Best Upscale Halal Restaurants in Center City | Upscale & Halal

19 restaurants in Best Upscale Halal Restaurants in Center City | Upscale & Halal

• Tapster — American · rated 5/5: Tapster hums with a playful, high-energy spirit where the nostalgic scent of warm, buttery popcorn and freshly baked cookies fills the air. This social sanctuary invites guests to linger over frosty pints and savory snacks, from giant soft pretzels dipped in rich cheese to artisanal beef jerky and crisp kettle chips. Whether you are settling in for a casual beer night or indulging in a golden Belgian waffle topped with Jeni’s ice cream, the atmosphere is one of unpretentious joy and effortless community.
• Strangelove's — American · rated 4/5: Strangelove’s pulses with a spirited energy, inviting guests into a lively haven where bold, global inspirations transform classic comfort fare into a vibrant culinary adventure. The air carries the tantalizing aroma of thirty signature wing glazes and golden, truffle-kissed fries, while flaky Northern Argentinean empanadas and molten mac-and-cheese balls offer a decadent symphony of textures. It is a social sanctuary where every shared plate, from zesty buffalo cauliflower to savory crab fries, celebrates a playful and unpretentious love for big, unforgettable flavors.
• The Dandelion — British · rated 4/5: This spirited gastropub transports diners to a cozy London corner, where eclectic nooks and polished wood accents create an inviting backdrop for spirited conversation and communal dining. The kitchen reimagines British classics with artisanal flair, serving up crispy Billingsgate crab croquettes and rich, savory Welsh rarebit alongside velvety duck liver parfaits and vibrant pickled beetroots. Every visit feels like a warm embrace of timeless tavern culture, where time slows down over a curated cheese board and the comforting hum of a well-loved neighborhood haunt.
• Ocean Prime — Seafood · rated 4/5: Ocean Prime invites guests into a world of sophisticated coastal luxury, where the soft glow of elegant lighting meets the dramatic flair of a dry-ice-shrouded shellfish tower. The air carries the comforting aroma of a warm bread basket, setting the stage for a decadent journey through briny West Coast oysters, succulent chilled lobster, and golden, jumbo lump crab cakes. Every detail, from the delicate goat cheese ravioli to the vibrant seafood cocktails, is crafted to transform a meal into a refined celebration of the sea.
• Grandma's — American · rated 3/5: This vibrant eatery captures the soulful essence of a family kitchen, where the air is perfumed with the bright, citrusy steam of lemongrass and the comforting aroma of golden curry puffs. The experience centers on a bold balance of heat and heart, ranging from the refreshing, zesty crunch of traditional papaya salads to the fiery, deep-flavored intensity of the signature Crying Grandma. Every bowl of aromatic noodle soup and coconut-laced broth feels like a warm embrace, inviting guests to savor the nostalgic, punchy flavors of authentic home-style cooking.
• Van Leeuwen — American · rated 3/5: This vibrant, pastel-hued sanctuary reimagines the classic scoop shop experience, blending nostalgic charm with a bold, artisanal approach to frozen indulgence. Velvety textures and imaginative flavors collide in every bite, from the tropical sweetness of mango sticky rice to the decadent, chewy depths of peanut butter brownie honeycomb. Whether lingering over a sophisticated coffee affogato or sipping a frothy malted cookie dough shake, guests find a playful celebration of flavor that elevates the simple joy of dessert.
• OCF Coffee House — American: Sunlight streams into this vibrant neighborhood hub, where the comforting aroma of freshly roasted house coffee mingles with the scent of golden baked goods cooling on the counter. Wholesome breakfasts of organic eggs give way to a bustling lunch scene defined by hearty sandwiches served on iconic, crusty Sarcone’s-style rolls. It is a welcoming retreat that captures the effortless charm of a local gathering spot, perfect for a slow morning or a satisfying midday escape.
• Sahara Grill — Middle Eastern: Step into a vibrant oasis where the air is fragrant with fresh herbs and toasted spices, inviting guests to linger over colorful spreads of zesty tabbouleh and velvety hummus topped with savory, seasoned meats. This lively gathering spot celebrates the communal art of the mezze, offering a rich tapestry of flavors from smoky charred eggplant to tangy house-made pickles that turn every meal into a shared celebration.
• Tria — Mediterranean: This sophisticated urban retreat invites guests to linger over a curated selection of artisanal bites, where the air is thick with the scent of rosemary-infused oils and the briny promise of fresh East Coast oysters. The kitchen transforms simple ingredients into elegant revelations, serving up velvety truffle egg toast and warm mission figs stuffed with sharp gorgonzola that melt against the palate. It is a space designed for the art of the slow graze, where every shared plate and glass of wine feels like a quiet celebration of refined, soul-warming flavors.
• Oyster House — Seafood: Oyster House captures the spirited essence of a coastal celebration, where the rhythmic clinking of shells and the briny scent of the raw bar set the stage for indulgent, communal feasts. Diners dive into overflowing lobster platters and glistening, freshly shucked oysters, often pairing their meal with flowing drinks or even a hands-on lesson in the delicate art of the shuck. It is a vibrant destination where the bounty of the ocean is shared through interactive experiences and sun-drenched flavors, ensuring every visit feels like a festive seaside escape.
• Vernick Coffee Bar — American: This sun-drenched, sophisticated cafe invites guests into a polished space where the hum of a high-end coffee bar meets the refined artistry of a modern bistro. Vibrant grain bowls brimming with wild mushrooms and avocado sit alongside artfully plated salads of bitter radicchio and crisp Granny Smith apples, offering a masterclass in balanced, seasonal textures. From the delicate warmth of miso soup to the bold, seared flavors of blackened king salmon, every dish reflects a commitment to culinary precision that elevates a casual daytime meal into a truly elegant experience.
• Shiroi Hana — Japanese: Shiroi Hana invites diners into a serene sanctuary where the delicate artistry of Japanese cuisine takes center stage amidst a backdrop of understated elegance. Glistening slices of sashimi and meticulously crafted sushi rolls share the table with golden, airy tempura that offers a light, crisp contrast to the fresh flavors of the sea. The experience finds its heart in the comforting warmth of bubbling nabeyaki udon, served in traditional pots that release a savory, soul-warming steam with every lift of the lid.
• Thanal Indian Tavern — Indian: Thanal Indian Tavern invites diners into a vibrant, aromatic space where the sizzle of the tandoor and the intoxicating scent of toasted spices set the stage for a soulful communal feast. Guests tear into pillowy, garlic-flecked naan to scoop up velvety masalas and slow-simmered lamb curries, while fragrant mounds of biryani and charred, spice-rubbed wings showcase the bold, fiery heart of traditional Indian comfort food.
• Almaz Cafe — Middle Eastern: Step into a vibrant sanctuary where the intoxicating aroma of berbere and slow-simmered stews invites you to linger over communal platters of tender Doro Wot and savory Zilzile Tibs. Crisp, garden-fresh salads topped with seasonal berries offer a bright, refreshing contrast to the rich, earthy flavors of traditional Ethiopian fare, creating a dining experience that feels both nourishing and deeply soulful.
• Pizzeria Vetri — Italian: Pizzeria Vetri captures the spirited energy of a modern Italian kitchen, where the scent of wood-smoke and bubbling cheese drifts from a roaring oven. Guests gather over crispy, leopard-spotted crusts and the house-famous rotolo, complemented by a colorful array of roasted vegetables and silky burrata that elevate the humble pizzeria into a destination for refined, soulful comfort.
• The Continental Mid-Town — American: Step into a vibrant, multi-level playground of mid-century glamour where retro-chic aesthetics and whimsical hanging chairs set the stage for a high-energy social experience. The kitchen turns out a playful parade of global small plates, blending the gooey richness of French onion soup dumplings with the spicy crunch of Szechuan shoestring fries and tender short rib bao buns. Whether you are sipping cocktails on the breezy rooftop or sharing eclectic bites in a plush booth, the atmosphere hums with a stylish energy that makes every meal feel like a celebration.
• Kung Fu Tea — Chinese: This energetic destination celebrates the art of the modern brew, where the deep, caramelized notes of brown sugar milk tea and the fragrant warmth of Thai spices create a vibrant sensory escape. Guests curate their own textural journey by pairing chilled, velvety teas with everything from traditional honey-soaked boba and silky herbal jellies to the playful, fruit-filled snap of signature popping bubbles. It is a lively social hub that transforms a simple afternoon pick-me-up into a colorful experience, perfectly complemented by unique, crunchy snacks like their signature dragon-pop popcorn.
• Paris Baguette — French: Step into a bright, bustling sanctuary where the air is sweet with the scent of fresh cream and golden pastry, and glass displays showcase a kaleidoscope of meticulously crafted cakes and jewel-toned tarts. From the airy lightness of a strawberry soft cream chiffon to the decadent, velvety depths of a salted caramel chocolate mousse, every slice offers a moment of refined indulgence that transports guests to a modern Parisian patisserie.
• Pearl's Oyster Bar — Seafood: Pearl’s Oyster Bar captures the spirit of a bustling coastal morning, where the briny aroma of freshly shucked oysters meets the sweet, comforting scent of cinnamon-dusted French toast and sizzling bacon. Guests gather over decadent plates of crab cake benedict and crispy chicken and waffles, while rich bowls of snapping turtle soup and velvety oyster stew provide a savory depth to the lively, sun-drenched atmosphere. This soulful retreat transforms the traditional raw bar into a vibrant brunch destination where every bite feels like a celebration of the sea and the shore.