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A massive spread of French dinner entrées that include steak frites, seafood plater, swordfish, and more.
Dinner at My Loup.
My Loup.

The 38 Essential Restaurants in Philadelphia

The best restaurants in Philly for everything from grand sushi omakase to massive cheesesteaks to tasty birria tacos

by Ernest Owens Updated
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Dinner at My Loup.
| My Loup.
by Ernest Owens Updated

Say hello to the Eater 38, which answers the question, “Where should I eat in Philly?”

This essential group of restaurants covers the whole city (and even beyond), runs the gamut of cuisines and price points, and collectively satisfies virtually all dining needs, whether you want fine dining or counter service, takeout sandwiches or chef’s-choice tasting menus. The list typically updates each quarter, and restaurants should be open for at least six months to qualify. To track down the most exciting new restaurants in town, check out the Eater Heatmap, a periodically updated map of places that have opened in the last six months or so.

For this update, welcome to the buzz-worthy attraction of My Loup; West Philly’s cheesesteak haven, Jim’s West; Center City’s classic fine-dining gem, Vetri Cusina; Pod, a remarkable sushi spot in University City; El Chingon, a Mexican cuisine tour-de-force; Forsythia, a delicious “French AF” experience; Rittenhouse’s comfort food destination, The Love; and Cantina la Martina, a beloved restaurant for tasty tacos, margaritas, and culinary magic in Kensington.

Did we miss your favorite restaurant? Reach us via the tipline or email us at philly@eater.com. For all the latest Philly dining intel, subscribe to Eater Philly’s newsletter.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Jim’s West

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When cheesesteaks were served at Jim’s Steaks, they were fairly decent for decades, Now under the new Black ownership of Cortez Johnson and his uncle, a cheesesteak at the renamed Jim’s West is an upgrade beyond measure. Located in the heart of West Philly, these well-portioned cheesesteaks are made with the juiciest chopped ribeye and seasoning that’s memorable. Beyond the previous controversy surrounding its revival, Jim’s West is a spot that both locals and tourists should revisit immediately.

431 N 62nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19151
A large cheesesteak with fried onions and peppers alongside a grill of fried onions
Cheesesteak at Jim’s West.
Jim’s West.

Booker's Restaurant & Bar

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After being sold to new owners Tracey and Cheri Syphax in February, this West Philly staple has had a culinary revival unlike any other. Open daily for brunch and dinner, this Black-owned restaurant features soul food classics (such as fried chicken, oxtails, collard greens, and seafood mac and cheese) and exceptional comfort dishes (such as spicy mango salmon, short rib, and grilled lamb chops with a watermelon mint salad).

5021 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 883-0960
(215) 883-0960

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Honeysuckle Provisions

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From the minds of chefs Cybille St.Aude-Tate and Omar Tate comes Honeysuckle Provisions, an Afrocentric grocer and cafe where the scrapple might be made from black-eyed peas and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is really a slice of house-made Sonoran wheat bread topped with freshly milled single-origin peanut butter, apples, and apple butter. It’s an unabashed celebration of Black foodways with a constantly changing menu. The West Philly space is sunny and airy, but only offers takeout.

310 S 48th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 307-3316
(215) 307-3316

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White Yak

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While Philadelphia may not boast a preponderance of Tibetan restaurants, as long as husband-and-wife pair Tsering Parshingtsang and Treley Parshingtsang run White Yak in Roxborough, all will be well. The Ridge Avenue restaurant serves a warming mix of hearty, chewy momos — available in meat, chicken, and vegetarian varieties — and Tibetan-style curries, soups, and sauteed dishes. The chilled mung bean noodles are a cooling element to pair with chile chicken, and the thenthuk, a classic Tibetan soup with hand-pulled noodles, is nourishing and delicious.

6118 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128
(215) 483-0764
(215) 483-0764

Jezabel’s

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Jezabel Careaga’s Argentinian medialunas, alfajores, empanadas, and other treats are like a song you can’t get out of one’s head: Once tried, prepare to definitely be back for more. Alfresco seats are well suited for a quiet West Philly lunch or breakfast with a cup of tea, or go the takeout or delivery route.

206-208 S 45th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 554-7380
(215) 554-7380

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Abyssinia

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A West Philly stalwart for Ethiopian cuisine, Abyssinia has long comforted Philadelphians with its array of hearty dishes. Scoop up dishes of spiced chicken and lamb — including several vegetarian and vegan options — with perfectly thin, spongy, slightly sour injera bread. Takeout and delivery are also available.

229 S 45th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 387-2424
(215) 387-2424

Pod

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The return of Pod represents an exemplary culinary comeback in University City. This beloved Stephen Starr mainstay is a classic that must be tried (or revisited) by diners across the region. Whether you go full sushi bar with head chef Kevin Yangaga or try their cool take on other Japanese cuisine (such as their delicious “JFC” aka Japanese Fried Chicken bucket), you’ll discover the reason this hotspot has been impressing Philadelphians for over a decade.

3636 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 387-1803
(215) 387-1803

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Southeast Asian Market

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The Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park isn’t a restaurant, but in its own way, it’s much more. The market has been holding court in FDR since the ’80s and its stalls offer everything from delicious Thai and Cambodian food to fresh juices and much more. Bring a blanket, grab an array of dishes from some of the best chefs in Philadelphia, and host a picnic of Southeast Asian delights. The market is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., April through October.

South Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19145

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Down North Pizza

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By now, one have likely heard word of the Detroit-style square pies, spicy chicken wings, and flavored lemonades at Down North Pizza in Strawberry Mansion. That’s because the admirable mission of the place — to hire formerly incarcerated workers at fair wages — goes hand in hand with deliciously crispy, delightfully cheesy pizzas to make something special. Whether to end up there to support the mission or to get a taste of the signature “Norf Sauce,” expect to leave satisfied.

2804 W Lehigh Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19132
(215) 377-9787
(215) 377-9787

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Friday Saturday Sunday

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Chad and Hanna Williams’s acclaimed fine-dining restaurant (winner of the 2023 James Beard Award for best restaurant in the country), offers a luxurious eight-course tasting menu, perfectly striking the balance of hospitality and whimsy. Friday Saturday Sunday’s menu is ever-changing and the cocktails are some of the best in town, courtesy of bartender Paul Macdonald. Reservations are necessary.

261 S 21st St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 546-4232
(215) 546-4232

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My Loup

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Arguably the most dazzling new restaurant in Philly thus far, My Loup is what happens when you allow an emerging chef like Alex Kemp do his thing, Pleasantly unpredictable, yet somehow very familiar, this Rittenhouse restaurant serves an ever-changing modern French menu that’s hip without sass and ambitious without stuffiness. Whether it’s trying their delicious smoked eel caesar salad or masterfully grilled swordfish with Jimmy Nardello peppers and squid — its a fine-dining experience worth the trip (if you’re lucky enough to get a reservation).

2005 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 239-5925
(267) 239-5925

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Restaurant Aleksandar

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Chefs Montana Houston and J’amir Wimberly-Cole have taken Rittenhouse by storm with their inventive and daring take on European cuisine. There’s nothing dull or predictable on their vibrant tasting menu that features scallop paella, tomato panzanella, and unforgettable lacquered duck breast.

126 S 19th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 279-7738
(215) 279-7738
A pork chop with an orange glaze on a plate with a vegetable garnish.
Caraway orange glazed pork chop at Restaurant Aleksandar.
Restaurant Aleksandar

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Hardena

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Diana and Maylia Widjojo hit on something special when they began offering what they call the #NotPizzaBox, a pizza box lined with banana leaves and stuffed to the gills with the Indonesian specialties that have long made Hardena a Philly mainstay. They’ve moved away from that concept for now, but one can still get all those highlights a la carte. No order is complete without fried corn fritters, called bakwan, and a few skewers of richly marinated chicken sate. Be sure to ask for extra cups of their legendary sambal, which is the best in the city.

1754 S Hicks St, Philadelphia, PA 19145
(215) 271-9442
(215) 271-9442

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Vernick Fish

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Every city needs a splurge-y date night destination — and Philly is charmed to have James Beard Award-winner Greg Vernick’s Vernick Fish for celebrations big and small. Everything from the raw bar to the small plates to the large dishes like roasted fluke imperial and whole branzino is immaculate. Save room for dessert; those are perfect, too.

1 N 19th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 419-5055
(215) 419-5055

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The Love.

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Rittenhouse has never been the same since this bubbly restaurant served New American cuisine all week effortlessly. The key to indulging here is not to overthink it — they serve tasty buttermilk fried chicken with collard greens, immaculate braised beef shortrib ragu, and beer batter fried cauliflower. It’s comfort food that’s respected as fine-dining, a delightful experience without all of the fussiness that’s typically associated with Center City restaurants.

130 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 433-1555
(215) 433-1555

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Her Place Supper Club

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Her Place Supper Club is the kind of dinner party everyone wants an invite to, and it’s not hard to see why. Chef Amanda Shulman’s prix-fixe dinner has a limited number of reservations, a rotating menu of extraordinary fine-dining dishes done casually, and a convivial energy that supper clubs are known for. While Shulman’s place started as a pop-up, the restaurant is now a permanent fixture on Sansom Street. Check the restaurant’s website for hard-to-come-by reservations as well as info on times you can walk in.

1740 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

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Juana Tamale

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Jennifer Zavala’s birria taco pop-ups were some of the most exciting to hit Philly over the past few years, so much so that Zavala’s Juana Tamale grew a devoted cult following. Zavala opened a brick-and-mortar location in East Passyunk that’s brightly colored and extremely fun. There, she serves her infamous juicy birria tacos, tamales, and ramen to match. Everything on the menu is worth it.

1941 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 273-0894
(267) 273-0894
Three birria tacos in a red serving tray alongside a slice of lime, a pepper, garnishes, and cups of sauce.
Birria tacos at Juana Tamale.
Juana Tamale.

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Rex at the Royal

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South Street hasn’t been the same since this southern/coastal-influenced cuisine hit the block. There’s a lot to appreciate about Rex at the Royal: the New Orleans vibe of the venue, the imaginative cocktails (try the fruity tequila-forward Por Dio), and the exceptional entrees (such as their crab fondue, fried green tomatoes, madeira braised pork shank, and expansive oyster selection) that will make one a fan instantly.

1524 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
(267) 319-1366
(267) 319-1366

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Gabriella's Vietnam

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After opening her Vietnamese and Thai grill restaurant in Ambler in 2019, chef Thanh Nguyen expanded into the former Saté Kampar space in East Passyunk to serve Vietnamese street food of the highest order. The bánh bèo quảng nam — open-faced dumplings that come served in small decorative bowls — are unreal, and the large-format dishes, from the half-chicken platter to Vietnamese fried winter flounder, will not be a letdown. Come prepared: It’s BYOB.

1837 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(272) 888-3298
(272) 888-3298

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Amma's South Indian Cuisine

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Amma’s is a Philly staple, serving aloo bonda with cooling coconut chutney, idli dipped into sambar, masala dosa, and lamb chettinad (a long-cooked lamb dish spiced with coconut and ginger). The Couple’s Combo, which includes chicken and mutton biryani, chicken kuruma, parotta, raitha, raitha, and dessert, is perfect for a date night. The Center City BYOB also has locations in University City and New Jersey.

1518 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 563-2917
(215) 563-2917

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River Twice

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It didn’t take long for Randy and Amanda Rucker’s River Twice to become one of the most exciting new American restaurants in the city, with a seasonal tasting menu that offers the full spectrum of Rucker’s repertoire (see: charred caraflex cabbage or soft shell crab in koji butter). All of the dishes are heavy on flavor, personality, and creativity, and the restaurant itself is just a lovely place at which to dine.

1601 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 457-3698
(267) 457-3698

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Vetri Cucina

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Legendary Chef Marc Vetri’s renowned restaurant on Spruce Street is a culinary gem. The $165 per person tasting menu is the only option and has been impressing diners for 25 years with contemporary Italian favorites, such as their sweet onion crepes, swiss chard gnocchi, almond tortellini, and baby goat with polenta.

1312 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 732-3478
(215) 732-3478

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Alpen Rose

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The ultimate date/engagement/anniversary steakhouse in the city continues to impress diners from across the region with their intimate dishes. Romantic-comfort cuisine — such as their lobster linguine, ⁠brick pressed chicken, and their impeccable dry-aged ribeye steak — are memorable entrees.

116 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 600-0709
(215) 600-0709

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El Chingon

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“Chingon” means someone or something cool, awesome, very good — and that’s the perfect way to describe this popular Mexican all-day cafe near East Passyunk. El Chingon excels in merging the regional culinary flavors of Mexican street food and traditional family dining — from their mouth-watering Pierna abobada (which includes adobo pork butt, ayocote beans, grilled pineapple, red onions, quesillo, and avocado) to their decadent cheesecake guayaba (that includes guava and a galleta maria crust),

1524 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 239-2131
(267) 239-2131

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South

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Brothers Ben and Robert Bynum have been influential forces in Philly’s entertainment scene since 1990, when they opened their first jazz club. South, their biggest restaurant, brought live jazz and Southern staples to Spring Garden in 2015. The jazz shows are a great complement to comfort food highlights like macaroni and cheese, honey butter skillet cornbread, etouffee, and po’ boys.

600 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 600-0220
(215) 600-0220

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Irwin's

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At Irwin’s, upscale yet down-to-earth Sicilian fare meets a very pleasant vibe, great cocktails, and an amazing view from the sky-high patio atop the Bok Building. Chef Michael Ferreri’s house-made pastas arrive on cute vintage plates and appetizers like eggplant caponata and bowls of mixed seafood are perfect companions to larger-format dishes.

800 Mifflin St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 693-6206
(215) 693-6206

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South Philly Barbacoa

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Cristina Martinez’s casual Mexican restaurant has gone from local landmark to national darling with appearances on TV shows like Chef’s Table and Martinez’s 2022 James Beard Award for best chef, Mid-Atlantic. That’s all to say, get here early: South Philly Barbacoa doesn’t do delivery or credit cards and only opens Saturday and Sunday from 5 a.m. until the food sells out. Should one succeed in ordering at the counter, sit inside, outside, or take something to go — a half-kilo of barbacoa with house-made tortillas, consomé, and all the fixings travels extremely well.

1149 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 746-7658
(267) 746-7658

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Jamaican D's Caribbean & American Restaurant

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It’s no wonder that there is frequently a line outside of Jamaican D’s on Chelten Avenue: The caramelized plantains, creamy mac and cheese, and savory collard greens made there are all perfect complements to the shop’s deeply flavored jerk chicken, and the enormous platters will keep one full for days. Customers can preorder online through Grubhub for pickup and delivery.

1265 E Chelten Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19138
(215) 927-7415
(215) 927-7415

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High Street

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The versatile High Street in Center City serves some of the city’s best small plates, pizzas, and pastas that represents the epitome of seasonal New American cuisine (that also explains why everyone started paying attention to Philadelphia’s restaurant scene to begin with).

101 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 625-0988
(215) 625-0988

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Ambra

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Over the course of a two-year closure, Marina de Oliveira and Chris D’Ambro reimagined their high-end Italian restaurant to bring Philadelphia something totally new. Ambra, next to sibling Southwark, welcomes groups of two or four diners into the kitchen for a tasting menu that examines the cuisine from intriguing angles like a house-made crab pasta based on D’Ambro’s family’s summer traditions or a carta di musica inspired by the Queen Village neighborhood’s musical history. At $300 a person (including service and wine), cash only, it’s a splurge that will stay with you long after you leave. Larger groups can also book the dining room for eight to 10 people at a flat price of $2500. It’s the most entertaining dinner party in town.

705 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 858-9232
(267) 858-9232

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Royal Izakaya

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Dining at chef Jesse Ito’s sushi and izakaya restaurant Royal Izakaya is a must for locals and visitors to Philly alike. Every dish — whether in the form of a roll, gyoza, or katsu sandwich — is made to Ito’s exacting standards with the highest-quality ingredients. Diners can do takeout and delivery, or walk in for dinner. The restaurant also has an exquisite omakase bar that you can book online.

780 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
267-909-9002
267-909-9002

Forsythia

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French cuisine is both traditional and experimental at Chef-Proprietor Christopher Kearse’s cozy restaurant in Old City. Succulent duck, bountiful escargot, and the city’s most scrumptious crepes can be found on their self-proclaimed “French AF” menu.

233 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19105
(215) 644-9395
(215) 644-9395

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Zahav

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Zahav, the 2019 James Beard Award winner for best restaurant in the country, first introduced Philly to the delights of Israeli cuisine and its myriad influences more than a decade ago. The restaurant continues to set the standard with its menu of laffa, mezze, and grilled meats and vegetables. In addition to the stellar service, the showstopper at Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook’s restaurant is the pomegranate molasses–braised lamb shoulder, but even something as simple and now-ubiquitous as hummus is genuinely eye-opening here. Reservations for an entire month open at 11 a.m. the first day of each month.

237 St James Pl, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 625-8800
(215) 625-8800
Zahav

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Middle Child Clubhouse

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Philadelphia’s love of sandwiches may be confusing to outsiders, but everyone loves Middle Child. At Middle Child Clubhouse — the second, much bigger restaurant from sandwich legend Matt Cahn — one can still get all the sandwich hits from the first shop, but now with so much more, like imaginative cocktails from Brandon Thrash and a whimsically American dinner menu. Hits include okonomiyaki-style latkes, a house Caesar decked out with Old Bay shrimp, and a hulking bone-in pork chop. The restaurant itself is a great place to hang, too.

1232 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
(267) 858-4325
(267) 858-4325

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Kalaya

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Chef Nok Suntaranon has moved her beloved Italian Market Thai BYOB to a much larger location in Fishtown. Thankfully, everything is as flavorful and fun as expected, including new additions like tropical cocktails. The menu of Southern Thai dishes is longer, so bigger groups will find lots to share, like miang pla phao — a whole grilled branzino served with pineapple, herbs, and rice noodles — or a towering tom yum kalaya with giant river prawns emerging from the fragrant broth. The chic restaurant recently started lunch service on weekends, and small groups can usually find a spot at the bar, but it’s best to book ahead for a table.

4 W Palmer St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 545-2535
(215) 545-2535

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Kim's Restaurant

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In Olney, the unassuming Kim’s Restaurant provides an exceptional Korean barbecue experience. Part of the magic lies in the restaurant’s use of charcoal for the in-table grill, a rarity now that many Korean barbecue spots have switched to gas burners. The allure of meat prepared over a live fire is undeniable, and the service staff makes sure every piece of lamb chop and kalbi beef is perfectly cooked. Bountiful servings of fresh banchan accompany the meal. Make a reservation for a big group, or walk in with a smaller crowd.

5955 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19120
(215) 927-4550
(215) 927-4550

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Cantina La Martina

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Kensington is reimagined in this vibrant Mexican restaurant that’s been both nationally acclaimed and beloved by the neighborhood. There’s generously poured margaritas that’s served with fruit-infused popsicles, baked branzino in a mezcal salted crust, cabrito braised in pulque and agave leaves, countless taco options to choose from, and more.

2800 D St, Philadelphia, PA 19134
(267) 519-2142
(267) 519-2142

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Hearthside

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This popular BYOB in Collingswood has won the hearts of many residents in the neighborhood and throughout the region for their refreshing take on contemporary American cuisine. Chef Dominic Piperno’s wood-fired cooking technique is incomparable on various dishes (such as his Berkshire pork loin, coffee rubbed lamb chops, and astonishing 35 day dry-aged, 28 oz bone-in, prime New York strip).

801 Haddon Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108
(856) 240-1164
(856) 240-1164

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Jim’s West

431 N 62nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19151

When cheesesteaks were served at Jim’s Steaks, they were fairly decent for decades, Now under the new Black ownership of Cortez Johnson and his uncle, a cheesesteak at the renamed Jim’s West is an upgrade beyond measure. Located in the heart of West Philly, these well-portioned cheesesteaks are made with the juiciest chopped ribeye and seasoning that’s memorable. Beyond the previous controversy surrounding its revival, Jim’s West is a spot that both locals and tourists should revisit immediately.

431 N 62nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19151
A large cheesesteak with fried onions and peppers alongside a grill of fried onions
Cheesesteak at Jim’s West.
Jim’s West.

Booker's Restaurant & Bar

5021 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143

After being sold to new owners Tracey and Cheri Syphax in February, this West Philly staple has had a culinary revival unlike any other. Open daily for brunch and dinner, this Black-owned restaurant features soul food classics (such as fried chicken, oxtails, collard greens, and seafood mac and cheese) and exceptional comfort dishes (such as spicy mango salmon, short rib, and grilled lamb chops with a watermelon mint salad).

5021 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 883-0960
(215) 883-0960

Honeysuckle Provisions

310 S 48th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143

From the minds of chefs Cybille St.Aude-Tate and Omar Tate comes Honeysuckle Provisions, an Afrocentric grocer and cafe where the scrapple might be made from black-eyed peas and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is really a slice of house-made Sonoran wheat bread topped with freshly milled single-origin peanut butter, apples, and apple butter. It’s an unabashed celebration of Black foodways with a constantly changing menu. The West Philly space is sunny and airy, but only offers takeout.

310 S 48th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 307-3316
(215) 307-3316

White Yak

6118 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128

While Philadelphia may not boast a preponderance of Tibetan restaurants, as long as husband-and-wife pair Tsering Parshingtsang and Treley Parshingtsang run White Yak in Roxborough, all will be well. The Ridge Avenue restaurant serves a warming mix of hearty, chewy momos — available in meat, chicken, and vegetarian varieties — and Tibetan-style curries, soups, and sauteed dishes. The chilled mung bean noodles are a cooling element to pair with chile chicken, and the thenthuk, a classic Tibetan soup with hand-pulled noodles, is nourishing and delicious.

6118 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128
(215) 483-0764
(215) 483-0764

Jezabel’s

206-208 S 45th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Jezabel Careaga’s Argentinian medialunas, alfajores, empanadas, and other treats are like a song you can’t get out of one’s head: Once tried, prepare to definitely be back for more. Alfresco seats are well suited for a quiet West Philly lunch or breakfast with a cup of tea, or go the takeout or delivery route.

206-208 S 45th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 554-7380
(215) 554-7380

Abyssinia

229 S 45th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104

A West Philly stalwart for Ethiopian cuisine, Abyssinia has long comforted Philadelphians with its array of hearty dishes. Scoop up dishes of spiced chicken and lamb — including several vegetarian and vegan options — with perfectly thin, spongy, slightly sour injera bread. Takeout and delivery are also available.

229 S 45th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 387-2424
(215) 387-2424

Pod

3636 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19104

The return of Pod represents an exemplary culinary comeback in University City. This beloved Stephen Starr mainstay is a classic that must be tried (or revisited) by diners across the region. Whether you go full sushi bar with head chef Kevin Yangaga or try their cool take on other Japanese cuisine (such as their delicious “JFC” aka Japanese Fried Chicken bucket), you’ll discover the reason this hotspot has been impressing Philadelphians for over a decade.

3636 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 387-1803
(215) 387-1803

Southeast Asian Market

South Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19145

The Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park isn’t a restaurant, but in its own way, it’s much more. The market has been holding court in FDR since the ’80s and its stalls offer everything from delicious Thai and Cambodian food to fresh juices and much more. Bring a blanket, grab an array of dishes from some of the best chefs in Philadelphia, and host a picnic of Southeast Asian delights. The market is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., April through October.

South Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19145

Down North Pizza

2804 W Lehigh Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19132

By now, one have likely heard word of the Detroit-style square pies, spicy chicken wings, and flavored lemonades at Down North Pizza in Strawberry Mansion. That’s because the admirable mission of the place — to hire formerly incarcerated workers at fair wages — goes hand in hand with deliciously crispy, delightfully cheesy pizzas to make something special. Whether to end up there to support the mission or to get a taste of the signature “Norf Sauce,” expect to leave satisfied.

2804 W Lehigh Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19132
(215) 377-9787
(215) 377-9787

Friday Saturday Sunday

261 S 21st St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Chad and Hanna Williams’s acclaimed fine-dining restaurant (winner of the 2023 James Beard Award for best restaurant in the country), offers a luxurious eight-course tasting menu, perfectly striking the balance of hospitality and whimsy. Friday Saturday Sunday’s menu is ever-changing and the cocktails are some of the best in town, courtesy of bartender Paul Macdonald. Reservations are necessary.

261 S 21st St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 546-4232
(215) 546-4232

My Loup

2005 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Arguably the most dazzling new restaurant in Philly thus far, My Loup is what happens when you allow an emerging chef like Alex Kemp do his thing, Pleasantly unpredictable, yet somehow very familiar, this Rittenhouse restaurant serves an ever-changing modern French menu that’s hip without sass and ambitious without stuffiness. Whether it’s trying their delicious smoked eel caesar salad or masterfully grilled swordfish with Jimmy Nardello peppers and squid — its a fine-dining experience worth the trip (if you’re lucky enough to get a reservation).

2005 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 239-5925
(267) 239-5925

Restaurant Aleksandar

126 S 19th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Chefs Montana Houston and J’amir Wimberly-Cole have taken Rittenhouse by storm with their inventive and daring take on European cuisine. There’s nothing dull or predictable on their vibrant tasting menu that features scallop paella, tomato panzanella, and unforgettable lacquered duck breast.

126 S 19th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 279-7738
(215) 279-7738
A pork chop with an orange glaze on a plate with a vegetable garnish.
Caraway orange glazed pork chop at Restaurant Aleksandar.
Restaurant Aleksandar

Hardena

1754 S Hicks St, Philadelphia, PA 19145

Diana and Maylia Widjojo hit on something special when they began offering what they call the #NotPizzaBox, a pizza box lined with banana leaves and stuffed to the gills with the Indonesian specialties that have long made Hardena a Philly mainstay. They’ve moved away from that concept for now, but one can still get all those highlights a la carte. No order is complete without fried corn fritters, called bakwan, and a few skewers of richly marinated chicken sate. Be sure to ask for extra cups of their legendary sambal, which is the best in the city.

1754 S Hicks St, Philadelphia, PA 19145
(215) 271-9442
(215) 271-9442

Vernick Fish

1 N 19th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Every city needs a splurge-y date night destination — and Philly is charmed to have James Beard Award-winner Greg Vernick’s Vernick Fish for celebrations big and small. Everything from the raw bar to the small plates to the large dishes like roasted fluke imperial and whole branzino is immaculate. Save room for dessert; those are perfect, too.

1 N 19th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 419-5055
(215) 419-5055

The Love.

130 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Rittenhouse has never been the same since this bubbly restaurant served New American cuisine all week effortlessly. The key to indulging here is not to overthink it — they serve tasty buttermilk fried chicken with collard greens, immaculate braised beef shortrib ragu, and beer batter fried cauliflower. It’s comfort food that’s respected as fine-dining, a delightful experience without all of the fussiness that’s typically associated with Center City restaurants.

130 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 433-1555
(215) 433-1555

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Her Place Supper Club

1740 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Her Place Supper Club is the kind of dinner party everyone wants an invite to, and it’s not hard to see why. Chef Amanda Shulman’s prix-fixe dinner has a limited number of reservations, a rotating menu of extraordinary fine-dining dishes done casually, and a convivial energy that supper clubs are known for. While Shulman’s place started as a pop-up, the restaurant is now a permanent fixture on Sansom Street. Check the restaurant’s website for hard-to-come-by reservations as well as info on times you can walk in.

1740 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Juana Tamale

1941 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148

Jennifer Zavala’s birria taco pop-ups were some of the most exciting to hit Philly over the past few years, so much so that Zavala’s Juana Tamale grew a devoted cult following. Zavala opened a brick-and-mortar location in East Passyunk that’s brightly colored and extremely fun. There, she serves her infamous juicy birria tacos, tamales, and ramen to match. Everything on the menu is worth it.

1941 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 273-0894
(267) 273-0894
Three birria tacos in a red serving tray alongside a slice of lime, a pepper, garnishes, and cups of sauce.
Birria tacos at Juana Tamale.
Juana Tamale.

Rex at the Royal

1524 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19146

South Street hasn’t been the same since this southern/coastal-influenced cuisine hit the block. There’s a lot to appreciate about Rex at the Royal: the New Orleans vibe of the venue, the imaginative cocktails (try the fruity tequila-forward Por Dio), and the exceptional entrees (such as their crab fondue, fried green tomatoes, madeira braised pork shank, and expansive oyster selection) that will make one a fan instantly.

1524 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
(267) 319-1366
(267) 319-1366

Gabriella's Vietnam

1837 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148

After opening her Vietnamese and Thai grill restaurant in Ambler in 2019, chef Thanh Nguyen expanded into the former Saté Kampar space in East Passyunk to serve Vietnamese street food of the highest order. The bánh bèo quảng nam — open-faced dumplings that come served in small decorative bowls — are unreal, and the large-format dishes, from the half-chicken platter to Vietnamese fried winter flounder, will not be a letdown. Come prepared: It’s BYOB.

1837 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(272) 888-3298
(272) 888-3298

Amma's South Indian Cuisine

1518 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Amma’s is a Philly staple, serving aloo bonda with cooling coconut chutney, idli dipped into sambar, masala dosa, and lamb chettinad (a long-cooked lamb dish spiced with coconut and ginger). The Couple’s Combo, which includes chicken and mutton biryani, chicken kuruma, parotta, raitha, raitha, and dessert, is perfect for a date night. The Center City BYOB also has locations in University City and New Jersey.

1518 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 563-2917
(215) 563-2917