clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
More Maps

Top Philly Restaurants Celebrating Hanukkah

Top Philly Restaurants for Dinner Parties

The Best Philly Restaurants for Tapas and Small Plates

More in Philadelphia See more maps
The inside of an unseated bar and restaurant during the daytime.
Perfect seating for solo diners at Southwark.
Southwark.

Where to Dine Solo in Philly

Taking yourself on a date? These Philly restaurants offer the perfect atmosphere for a solo dinner

by Ernest Owens Updated
View as Map
Perfect seating for solo diners at Southwark.
| Southwark.
by Ernest Owens Updated

There are few nicer things in life than taking yourself out to dinner. Why? First of all, you don’t have to make plans. You can just decide to go and not deal with other people’s schedules. Second, you get to eat whatever you want — no negotiating with a group about the appetizers and dessert. Third, you can bring that book you’ve been trying to finish. Should we go on? In Philly, there are more than enough places to take yourself on a solo date: Here are 10 to start. Just try to call ahead to let the host know — seating one can be a bit of a dance.

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Buna Cafe Philly

Copy Link

Pull up a seat at Buna Cafe in West Philly for platters of Ethiopian stews and veggies on top of spongy, delightfully sour injera. Yes, it may seem like a lot of food for one person to enjoy alone, but wash it down with one of Buna’s house-made juices or teas and you’ll get farther than you think.

5121 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143
(610) 615-8575
(610) 615-8575

Also featured in:

Booker's Restaurant & Bar

Copy Link

There is outdoor, indoor, and bar dining at Booker’s in West Philly, where soul food for brunch, lunch, and dinner will satisfy any solo diner. Try the black bean veggie burger and have cocktails for days: the margarita and spiked lemonade are lovely.

5021 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 883-0960
(215) 883-0960

Also featured in:

Stir Restaurant

Copy Link

After a pleasant solo trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, stay to have a delightful meal at Stir. Executive Chef Hoon Rhee offers his signature take on global cuisine featuring East Asian and Nordic influences, simple execution, and locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re a museumgoer needing a refresh or a foodie searching for something new to try, you won’t feel out of place as a party of one.

 

2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 684-7990
(215) 684-7990

The Continental Mid-town

Copy Link

This Center City hot spot from Stephen Starr is perfect to dine alone on a chill weekday for lunch. Grab a cozy secluded booth near the front and devour their immaculate comfort food (such as their tasty cheesesteak egg rolls, blackened shrimp caesar salad, and Korean style wings).

1801 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 567-1800
(215) 567-1800

Also featured in:

Le Virtù

Copy Link

The lush outdoor garden at Le Virtu is a special place to have an Italian meal of maccheroncini alla chitarra with lamb ragu or mushroom tagliatelle. Especially on a summer night dining al fresco and with a glass of wine, you’ll feel transported from a solo dinner to a solo trip to Abruzzo.

1927 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 271-5626
(215) 271-5626

Also featured in:

River Twice

Copy Link

River Twice is one of those beautiful restaurants that feels special in a group or alone, and the chef’s counter service is a special way to treat yourself. You can reserve a spot at the counter in advance — you pay up front for the extensive tasting menu, with 15-plus dishes.

1601 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 457-3698
(267) 457-3698

Also featured in:

Prunella

Copy Link

The latest restaurant from Michael Schulson is Prunella, a wood-fired pizza and pasta place on 13th and Sansom in a beautiful airy space practically destined for solo dining. The bar is a lovely option for a walk-in dinner for one — you’ll be cozy and taken care of.

112 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 631-8058
(215) 631-8058

Fountain Porter

Copy Link

If you haven’t tried the Fountain Porter burger — the platonic ideal of meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and bun — you’re missing out. But don’t despair, there’s still time. Cozy up to the bar by yourself with a glass of natural wine, the burger, and some of Fountain Porter’s pickled green beans on the side, and you’ll have a solo date night worth remembering.

1601 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 305-8338
(215) 305-8338

Also featured in:

Reading Terminal Market

Copy Link

There are few better places in Center City to get a solo lunch, breakfast, or early dinner than Reading Terminal Market, and more than enough bar seats on which to post up. Try Pearl’s Oyster Bar for a half-dozen oysters and some excellent chowder, or one of the many great diners and sandwich counters for a mid-day lunch option.

51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-2317
(215) 922-2317
a man wheels a trashcan through an empty aisle at Reading Terminal Gab Bonghi

Bánh Mì and Bottles

Copy Link

There’s always a nice spot to dine solo at this intimate restaurant that serves impressive Asian cuisine with an extensive wine and cocktail menu. Try their delicious pho and wholesome Bánh Mì servings (the one with crispy fried chicken, fish sauce glaze, and lettuce is remarkable)..

712-14 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 800-1533
(215) 800-1533
An Asian shrimp dish that includes a carrot dipping sauce.
Dinner at Bánh Mì and Bottles.
Bánh Mì and Bottles.

Also featured in:

Southwark

Copy Link

As far as classy, romantic restaurants go, Southwark is right up there with the best. A tight menu of curated fresh dishes — like grilled octopus and local tomato salad — make a solo date night a special occasion, and the bar is just a very nice place to hang out.

701 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 930-8538
(267) 930-8538

Also featured in:

Radicchio Cafe

Copy Link

The ultimate BYOB for solo diners, this classic Italian restaurant has the perfect table for one while their signature meatballs, free-flowing pasta, and savory antipasti is being served. For first timers, start with their mussels and clams, bowtie pasta, and pair it with sausage and broccoli rabe,

402 Wood St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-6850
(215) 627-6850

Also featured in:

Bloomsday

Copy Link

Whether it’s brunch or dinner, if you’re looking for a great time to yourself — this notable restaurant and wine shop is perfect for the solo occasion. Grab a glass (or bottle) from their exclusive wine collection and have a filling meal for one (try their grilled mangalista pork chop or succulent Keiser’s half chicken).

414 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 319-8018
(267) 319-8018

Also featured in:

Pizzeria Beddia

Copy Link

The smiling cloud light fixture at Pizzeria Beddia is practically its own Philadelphia celebrity by this point, and dining beneath it at Beddia’s horseshoe bar has a calming effect. The famous pizzeria can get busy so off hours may be better for a solo dinner, but it’s always worth swinging by to check what the bar looks like. Don’t forget to order the soft serve for dessert.

1313 N Lee St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(267) 928-2256
(267) 928-2256

Also featured in:

Seorabol Restaurant

Copy Link

With locations in the Northeast and Center City, Seorabol is Philly’s go-to for Korean barbecue, bibimbap, and delicious hot pot. The dishes come out fast and the space on Old 2nd Street is big enough to grab a table for one, whether you fancy an early dinner or a late lunch.

5734 Old 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19120
(215) 924-3355
(215) 924-3355

Also featured in:

More in Maps

© 2023 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Link copied to the clipboard.

Buna Cafe Philly

5121 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143

Pull up a seat at Buna Cafe in West Philly for platters of Ethiopian stews and veggies on top of spongy, delightfully sour injera. Yes, it may seem like a lot of food for one person to enjoy alone, but wash it down with one of Buna’s house-made juices or teas and you’ll get farther than you think.

5121 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143
(610) 615-8575
(610) 615-8575

Booker's Restaurant & Bar

5021 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143

There is outdoor, indoor, and bar dining at Booker’s in West Philly, where soul food for brunch, lunch, and dinner will satisfy any solo diner. Try the black bean veggie burger and have cocktails for days: the margarita and spiked lemonade are lovely.

5021 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 883-0960
(215) 883-0960

Stir Restaurant

2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130

After a pleasant solo trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, stay to have a delightful meal at Stir. Executive Chef Hoon Rhee offers his signature take on global cuisine featuring East Asian and Nordic influences, simple execution, and locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re a museumgoer needing a refresh or a foodie searching for something new to try, you won’t feel out of place as a party of one.

 

2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 684-7990
(215) 684-7990

The Continental Mid-town

1801 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

This Center City hot spot from Stephen Starr is perfect to dine alone on a chill weekday for lunch. Grab a cozy secluded booth near the front and devour their immaculate comfort food (such as their tasty cheesesteak egg rolls, blackened shrimp caesar salad, and Korean style wings).

1801 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 567-1800
(215) 567-1800

Le Virtù

1927 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148

The lush outdoor garden at Le Virtu is a special place to have an Italian meal of maccheroncini alla chitarra with lamb ragu or mushroom tagliatelle. Especially on a summer night dining al fresco and with a glass of wine, you’ll feel transported from a solo dinner to a solo trip to Abruzzo.

1927 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 271-5626
(215) 271-5626

River Twice

1601 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148

River Twice is one of those beautiful restaurants that feels special in a group or alone, and the chef’s counter service is a special way to treat yourself. You can reserve a spot at the counter in advance — you pay up front for the extensive tasting menu, with 15-plus dishes.

1601 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 457-3698
(267) 457-3698

Prunella

112 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

The latest restaurant from Michael Schulson is Prunella, a wood-fired pizza and pasta place on 13th and Sansom in a beautiful airy space practically destined for solo dining. The bar is a lovely option for a walk-in dinner for one — you’ll be cozy and taken care of.

112 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 631-8058
(215) 631-8058

Fountain Porter

1601 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148

If you haven’t tried the Fountain Porter burger — the platonic ideal of meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and bun — you’re missing out. But don’t despair, there’s still time. Cozy up to the bar by yourself with a glass of natural wine, the burger, and some of Fountain Porter’s pickled green beans on the side, and you’ll have a solo date night worth remembering.

1601 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 305-8338
(215) 305-8338

Reading Terminal Market

51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

There are few better places in Center City to get a solo lunch, breakfast, or early dinner than Reading Terminal Market, and more than enough bar seats on which to post up. Try Pearl’s Oyster Bar for a half-dozen oysters and some excellent chowder, or one of the many great diners and sandwich counters for a mid-day lunch option.

51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-2317
(215) 922-2317
a man wheels a trashcan through an empty aisle at Reading Terminal Gab Bonghi

Bánh Mì and Bottles

712-14 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

There’s always a nice spot to dine solo at this intimate restaurant that serves impressive Asian cuisine with an extensive wine and cocktail menu. Try their delicious pho and wholesome Bánh Mì servings (the one with crispy fried chicken, fish sauce glaze, and lettuce is remarkable)..

712-14 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 800-1533
(215) 800-1533
An Asian shrimp dish that includes a carrot dipping sauce.
Dinner at Bánh Mì and Bottles.
Bánh Mì and Bottles.

Southwark

701 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

As far as classy, romantic restaurants go, Southwark is right up there with the best. A tight menu of curated fresh dishes — like grilled octopus and local tomato salad — make a solo date night a special occasion, and the bar is just a very nice place to hang out.

701 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 930-8538
(267) 930-8538

Radicchio Cafe

402 Wood St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

The ultimate BYOB for solo diners, this classic Italian restaurant has the perfect table for one while their signature meatballs, free-flowing pasta, and savory antipasti is being served. For first timers, start with their mussels and clams, bowtie pasta, and pair it with sausage and broccoli rabe,

402 Wood St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-6850
(215) 627-6850

Bloomsday

414 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Whether it’s brunch or dinner, if you’re looking for a great time to yourself — this notable restaurant and wine shop is perfect for the solo occasion. Grab a glass (or bottle) from their exclusive wine collection and have a filling meal for one (try their grilled mangalista pork chop or succulent Keiser’s half chicken).

414 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 319-8018
(267) 319-8018

Pizzeria Beddia

1313 N Lee St, Philadelphia, PA 19125

The smiling cloud light fixture at Pizzeria Beddia is practically its own Philadelphia celebrity by this point, and dining beneath it at Beddia’s horseshoe bar has a calming effect. The famous pizzeria can get busy so off hours may be better for a solo dinner, but it’s always worth swinging by to check what the bar looks like. Don’t forget to order the soft serve for dessert.

1313 N Lee St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(267) 928-2256
(267) 928-2256

Seorabol Restaurant

5734 Old 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19120

With locations in the Northeast and Center City, Seorabol is Philly’s go-to for Korean barbecue, bibimbap, and delicious hot pot. The dishes come out fast and the space on Old 2nd Street is big enough to grab a table for one, whether you fancy an early dinner or a late lunch.

5734 Old 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19120
(215) 924-3355
(215) 924-3355

Related Maps