Over the last month or so, I experienced some new-to-me restaurants in Philadelphia. Dining out is one of my favorite Philadelphia activities, as the city has an amazing, growing restaurant scene. I recently tried two restaurants from local restaurateur Michael Schulson (Alpen Rose and Via Locusta) and Japanese restaurant Hiroki.

Alpen Rose offers a reimagined classic steakhouse experience. The restaurant feels sophisticated and cozy. Diners will find traditional steakhouse dishes like shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, a variety of steak cuts and classic sides. Our group split oysters Rockefeller and a hot scallop dish recommended by our waiter. We also split sides of mac & cheese, mushrooms and creamed spinach with our individual entrées. I chose the classic eight-ounce filet mignon, topped with roasted garlic and pickled shallots as my entrée. Everyone enjoyed their meals, and we decided to end the evening on a sweet note with banana cream pie and baked Alaska. The experience was excellent from start to finish!

Via Locusta is an Italian restaurant, also from Michael Schulson. My husband and I met another couple for dinner on their enclosed patio, perfectly heated on the cool evening. Our group of four split house-made focaccia with honey butter. We added lardo, but the busser brought us farmers cheese instead. My husband and I split snapper crudo and zucchini with pine nuts and herbs as our small plates. From the pasta section, we split bucatini with leeks and garganelli with guanciale, pecorino and tomato. We split roast suckling pig for our entrée. The zucchini and bucatini were my favorite bites of the night. I look forward to returning to experience more of the menu.

Hiroki offers a fixed omakase menu. The intimate Japanese restaurant is perfect for a date or a small group gathering. My husband and I also dined here with another couple. The fixed menu allowed us to relax and enjoy each course as it arrived. Up first was the zensai course, a Japanese appetizer plate. That evening’s selection included snapper sashimi, cured jellyfish, roasted duck breast, squid, poached egg in soy and whitefish with tofu. Up next: a hot appetizer course of grilled Spanish mackerel and wagyu tenderloin. After a brief pause, the 10-course sushi service began. My favorites were the fatty tuna, sea bass and swordfish. The meal ended with a light green tea pudding for dessert. Dining at Hiroki feels like an event, making it perfect for special occasions and celebrations.

Each of these restaurants showcases Philadelphia’s diverse dining scene. I would gladly dine at all three again.

— Katie Skrzek, vice president/digital director