Sometimes dinner is just dinner. But when you want it to be an experience in elegance and sophistication, Philadelphia has a handful of restaurants to fill the bill. High at the top of that list -- if not highest -- would have to be Fountain. From its home in the Four Seasons hotel, it overlooks the dramatic Swann Fountain and offers a sweeping vista of the Art Museum area. Prices are high, but unlike many upscale restaurants, there are few complaints about the cost. That's because the contemporary, French-inspired food is crafted from local ingredients and never fails to surprise and delight. The "Spontaneous Tastes" menu allows diners to turn themselves over to the whims of the chef, who presents a six-course meal of his choosing. The feel here is romantic, with just a whiff of Old Money hanging in the air. Dessert choices arrive on a silver cart, and the tres chic Sunday brunch is a Philadelphia favorite. There's a children's menu, too, which seems surprising at first but makes sense in a place where a diner's every whim is catered to and every need is met. -- Margaret Battistelli (Photo: Stefan Abrams)