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.
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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.
