Among the numerous Eastern European offerings in Northeast Philadelphia, Georgian cuisine has been rapidly growing. Located in the building formerly occupied by Cafe Lava, Gamarjoba stands out for its size and outdoor patio — open all year round and heated in the winter. Well known for their baked goods and breads, the khachapuri ajaruli (cheese boat) is a must have in Georgian cuisine as well as their walnut stuffed peppers. For Uzbek, Suzani Restaurant on Welsh Road — with its patchwork tapestry ceiling — should also be on your list. 

Like the rest of Philly, it’s easy to find Italian restaurants in the Northeast, but P Square stands out. Set behind upscale Italian standby Macaroni’s, this attractive glass-enclosed patio lounge has its own large bar and a menu of Neapolitan-style fare, including wood-fired pizzas and wings, and polished entrees featuring local fish and handmade pasta.

Originally established in 1898, Joseph’s recently underwent an ownership change with the owners of Gaul and Co. taking over this classic Northeast Pizza Parlor. Only recently reopened, owner Matt Yeck spent months working on the recipe for every aspect of his pies while also maintaining the antique interior which includes ceiling mounted stained glass. You won’t go wrong with a pie topped with pepperoni that turns into cups in the oven, topped with a hot honey drizzle.

Call ahead or be prepared to wait at Dattilo’s, a corner store full of imported and house-made Italian delicacies. Behind the cases of marinated artichokes, roasted peppers, and mushrooms is where the hoagie magic happens. Chewy, seeded rolls are baked in-house and stacked with generous layers of thinly sliced deli meat, fresh mozzarella, and Dattilo’s dressing. Don’t skip the filled-to-order cannoli. Dattilo’s also serves up one of the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia.

Occupying the location of the former Blue Duck and subsequent Culture on the Circle, Café Carmela has quickly become one of the most popular restaurants in the area. While their pizza is some of the best in Northeast Philadelphia and pasta dishes like the bolognese will satisfy your palate, it’s their cheesesteak that has arguably made the biggest splash of all their dishes and is made with Cafe Carmela’s own creamy cheese mix.

Just steps from the Torresdale train station, Three Monkeys serves a large menu of gastropub fare in a few different “habitats,” including a Victorian dining room, a turn of the century hand carved bar, and a kitschy-fun outdoor area. The colorful, Key West-themed Tree Bar and Monkey Court stay open late on weekends for all your tropical drink needs or early weekend mornings for brunch.

In 2019, the Better Box owner Tamekah Bost decided to expand her unique food-truck cuisine into a brick-and-mortar location in the Holmesburg section of the Northeast. The menu centers on a variety of delicious crunchy eggrolls such as the firecracker salmon roll and the cheesesteak inspired Philly twist. Although the egg rolls take center stage, the sweet potato cheesecake dip is an item you can’t miss. When available on weekends, you also can’t go wrong with the breakfast sandwiches served on a sweet potato biscuit and drizzled with a cinnamon sauce.

Steve’s is easily the top cheesesteak shop in Northeast Philly and consistently ranks highly among its counterparts citywide. Thin slices of beef (not chopped!), melted American cheese or whiz, and a good roll have made this small, window-service eatery a go-to for locals since 1980. Get your steak to go or take it to the shop’s long counter and do the Philly lean. Pro tip: Get a side of thick-cut, crispy cheese fries.

During the day, dim sum is the name of the game at China Gourmet, where rolling carts pass out all manner of colorful dumplings, buns, rice dishes, and more. For dinner at this big, bustling Cantonese restaurant, the kitchen specializes in entrees like Peking duck and seafood, including lobster, from tanks that line the walls. For a smaller, more intimate dinner, nearby Jade Harbor on Bustleton has some of the best Peking duck in the city.

This Brazilian-style churrascaria, with its barbecued steak and other meats cut table-side from large skewers, draws in the crowds thanks to its price point (in the $30 range), big salad bar, and BYO policy. Nearby, Broncos Brazilian Steakhouse is worth trying too, especially for just $25 a person.

The heydey of great diners in the Northeast has ended, but the Mayfair Diner is still kicking. This 24-hour eatery is the place to go for breakfast all day, matzo ball soup, and old school classics like french dip sandwiches. Founded in 1932, Mayfair Diner is celebrating 90 years  in business. Rubbing elbows with a national politician is a possibility here — ever since President Kennedy dropped in during his 1960 campaign.Other public figures have been known to visit, including President Obama in 2008 while campaigning in Philly.

Serving some of the best American barbecue around, Sweet Lucy’s has been going strong just off I-95 for almost 15 years. The hickory-smoked meat is cooked low and slow to create crave-able pulled pork, brisket, ribs, chicken, and sausages. Add in some vinegary barbecue sauce, spicy collards, and mashed sweet potatoes for an ideal Southern meal right in the Northeast.