Must-see restaurants in Philadelphia

  • Valley Green Inn

    Philadelphia

    The welcome couldn't be warmer at this idyllic creekside inn that dates back to the 1850s and appears little changed since then. The menu is stacked with…

  • Zahav

    Philadelphia

    Zahav means 'gold' in Hebrew and that's what you'll find here in terms of gastronomy. The menu at this sophisticated modern Israeli restaurant sees chef…

  • Vetri Cucina

    Chinatown & Center City East

    Legendary – and for good reason. Since 1998 Marc Vetri has been winning awards and adoring fans with his Italian cuisine. This elegant, intimate…

  • High Street on Market

    Philadelphia

    Many Philadelphians swear by High Street's delicious house-made breads and will come here for those alone. They certainly have a creative way with a…

  • V Street

    Philadelphia

    Street food from around the world is the influence for the fab vegan menu here. Make sure you sample the delicious dan dan noodles, in which the spices…

  • Gran Caffè L'Aquila

    Philadelphia

    Mamma mia, this is impressive Italian food. Not only are the flavors everything you could ask for, one of the owners is an award-winning gelato maker and…

  • Noord

    South Philadelphia

    Think Dutch comfort food rather than new-Scandi cuisine at this welcoming BYOB just off the main E Passyunk drag. Jovial Netherlands-born chef Joncarl…

  • Hardena/Waroeng Surabaya

    South Philadelphia

    Short of a trip to Jakarta you are unlikely to find better authentic Indonesian food than that served at James Beard–nominated Hardena. Order at the…

  • Le Virtù

    South Philadelphia

    Chef Joe Cicala is dedicated, obsessively so, to the cuisine of Abruzzo, the region east of Rome, where he long studied with home cooks. Old-school ways…

  • CHeU Noodle Bar

    Chinatown & Center City East

    Your Japanese/Korean/Jewish grandmother might not approve, but the brisket ramen with smoked matzo ball and kimchi at CHeU gets our thumbs up. Gleefully…

  • White Dog Cafe

    Philadelphia

    If the dozen Boston terriers on the wall seem incongruous with the food, don't worry: this place has been serving farm-to-table since 1983. Come here for…

  • Stock

    Philadelphia

    At this no-frills BYOB it's all about the taste of the food – which is delicious and authentic. Piquant salads, such as the Burmese gin thoke or…

  • CHeU Fishtown

    Philadelphia

    Asian buns, dumplings and noodles with a Jewish mama's twist (smoked matzo balls and brisket in the ramen, for example) have made CHeU a hit. The fusion…

  • Whole Foods Market

    Logan Square & Fairmount

    Apart from being an excellent grocery store with plenty of prepared food to go, this flagship branch of Whole Foods includes a superb food court with…

  • Frieda

    Philadelphia

    This awesome place aims to connect people of all ages to eat, drink, share and learn something new. It doesn't like to be labeled as one thing or another,…

  • Sabrina's Cafe

    South Philadelphia

    Sabrina's made its name here in the Italian Market area with its brunch: stuffed French toast, gooey pork sandwiches or, for the daring, the 'Barking…

  • Vedge

    Chinatown & Center City East

    Since 2011 Vedge has been setting the standard not only for vegan restaurants in Philly but restaurants in general. A meal here will crush any…

  • Abe Fisher

    Philadelphia

    Chef Yehuda Sichel's menu riffs on the foods of the Jewish diaspora, offering quirky, punchy takes on staples such as cholent (a beef stew) served as a…

  • Ishkabibble's

    South Philadelphia

    With a reputation for scrumptious steaks and long lines, Ishkabibble’s is a timeless part of Philadelphia lore. Regulars patronize the tightly packed…

  • Franklin Fountain

    Philadelphia

    It's cash only at this fantastic yet kitsch-free throwback, from the phosphates and vintage ice-cream flavors (try the teaberry) right down to the ancient…

  • D'Alessandro's

    Philadelphia

    D'Alessandro's is famous for having some of the best cheesesteaks around. Founded in 1960, it is still a go-to spot for tasty cheesesteaks, hoagies and…

  • Dalessandro’s Steaks

    Philadelphia

    A staple of Philadelphia’s Roxborough neighborhood, Dalessandro’s Steaks was founded in 1960 and quickly became a go-to spot for tasty cheesesteaks,…

  • Max's Steaks

    Philadelphia

    While a memorable appearance in the blockbuster film Creed raised the national profile of this popular North Philadelphia cheesesteak shop, Max’s has long…

  • Morimoto

    Chinatown & Center City East

    Morimoto is high concept and heavily stylized, from a dining room that looks like a futuristic aquarium to a menu of globe-spanning influences and…

  • John's Roast Pork

    South Philadelphia

    True Philly cheesesteak (er, porksteak…cheesepork?!) served with true Philly atmosphere: no frills, better-have-your-cash-ready-or-else, yelling when…

  • Metropolitan Cafe & Bakery

    Philadelphia

    Great breads, tender pastries and good coffee make for a perfect breakfast or lunch at this flagship location of Metropolitan. It's also famous for its…

  • Townsend

    South Philadelphia

    Townsend Wentz's elegant, white-tablecloth restaurant is a dream date spot. Service is excellent and the food is delicious if sometimes a little skimpy on…

  • Hungry Pigeon

    South Philadelphia

    Although it's a pleasant spot for breakfast or a drink at its bar, Hungry Pigeon comes into its own for dinner, when chefs Scott Schroeder and Pat O…

  • Famous 4th Street Delicatessen

    South Philadelphia

    In business since 1923, this corner Jewish deli is famous for its monster-sized sandwiches, big enough for two to share. The menu is a roll-call of Jewish…

  • Parc Brasserie

    Philadelphia

    Soak up the elegant Rittenhouse Sq vibe at this enormous, polished bistro right on the park. Dinner is a little steep, but brunch and lunch are good value…

  • Saté Kampar

    South Philadelphia

    You will not find more authentic or delicious Malaysian food in Philadelphia than that served here. Skewers of meat or tofu are grilled to order and come…

  • Cuba Libre

    Philadelphia

    Colonial America couldn't feel further away at this festive, multistory Cuban eatery and rum bar, part of a small chain found in several East Coast cities…

  • Southwark Restaurant

    South Philadelphia

    Southwark takes its name from the early 18th-century name for this part of the city. Their bistro-style menu is short, but sweet, with several good pasta…

  • Le Champignon de Tokio

    Philadelphia

    Tokyo-born Madame Saito, who's lived with her husband in Philadelphia for over 30 years and is a Le Cordon Bleu–trained chef, runs this convivial…

  • Stargazy

    South Philadelphia

    Homesick Brits rejoice. As well as traditional beef and onion pies served with mash, you can also find Cornish pasties, sausage rolls and even jellied…

  • Talula’s Daily

    Chinatown & Center City East

    During the day this charming cafe and food market is ideal for a coffee, light bite or something to picnic on in the park opposite. After 6pm it…

  • Federal Donuts

    Philadelphia

    Tucked behind a faded red, white and blue awning are these amazing doughnuts: specialty flavors include blueberry-lavender or strawberry cheesecake, with…

  • Farmicia

    Philadelphia

    Dedicated to simply crafted local and organic foods, the meals here are creative and soul-satisfying. Vegetarians are well-catered for, with a variety of…

  • Silk City

    Philadelphia

    This dining car and bar complex has been a fixture on Spring Garden St since the 1950s. It was revamped by new owners in 2007, with the dining car…

  • Dahlak

    Philadelphia

    Not the fanciest place for a meal but this long-running joint (opened in 1987) offers authentic Eritrean-Ethiopian cuisine, including plenty of vegetarian…

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