I'm looking for a great steakhouse (prefer not a chain - Mortons, Ruths Chris, etc.) an upscale Italian restaurant and a great local pizza joint (brickoven if possible)

I can take a cab if I need to, but I would prefer to walk a few blocks instead.

My research shows the following, but I have no idea how good these are...

Maggiano's Little Italy
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse
Zio Pizza

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Never had a bad meal @ Del Frisco's

for Italian try Varalli's (Upstairs or Downstairs)- 1st and 2nd floor- same menu-  on Broad Street near Academy of Music

stella pizzeria at 2nd and lombard

Thanks for the great suggestions (and the PMs). You guys are a great help to the out of towner  One other question...How comfortable will i be walking with a date from Rittenhouse Square to the Convention Center?  Is this a safe walk or should I arrange car service for the night?

i say safe, just keep an eye out for any unruly flash mobs w/mayhem in their hearts.

Very safe...but its a long walk in the heat.  If your date is in heals...she may be very unhappy with you when you are done.

Right across the street from City Hall. Most visitors love Reading Terminal Market because of the variety and uniqueness of a farmer's market in the middle of the city. My favorite place there is the Amish Dutch Eating Place, although it opens from Thursday to Saturday(?). My specialty is Asian cuisine, so feel free to ask.

Very safe.  I work out at a gym at Arch and Broad and walk home around 11 to Rittenhouse Square.  Have done it for years and have never been bothered.  But as noted elsewhere, it's not safety but the issue of heat/humidity that might cause you to consider a taxi