The holidays have faded away, the Mummers are quiet, and a new year has come to Philadelphia. Though your resolutions may have something to do with a new diet or watching what you eat, they may also have something to do with watching your money and counting those stacks. What better way to (sort of) observe that resolution than with Center City Restaurant Week, returning to Philly January 12-24?
Restaurant Week gives you a chance to order at least three to four courses at some of the most popular (and most expensive) restaurants in town, and all you have to do is pay $35 a meal. This year, many standards are still offering expensive plates for a fraction of a cost, but newcomers are also getting in on the RW fun so you can soak up the good food and killer ambiance without going broke. Take a look at our picks for the best deals to check out during Center City Restaurant Week.
Gabi
North BroadGabi is the newest restaurant on this list, so Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to try out the all-day French eatery from the people behind Bistrot La Minette and La Peg. Gabi is going for a Parisian cafe vibe, serving classics that suit the aesthetic. Go for escargot, steak-frites (usually $23), and crème brûlée for some true decadence, and then walk it off like the Parisians do.
Pumpkin BYOB
Graduate HospitalThis cozy hole in the wall has been holding it down on South Street for more than 15 years, thanks to farm-to-table cuisine that hits the spot every damn time. The pork belly with Brussels sprouts is a filling starter that could almost spoil your appetite, except the rest of your meal includes salmon or even more pork, so you’ll be just fine. What’s also great is the BYOB aspect means you’ll actually spend closer to the promised $35 Restaurant Week price tag, instead of extra for drinks.
Spice Finch
RittenhouseSpice Finch offers many shareable plates you can steal from your dining partners, making for a great opportunity to mix, match, and try everything. The four-course Restaurant Week special includes the chef’s selection of flatbreads and breads, small veggie plates heavy on spices, and even the whole roasted fish (usually with that dicey “MP” tag) if you’re really in it to win it.
XIX Nineteen
RittenhouseWe all know the real reason people go to XIX is for the view. Sitting in the stately rooftop chambers of the restaurant, framed by the elegant balconies that look out at the glittering city, is reason enough to shell out your wallet in the name of aesthetic. Luckily during Restaurant Week, you can get the same grandeur for a fraction of the cost. Expect fresh raw bar selections and carefully polished poultry and game.
Tequilas
RittenhouseTequilas is equal parts elegant and eventful. The massive Mexican restaurant is always buzzing with excitement, matched with soaring high ceilings and stunning murals. For Restaurant Week, bring your group here for fresh ceviche, shrimp smothered in garlic, tortillas topped in crab meat (usually $29), and flan -- plus save some extra cash (and room) so you can try all the rose petal cocktails.
Twisted Tail
Old CityYou can best make use of all four courses by trying Twisted Tail’s crave-worthy, Southern-inspired cuisine. Start off with the whipped ricotta or super creamy Caesar salad before moving on to crawfish mac n’ cheese or smoked wings. Your third course will be a tricky choice with items including berkshire pork chop and mushroom gnocchi in play, but no matter your choice, you legit can’t go wrong here.
Malbec Argentine Steakhouse
Old CityFor straightforward, quality Argentinian food, Malbec offers the essentials (and more) within welcoming digs. The three-course options have little frills, but pack a punch in their simplicity and restraint. After soup or salad, try the Churrasco (skirt steak) or salmon (usually $32) for the most signature item there. Finish it off with tres leches cake for a sweet and satisfying dining experience.
Alice Pizza
RittenhouseAlice has been quietly serving some of the best thick-cut, square pizza for more than two years in Center City, all while operating a sit-down restaurant opposite of it’s grab-and-go counter. For Restaurant Week, take a seat and try four courses of mozzarella and spreads, pasta, pizza, and a gelato dessert. Even better, every course includes a vegan option.
Giuseppe & Sons
RittenhouseGiuseppe & Sons is all about adding the gloss to the South Philly Italian hole-in-the-wall restaurant concept, except now it’s smack dab in the middle of Center City. The Restaurant Week menu gives you a chance to mix and match across four different courses, each with abundant options (so make sure whoever you’re going with orders something different that you can try). The prosciutto with whipped butter is a classic, and would typically cost you $13 just for the starter. The picatta, usually a $23 entree, is nearly unmatched.
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Marielle Mondon is a writer from Philadelphia. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @MarielleMondon.