Fine Dining on a Budget

Celebrating a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion, but don't want to break the bank? Want to eat out somewhere other than Wawa or Wendy's, but your wallet says otherwise? Fear not- this list of high-class restaurants with low-cost menus are perfect for everyone ballin' on a budget; college kids, I'm looking at you.

1. Little Nonna's 1234 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

This small Italian restaurant makes you feel like you're dining in Rome- well, at least I think it does. I've never been to Rome, but this is what I imagine an Italian metropolis would look like. Either way, the indoor dining room, dimly lit, bustling with people, and adorned with hanging string lights, creates the illusion that you are dining al fresco. And I can't imagine how the pasta in Italy can be any better than Little Nonna's; I went with my boyfriend's parents, and his dad, who is Italian, gave it two thumbs up (winning over an Italian with pasta that isn't homemade is like winning the lottery.) If you're looking for a cheap meal that you can easily get two dinners out of, order the spaghetti and meatballs. I was so eager to eat mine, however, that I forgot to take a picture. It's so tall that you won't be able to see your date over it.

2. Bud & Marilyn's 1234 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Down the street from Little Nonna's, you'll stumble upon Bud & Marilyn's, another dimly lit (sorry my photos are so dark) restaurant that will make you feel like you're dining somewhere that isn't Philly. They're known for their fried chicken and biscuits with honey butter; I don't usually order this off of a menu, but Bud & Marilyn's specializes in Southern comfort food, so I decided to go a little outside my Northern comfort zone. Yes, it's more expensive than Popeye's or KFC, but for the quantity and the quality, it's still worth the extra couple dollars. And save room for dessert because you've got to try the funfetti cake, which I talk about in more detail in my other blog post, Let Them Eat Cake.

3. Amma's 1518 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

You're guaranteed to get your bang for your buck if you get Indian, which is why it's my favorite kind of cuisine. Each meal comes with a cup of rice and a pot of curry with meat or veggies. I'm usually full after one or two plates, but I'll go back for thirds or even fourths until my rice is almost gone and my stomach is about to explode. Amma's is a fairly new Indian restaurant that recently opened on Chestnut Street. They've been hit or miss for me; the chicken tikka masala came out quickly and tasted spectacular the first time, but the second time we waited for 45 minutes, they forgot my mango lassi, and the food was noticeably worse. I'm still putting it on this list because of how inexpensive and delicious it was the first time, and I'm hoping that bad experience was just an off night.

4. Harper's Garden 31 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Unfortunately, it was raining the night I went here for dinner, so I couldn't sit outside and enjoy the garden. However, the inside is also a sight to see. The lighting isn't nearly as ideal as natural sunlight, but the cheese board and flatbread make up for it. The asparagus flatbread is very zesty, and my boyfriend was "seeing green" because he wished he had ordered the same thing. But you won't be spending a lot of green because Harper's Garden's appetizers are appetizer priced yet big enough to be a meal!

5. Caribou Cafe 1126 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

French food is notorious for its petite portions and grande price tag. But Caribou Cafe is French food with an American twist; namely, the portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. I went here for restaurant week and loved it, so when I heard Temple was doing an all paid-for dinner for the first 40 students who registered online, you know I was on my computer the second tickets went on sale to snag my spot. However, my boyfriend is not a student, and my best friend was about a half a second too late, so I faced my fears and went alone for the free food. The three course dinner was similar to restaurant week; everyone got to choose between two or three options. I went with the salad with brie (O-M-G don't get me started on this brie), seafood crepe, and chocolate mousse. Even with the demand of a large group, Caribou didn't crack under the pressure.

6. Veda 1920 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

A few blocks west of Amma's is Veda, a contemporary Indian joint on Chestnut Street that looks way more expensive than it is. We were not expecting to be two of the only diners during the dinner rush, especially since the restaurant has such high reviews. Fortunately, the food did not let us down, and rest assured, with all of this naan, we also had plenty of leftovers.

7. Tiffin multiple locations

If we're ranking Indian restaurants, Tiffin would earn the silver. Tiffin has multiple locations, but we went to the one in South Philly (claimed to be the best). Once again, we were the only diners in the restaurant, but that's only because apparently it is a popular delivery spot; so many deliveries went in and out while we were there that I lost track. However, if you're going to get off your couch, put on some pants and actually go out to eat anywhere, I highly recommend coming here purely for the saag paneer. It's not only my favorite Indian dish ever; it may be my favorite meal ever. No exaggeration.

8. Indeblue 205 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

And finally, Indeblue takes the gold. My boyfriend and I first went here for restaurant week and were blown away by the professionalism and politeness of the staff, in addition to the formidable food. It was only a matter of time until we returned, delighted to be served by the same waiter and to receive the same jasmine rice and bread basket. I got the saag halloumi, and he got the chicken mekhani. Halloumi is a cheese with a similar taste and consistency as paneer; in spite of my reservations, I trusted that it would be just as good, if not better. Picture an ooey-gooey grilled cheese with a decadent Kraft cheese pull. The nostalgia brought on by this cheese was palpable- and palatable. Although the saag from Tiffin is just thiiiis much better than Indeblue, I am now a staunch proponent of halloumi. However, the must-have meal from Indeblue is the malai kofte; the spiced cashew curry tastes like autumn. And if you go for happy hour, you can wash it down with a half priced chai sangria, which tastes like cinnamon applesauce; I could literally drink it as though it was water.

9. Alice Pizza 235 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Thank God this place is across the street from my boyfriend's apartment, or I think I'd go through pasta withdrawal. Alice Pizza doesn't just serve pizza; they have pasta, like this fettucine alfredo, gnocchi (my personal fav) or carbonera, as well as desserts, like the Papa Smore's (named after Pope Francis, who ordered one himself), strawberry cheesecake, apple pie tart (my other personal fav) or Neapolitan. Alice is a strange hybrid of sorts, blending a five-star Italian restaurant with a casual, quick service shop. You can order pizza or gelato at the counter, or you can take a seat in the dining room and be waited on; therefore, it's perfect for an informal first date or an intimate two year anniversary. The price of the menu ranges from bargain to affordable, and you can definitely split a pasta dish or a dessert. However, this isn't Lady and the Tramp. I want a whole plate of pasta to myself, and the desserts in the transparent case are too enticing to share.