Last Updated on October 5, 2022 by Lauren Beck
If you’re looking for a great place to eat in Philadelphia, you’ve come to the right city! Philly is known for its amazing food scene, and there are plenty of places to enjoy a delicious meal.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty sandwich or a light salad, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from. And of course, no visit to Philadelphia would be complete without indulging in a cheesesteak!
One of the most iconic restaurants in Philly is The Little Lion, located in historic Old City, the Little Lion served American comfort food with a southern twist. Upscale casual meets understated elegance. Kitsune Restaurant recently acquired the Little Lion as they are no longer in business. Because they are closed, we recommend this list of the 20 best restaurants in Philadelphia:
Best Restaurants in Philadelphia
- South Philly Barbacoa – Opened in 2014, South Philly Barbacoa hasn’t changed its menu. Their focus is still on barbacoa, a traditional Mexican dish of slow-cooked, spiced lamb or beef. Hungry diners can also choose from tacos (pancita, barbacoa or veggie), tamales, quesadillas, consommé and pastries, all served on traditional earthenware pottery.
- Moriarty’s – Located in the Irish Pub Moriarty’s, this is one of Philadelphia’s hidden gems. The menu features a variety of traditional Irish dishes like shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and Guinness beef stew. They also have a great selection of beer and whiskey. If you’re looking for a great spot to get a hearty meal in Philly, Moriarty’s is the place to go.
- Biederman’s – Biederman’s is a comfortable, neighborhood bistro serving up American fare with a French twist. The menu features both traditional and innovative dishes, such as roasted chicken with gnocchi and braised short ribs with creamy polenta. There’s also an extensive wine list and a selection of craft beer on tap.
- Ember & Ash – This restaurant is a modern American steakhouse featuring a menu of prime cuts of meat, fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables. The steaks are cooked to perfection over a custom-built wood-fired grill, and the seafood is sourced from sustainable fisheries. The vegetables are locally sourced and seasonal, so you can be sure they’re always fresh.
- Gabriella’s Vietnam – Located in the heart of Philly’s Italian Market, Gabriella’s Vietnam is a family-run restaurant serving up authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The menu features a wide variety of traditional dishes, such as pho (beef noodle soup), bun thit nuong (grilled pork with rice noodles) and banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches).
- Hiroki – Hiroki is an intimate Japanese restaurant serving up a menu of traditional sushi, sashimi and yakitori. The sushi is made with fresh, sustainable fish and the yakitori is grilled to perfection over charcoal. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of Japanese beers, sake and wine.
- River Twice – It is a New American seafood restaurant located on the banks of the Delaware River. The menu features fresh, sustainably sourced seafood, such as oysters, scallops, shrimp and lobster. The fish is cooked to perfection over a wood-fired grill, and the vegetables are locally sourced and seasonal.
- John’s Roast Pork – John’s Roast Pork has been serving up Philly’s best cheesesteaks since 1930. The sandwiches are made with thinly sliced ribeye steak, grilled to perfection and served on a fresh Italian roll. The sandwiches are then topped with your choice of cheese (provolone or American), and served with a side of John’s famous roast pork gravy.
- Royal Sushi & Izakaya – It is a Japanese sushi restaurant located in the heart of Philly’s Chinatown. The menu features traditional sushi, sashimi and Izakaya style small plates. The sushi is made with fresh, sustainable fish and the Izakaya plates are designed to be shared.
- Jamaican D’s Caribbean & American – They offer Classic Caribbean dishes & chicken wings in a simple setup drawing an oft-long line of diners. Their caramelized plantains, creamy mac and cheese, and savory collard greens made there are all perfect complements to the shop’s deeply flavored jerk chicken, and the enormous platters will keep you full for days.
- Dalessandro’s Steaks – One of the best steak places in Philly is definitely Dalessandro’s. They’ve been around since 1960, and they’re known for their delicious steaks, which are cooked to perfection. If you’re looking for a good steak in Philly, Dalessandro’s is the place to go. Make sure to get there early though, because they tend to sell out quickly!
- Down North Pizza – Another great spot in Philly for food is Down North Pizza. They have some of the best pizza in the city, and it’s definitely worth a try. The crust is thin and crispy, and the toppings are always fresh and delicious. If you’re in the mood for pizza, Down North is the place to go.
- Middle Child Clubhouse – Middle Child is a great place to get a sandwich in Philly. They have a variety of sandwiches to choose from, and they’re all delicious. The club sandwich is definitely a must-try. If you’re looking for a good sandwich in Philly, Middle Child is the place to go.
- Vernick Fish – A seafood-focused restaurant run by husband-and-wife team Greg Vernick and Julie Waters. The menu features a raw bar, seasonal fish, and shellfish dishes. Everything from the raw bar to the small plates to the large format dishes like roasted fluke imperial and whole branzino are immaculate.
- Vetri Cucina – Located in a historic townhome in the heart of Philadelphia. One of the country’s best Italian restaurants, run by chef Marc Vetri. The menu offers seasonally-driven antipasti, pastas, and Neapolitan pizzas. Don’t miss the pasta tasting menu, which lets you mix and match six different types of pasta with six different sauces.
- Royal Boucherie – A French-inspired brasserie from chef Nicholas Elmi, located in Old City. The menu features seasonally-changing items like onion soup, duck confit, and coq au vin. There’s also an impressive charcuterie program and a raw bar with oysters, clams, and crudo. Their wine list is eclectic and funky, comprised of small producers from gorgeous nooks and crannies overseas.
- Spice Finch – A Mediterranean-inspired restaurant from chef Jennifer Carroll, located in Center City. The menu features small plates like lamb tartare, wood-roasted carrots, and chicken shawarma. Larger platters, like the vegetarian shakshuka and date-braised lamb shank, are great options when you want to feed the whole table. There’s also a strong selection of natural wines.
- Stina Pizzeria – Stina is a brick oven pizzeria serving affordable, fresh, locally sourced foods. A no-frills pizzeria located in the Italian Market from chef Tyler Akin. The menu features a variety of wood-fired pizzas, like the classic Margherita and the ‘Nduja with spicy salami. There are also a few non-pizza options like salads and roasted chicken wings.
- Cicala at the Divine Lorraine – The Divine Lorraine Hotel has been restored and reopened as a luxury hotel, and the Cicala is its on-site restaurant. The menu features Italian specialties like homemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and seafood dishes. Don’t miss the Sunday gravy, a slow-cooked tomato sauce with beef, pork, and sausage.
- Zahav – A modern Israeli restaurant from chef Michael Solomonov, located in Society Hill. Every meal begins with Laffa bread baked in the taboon, served alongside hummus and salatim; mezze; skewers cooked over charcoal; the Pomegranate Lamb Shoulder; and award-winning desserts. The wine list is all-Israeli and features a variety of reds, whites, and rose wines.
What foods is Philadelphia famous for?
Philadelphia is most famous for its cheesesteaks [1], but there are plenty of other great foods to try in the city. Down North Pizza has some of the best pizza in town, while Middle Child is a great spot for sandwiches. For seafood lovers, Vernick Fish and Vetri Cucina are both excellent options. And if you’re looking for something sweet, Stina Pizzeria has some of the best wood-fired pizzas around.
What is the popular sandwich from Philadelphia?
The popular sandwich from Philadelphia is the cheesesteak. The sandwich is made with thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and onions on a hoagie roll. There are many different variations of the cheesesteak, but the most popular are with American cheese or Cheez Whiz.
What dessert is Philadelphia known for?
Philadelphia is known for its water ice, a type of Italian ice made with fruit juice or syrup and milk. The most popular flavors are cherry, lemon, and mango. Water ice is usually served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
What drink is Philadelphia known for?
The most popular drink in Philadelphia is the Philly Special, a mix of vodka, orange juice, and cranberry juice. The drink is named after the city’s football team, the Eagles. Other popular drinks include the Pimm’s Cup, a mix of Pimm’s No. 1 liqueur, lemonade, and soda water, and the Whisky Sour, a mix of whisky, lemon juice, sugar, and egg whites.
What food was invented in Philadelphia?
The Philly cheesesteak is the most famous food to come out of Philadelphia, and there are many different ways to make one. There are also a few other foods that were invented in Philadelphia, such as:
–Hoagies: A hoagie is a type of sandwich that originated in Philadelphia. It is made with Italian meats, cheeses, and vegetables, and is served on a long, crusty roll.
–Soft pretzels: Soft pretzels are a popular snack food that originated in Philadelphia. They are made from dough that is boiled in salt water, then baked until golden brown.
–Philly cheesecake: Philly cheesecake is a type of cheesecake that is made with Philadelphia cream cheese. It is smooth and creamy, and has a slightly tangy flavor.
How do you eat Philadelphia cream cheese?
Philadelphia cream cheese can be eaten a few different ways:
* Plain: Philadelphia cream cheese can be eaten plain, on its own, or with a little bit of fruit or jam.
* Spreadable: Philadelphia cream cheese can also be spread on bread or crackers, or used as a dip for fruits and vegetables.
* Baked: Philadelphia cream cheese can also be used in baked goods, such as cheesecake, pies, and muffins.
Reference:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuisine_of_Philadelphia
- What to Do With a Jar of Pickled Beets? - May 28, 2023
- What to Do With Extra Shredded Mozzarella Cheese? - May 28, 2023
- Why Does My Turkey Have Black Spots? - May 28, 2023