown, Mulherin’s Pizzeria is a casual pizzeria with a menu that goes beyond ‘za. In addition to Italian-influenced wood-fired cuisine, they serve pastas, salads, and vegan entrees as well. As for the pizza, veteran Chef Sean McPaul’s secret is a two-day fermentation process that results in consistent pies with a soft interior and crunchy bottom.

Tria

Cuisine: Wine Bar
Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 1137 Spruce St

After a long day of traveling or meetings, you need a place where you can decompress. With no televisions, live music and other distractions, Tria is a spot patrons can enjoy a nice glass of wine and sensational cheese, while relaxing. Owner Jon Myerow noted the restaurants attract many solo dinners and “reading a book while enjoying wine and cheese is commonplace at Tria.”

The original at 11th and Spruce Streets is the closest to the Convention Center, though all locations strive for a reinvigorating and unwinding experience. “We want our guests to leave Tria feeling invigorated and relaxed. Enjoying traditionally crafted wines, cheeses, and other treats in a ‘chill’ environment is such an analog experience in a digital world.”

SkyHigh

Cuisine: American
Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 1 N 19^th St

One advantage of being a solo diner at this sleek lounge in the Four Seasons Philadelphia – awarded a AAA Five Diamond Hotel Designation – is that you’ll have a better chance of scoring a spot at the bar. The experience starts before you arrive, as you’ll take a glass elevator up to the 60th floor of the Comcast Technology Center. During this flight you’ll take in the jaw-dropping, panoramic views of the city that can’t been seen anywhere else.

Once you’re at the top of the city, toast your trip with artful cocktails crafted with a selection of local spirits. Then enjoy light bites, selections from the raw bar, or artisan pizzas while staring out at one of the best views in Philadelphia.

Oyster House

Cuisine: Seafood
Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 1516 Sansom St

Solo diners have been enjoying this lively seafood spot since 1947, but a recent renovation keeps it fresh. “Oyster House has a long history of providing a comfortable and fun dining experience for solo diners,” said owner Sam Mink.

Mink and his team make Oyster House feel like home for patrons, many of whom are from outside of Philadelphia. “We have numerous solo diners from many walks of life that feel like Oyster House is an extension of their kitchen. Whether it’s dining at our cocktail bar, communal oyster bar or dining room, solo guests will always feel like they belong at Oyster House.”

Fork

Cuisine: American
Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 306 Market Street

Travelers with any extra time on their hands should take a stroll down the streets of historic Old City. Not only can you see where the seeds of American independence were planted, you can also grab a bite at one of the best fine-dining spots in the neighborhood, Fork.

A Philadelphia staple for over 25 years, Fork’s magic comes from “the intrinsic power of hospitality, teamwork and the restaurant as a source of community.” Not only will solo travelers be treated to an unforgettable meal, the staff will make you feel like you’ve just had a meal with family. The menu features out-of-this-world golden tilefish and king trumpet mushrooms that will have you returning to Philadelphia to experience with friends and family.

Tom’s Dim Sum

Cuisine: Chinese
Neighborhood: Chinatown
Address: 59 N 11th Street

If you’re attending a meeting or convention at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, you’re just steps away from Philadelphia’s Chinatown. Among the flavorsome merchants and restaurants is Tom’s Dim Sum. Swing by for a quick lunch of soup dumplings and scallion pancakes during a break. Or reserve a table and enjoy courses of fresh dim sum dishes including delectable, pan-fried chives dumplings, steamed roast pork bun, and fried sesame balls.

Parc

Cuisine: French
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Address: 227 S 18^th St

A Rittenhouse Square staple, Parc is the type of restaurant travelers dream about when romanticizing a trip to Europe. “You can settle in by a window on 18^th street, overlooking the square, with a good book, cappuccino and a croissant,” said Lauren Shandelman, general manager. “Solo diners can also nestle in at a comfortable banquette and enjoy the comfort of being surrounded by friendly, welcoming, familiar faces of staff and guests alike.”

The restaurant has something for everyone and every occasion. Parc pays homage to beloved French bistros and provides a vibrant, bustling brasserie environment. Shandelman states that whether someone is looking for a quick coffee or exploratory meal, “Parc has remained the top choice of restaurants in our local community and beyond.”

Spice Finch

Cuisine: Mediterranean
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Address:  220 S 17^th St

If sitting down at a table by yourself isn’t what you’re looking for, Spice Finch offers both a luxurious and relaxing bar top experience. The spacious 23-seat, granite-topped bar at the center is a lovely spot for a snack or a full meal. “You get all the ambiance of the main dining room experience, but you get a more intimate style of service with the bartending team ready and available at all times to guide you through our menu and cocktail program,” said Caroline Cutshall, director of events and marketing at Imian Hospitality.

Dining at the bar feels elevated, but familiar with a menu featuring mezze and small plates as well as entrees. The spreads trio, featuring garlic yogurt and seasonal hummus, broccoli tabbouleh, baked cheese and chicken kebabs are all Spice Finch mainstays. Cutshall hopes that after leaving Spice Finch out-of-town diners feel “full, happy, well taken care of. And more appreciative of Philadelphia and our incredible restaurant scene!”

Butcher Bar

Cuisine: Comfort Food for Meat Lovers
Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 2034 Chestnut St

Butcher Bar offers solo diners three tender locations to indulge: the bar, the dining room, and the outdoor patio. No matter where you sit, if you’re a meat lover, you won’t be disappointed. Butcher Bar’s menu is loaded with dishes featuring high-quality meat including a bison burger and short rib sliders.

Vernick Food & Drink

Cuisine: Seafood
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Address: 2301 Walnut St

At Vernick Food & Drink, solo diners will do well either at the kitchen counter in the back or the bar in the front. A longtime Philadelphia go-to, this Rittenhouse restaurant features an excellent seafood-focused menu from James Beard Award-winning chef Greg Vernick. Its honest, no-fuss menu is perfect for a casual dinner looking for a quick bite to pair with its “here for a good time (not a long time)” coconut cocktail. The staff’s gregarious hospitality and a must-try menu of small plates may sway you to stay a bit longer.

A. Bar & A. Kitchen

Cuisine: American
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Address:  135 S 18^th Street

This sophisticated corner bar and restaurant checks all the boxes for a satisfying solo night out: well-made cocktails, freshly shucked oysters, quality snacks, and heartier dishes from burgers to pasta. An American restaurant focusing on seasonally inspired ingredients, the A.Kitchen typically hosts a mix of regulars and newcomers so there’s always a friendly face to talk to. End your night with an innovative cocktail or a glass of wine from their nationally recognized wine program.

Banh Mi and Bottles

Cuisine: Vietnamese
Neighborhood: South Philadelphia
Address: 712-714 South St

Solo diners seeking a unique culinary adventure need look no further than Banh Mi and Bottles. The South Street staple serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist, along with 12 unique craft beers rotating on tap. From savory banh mi sandwiches to flavorful pho bowls, the menu offers a tantalizing array of options sure to satisfy any palate.

Looking for more places to eat in Philadelphia? Check out our food and drink page for more restaurants.