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.

Always loud and packed, Dmitri's is known as best place to dine on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine in Philadelphia. Lamb, veal, whole fish and octopus can be seen being prepared on the grill. Greek staples like souvlaki and monster gyros are served along with a host of other olive oil-immersed dishes. Seating only 25 people, the noise level can get near deafening. Reservations are not accepted so be prepared to wait in line. You can have a drink in the cafe across the street, and the hostess from Dmitri's will come and find you when your table is ready.

Who makes the best cheesesteak? Pat's Steaks is a perennial heavyweight in the battle for the ultimate title among Philly cheesesteak makers. The thin steak strips, Italian rolls, hot peppers, onions and Cheeze Whiz (playfully called "whiz" or "cheddar" when ordering) are very popular anytime of the day or night. It's all outside seating, which can be a bit chilly in January. Most people order and then drive to a warm building to eat.

If you want to have a good time, eat heartwarming food, drink fine and enjoy live music such as jazz, opera and piano, then High Note Cafe is 'the' place for you. Be entertained by the singing chef, Franco Borda and relish his home-style Italian cooking of seafood, poultry, pasta, veal and more. Five course family style prix fixe meals enough to band your family or friends to sing in hearty bliss. Some of the noteworthy dishes are the Pollo Bucini (Chicken & Shrimp Portabello Pasta), Core'n Grato, linguini Alfredo and gourmet pizzas. Their full bar serves wine, beer and cocktails. High Note is great for a date night.

Bibou is a small, intimate, friendly and charming BYOB, serving rustic French cuisine. The menu is small with five appetizers, five entrees and daily specials. But its worth it. You can feel the love and labor gone into their making such as the 'Pieds de Porc' (pigs feet), escargots, game birds, roasted long marrow bones with chanterelles stuffing, Scottish partridge in Madeira sauce. and other traditional dishes. For those who are unadventurous there is hanger steak, trout and crab salad. The limelight is their Sunday ever changing seven course prix fixe menu which is for USD70. You will find a lot of regulars who savor the food and the personal touch given by the owner/chef and his wife. The restaurant is cash only.

La Stanza is an Italian restaurant which has been revamped recently. The new decor has given the restaurant an intimate and chic look while the food has just grown more in terms of creativity and flavor. The restaurant serves reasonably priced poultry, seafood and the usual Italian fare such as the homemade pasta e Fagioli, red snapper served with zucchini and eggplant, shrimp Tuscanna, lump crab, chicken Parmesan, veal Parmesan and more. Their full bar serves beer and wine.

The Cochon definitely stands out for their no-fuss chic interiors and signature dishes. As you enter this place, the wooden-paneling, small tables and dimly lit interiors are bound to leave you welcome and comfortable. While you sit at a cozy corner to relish the appetizing Seared Scallops and luscious wine, you simply can't wait for your main course. The fried Oysters, crispy Chicken livers and Steak Frites with truffle are the best-ever you could find in the Passyunk Square. If you are worried you might binge too much, you can have a made-to-order gluten-free course to appease you.

Known for its Ultimate Cheese steak; John's Roast Pork has been in business since 1930's. It is a favorite among the people of Philadelphia. Not for the health conscious; this eatery has been serving cheese steaks for over 70 years. The food is homemade, with a special flavoring used to season it. It was awarded with 'James Beard Foundation Award for Culinary Excellence' in 2006. A must order here is the namesake sandwich (a favorite among the locals), The Hoagies are simply sumptuous and worth a try too. Get there early so that you're not disappointed.