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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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,…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Honey's Sit 'n Eat

    Philadelphia

    Jewish soul food such as latkes and French toast made with challah bread feature on the popular breakfast/brunch menu here. Feel virtuous ordering a vegan…

  • Southgate

    Philadelphia

    If you're not familiar with Korean cuisine this casual spot is a good place to start. Highly recommended is their bibimbap, a rice dish that comes in a…

  • PS & Co

    Philadelphia

    Not only is this pleasant cafe vegan and gluten-free, it's also kosher to boot. Breakfast dishes are served all day, and they have tempting options such…

  • Wm Mulherin's Sons

    Philadelphia

    Gourmet pizzas – with toppings such as speck and eggs, and lamb and artichoke – take center stage at this appealing restaurant and bar in a creatively…

  • Tubby Robot

    Philadelphia

    The staff at this cute store make the traditional ice-cream flavors (such vanilla, chocolate and butter pecan) with the best fresh ingredients. There are…

  • Joe's Steaks & Soda Shop

    Philadelphia

    If you're hankering for a cheesesteak in Fishtown, Joe's is your answer. They come in small or large sizes and a variety of permutations including a vegan…

  • Renata's Kitchen

    Philadelphia

    Brunch all day, every day is Renata's proud boast. Although the place ain't much to look at, its menu offerings, which globe-trot for inspiration, attract…

  • Suraya

    Philadelphia

    Like walking into a Lebanese bazaar, the front of this restaurant is stocked with an attractive selection of takeaway foods, homewares and cookbooks. It…

  • Cake Life Bake Shop

    Philadelphia

    Who doesn't love a cupcake, especially when its cream icing is slathered in multicolored sprinkles? The winners of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars have set up…

  • Weckerly's Ice Cream

    Philadelphia

    You'll find these delicious ice creams made with organic cream and free-range eggs in many places around town, but this is Weckerley's flagship store…

  • The Farmacy

    Philadelphia

    If you're feverish for brunch, the Farmacy provides the cure in a variety of tried and tested ways. You can build your own eggs Benedict or get a…

  • Pizza Brain

    Philadelphia

    Specializing in thin-crust pizza, Pizza Brain is also something of a quirky museum as it's home to the world's largest collection of pizza-related items,…

  • Eat Café

    Philadelphia

    The vibe is very relaxed and the food hearty and generally healthy at this community cafe, which is run on a non-profit, pay-what-you-can-afford basis…

  • Han Dynasty

    Philadelphia

    Part of a local mini-empire of sizzling Szechuan goodness. Take your pick from a variety of soups, noodles and spicy entrees. This location has the bonus…

  • Walnut Street Cafe

    Philadelphia

    Sitting at the base of the FMC Tower, this is a power dining spot with easy-on-the-eye decor and a generally play-it-safe menu of pasta, salads, burgers…

  • Kensington Quarters

    Philadelphia

    Nose to tail cooking is on offer at this buzzy restaurant and butchery. Sample its smokey Hungarian sausage with zingy pickles, bacon kielbasa with German…

  • Dizengoff

    Philadelphia

    Modeled after a Tel Aviv snack spot, this compact cafe serves ultra-creamy hummus and pickles at communal tables. If you're hungry or fancy a takeout, pre…

  • Russet

    Philadelphia

    Russet stands out from the other charming BYOB restaurants across the neighborhood for its expert renditions of French and Italian dishes using fresh…

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