Rebecca DavisPhiladelphia has a legendary food scene, but nothing beats a night out at a top-tier restaurant.
If you love discovering creative dishes, booking a tasting menu experience in Philadelphia will completely blow you away. You get to sit back and let an elite chef guide you through an amazing culinary journey full of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
This experience is truly the perfect choice for celebrating a big anniversary, impressing a client, or just exploring the city’s finest flavors.
To know where to have your next gastronomic adventure, I’ve gathered the absolute best spots in town that nail this upscale dining style.
How much does a tasting menu cost in Philadelphia?
Ordering a tasting menu in a Philadelphia restaurant typically costs between $95 and $250 per person, excluding tax, tip, and optional beverage pairings.
The final price tag depends heavily on whether you choose a premium casual neighborhood gem or a luxury fine-dining establishment with world-class accolades.
| Dining Style | Average Price Per Person |
| Premium Casual | $95 – $130 |
| Luxury Fine Dining | $140 – $250 |
1. Friday Saturday Sunday
Website: http://fridaysaturdaysunday.com/
Address: 261 South 21st Street
Contact: 215-546-4232
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 4:45 – 11:00 PM
Finding a spot that offers a dedicated tasting menu and drink pairings in a refined setting is a dream for local food lovers. That’s exactly what makes Friday Saturday Sunday stand out from the crowd.
For starters, their prestigious Michelin recognition shows just how much care goes into the entire experience.
I love how they focus completely on a single set menu, ensuring every dish gets maximum attention. They also separate the food and drink options; you can enjoy a distinct drink menu in a separate bar area before your meal begins.
The only major downside is that they can’t accommodate vegan or dairy-free diets. If you have those specific restrictions, you might want to look for casual diners in Philadelphia instead.
But for everyone else, the deep flavors and cozy atmosphere make it an unforgettable evening.
A culinary delight
Had an amazing meal here with my Girlfriend to celebrate her birthday. Each course on the tasting menu was a culinary delight after another. I especially enjoyed the fish course with halibut with sauce and flat bread, the short drip, and the duck. This intimate experience is the perfect spot of a special occasion, and I hope to be able to dine here again soon
Keith Hobin | Google Review
Best tasting menu in Philly
Every dish is excellent. The best tasting menu I had in Philly so far— not like the others that are swimming in the deadly butter. The rice dish is so good that it is comparable to the best Michelin Gohans in Japan.
N J | Google Review
2. Zahav
Website: http://www.zahavrestaurant.com/
Address: 237 St James Pl
Contact: +12156258800
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: First Seating at 5:00pm, Last Seating at 9:30pm
Enjoying a meal with multiple dining options, such as an Al Ha’esh menu and bar offerings, is a unique experience. That variety is the core of what makes Zahav so famous.
The kitchen serves an excellent Al Ha’esh menu option that highlights traditional open-fire cooking. The separate bar menu is also fantastic for a completely different and casual vibe.
My close friend ate here last month and told me the grilled meats were completely incredible. The tasting menu has a very limited dessert selection, though, which might disappoint people with a massive sweet tooth.
If you want a giant sugary finish, you might crave cheesecakes in Philadelphia after you leave.
Still, the savory courses are absolutely worth the trip. Plus, it’s convenient that they offer nationwide shipping for their iconic items, like the hummus and t-shirt merch.
5 stars
Zahav absolutely lived up to the hype. We did the tasting menu and it was well worth it from start to finish. Every course was excellent, but the real highlight was the laffa and hummus with all of the sides. Truly to die for and easily one of the most memorable bites of the night. Easy five stars.
Daniel Galastro | Google Review
I would definitely come back
What sets Zahav apart from other restaurants similar to it is the service and atmosphere, very comfortable and what you expect from a dinner date experience! The pita and hummus were amazing, we had enough food from the tasting menu to take him. I would definitely come back anytime I am celebrating or wanting a more special dinner experience.
Shawn Rashid | Google Review
3. Vetri Cucina
Website: http://www.vetricucina.com/
Address: 1312 Spruce Street
Contact: 215-732-3478
Hours: Dinner every day starting at 5:00 PM
Treating yourself to a spot that offers an elevated dining experience, with options for private events and a chef’s counter, is always a good idea. This intimate setting belongs to Vetri Cucina, a true legend in the local culinary world.
You can book private dining experiences or sit right at the lively chef’s counter. Unlike many high-end establishments, they have a relaxed policy with no formal dress code.
I also love how the team treats you like family from the moment you step through the door. They even host cooking classes and special events to connect with the community on a deeper level.
The biggest drawback is that the restaurant isn’t open for lunch at all. You can enjoy their incredible pasta and hospitality only during dinner service, which runs seven days a week. It requires some planning, but the rewards are delicious.
Worth it
Extraordinary experience in service, cuisine, and warmth. Don’t expect pretentious fare but you can expect terrifically focused dishes and staff who celebrate them. I waited 15 years to visit and, while I maintained balanced expectations, I thoroughly enjoyed a brilliant tasting menu paired with phenomenal wine. Well worth the steep, but elegantly priced evening.
Chris Gallagher | Google Review
Great experience
A very special dinner at a very special place. The service was the warmest most knowledgeable I’ve ever enjoyed. The tasting plus wine tasting enabled me to understand and appreciate the relationship between food and wine for the first time. Can’t wait for an occasion to dine again.
Emily Vernig | Google Review
4. Jean-Georges Philadelphia
Website: https://www.jean-georgesphiladelphia.com/
Address: 1 N 19th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Contact: (215) 419-5057
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
If you’re craving an unforgettable culinary adventure, the seasonal tasting menu at Jean-Georges Philadelphia is an absolute must-try.
I sat down for this breathtaking meal last winter for my anniversary, and every single course was a complete revelation of flavor. The kitchen team uses fresh, seasonal ingredients to craft beautiful plates that taste just as incredible as they look.
You can expect a brilliant progression of dishes featuring rich, velvety sauces and perfectly cooked seasonal bites that practically melt in your mouth.
Also, if you’re bringing the whole crew, they can easily accommodate reservation parties of eight or more guests.
The only real downside is that the restaurant sits high up inside the Four Seasons hotel.
Looking down from the massive windows can feel a bit intense if you’re uncomfortable with heights. But honestly, the amazing service and delicious flavors make it a top choice for celebrations.
Absolutely loved it
We had an absolutely phenomenal meal here from start to finish. They very kindly fit us in last minute which was amazing and gave us a gorgeous table with a phenomenal view. We had the vegetable and the meat/seafood tasting menu and both were delicious—maybe one of the best meals we’ve ever had. Cocktails and mocktails were terrific and service was stellar—shout out to Chris who was so knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. We absolutely loved it!
Jenny B | Google Review
Enjoyable experience
How can you not enjoy a Jean Georges meal? The attention to detail and the flavor profiles are amazing. The tuna tartare has always been a favorite. The tasting menu was a first for us and we all thoroughly enjoyed it.
UPDATE
Enjoyed the 6 course tasting menu. Tried the wine pairing this time. The information about the wines we enjoyed that Damian gave us was incredible! The food was incredible. What an enjoyable experience.
Mary Nelson | Google Review
5. Vernick Food & Drink
Website: https://www.vernickphilly.com/vernick-food-and-drink
Address: 2031 Walnut Street
Contact: (267) 639-6644
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Walking into a space that combines modern American cooking with global flavors in a multi-level brownstone environment feels instantly welcoming. This gorgeous setup belongs to Vernick Food & Drink, where the atmosphere is electric.
This establishment features three distinct dining spaces, including an open kitchen with an amazing chef’s counter. There’s also a vibrant bar and lounge area separate from the main dining rooms for a quick drink.
I love how this clever layout gives the restaurant a wonderful, energetic neighborhood feel.
Another aspect I appreciate is their use of fresh, seasonal ingredients for a diverse menu that changes regularly.
The primary limitation here is that dinner reservations are strictly limited to party sizes of up to six guests. You can’t bring a massive crowd for a big family reunion without booking their private event space.
But for an intimate dinner with close friends, it’s hard to beat.
Wonderful
Wonderful tasting menu and a great experience! Had some food items that I’ve never had before that were done impeccably. The sea urchin on top of the egg was so interesting and so wonderfully delicious. Call me a fan!
Malarie Perelshteyn | Google Review
Food is really delicious
I recently experienced the tasting menu at Vernick Fish. I thoroughly enjoyed the food but I feel like for $150 per person the dishes could have been slightly larger or there should be at least one or two more dishes on the menu. I did not feel fully satiated at the end but it wasn’t the end of the world because everything was so tasty. The atmosphere is very casual so don’t get super dolled up. I would go back again without doing the tasting menu next time because the food is really delicious.
SJH | Google Review
