Watch CBS News

Top Restaurants With A View In Philadelphia

Beautiful beaches and majestic mountains may not be part of Philadelphia's landscape, but the city still offers some absolutely stunning scapes, skylines, tableaus and vistas. Some of Philly's best views can be enjoyed from the vantage point of some of its most popular restaurants. Guests can take in the scenery, gaze at sunsets and drink in the city lights while sipping cocktails and dining on fabulous food. Check out these top Philadelphia restaurants that feature delectable dishes and amazing views.

Fountain Restaurant
Four Seasons Hotel
1 Logan Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 963-1500
www.fourseasons.com

Although you have to be independently wealthy to indulge your taste buds at the exquisite Fountain Restaurant, both the food and the view are exceptional. Consistently rated one of the best restaurants in the nation, it has been applauded by Zagat, "Forbes Travel Guide" and Bon Appetit, among others. Meticulously prepared, inventive dishes and impeccable service provide diners with treatment worthy of a king. Contemporary glass artwork and a changing display of wall art adds splashes of color to the decor, but it's the view overlooking the delightful Swann Fountain and the graceful statues of Logan Square that amplify this one-of-kind dining experience.

Manayunk Brewery
4120 Main St.
Philadelphia, PA 19127
(215) 482-8220
www.manayunkbrewery.com

Located at the site of a former textile factory, Manayunk Brewery has one of the largest and most appealing al fresco dining areas in Philadelphia. When the weather is nice, relax at a table on the back deck overlooking the Schuylkill River. In addition to classic American fare, this mainstay of Manayunk's Main Street features a sushi bar, rotisserie and stone pizza oven. Several bar areas offer a wide selection of wine, mixed drinks and beers, including the restaurant's popular handcrafted beers and ales that pair well with the chef's signature St. Louis ribs and Maryland-style crab cakes. As if the food and view were not enough, you can dance the night away to cover bands and DJs on Saturday nights.

Positano Coast
212 Walnut St., 2nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 238-0499
www.positanocoast.net

You won't find sweeping skylines, vibrant sunsets or inspiring water views at Positano Coast. Instead, the contemporary southern Italian eatery has a large, outdoor, covered terrace with people-watching views of historic Society Hill. Summer breezes and passersby spark interesting conversations between mouthfuls of scrumptious dishes like zucchini crab cakes, sea urchin pasta and roasted veal tenderloin. The menu specializes in crudo (raw seafood and meat), fine wines and mixed drinks are offered and a BYOB option is available on Sundays and Mondays.

Related: Top Restaurants With A View

Water Works Restaurant
640 Water Works Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 236-9000
www.thewaterworksrestaurant.com

Water Works Restaurant is housed in a section of the Fairmount Water Works National Historic site complex. After a complete renovation of this architectural gem, Water Works Restaurant moved in to national fanfare. It occupies a stunning spot just steps from the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Schuylkill River's Boathouse Row. Guests can enjoy New American cuisine in several different seating areas: a stylish main dining room, an intimate glassed-in patio with views of the river, a trendy bar area and, when the weather permits, a veranda where you can dine al fresco.

Related: Top Day Spas In Philadelphia

XIX (Nineteen) At The Bellevue
Hyatt at the Bellevue
200 S. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 790-1919
www.hyatt.com

Located on the nineteenth floor of the historic Hyatt at the Bellevue, XIX bills itself as the highest restaurant in Philadelphia. XIX features floor-to-ceiling picture windows that bring the outside in. Panoramic views of the city's skyline make for a grand dining experience, while grand rotundas, a 19-foot pearl chandelier, mosaic marble and Venetian plaster work create an elegant and sophisticated interior atmosphere. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, tea and dinner, the upscale restaurant makes an ideal setting for that rare and special occasion.

Susan DeFeo has been a professional writer since 1997. She served as a community events columnist for New Jersey's "Cape May County Herald" for more than a decade. A writer for numerous online publications, Susan has covered health, fitness, beauty and travel, all subjects that are near and dear to her as a married mother of seven children. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.