Historically better known for cheesesteaks and cheering sports fans than a robust culinary scene, Philadelphia is out to prove that it has more to offer than a single sandwich.
When it comes to good eats, the City of Brotherly Love has been playing second fiddle to New York City for far too long. Philadelphia’s food scene has experienced something of a renaissance in recent years, proving that the city is no one-trick pony in the world of epicurean delights. From contemporary Indian cuisine in Center City to Mediterranean fine dining with a twist, these are some of the culinary highlights waiting to tickle your tastebuds. Consider this your introductory guide to Philadelphia's food scene beyond the cheesesteaks.
A word to the wise: Many Philly restaurants have implemented a 3% surcharge if you pay via credit card. Be sure to bring some cash to save yourself from these incurring charges.
Where to Get Brunch in Philadelphia
Sabrina's Cafe
With five quaint locations sprinkled around Philly, Sabrina’s Cafe is a sweet spot for a weekend pick-me-up. Deliciously retro-inspired interiors are as much a feast for the eyes as the mouthwatering menu of hearty brunch favorites. Sink into a sapphire-hued booth or pull up a stool at the pale wood bar to dig into dishes that satisfy any Sunday morning craving.
You’ll find all the breakfast staples here — chicken and waffles, eggs Benedict, and an array of omelets are all on offer — alongside indulgent concoctions like cannoli French toast and cinnamon roll pancakes. Even cocktails enjoy a brunch bent with sips like the Breakfast Martini made morning-appropriate with a dash of orange marmalade or the Brunch Punch spiked with English Breakfast tea.
The super popular spot is first-come first-serve, so plan to arrive early to snag a table. Or simply slide up to the bar whenever a spot opens up to dig in without having to wait as long.
Harp & Crown
Buffet brunches tend to fall somewhere between one-note and sensory overload, but Harp & Crown seems to have found a satisfying balance. The Michael Schulson-helmed space is perhaps best known for its gorgeous interiors and swanky New American dinner menu, but its weekend brunch is an effortlessly elegant affair that’s as appropriate for a girl’s day out as it is for impressing in-laws.
The spread is served along the venue’s 32-seat horseshoe-shaped bar and provides just enough variety to keep the palate entertained. Think sushi served next to bagels and lox, a carving station accompanying pots of chicken and waffles, and a build-your-own donut bar for a fun twist on breakfast baked goods. Speaking of sweets, an array of bite-sized patisserie window-worthy treats offer just enough sugar to satisfy your post-meal sweet tooth without leaving you in need of a nap. You’ll want to make reservations here — Harp & Crown’s weekend brunch is a popular choice for entertaining out-of-towners and locals celebrating special occasions.
If you get the chance, be sure to ask for a tour of the bowling alley located just below the dining room. The library-inspired space boasts a full bar and two lanes of 10-pin that are available for rent or on a first-come, first-serve basis after 4 PM. seven days a week.
K'Far
You can’t talk about dining out in Philly without mentioning Michael Solomonov. Among the acclaimed Israeli chef’s concepts is K’Far, a wonderfully homey blend of Tel Aviv-bakery-meets-Brooklyn-brunch joint in a casual cafe just off 19th Street.
The breezy spot offers Israeli pastries, like feta-stuffed borekas, chocolate rugalach, and apple cinnamon babka, along with light and fresh brunch fare. Simple sandwiches are served on sesame-encrusted Jerusalem bagels and refreshing salads get a Middle Eastern twist with inclusions like za’atar, preserved lemon, and sumac. The coffee menu features ingredients sourced from closer to home — Philly-based Ox Coffe, to be exact.
With its laid-back vibe and first-come, first-served policy, K’Far is the perfect spot for last-minute brunch plans. If the weather is agreeable, be sure to request a spot on the shaded patio to enjoy a light breeze with your boreka.
Positano Coast
This trendy spot from New Jersey-based restauranteur Aldo Lamberti can be a little hard to find, but trust me when I say it's worth the effort. Perched on the second floor of an unassuming office building in Old City, Positano Coast is a hidden gem that will transport you to the south of Italy from the minute you step through the door, especially come brunchtime.
A DJ spins beach club-style tunes by the bar, while a surprisingly spacious dining room done up in bright blue, yellow, and pink hues recalls the colorful coastal homes of (you guessed it) the Positano Coast. The menu has a decidedly Mediterranean flair with starters like burrata salad, roasted red pepper hummus, and delightfully vegetarian fritto misto (a mix of fried bites, in this case zucchini, artichokes, and carrots). Entrees answer the brunch call by artfully toeing the line between breakfast and lunch fare — think fluffy omelets served with a refreshing side salad or a smoked salmon flatbread with a tangy tomato caper vinaigrette.
Of course, if you’re craving carbs, there are plenty of pasta offerings available to sate your appetite.
Bluestone Lane
A chain of Australian coffee shops, Bluestone Lane has three convenient locations in Philadelphia, though my favorite has to be the airy venue on Walnut Street just a block from Rittenhouse Square. The light-filled dining room is a delightful spot to sit back with a cup of the brand’s own coffee, a refreshing smoothie, or any of the kitchen’s delightful health-focused brunch options.
All-day breakfast plates range from gluten-free banana bread and avocado toast to hearty breakfast burritos and bowls. Salads and grain bowls take over come lunchtime, though delightful iced coffees and fresh-pressed juices are available all day long for a refreshing pick-me-up.
Where to Go to Dinner in Philadelphia
The Continental
It’s unlikely you’ll ever experience the same meal twice at The Continental. If the giant martini olive hanging about the entrance isn’t enough of a clue, this is one of the most eclectic dining venues in the City of Brotherly Love.
The restaurant boasts three floors, each with a distinct vibe. The first floor features 1950s diner-inspired interiors, while the second floor enjoys swinging seats overlooking the first-floor dining room and the top-floor terrace offers alfresco seating and a lounge equipped with a full bar.
If the interiors aren’t enough to entice you, the international menu just might. French onion soup dumplings, cheesesteak egg rolls, and pastrami fried rice are just a few of the palate-pleasing highlights that are best washed down with signature cocktails like the rum- and gin-based Personality Crisis (Sailor Jerry’s rum, Bombay gin, Grand Marnier, sweet vermouth, pecan bitters).
Reservations are recommended, especially for the ever-popular rooftop terrace. For a taste of The Continental’s eclectic vibe, stop by for its weeknight happy hour from 4 to 6 PM Monday through Friday.
Spice Finch
From the mind of Top Chef alum and Philly native Jennifer Carrol comes Spice Finch, a moody spot featuring the flavors of the Mediterranean. Perched on the ground floor of the 17th Street Warwick Hotel, the chic bistro has enjoyed local and critical acclaim since opening its doors in 2018, and for good reason.
The mouthwatering menu draws flavorful inspiration from the Middle East, North Africa, and other scenic spots dotting the Mediterranean Sea. Even tipples enjoy a spice-fueled twist — think a sumac-infused Mediterranean Margarita or the refreshing Persian Rose with its herbaceous blend of gin and rose wine.
Designed for sharing, the food offerings range from super-fresh salads and spreads to a hearty roasted lamb shank for two. Desserts err on the lighter side with sweets like honey semolina custard or a lemon cardamom roll. While ordering a la carte is always an option, the chef’s tasting menu offers the best bang for your buck.
Veda
India comes to Center City in flavorful fashion with Veda. Rich fabrics and intricate Indian-inspired artwork are paired with whitewashed brick and dark painted walls to create an intimate space that is at once uber chic yet deliciously authentic.
Speaking of deliciously authentic, the modern Indian menu is anything but typical. Start your meal with shareable plates like masala-infused hummus and garlic naan or flash-fried spinach chaat sprinkled with a delightfully tangy combination of yogurt and a tamarind and date chutney. Heartier fare can be found in the form of tandoor-grilled delights, classic biryani, and a huge array of slow-cooked dishes ranging from curries to dal.
In addition to its enriching interiors and mouthwatering menu, Veda is a prime spot to bring those with food sensitivities. The well-labeled menu clearly denotes gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, and staff are more than happy to accommodate any allergies.
Pizzeria Beddia
Located a bit off the beaten path in Fishtown, Pizzeria Beddia is worth seeking out for its inventive pies and no-frills atmosphere. The simple menu is easy to navigate with an array of Italian-inspired small plates and fresh salads as starters and a selection of five pizzas from which to choose. While you can always build your own, it’s highly recommended to go with one of the venue’s custom creations. Be sure to ask your server about the seasonally rotating pie — the limited edition offering usually features super-fresh ingredients for a slice quite unlike your usual pepperoni.
For the ultimate Pizzeria Beddia outing, book the venue’s Hoagie Room omakase experience. The two-hour meal kicks off with a welcome drink before diving into a multi-course menu of aperitivo, signature slices, and a selection of custom hoagies from sandwich masters John Walker, Albert Ciervo, and Tim Hasher, all topped off with Philly’s own 1-900-ICE-CREAM soft serve.
Zahav
Michael Solomonov’s flagship Philly eatery Zahav remains as enchanting today as it was when it first opened its doors 15 years ago. A trailblazer in the realm of Mediterranean cuisine, Solomonov’s signature dining room is as popular as ever, introducing a new walk-in-only patio in summer 2023 to satiate the craving of last-minute diners. A Zahav reservation is one of the most coveted in the city, so if you do desire the traditional dining experience, be prepared to book your table at least a month in advance when reservations open.
The tasting menu-only offerings can change with the seasons, but signature standbys include delightfully charred laffa bread with housemade hummus and the chef’s most famous dish: a melt-in-your-mouth pomegranate-glazed lamb shoulder. Elevate your experience with Israeli wine pairings or a Z&T (za'atar-infused gin and tonic) and be prepared to indulge in one of Philly’s best meals.
Parc
For French bistro fare in vintage-inspired surroundings, look no further than Parc from famed Philly restauranteur Stephen Starr. This stylish venue located just across from Rittenhouse Square on South 18th Street is a breath of fresh air on a summer’s day — especially if you choose to dine streetside like a Parisian.
The all-day dining room is a prime place to start your day with pain au chocolat with an espresso, but dinnertime is when the restaurant really shines. A well-curated menu features bistro classics like perfectly cooked steak frites (truly one of the only times I’ve actually received a medium-rare steak) alongside more international fare with French flair — think Mediterranean sea bass served with a refreshing bean salad or, my personal favorite, a lamb meatball tagine over tender couscous with a harissa-apricot jus.
Fun fact: Parc sells fresh bread daily from its walk-up bakery window. Be sure to check the website to see what “bread du jour” flavor the venue has in store for the day.
Chatayee Thai
Modern Thai cuisine in stylish surroundings is the order of the day at Chatayee Thai, a moody dining room just off Walnut Street in Center City. The menu boasts a huge array of options, from highly regional curries to mouthwatering noodle dishes, with plenty of vegan options for those looking to forgo animal-based proteins.
While you’ll certainly find classics like pad thai or massaman curry on the menu, the specialty at Chatayee Thai is a collection of revitalized ancient recipes. Boom bai kai, for example, is a style of curry that originated in Mumbai and was nearly lost to time until it enjoyed a renaissance in the late 19th century — and again on Chatayee Thai’s menu.
Don’t sleep on the cocktails here, either. The beautifully curated bar program features Thai-tinged tipples (like a Thai-Jito flavored with lemongrass) and non-alcoholic sips like a twist on an Arnold Palmer made with Thai iced tea.
Laser Wolf
A more casual concept from Zahav mastermind Michael Solomonov, this trendy Fishtown concept is built around flame-grilled fare and the comradery that comes with it. Laser Wolf's three-course menu is partially prix fixe, meaning that you pick your main dish (and its accompanying price tag) but bottomless starters (called salatim) and a dessert are included with your meal.
Start your evening off with a cocktail from the cheeky menu (I had the gin-based You’re a Daisy If You Do) and get ready to enjoy some of the most beautifully presented starters you’ve ever laid eyes on. A circular platter of small vegan dishes like pickled veggies, baba ghanoush, and bean salad are served with warm, fresh-from-the-oven pita and house-made hummus for a refreshing start to your meal — it’s a delicate balance between enjoying every bite and trying desperately to not fill up on bread.
Meat, fish, and veggie-forward mains come piping hot from the grill with delicately prepared sauces that enhance rather than overwhelm. Dessert is a simple choice of blueberry sorbet topped with delicate pistachio rice crispies or Turkish coffee soft serve adorned with candied pretzel bits and chocolate curls. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
Where to Grab Quick Bites in Philadelphia
Goldie
Couldn’t snag a table at Zahav? Enjoy a taste of Michael Solomonov’s hometown of Tel Aviv at Goldie. This fast-casual eatery puts an Israeli spin on modern lunch fare with freshly fried falafel, shawarma-seasoned fries, tehina shakes, and, of course, plenty of hummus. Five locations from University City to Fishtown ensure you can get your falafel fix no matter where you are in the City of Brotherly Love.
Federal Donuts & Chicken
Serving up the salty-sweet combo you never knew you needed is Federal Donuts & Chicken, a locally based chain of casual eateries found all across Philly to the detriment of dieters everywhere. The counter-service eatery specializes in dense, cake-style donuts ranging from the classic glazed variety to seasonally inspired flavors like peach cobbler, basil lemonade, and tres leches.
If you need something a little more substantial, try ordering up Federal's other specialty: Hot and crispy chicken. Served in sandwich, tender, and salad form, the poultry is always golden on the outside and juicy on the inside, no dipping sauce required. Note that if you do opt for the chicken tenders, you'll be rewarded with a donut served on the wide.
Redding Terminal Market
No trip to Philadelphia is complete without a visit to Redding Terminal Market. The venue has been operating as an indoor market since 1893 and today boasts more than 80 local vendors selling everything from fresh meat and produce to donuts, jewelry, and, naturally, Philly cheesesteaks.
While there are literally dozens of stalls selling mouthwatering goods, there are a few highlights that we can personally vouch for:
Note: This is by no means an exhaustive list. These are just the stalls I have tried personally and would recommend. I have many, many more to go.
Herschel's East Side Deli
Referred to by some locals as the best Jewish-style deli outside of New York, Herschel’s specializes in meaty sandwiches piled high with house-cured pastrami, corned beef, and brisket. The venue’s reputation is well-deserved, having been opened by the family of a 40-year veteran of NYC’s famous Katz’s Deli. Alongside the mile-high sandwiches, highlights include homemade knishes, matzo ball soup, kugel, and hand-poured New York-style cheesecake.
Dutch Eating Place
Homestyle cooking takes on a whole new meaning at the Amish-run Dutch Eating Place. Grab a stool for hearty morning fare like blueberry pancakes or apple cinnamon French toast, or stop by in the afternoon for freshly cut fries paired with rib-sticking sandwiches and classics like sausage and sauerkraut. Finish off your meal with sweet treats like shoofly pie or a warm apple dumpling fresh from the fryer.
The Original Turkey
Roasted in-house and freshly sliced, The Orignal Turkey specializes in Thanksgiving’s favorite bird served however you like it. Enjoy it hot with a side of sweet potatoes and corn or piled high on a sandwich. No matter how you slice it, this family-owned eatery offers a refreshing break from endless Philly cheesesteaks.
Beiler's Doughnuts and Pickle Patch
Who doesn’t love a doughnut? With 50 hand-rolled varieties to choose from, you’re bound to find one that suits your mood anytime you stop by Beiler's Doughnuts and Pickle Patch. Run by several generations of the same Amish family, Beiler’s churns out hundreds of doughnuts by hand every day in flavors ranging from classic cinnamon sugar to salted caramel, key lime, maple bacon, and more! Don’t miss their blueberry fritters and maybe pick up a side of pickles for a savory bite while you’re there.
Kommentare