Philadelphia restaurant recommendations for 9 people in December

[maxinem]

We are nine academics in Philadelphia for a conference in December. We need a few recommendations for really good restaurants with full bars--no BYOB please!

Price is not an issue, but location is. That is, no very out of the way places--only those within fairly easy reach by cab.

[md_massimino]

Seconds on Alma de Cuba, I've had many an outstanding meal there. Also have been to XIX a few times, also very very good. It's an amazing place at the top of the Hyatt.

The Water Works, this old neo-classical relic just below the Art Musem on the river. I think it's a must do, though some people have had hit or miss experiences there. I've been there 5 or 6 times and it's always been great.

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Alma De Cuba
1623 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Water Works Restaurant
1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA 19130

[Misha]

Estia, Bar Ferdinand, Osteria, Xochitl--all good choices. I have been to Supper and thought it was terrific. Interesting food that's well prepared and appropriately sized for the price.

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Osteria
640 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Estia
1405 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

[Buckethead]

By cab from where?

[maxinem]

Philadelphia Marriott Downtown

[barryg]

You pretty much have all of downtown and surrounding neighborhoods within a < $10 ride. Since price is not an issue, here is where I would love to have a nice dinner at places that can accommodate a large group:

- Amada, Spanish tapas.
- Barclay Prime, top-end steakhouse.
- Lacroix, high-end modern French.
- Morimoto, high-end Japanese.

[barryg]

Adding Estia for high-end Greek, especially if you have some seafood lovers in the group.

[maxinem]

We wanted to go to Amada but even calling a month in advance they would only give us a table for nine people at 9:30--which was too late.

While I wrote that price is no object, I think Lacroix looks ridiculously expensive and this is from someone who lives in New York City!

I don't care for Japanese food and a steakhouse is kind of a ho-hum suggestion. Any others?

[barryg]

Barclay Prime is not your typical steakhouse, but I understand.

Some other suggestions:

Tinto, another tapas restaurant from the same exec. chef/owner as Amada, Jose Garces. It focuses on Basque cuisine. IMO it is not quite as good as Amada but it is still very good and an excellent dining experience. It is smaller than Amada but I think they can do groups downstairs.

Zahav, Israeli small plates. Excellent food and has a lot of recognition outside of Philly. I should have put it on my original list.

Osteria, a high end Italian restaurant that gets a lot of love on this board. I haven't been there.

Xochitl, creative Mexican and great cocktails. The upstairs is not big, but I think they can accommodate groups in their downstairs section.

Alma De Cuba, Cuban and Latin. A bit over the top atmosphere wise, but good food and service and can definitely handle groups.

[joluvscards]

Bar Ferdinand has excellent Tapas. Think Amada without all the the hype.

Zinc for fine bistro fare. It's a little cramped tho.

Bistro La Minette is wonderful and has nice space for larger groups http://www.bistrotlaminette.com/index...

XIX has a nice menu and it is a lovely setting. You can actually have a conversation.

I've heard good things about Supper but haven't been yet.

Many of our really cutting edge places are byo.

[Bigley9]

Osteria (Marc Vetri's other place) and Bistro la Minette get a second rec