When it comes to dining, the City of Brotherly Love is boldly moving forward while keeping close tabs on tradition. The city as well as the suburbs have a United Nations of tastes and cruisines.
Best Resaurants
Deux Cheminees
1221 Locust St.; (215) 790-0200
Chef- owner Fritz Blanc is considered a master of excellent, if heavy, French cuisine in this elegant, 19th century Center City townhouse. Service is formal and a few lament the haughty attitudes and prices. But patrons enjoy the romantic setting.
Food: 26, Decor: 27, Service: 25, Cost: $54.
*
The Fountain
Four Seasons Hotel, 1 Logan Square; (215) 963-1500 Diners say this restaurant sets the standard for Philadelphia hotel dining with its opulentinternational fare. Service is called first-rate. The classy decor and all- day gourmet brunch win kudos. It's expensive but worth it.
Food: 28, Decor: 28, Service: 28, Cost: $48
*
Le Bec-Fin
1523 Walnut St.; (215) 567-1000 The haute French cuisine, from rich dishes to heavenly desserts, are much praised. The beautiful formal decor and impeccable service carry a steep price, but few seem to care, saying their dining experience here is better than a trip to Paris.
Food: 29, Decor: 28, Service: 28, Cost: $74
*
Saloon
750 S. 7th St.; (215) 627-1811
Patrons say if it's good enough for Sinatra, it's good enough for them. It's a noisy and crowded, if pricey, "good ol' boys place" with huge portions of some of the best Italian food anywhere.
Food: 26, Decor: 24, Service: 23, Cost: $40
*
Chanterelles
1312 Spruce St.; (215) 735-7551
This small, elegant Center City French establishment is a challenger to Le Bec- Fin for impeccable presentation and high prices. Chef- owner Philppe Chin is called a true talent in the kitchen.
Food: 26, Decor: 20, Service: 25, Cost: $49
*
Zagot Surveys are a series of regional dining and lodging guides based on extensive ratings and reveiws contributed by local restaurant goers and travelers. Ratings for food, decor and services are based on a numerical scale: 0-9, poor to fair; 10-19, good to very good;
20-25, very good to excellent; 26-30, extraordinary to perfect.
For more information or to participate in future surveys, call (800) 333-3421. Copyright 1995, Eugene H. Zagot Jr. and Nina S. Zagot
