Philadelphia's Hardest Restaurant Reservations, and How to Get Them
Philadelphia has one of America's most underrated dining scenes, a city where James Beard Award-winning chefs, BYOB culture, and a deep Italian-American food tradition combine to create something singular. The best tables in Philly fill up fast, and some, like Zahav, require almost as much advance planning as anywhere in the country.
General Tips for Philadelphia Reservations
- 01
Philadelphia has a strong BYOB dining culture. Many excellent restaurants allow you to bring your own wine for little or no corkage fee.
- 02
Zahav releases reservations on Resy exactly 30 days in advance. Be ready at the exact release time. This is one of America's most competitive reservations.
- 03
Rittenhouse Square restaurants fill up fastest. Try South Philly or Fishtown neighborhoods for more availability.
- 04
Monitor for cancellations with ResTracker: Philly diners book multiple restaurants and cancel regularly.
The Hardest Tables in Philadelphia
Zahav
Zahav is Michael Solomonov's James Beard Award-winning Israeli restaurant in Society Hill, widely considered one of the best restaurants in the United States. The hummus, salatim, and laffa bread have made it a national pilgrimage destination.
Vernick Food & Drink
Vernick Food & Drink is Greg Vernick's celebrated Rittenhouse Square restaurant. A lively, creative American bistro that has won James Beard recognition for its outstanding cooking and warm hospitality.
Laurel
Laurel is Nicholas Elmi's intimate BYOB French restaurant in South Philadelphia. One of the city's most acclaimed fine dining experiences, with meticulous French technique applied to local ingredients.
Vetri Cucina
Vetri Cucina is Marc Vetri's legendary Italian tasting menu restaurant in a Rittenhouse townhouse, the restaurant that put Philadelphia on the national fine dining map and remains one of its greatest.
Friday Saturday Sunday
Friday Saturday Sunday is Chad Williams's acclaimed Rittenhouse Square restaurant offering creative American cooking in a beautiful, warm space. It has earned consistent national recognition since opening.
Get Alerted When a Table Opens Up in Philadelphia
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