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Philadelphia: A Foodie’s Favorite

Philadelphia has long been a favorite destination for foodies. The city’s celebrated restaurant scene is a draw for visitors from around the world. With new and exciting restaurants led by award-winning chefs, there’s something to excite every palate in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

NEW RESTAURANTS

 

If you’re looking for a coffee shop to start your day while in town, head to Bower Café in Center City. This new location offers pastries, sandwiches, and locally made La Colombe coffee.

 

Kura Sushi offers an exciting dining experience in Rittenhouse Square. This new spot has a revolving interactive sushi bar. The conveyor belt keeps dishes moving, giving you plenty of delicious options to choose from. Ramen and dumplings are also on the menu for non-sushi lovers.

 

What started as a fried chicken pop-up has evolved into a full-blown restaurant called Redcrest Kitchen in Queen Village. Now offering an array of shareable plates, this new eatery has mouthwatering pastas, smoked short-rib, and salmon on its new and improved menu.

 

A perfect date night destination, Pearl & Mary Oyster Bar serves some of the best seafood in Center City. This corner spot offers a raw bar, entrees like fish and chips, and a signature cocktail menu.

 

A new version of the nationally lauded Kalaya can be found in Philadelphia's trendy neighborhood of Fishtown. Led by 2023 James Beard's Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic Chutatip "Nok" Suntaranon, this Thai restaurant offers an extensive menu, including dumplings, curry, and stir fry. Wash the flavors down with a beer, cocktail, or a glass of wine from the bar menu.

 

For more new restaurants in Philadelphia, check out this list.

 

Photo by Daniel Knoll for VISIT PHILADELPHIA® / VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

 

OLD FAVORITES

 

Consistently regarded as one of the best farmers markets in America, Reading Terminal Market is a must-visit dining destination during any trip to Philadelphia. Home to more than 80 merchants selling fresh produce, breads, meat, and fish, this 130-year-old market is also one of the largest and oldest public markets in the U.S.

 

As the city’s oldest continuously operating tavern, McGillin’s Olde Ale House has been pouring drinks and serving classic pub fare since 1860. A local favorite, this bar is also a popular spot for catching a game to cheer on Philadelphia’s many professional sports teams.

 

One of many STARR Restaurants found in Philadelphia, Parc is a Parisian brasserie in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. This upscale restaurant even ranked as one of the 100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America by OpenTable in recent years.

 

PHILLY FOOD STAPLES

 

The Philadelphia cheesesteak, the city’s trademark sandwich, is a must-try when visiting the city. There are plenty of spots that serve the mouthwatering masterpiece, but some of the most famous places to try one include Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks. These longtime rivals have been competing across the street from one another for who can serve the best cheesesteak in town for decades.

 

Another Philadelphia sandwich that’s gotten a lot of attention is the roast pork sandwich from DiNic’s inside of Reading Terminal Market. The combination of pork, broccoli rabe, and sharp provolone once earned the title of Best Sandwich in America by the Travel Channel.

 

Philadelphians sure love their sandwiches! Another local favorite is a classic hoagie. Hoagies are sandwiches packed with Italian lunch meats, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, oregano, cheese, and dressing. These can be found at delis and sandwich shops, including Campo’s and Antonio’s.

 

Although delicious, sandwiches aren’t the only Philadelphia food staples. Soft pretzels are baked fresh every day at places like Philly Pretzel Factory. Found throughout the city, these soft, chewy, baked goods are the ultimate comfort food for Philadelphians. Here’s a real twist, consider pairing a soft pretzel with another Philly food staple: water ice. The cool, refreshing treat is a smooth mix of ice, fruit juice, and fresh fruit. Not sure which spot to try first? Start with John’s Water Ice in South Philadelphia, a local favorite since 1945.

 
Posted on: 20/06/2023

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