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Choosing the best Philadelphia restaurant is a job that critics take very seriously. Where do they start? Is the best Philadelphia restaurant in Center City, in Old City, on the River, in South Philly, in University City, in Northern Liberties or in the Suburbs? Does the best Philadelphia restaurant serve American, Ethnic, Seafood, Steak, California, fine dining or casual cuisine? Does the best Philadelphia restaurant take reservations, have a dress code, have entertainment, and provide parking? I think we all agree that finding the best Philadelphia restaurant isn’t as simple as that? There are many considerations when choosing the best Philadelphia restaurant, but starting with the basics is what the critics say is their foundation to a good review. The following are not in any particular order, because when choosing the best Philadelphia restaurant, it is the big picture that we all want to see.

Atmosphere
The first impression of any dining experience at the best Philadelphia restaurant will be how we feel when we walk into the door. The atmosphere immediately alters our mood. Is it the lighting, the wall colors, the décor, the smell, the hostess stand, the music or how we are greeted upon entering that sets the stage? To some people, possibly even the critics, atmosphere can make or break the dining experience.

Food and Drink
We expect that what brings us to the best Philadelphia restaurant is the food. However, it’s not all that simple either. Starting with the menus, how are the choices? Do the appetizers jump out at you; do they offer choices that leave you anxious to start the entrée? Do the Entrees give a good variety for everyone taste and dietary needs? Do the choices of beverages give you opportunity to try something new or have a particular favorite?

Food presentation can be simple or artistic, but it needs to look appealing. Does the food on the plate make you want to appreciate it before taking the first bite? It may be that our first taste of our food is with our eyes.

There is no doubt that we expect that the best restaurant in Philadelphia to have the best tasting food. We were pleased with the atmosphere and the menu selection but as we bring the fork to our mouth we’re expecting to be pleased with the first taste, the initial flavors and the texture of each bite.

Service
The service at the best Philadelphia restaurant is just as important as the entire package. How were you greeted and were you greeted and seated in a timely manner? The wait staff at the best Philadelphia restaurant should be knowledgeable, attentive, pleasant, timely, and professional. There are no exceptions to this rule.

The critics (and we are critics ourselves) have a tough job to narrow down so many restaurant options to find the best Philadelphia restaurant. The journey to find the best Philadelphia restaurant may not always be pleasant but we can be sure that the destination will be well worth it.

Linda Dunkelberger is a freelance writer and editor. “How Do Critics Choose the Best Philadelphia Restaurant?”describes the basic components critics may use to find the Best Philadelphia Restaurant