Philly's Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings, Fall 2016

Summer 2016 was a busy one in Philly — especially for this city's summertime standards — and from the looks of it, fall won't be slowing down one bit. Here's a rundown of next season's most anticipated openings, from wacky pizza parlors in Brewerytown to posh, fine-dining Italian in Rittenhouse.

Pizza brain's As-yet-unnamed Brewerytown Project

Address: 2841-43 West Girard Avenue
From: Pizza Brain
The Situation: From the folks who brought you the world's first pizza museum and restaurant, comes a new pizza shop, this one in Brewerytown, modeled after the classic pizza parlors of America and America's past.
Projected opening: October 2016
*Previous coverage of Pizza Brain's new project

Scarpetta

Address: 210 West Rittenhouse Square
From: LDV Hospitality
The Situation: The high-brow Italian restaurant with locations in New York City, Miami, Vegas, and Montauk will make its Philadelphia debut, replacing the Smith & Wollensky that once overlooked Rittenhouse Square. Its signature, picture-perfect spaghetti with tomato and basil (below) will, of course, make it to Philly, but expect other menu items specific to this location.
Projected opening: September 2016
*Previous coverage of Philly Scarpetta

Royal sushi & Izakaya

Address: 782 South 2nd Street
From: Simons-Frank
The Situation: Royal Sushi's opening has been a long, long time coming, but when owners Steven Simons and Dave Frank (Royal Tavern, Triangle Tavern, Khyber Pass Pub) announced the chefs behind the project, Jesse and Masaharu "Matt" Ito, things really took off for the Queen Village izakaya. Japanese comfort food (think katsu and yakitori), plus expert sushi, will complement a fully-stocked sake, shochu, and Japanese beer list. 
Projected Opening: September 2016
*Previous coverage of Royal Sushi & Izakaya

Ambra

Address: 705 South 4th Street
From: Chris D'Ambro and Marina de Oliveira
The Situation: Six months after Chris D'Ambro and Marina de Oliveira brought Southwark back to life, the restaurant couple will open a tiny, 16-seat modern Italian restaurant just two doors away. Four courses, prix fixe, $65. 
Projected opening: September 2016
*Previous coverage of Ambra

Harp & crown

Address: 1525 Sansom Street
From: MJS Restaurants
The Situation: Fresh off a three-bell win for his Midtown Village izakaya,  Double Knot, Michael Schulson is already on to the next with a casual New American restaurant in Center City complete with a two-lane basement bowling alley. 
Projected opening: Fall 2016

Banh Mi And Bottles

Address: 712-714 South Street
From: Tuan Phung
The Situation: Part bottle shop, part restaurant, B&B will be South Street's only Vietnamese bar and restaurant serving up noodle bowls, summer rolls, and of course, banh mis. Owner Tuan Phung compiled a 300 bottle beer list to pair with his chef father's menu of casual Vietnamese fare. 
Projected opening: September 2016
*Previous coverage of B&B

On point

Address: 1200 Point Breeze Avenue
From: Juan and Mallory Lopez
The Situation: Garces Group-vet Juan Lopez branches out on his own to open a family-friendly American bistro in Point Breeze. Daily brunch will include french toast (made from Essen Bakery challah!), breakfast burgers, and breakfast nachos, and dinner is made up of neighborly eats like steak frites, sandwiches, salads, and mac and cheese.
Projected opening: September 2016
*Previous coverage of On Point

Heart of lebanon

Address: 1907 East Passyunk Avenue
From: Youssef Masri
The Situation: Belly dancing will finally make its way to East Passyunk when its first "proper Lebanese restaurant" opens in an old appliance repair shop. On the menu, traditional dips, salads, braised lamb shanks and charbroiled kebabs. 
Projected opening: October 2016
*Previous coverage of Heart of Lebanon

Cinder

Address: 1500 Locust Street
From: Teddy Sourias
The Situation: The team behind Bru Craft & Wurst and U-Bahn are branching further into Center City with yet another beer-focused restaurant boasting 30 taps dedicated to sours, ciders, and wild ales. The kitchen's got a custom-built wood fired oven for pizzas, mussels, and beer-friendly eats.
Projected opening: Fall 2016
*Previous coverage of Cinder