The oldest saw in the proverbial shed is that Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods. Block by block, communities coalesce around a really good coffee shop, local grocery, or the corner bar. Small, fairly-priced restaurants form the nucleii of the comfiest residential neighborhoods in Philly. Some are chef-driven, like the new boite from outspoken chef David Katz, Mémé. Open less than four months, the foie gras tarts with seasonal fruits and lush, rustic entrées for two have kept the jewel-box space buzzing with happy diners, most of whom are also neighbors.

In the funkier Gayborhood, Mercato serves nouveau Italian plates with a heavy dash of scene. The BYO policy means you can supply your own Primitivo to complement Mercato's take on familiar flavors, like a short rib ragu with ricotta gnocchi, broccoli rabe and locatelli. In Society Hill, Dmitri's seafood BYO faces The New Wave Cafe, a long-standing casual neighborhood bar. Since Dmitri's is positively allergic to reservations and there is absolutely nowhere to stand inside the minnow-sized joint, guests drop their bottles with one of the waitresses along with their name, and head across the street for a drink at the New Wave. Once a table opens up, the Dmitri's girls come fetch their hungry guests from across the street--the anticipation and cocktail elevating the grilled whole fish and tender octopus in to a memorable night out. Such mutually beneficial symbiosis isn't just a pleasant novelty, but rather a method of success for the small businesses in this city of neighbors.

All of the below restaurants are located in Philadelphia, and are walkable from Center City.

Mémé, 2201 Spruce St., 215-735-4900, memerestaurant.com

Mercato, 1516 Spruce St., 215-985-2962, mercatobyob.com

Dmitri's, 795 S. 3rd St., 215-625-0556

The New Wave Cafe, 3rd & Catherine Sts.,  215-922-8484, newwavecafe.com