Only in town for ONE NIGHT! Recs?

[chowhounder411]

I'm only going to be able to get one dinner in Philly. Considering Distrito or Amada. Not sure I can get into Vetri this late, but I would try. So... What's the don't miss dinner in Philly? (thanks)

[Philly Ray]

I would also consider Lacroix (in the Rittenhouse hotel).

But when will you be here? This week and next week are Restaurant Week. Most downtown places are not serving their regular menus. But if you can get into Vetri, they do not participate in Rest. Week.

[chowhounder411]

For this weekend. That's disappointing news... I enjoy dinners during restaurant weeks just slightly more than New Year's Eve - not much

I'm coming from New York City just for the weekend however. I can go anytime. But I was thinking this weekend. Not sure now.

[Hungryin theBurbs]

The Vetri restaurants don't do RW. It never hurts to call Vetri directly to see if they have any openings. If you can't get in, Osteria is also excellent, though more casual than Vetri. They just rolled out some new menu items that look great.

For something a little different, check out Tashan--upscale Indian, also not participating in RW. If you don't mind BYOB, and if you can get in, I think Bibou is a can't miss Philly restaurant.

[urbanfabric]

There's no RW on Saturday night (it skips Sat. and starts back up on Sun), so if that's the night you're looking for a reservation, you should be okay (well, other than waiting until a few nights before a Saturday to make a reservation). Looking at OpenTable.com, Kanella still has great times for Saturday. Some of the other great places are down to early and late reservations only (Osteria, Zahav, Farm and Fisherman, Fond).

[chowhounder411]

I'm OK with waiting for tables or taking last rez times. Thanks for the suggestions all

[chowhounder411]

I called Amada and the hostess said all of Garces restaurants are honoring restaurant week Saturday night except Village Whiskey

[Philly Ray]

What about Vetri and his restaurants? They don't do RW. Maybe they have availability.

[cwdonald]

Osteria would probably be the easiest one to get in. They have the counter, and frankly I almost prefer eating at the bar when I am alone or with only one other guest.

[chowhounder411]

Hey everybody, thanks for your help. I regrettably went to Amada anyway. Osteria is definitely in order for my next visit to the city and possibly Lacroix brunch and Tony Luke's for cheesesteaks. I commented on the places I visited here: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/831040