When you want to experience the best in quality cuisine, James is the place to go. Step in and you are greeted by the polite staff who are also genuine when it comes to assisting the guests. Sit by the bar and sample a variety of wine and an interesting mix of cocktails. Try the pappardelle with oxtail or pappardelle with duck. The portions are not very large so you could order a few dishes and have a taste of everything. As the saying goes, "all good things come in small packages".

David Ansill, owner and executive chef opened Ansill Food + Wine in February 2006. Join him and his wonderful staff as they take your taste buds through a delightful tour of fine European cuisine. Take a seat on one of the many wooden chairs at the bar or near the window. Green walls, wooden furniture and natural light, gives the place an earthy feel. Try a variety of foods from the interesting menu or Epoisses with Bourgogne. And for dessert, go for the saffron vanilla cheesecake or dessert wine Coteaux de layon. Sample some of the beers, champagne and other drinks available.

Fresh food, cleanliness, friendly service, and good pricing are the reasons why there's always a crowd at this award-winning corner diner. Food is prepared in full view of customers and is extremely fresh. Their signature bacon and eggs platter is served with potatoes, and a big, crusty biscuit that resembles crumb cake. Vegetarian options include black bean and sweet potato burrito, tofu scrambler breakfast platter, and a Garden Keeper Frittata. This place is a good bet, but be prepared for a long wait to be seated on a hot, outdoor patio and coffee served in pewter mugs that give it a strange, metallic taste.

Tinto offers pintxos (pronounced "peen-choes"), or Basque tapas, in the midst of a comfortable wine-cellar atmosphere with hundreds of wines from which to choose. Nearby parking is limited, but 19th Street Station is only three blocks away. And with both a bar and tables, Tinto can accommodate parties of many sizes. A delight for anyone familiar with Basque cuisine, and a treat for anybody new to it, Tinto is a great place to relax in the evening.

This low-key hangout doesn't attract much attention, and that's probably because of its out-of-the-way location. Once you venture here, however, it is another story altogether. The cantina dishes out raving Mexican fare (enchiladas, tacos et al), draught beers, margaritas, sangria, tequila-name anything Mexican, and most likely they'll have it!

Nestled in the oldest Italian-American business district in the country, Paradiso is the newest entry in the neighborhood. The spacious dining room is done up stylishly, yet the ambiance remains casual. The open air kitchen is another interesting feature. Executive Chef Lynn Marie Rinaldi cooks up some creative Italian-Mediterranean dishes. You may want to try the Pappardelli with Wild Mushroom Ragout. If you are one for jazz, drop by on a Saturday evening. Paradismo also hosts various special events-arrangements are made for every occasion you want to celebrate.

It's worth the taxi ride to get here if you enjoy excellent Italian food at reasonable prices. Hidden deep in South Philadelphia, this small family-owned restaurant promises a magically satisfying meal. Appetizers include Polenta with Sauteed Broccoli Rabe or Shrimp on Cannelloni Beans in a light tomato sauce. Among the many excellent entrees are the Fettuccini Alfungi with shitake mushrooms in olive oil garlic sauce as well as the Pasta de Casa Gnocchi. If you're only in Philly for the night, call ahead for reservations, grab a bottle of your favorite wine and go. This restaurant is an absolute must!

Others may claim it, but Ralph's is the oldest family-owned Italian restaurant in the country. Four generations of the same family have owned and operated this South Philadelphia restaurant since its inception in 1900. One hundred years later, they work as hard as Francesco Dispigno and his son Ralph to maintain the tradition that has been built for a century. Everything is made to order with the finest ingredients used in recipes that have been passed down from one generation to another. Room available for parties up for 60 persons.

The oldest Italian restaurant in the United States exists right in the heart of the Italian Market District. Traditional, exceptionally delicious and well-priced homemade dishes, along with their 20-ounce veal chop and their specialty Osso Buco, make this a 'must stop'. Come dine in a charming old world parlor atmosphere of yesterday. Private room for parties are also available at Dante and Luigi's.

Located in South Philly's Italian Market, Anastasi's is both a fish market and restaurant. Customers can take the catch of the day home or dine in on seafood and salads prepared with Southern Italian flare. Some come to sample the Crab stuffed ravioli, spicy buffalo shrimp, swordfish steaks, surf and turf, or Chilean sea bass, but most come for the pastas and raw bar. Service tends to be very friendly.