Philadelphia, PA...A recent group travel study by Mandala Research shows that nearly a third of all travelers choose destinations based on eating opportunities. In fact, many travelers seek out memorable eating and drinking experiences while planning a trip. Luckily for visitors to Philadelphia, the city serves up an extensive menu of dining experiences.

Whether keeping to a budget, searching out trendy dining spots and celebrity chefs, or interested in some authentic culinary tours, Philadelphia combines rich history with delicious culinary options in a unique and vibrant environment.

B.Y.O.B options:

Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB) establishments allow visitors to sip their favorite spirits and save money, all while sampling exquisite fare from around the world! Stop in on one of Philadelphia's over 200 BYOB restaurants and café's for a taste of this growing local trend and see why Philadelphia is considered the BYOB capital of North America!

Bistro 7 - http://www.bistro7restaurant.com/

In the heart of the historic Old City neighborhood, you'll find the modern French BYOB, Bistro 7. By relying on local, organic farmers, Chef/Owner Michael O'Halloran masterfully creates an array of eclectic dishes showcased on an ever changing menu. Catch a glimpse of the chef at work through the open kitchen view. Experience what food writers at the Philadelphia Inquirer, City Paper, Philly Weekly and Philadelphia Magazine, (to name a few), have been raving about since 2005 and stop by Tuesday through Saturday evenings.

Insider tip: A private dining room located on the second floor can host groups of (up to) 40 people.

Mercato - http://www.mercatobyob.com/

Focusing on market-fresh, slow cooking traditions of Old World Italy, you'll find Philadelphia Magazine's 2013 Best Italian BYOB, Mercato. Inhabiting the old Camac Food Market building in the Washington Square neighborhood, Mercato has an experimental and bold take on new Italian American cuisine. Entrees change (monthly and weekly, if not daily,) to reflect the season with ingredients found at their peak that very day.

Insider tip: Mercato is cash-only!

Culinary Tours:

Combine adventure and (fun) history with your eats and you have yourself an amazing Philadelphia culinary experience! From market tours to learning from export chefs, our culinary tours offer a variety for Foodies of all types to fill up on.

Taste 4 Travel - https://www.taste4travel.net/

For those adventurous individuals looking for an authentic visit to the country's oldest outdoor market, join the Taste of the Italian Market Tour with Chef Jacquie. A native of South Philadelphia, Chef Jacquie grew up just two blocks from the market and loves prompting the business owners into disclosing their family secrets, personal histories and specialty products, making it fun and new each time. From cheese to coffee, pizza and cheesesteaks to chocolate and gelato, groups are sure to leave satisfied after this 3 hour tour.

Insider tip: Most shop owners welcome your individual purchases and will give a VIP discount to guests!

Taste of the Avenue Tour - https://www.taste4travel.net/Private-Tours

Gear up for an elegant outing and feed your refined palate as you wander down the streets of South Philly's Restaurant Row at East Passyunk Avenue. Beginning with a beer tasting, the tour continues with sampling of signature dishes made especially for the group, finishing with an assortment of handmade mini-sized desserts, all while meeting the owners and chefs that have made Philly famous for its exquisite cuisine.

Insider tip: Must be 21 or older to join in on the fun!

Taste of Philly Food Tour - http://www.tasteofphillyfoodtour.com/home.html

Where can you learn the proper way to order a cheesesteak, how Milton Hershey got the idea for Hershey's Kisses and what food George Washington REALLY cared about all while enjoying Philly's favorite sandwiches and breakfast foods? The Taste of Philly Food Tour! Located in the vibrant and historic Reading Terminal Market, this 75 minute tour occurs every Wednesday and Saturday and includes small bites of different food.

Insider tip: Plan on staying after the tour to try some of the many great places you will see, learn and smell about during the tour!

PHL Staples:

Sample local flavor with these Philadelphia staples, known by locals as some of the best places for eats treats and everything in between!

Reading Terminal Market - http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/

The historic Reading Terminal Market, home to 80 renowned merchants offering the best of Philadelphia's famous specialties, is just steps from the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Perfect for groups of all sizes, visitors to the Terminal have access to an unparalleled variety of international and local cuisine, including Pennsylvania Dutch specialties, DiNic's roast pork sandwich named: T ravel Channel's Adam Richman's Best Sandwich in America, Tommy and much more. Further enhance your experience by taking home fresh, local groceries, unique regionally themed souvenirs and Philadelphia-based cookbooks.

Insider tip: Visit the terminal during the week after or before lunch to avoid long lines at all the favorite spots!

City Tavern - http://www.citytavern.com/

If you're craving some historical authenticity paired with an amazing culinary experience, look no further than City Tavern. With seven dining rooms, three wine cellar rooms and a spacious garden, City Tavern completes its appeal with staff garbed in 18th Century fashion and some lively history lessons. From a small intimate dinner to celebrations of up to 500 or more, Chef/Proprietor Walter Staib accommodates you and your group, serving up 18th Century Colonial America inspired customs and food.

Insider tip: Try the flight of colonial beers; they are historically based on the recipes and tastes of founding fathers!

McGillin's Olde Ale House - http://www.mcgillins.com/

As Philadelphia's oldest and most famous Irish pub, this historic tavern is the spot for groups looking for a warm and inviting pub. This famous pub opened its doors the year Lincoln was elected president, long before ground was broken for the Philadelphia City Hall and even outstood Prohibition times! Beer continued to flow, and today they serve up fresh regional cuisine and 22 draft beers. Stop by what has been named one of the “Best Irish Pubs in America” by Complex magazine and “Coolest bars in the U.S.” by Gourmet.

Insider tip: This pub is less than a mile away from the Independence Visitor Center and under a half mile from the Pennsylvania Convention Center!

Celebrity Chefs:

Philadelphia is home to a number of celebrity chefs including Jose Garces, Kevin Sbraga, Masaharu Morimoto and famous restaurateur, Stephen Starr. These individuals continue to impress visitors and locals with some of the best cuisine Philadelphia has to offer!

Jose Garces (Amada, Garces Trading Co.) - http://garcesgroup.com/restaurants#philadelphia

Noted as one of the nation's most gifted chefs and restaurateurs, Chef Jose Garces is the owner and operator of more than a dozen wildly successfully restaurants and a flourishing catering division in five cities. One of the few chefs in the country to hold the title of Iron Chef, Garces is also a 2009 winner of the James Beard Foundation's highly respected “Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic” award. Amada is Chef Garces' first Philadelphia restaurant, opened in 2005 in the Old City neighborhood, this restaurant boasts a gorgeous rustic-chic ambiance paired with the rich traditions of Spain and modern cooking techniques. Perfect for groups of all sizes, the spacious dining room features a six-seat chef's counter overlooking the open kitchen, a second dining room and lounge area, an intimate private event space and a bar area suggestive of a typical Spanish bodega.

For an opportunity to try some of Chef Garces' favorite dishes from his travels throughout Western Europe, head to Garces Trading Co. for a European-Style café and bar. With an on-site wine boutique and world-class market goods available for purchase, Garces Trading Co. is the perfect place for a group-friendly meal.

Insider tip: Make a reservation in advance at Amada as this is a big hotspot in Philadelphia! Chef Garces other restaurants include: Distrito, JG Domestic, Rosa Blanca, Tinto and Whiskey Village.

Kevin Sbraga (Sbraga) http://sbraga.com/

Winner of Bravo's Top Chef Washington D.C., Chef Sbraga opened his self titled restaurant, Sbraga, in 2011 and has gone on to be noted in Esquire Magazine as one of the, “Best New Restaurants” in 2012 and “#1 Restaurant on Avenue of the Arts & Best Newcomer” in 2013 by Zagat. The menu focuses on pairing the most flavorful ingredients available with the perfect beverages in this modern American style restaurant. Sbraga's intimate dining room features a prix-fixe menu along with a six course tasting menu at the Chef's Counter and an optional beverage pairing.

Insider tip: Reservations required for the seating at 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday only! Don't worry; guests can also enjoy dishes from the menu a la carte at the restaurant's chic bar!

Masaharu Morimoto (Morimoto) - http://www.morimotorestaurant.com/

Chef Morimoto is best known as an Iron Chef on the Japanese TV cooking show, Iron Chef and its spinoff Iron Chef America, though his unique style of presenting his food at his self titled restaurant, Morimoto, is also at the top of that list. Opening in 2001, this restaurant takes Japanese food to a whole new level with a cutting-edge ambiance, pairing beautifully with his impeccable food.

Insider tip: If you and your group are feeling adventurous, opt for the Omakase where the chef will prepare a custom-designed meal for you!

Stephen Starr (Buddakan, Route 6, Continental Mid-Town) - http://www.starr-restaurant.com/

Founded in 1995 by Stephen Starr, Philadelphia-based STARR Restaurants is one of the fastest growing multi-concept restaurant groups in the country. With more than twenty restaurants throughout the city, you can't go wrong with these group friendly establishments. For an elegant ambiance with Modern Asian cuisine, Buddakan in the Old City neighborhood is a top choice. Complete with a 24 seat communal table under a 10 ft. gold Buddha and a dramatic backdrop of a shimmery waterfall, this Philly favorite continues to impress.

If you're craving a cuisine found in the coastal towns from Maine to Maryland, check out Route 6 in North Philadelphia. Offering a seasonal, sea-to-table menu with classic dishes like clam chowder, lobster rolls and buttermilk fried oysters, this charming restaurant will instantly transport your group to the relaxing lifestyle of the eastern shore.

Another STARR hotspot is the urban oasis Continental Mid-town, located in Rittenhouse Square, providing a playful reprieve from the expected. Unsure which dish you prefer? No problem! Global tapas at the Continental let you try all different dishes without breaking the bank for multiple entrees! Pair with a creative specialty cocktail in the dramatic space featuring a two-story atrium, whimsical lounge and outdoor rooftop patio, and you have yourself a revolutionary dinner spot to show off to your group.

Insider tip: When you head to the Continental, be sure to bring friends with different taste buds who are willing to share so you all get the most out of your meal!

For more information on visiting Philadelphia and discovering other culinary options in our modern renaissance city, visit www.discoverphl.com.

Or for more information on the Mandala group study visit, http://mandalaresearch.com/

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