22 Great Eateries In Philly

Known as the City of Brotherly Love is the unique and vibrant jewel of the East Coast! What I love most about Philadelphia isn’t just how welcoming and authentic the entire city is, but the rich history and innovation in every corner. Whether you’re visiting the Liberty Bell on a history tour or running through its many parks, there’s so much to do there. And my favorite thing to do? Find the best places to eat while exploring.

One of the best parts of traveling is getting to eat like the locals do—and, okay, trying out some of those trendy spots too! After a lot of research and taste-testing, I have come up with my definitive list of all the best places to eat in Philly. Let me know in the comments below where you’ve been or where you want to go next!

The Bakeshop on 20th

They bake more than treats, they bake lasting memories! Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, this small-batch bakery prides itself on recreating nostalgic flavors of your childhood using treasured family recipes. Their commitment to community doesn’t end with welcoming everyone with a smile, all their ingredients are sourced from local farmers and suppliers. They also serve amazing breakfast sandwiches all day!

Barbuzzo Restaurant

This Midtown Village hotspot is another creation by famed restauranteurs Marcy Turney and Valerie Safran. Intimate dining, a beautiful patio, and brilliant Mediterranean flavors, Barbuzzo has been a destination restaurant since it opened in 2010. With its wood-burning oven for pizzas & roasting, their menu boasts rustic, regional with a full bar of Mediterranean wines, craft beers, and cocktails.

Rouge

With a true commitment to quality ingredients and excellent preparation, this American eatery is a must-visit in popular Rittenhouse Square. With sidewalk dining that offers a view of gorgeous Rittenhouse Park and plenty of people-watching, this is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Order their classic burgers and sides and enjoy a little taste of classic Philadelphia.

Alchemy Coffee

This POC-owned coffee shop focuses on high-quality coffee and building community through the philosophy of Sankofa. “Sankofa is often associated with the proverb, ”Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenki”, which translates to ‘It is not wrong to go back for that which you have.'” – Alchemy Coffee. Located in historic Rittenhouse, this is the perfect spot to grab a delicious coffee and pastry before strolling through the square.

The FIXX

This Center City counter-service restaurant is truly the quick FIXX you’re looking for on a busy day. Their menu features nutritious, chef-inspired pastas, wraps, salads, and more—you can even build your own pasta—without sacrificing quality. Their motto is “Good food fast” and I have to say they’re right!

Tom’s Dim Sum

With two locations, you can easily reach Tom’s Dim Sum whenever you’re craving traditional Shanghai Chinese cuisine. They’re known for their Shanghai & Cantonese-style dim sum—small plates meant to be shared and enjoyed—like fried buns, dumplings, and soups, but their entrees are just as amazing.

Milk Jawn

Looking for a sweet treat? Milk Jawn’s award-winning, small-batch, premium ice cream is the place to go. With amazing flavors like Tahini Fudge Swirl and Lemon Curd With Blueberry Basil Swirl alongside classics like Double Fold Vanilla and Chocolate Peanut Butter, you just can’t go wrong. Plus, they have vegan options too!

Kalaya Philadelphia

This Philadelphia staple recently moved to a much larger location in iconic Fishtown, known for its amazing restaurants and art scene. Kalaya’s Chef Nok Suntaranon is a 2023 James Beard Winner for Best Mid-Atlantic Chef and one taste of their authentic Southern Thai family recipes will tell you why.

Suraya

So much more than a restaurant, this spot is an experience. Suraya is a slice of Beirut in bustling Fishtown, from its beautiful outdoor garden to its modern-day bazaar and café to its indoor dining space. Their market offers grab-and-go options as well as imported pantry items and housewares while their delicious cocktails are all named after and inspired by Lebanese poet Khalil Gibran. Every aspect of Suraya pays homage to their roots—it’s no wonder this is one of Philly’s shining stars.

WM Mulherin’s Sons

Wm. Mulherin’s Sons started with the discovery of a derelict, abandoned 100-year-old whiskey blending and bottling facility on the S. E. Corner of Front and Master St. The building was constructed in 1890 and has been converted into a restaurant and boutique hotel serving urban, wood-fired Italian.

Friday Saturday Sunday

In a beautiful and intimate upstairs dining area, Friday Saturday Sunday offers a brilliant eight-course tasting menu while its downstairs bar serves exquisite craft cocktails. The tasting course is seasonally inspired and filled with complex flavors made with luxury ingredients. It’s a fine dining experience that’s perfect for a special occasion or romantic night out on the town. A special note: this two-floor space doesn’t have an elevator so they do offer the full tasting experience at the bar for those with limited mobility on a first come, first serve basis.

Vernick Fish

Located within the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia in Logan Square, Vernick Fish is an elevated take on the classic American oyster bar. Chef Greg Vernick takes a detailed and hyper-seasonal approach to their dishes while their bar serves craft cocktails and a seafood-friendly wine list.

Zahav

With two signature menu options to choose from, Zahav brings the flavors of Israel to Philadelphia. Al Ha’esh or “Over Fire” is a four-course tasting menu featuring selections of charcoal-grilled skewers while Mesibah is a four-course tasting menu of signature and specialty entrees like Pomegranate Lamb Shoulder with Crispy Persian Rice. Either menu is a perfect choice!

Fiorella Pasta Bar

Housed in the iconic former Fiorelli sausage storefront that was open for over a century, Fiorella Pasta Bar was opened by Marco Vetri with the Fiorelli family’s blessing to use their name and keep their legacy alive.

Much of the storefront is still the same as that historic sausage shop, while the inside is still the intimate space Philadelphia came to know and love. Fiorelli offers antipasti, pasta, dessert, wine, and more in the heart of the Italian District. 

GOLDIE Falafel

Fresh-to-order vegan falafel that’s so stunning you’ll forget it’s fried is paired with tehina, Israeli salad, cabbage, optional amba, harissa, orschug condiments then tucked inside pita. Their commitment to fresh ingredients and quality is apparent in every bite! 

Talula’s Daily

This Kennett Square must-visit is an all-day cafe, local market, and intimate dinner destination. The café serves coffee, fresh bread, and take home meals while Talula’s Table hosts a nightly 12 seat tasting experience that has been called “The Toughest Table in America” by Portfolio.com.

The Dutch

This cozy South Philly corner restaurant has a full bar and kitchen that use seasonal ingredients for their creative dishes featuring Dutch classics like Uitsmijter, a brunch dish of dippy eggs, gouda, country paté, pickles, and marble rye. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner in East Passyunk, a vibrant and youthful hot spot! 

Rival Bros Coffee

Fantastic coffee with a fantastic story! Rival Bros Coffee was founded by lifelong natives and best friends who’ve turned their love of caffeine into a destination cafe. Their three locations throughout Philadelphia offer house-roasted blends and seasonal single-origin beans that are specially roasted! 

L’anima

Authentic flavors meet modern design in this Italian restaurant by Roman-born chef, Gianluca Demontis. This is one of my absolute favorite restaurants, I love their amatriciana and squid ink pasta. Plus, it’s BYOB! 

Middle Child Clubhouse

This little sandwich shop was inspired by the Italian hoagie shops, Jewish delis, and Greek diners of old-school Philadelphia! What’s great about Middle Child is that most of their food is made in-house. Don’t forget to check out their full-service sister restaurant, Clubhouse!

JJ Thai Cuisine

Authentic Thai recipes made with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques. JJ Thai Cuisine is a perfect date night spot thanks to its incredible food and intimate, upscale atmosphere.

Four Seasons Philadelphia

Luxurious and beautiful, the Four Seasons Philadelphia has incredible in-room dining, but their shining stars are their onsite restaurants including Vernick Fish, Vernick Coffee Bar, and Skyhigh—their fine dining rooftop restaurant that has dishes just as stunning as the view.

Brass Monkey Bread Co.

Delicious bagels with pop-ups all over Philly! So good and fresh.

Enswell Food & Drink

A truly unreal sandwich! Homemade pickles, homemade bun, cherry pepper relish… holy sh**. One of the best sandwiches (if not THE best sandwich) I’ve ever had in Philly!

Rebel & Wolf Coffee

I recommend the honey oat milk latte!