Philadelphia Restaurants
We’ve been spending a fair amount of time in Philadelphia recently. The food scene there is vibrant, exciting, and underrated. Below is a list of our favorites—everything from culinary institutions to ice cream shops and hidden gems. Also featured is the one famous restaurant we found to be incredibly overrated… as well as where you can find the best cheesesteaks in the entire city.
Our 10 standouts…
Her Place Supper Club: Best Tasting Menu
Her Place offers a set menu that changes every other week. With seatings at 6:00 and 8:30, dining there is an experience—long but fun, with the chefs interacting with the guests. Seats book up two weeks in advance when they open, and the menu is posted on their Instagram.
Double Knot: Best Sushi
Double Knot has the best sushi in Philadelphia. This moody staple offers a selection of hand rolls, classic rolls, and robatayaki. The tuna rice cracker is a must-try! They also have DK Sushi at Franklin's Table on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus, which serves tasty sushi in a cute to-go box.
Fiorella: Best Italian
Fiorella is one of my favorite spots, easily earning a place in my top ten for Philly. It is a cozy, authentic Italian joint that is quite small, with limited indoor seating and a few tables outside. Reservations can be tough to secure, but they open at 4 PM if you're willing to dine early. The pasta is absolutely delicious! They also offer private event hosting.
Zahav: Best Israeli
Arguably Philadelphia’s most well-known restaurant, Zahav is exceptionally hard to get into—for good reason. They serve a delicious set menu that almost never changes, with dishes like jasmine rice with pistachios and the lamb shoulder. It is difficult to make a reservation there; that being said, Zahav is a special, ‘once in a while’ experience—definitely not somewhere you dine more than once every couple of months.
Jean-Georges: Best View
Stylish but authentic, this Jean-Georges restaurant is located atop the Four Seasons, the tallest building in Philadelphia. The atmosphere is upscale but not over the top, making it a great spot for a special night out. There is an a la carte menu and two tasting menus. I prefer the tasting menus, as I thought the dishes were a bit more special.
Alpen Rose: Tied for Best Steakhouse
Of the three steakhouses on this list, Alpen Rose has the coolest vibe. The experience starts the moment you arrive—you knock on the front door, which is kept locked, and a small panel opens before the host lets you in, giving it a speakeasy-like feel. The food is excellent, with standout sides, and reservations tend to book up far in advance.
Barclay Prime: Tied for Best Steakhouse
With an amazing menu, Barclay Prime has the best food out of the top steakhouses in Philadelphia. The cheesesteaks are the must-order, and the mac and cheese is ridiculous. The decor is modern and stylish.
Kalaya: Best Thai
Located in Fishtown, Kalaya is another Philly hotspot. They’ve never seated me exactly on time—always a bit of a wait—but it’s worth it for the food. The dishes are absolutely delicious, though knowing what you're ordering in advance is important. For example, the lamb and goat curry is incredibly spicy—much spicier than anything else on the menu—so it can be a bit of a shock if you’re not prepared! Don’t be surprised if someone at the table ends up in tears from the heat. The atmosphere feels almost tropical, with many plants, natural woods, and wide-open spaces.
Angelo’s: Best Cheesesteaks
Angelo's has the best cheesesteaks and pizza in Philadelphia. It’s a cash-only establishment, so come prepared. Arriving early is a must, too, as they often run out of cheesesteaks. The phone line often gets jammed, so don’t bother trying to call ahead.
Vernick Fish: Best Seafood
Vernick Fish is the best seafood spot in the city. The menu features delicious American seafood dishes, and the space itself is lovely. During my last visit, I couldn't help but notice the floral arrangements—they had a modern, elevated feel that stood out from typical restaurant décor. With its large tables, getting a reservation on short notice is often easier than at other restaurants. It is located on the ground floor of the Comcast Center, it’s perfect for a last-minute seafood craving.
Laser Wolf: Most Overrated
I was really looking forward to Laser Wolf, but it ended up being the biggest disappointment for me. The flavors of the salatim didn’t impress, and the rest of the food was just average—I'd rate it a B at best.
Some Honorable Mentions…
Middle Child
Middle Child is a go-to spot for sandwiches—one of the rare places where you can order a great sandwich for $12-$13 and even get it delivered. Their gluten-free bread is delicious, too.
Middle Child Clubhouse
Located in Fishtown, Middle Child Clubhouse is a laid-back spot with a cool atmosphere, complete with a pool table and bar. The menu is diverse—you can enjoy sandwiches or opt for dinner, which is consistently solid. Their burger is a standout. Breakfast and lunch are served until 2 PM, and dinner starts at 5 PM. The breakfast is a real highlight, featuring an incredible giant pancake, a latke hashbrown with trout, and some of the best specialty lattes in the city. If you come for breakfast on a Saturday, be prepared to wait, as it's first come, first serve. Once, we went around ten and ended up waiting forty-five minutes—which says something about how much we love their food!
Illata
Illata is a cozy neighborhood restaurant that is all about the food. The menu, which is ten items and two desserts, constantly changes. The last time I was there, I tried everything on the menu. It is BYOB, and the portions are on the small side—so bring a bottle of wine and be prepared to order a few dishes!
Harp & Crown
With pizzas, small plates, and a tasting menu option, Harp & Crown is one of the more multifunctional restaurants in Philly, perfect for a date or big group dinner. The space is rustic with a modern flare, complete with a bowling alley and an additional bar downstairs (available for rent for private parties). Portions are small, so be prepared to order a few different dishes. They also serve a famously good brunch!
Suraya
Suraya is a consistently delicious Mediterranean spot located in Fishtown. It has a beautiful interior and a garden on the back patio, which I prefer when the weather is warm out, and dining there is something to relish. In addition to lunch and dinner, they offer a brunch tasting menu on the weekends. The eggplant and hummus are musts!
Butcher and Singer
Whereas Alpen Rose is a little trendier, Butcher and Singer is your typical, old-fashioned steakhouse. In addition to classic staples, they also offer seafood and an incredible dessert menu.
Prunella
This trendy but low-key Italian spot serves the best Caesar salad in all of Philadelphia. The space is on the smaller side, with tables only large enough to fit four—so it is ideal for a date night or an intimate group dinner. The artichokes are a must-order, and their whipped ricotta dish is heavenly.
Wm. Mulherin’s Sons
This delicious Italian spot somehow pairs cozy, rustic decor with a modern edge. It is the perfect place for a date or large group dinner. Their Brussels sprout toast is a must!
Little Fish BYOB
Little Fish is an incredible and intimate culinary experience for seafood lovers—there is truly no place like it! Be sure to bring some white wine and order the scallop toast.
John’s Water Ice
John’s Water Ice is a Philadelphia institution known for its authentic ‘water ice,’ a kind of frozen water blended with flavoring. It is delicious, especially with some ice cream added in, and perfect for a hot day.
1-900-Ice-Cream
For the best soft-serve, head to 1-900-Ice-Cream in Fishtown or Rittenhouse. They also offer scooped ice cream, but the soft-serve is the thing to get. Though the interior of the Rittenhouse location lacks any real vibe or ambiance, it is worth a stop! Be prepared for a slow-moving line and a grab-and-go situation.
