Best restaurants in Philadelphia

What’s more, Philadelphia is the same distance from London as New York, is a fraction of the cost when it comes to great hotels, and is also refreshingly walkable. Just be sure to take the advice of locals: come hungry, get ready to be amazed, and be sure to wear stretchy pants!

Jump to:

• Best restaurants in Philadelphia
• Best restaurants for Philly cheesesteaks in Philadelphia
• Best restaurant hubs and markets in Philadelphia
• Best bakeries in Philadelphia
• Best cocktail bars in Philadelphia

Best restaurants in Philadelphia

Suraya

This bustling restaurant – right in the heart of the happening Fishtown neighbourhood – serves up classic and contemporary Levant-inspired dishes. It’s a large, welcoming space with ornate painted tiled floors and a buzzy garden terrace in the back. From the meze menu, the exceptional hummus is served with your choice of toppings like crispy za’atar cauliflower or baharat short rib. There is a host of freshly baked man’oushe Lebanese flatbreads and sandwiches with sumac spiced fries. And the ‘kawarma’ slow-roasted lamb is extraordinary – served with dill yogurt, cucumber and pomegranates. surayaphilly.com

Friday Saturday Sunday

This James Beard Award-winning restaurant – in beautiful Rittenhouse Square – is the creation of Philly-born African-American chef Chad Williams, with his wife Hanna Williams. It’s a stunning space with an open dark wooden bar counter, globe-like hanging lamps and monochrome harlequin diamonds on the floor. The exquisite tasting menu is filled with storytelling, in dishes like Castle Valley Mill grits with Grenada peppers and chestnuts; honeynut squash with labneh and walnut; and black teacake – an artful combination of house-made fromage blanc, preserved rose petals, Meyer lemon gelée and milk skin. fridaysaturdaysunday.com

Vernick Fish

Located in Philadelphia’s cosmopolitan Logan Square, this upmarket ingredient-led seafood and oyster restaurant is a well-loved city institution. Seasonality, local sourcing and sustainability are central to its ethos, with an innovative menu that’s filled with global flavours. The open room is chicly designed with an open kitchen teeming with lively activity that’s thrilling to see. Don’t miss the amberjack crudo with zingy passion fruit, crispy rice and lime; the olive oil poached halibut with maitake mushroom, Jerusalem artichoke and vermouth cream; and the classic shrimp cocktail with a kick of horseradish. Also be sure to check out the streetside caviar kiosk from Biederman’s that’s right outside. vernickfish.com

Mawn

This Cambodian noodle bar in the Italian Market has been the talk of Philly since it opened – serving dishes from across Southeast Asia. It’s a lively intimate space from Cambodian-American chef Phila Lorn and his wife Rachel, with exposed brick walls and a soundtrack of Cambodian rock on the speakers. Kick off with the mahope samut – seared scallops with red curry moke, vinegar peppers, lime leaves and crushed peanuts. Try the classic Mawn noodle soup, a chicken stock with poached breast and thigh, schmaltz and crispy garlic; then finish with a fragrant jasmine rice pudding. mawnphilly.com

Picnic

One of the most spectacular dining rooms in all of Philadelphia, Picnic – in East Kensington – is housed in a former brewery and specialises in wood-fired rotisserie, oysters and unique wines. The organic rotisserie chicken is served with a choice of flavourful sauces like anchovy salsa verde, pickled pepper aïoli and roasted garlic chicken jus. Vegetarian plates include the delicious grilled cabbage with jalapeño dressing, brown butter and gouda. And for dessert try the famous chocolate cake with whipped cream, caramel and candied pecans. picnicphilly.com

Dizengoff

No trip to Philadelphia is complete without sampling the food of Philly chef Mike Solomonov (@mikesolomonov) at his iconic restaurants like Zahav and Laser Wolf. Dizengoff is his more casual place in the heart of Centre City – a brightly coloured restaurant specialising in ultra-creamy loaded hummus, stuffed homemade pittas and platters. Try the hummus pitryot with mushrooms, amber spice and dill; the shawarma-spiced lamb with sumac and tahini; and the remarkably tasty citrus olive oil cake with sachlav whipped cream and blood orange. It's also known for cocktails enlivened with za’atar, Turkish coffee and chai. dizengoffphilly.com

Vedge

Often touted as one of the best vegan restaurants in America, Vedge is a plant-based modern dining restaurant from chefs Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby. The ‘medium plates’ menu changes with the seasons, following what’s best in the markets and farms they source from. The inventive smoked portobello mushroom carpaccio has a caper dressing, nigella seeds and fennel remoulade; ‘campfire carrots’ are served with BBQ black lentils, smoked carrot mustard and slaw; and salt roasted chioggia beets are contrasted with lemon tahini, cucumber zhoug and mint. This celebration of vegetables extends to the cocktail list which has creations like their Sea Legs – mezcal with sugar snap pea; and Black Lodge – a mix of reposado tequila, genepi liqueur and beet shrub. vedgerestaurant.com

Best restaurants for Philly cheesesteaks in Philadelphia

Pat’s King of Steaks

The invention of Philly cheesesteak is most often credited to Pat Olivieri, an Italian hot-dog stand owner who in 1930 started to serve up chopped steak with grilled onions and cheese – which quickly exploded into the culinary icon it is today. Their legendary corner restaurant on East Passyunk Avenue always has a queue – so be sure to decide what you want before you get to the front! Your first decision is ‘wit or wit-out’ onions. Then you have to pick a cheese: provolone, American, cooper sharp or bright yellow cheez wiz. Then if you want any additions like mushrooms or peppers, or cheese fries if you want it even cheesier. Geno’s Steaks is their rival right across the street – which opened in 1966 – and who claim to have the ‘best’ cheesesteak in town. Take a bite of both, and decide for yourself! patskingofsteaks.com

Jim’s South Street

This well-loved cheese steak institution can be found on a striking corner of South Street – the eclectic alternative Philly neighbourhood close to the Delaware river. Established in 1976, its iconic art-deco façade is contrasted by the inside seating area which is a riot of colourful tiled mosaics on every surface from renowned Philadelphia-based artist Isaiah Zagar. As well as classic cheesesteaks, it also offers the option of cooked mushrooms and bell peppers. You can also sprinkle over a sachet of its ‘South Street Heat’ spice dust from Saint Lucifer – with garlic, paprika and habanero pepper. jimssouthstreet.com

Angelo's Pizzeria

Yes, you did read that correctly. This South Philly pizzeria – on the edges of the Italian Market – has become social media famous for serving up one of the best Philly cheesesteaks in the city. Connoisseurs point out that it’s a combination of quality rib-eye steak, a very specific seasoning, good bread and the cheese-to-steak ratio that makes it so good. Thanks to its viral fame, the queue almost always goes down the street, but you can order by phone and collect if you want to jump the line. Their eponymous pizza and loaded hoagie sandwiches are also equally delicious! angelospizzeriasouthphiladelphia.com

Uncle Gus Steaks

The action-packed Philly cheesesteak grills at Uncle Gus are one of the must-visit counters in Reading Terminal Market. Everything here is done classically, with very generous portions and excellent bread from Angelo's Pizzeria. Steak is ‘medium chop’ – so it still has some bite and is not too fine like at other cheesesteak establishments. You can ask for the addition of mushrooms, long hot or cherry peppers. instagram.com/unclegussteaks/

Best restaurant hubs and food markets in Philadelphia

Reading Terminal Market

There are more than 80 vendors at Reading Terminal Market – one of America’s largest public markets that has been housed in its current National Historic Landmark building since 1893. The choice of foods to try is almost overwhelming, so be sure to come hungry and eager to try a little something from as many as possible. Check out seafood specialities at Pearl’s Oyster Bar; iconic roast pork and broccoli rabe sandwiches at DiNics; Georgian cheeseboats at Saami Somi; and American soul food at Ma Lessie’s Chicken & Waffles. For a sweet treat, the hand-dipped chocolates at Mueller Chocolate Co are divine, the cookies at Famous 4^th Street Cookie Company a Philly classic, and the exquisite dessert counters of Termini Brothers Bakery something not to miss! readingterminalmarket.org

Frankford Avenue in Fishtown

Fishtown is one of the hippest and most exciting food neighbourhoods in America right now – buzzing with artisanal bakeries (Fiore), trendy BBQ joints (Zig Zag BBQ), award-winning restaurants (Kalaya), champions of global street food (Amy’s Pastelillos), ethically minded grocers (Riverwards Produce), craft breweries (Philadelphia Brewing Company) and urban wineries (Mural City Cellars). The length of Frankford Avenue is its main thoroughfare – from which many side streets are their own mini pockets of culinary cool. Celebrity chef Jen Caroll (@chefjencarroll) offers up culinary food tour adventures of the area, taking you to the latest openings and giving unrivalled access to the chefs and culinary creatives that are making the area thrive.

Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park

One of the most brilliantly unique aspects of Philadelphia’s culinary scene is the weekly Southeast Asian Market in Franklin D. Roosevelt Park (FDR) – an outdoor festival of delicious food and drink that welcomes everyone into its vibrant, community-minded space. There are more than 70 diasporic vendors every week, the majority specialising in Cambodian, Vietnamese and Laotian cuisines with a handful of Thai and Indonesian vendors also. Try Southeast Asian specialities like Cambodian sour pork sausage from a smoking grill, crispy pork rice from Laos, made-to-order Thai papaya salads and Vietnamese BBQ skewers. There are also incredible sweets to try like bamboo cooked coconut rice, and pandan-coconut milk noodles with water chestnuts. They also have weekly guest pop-up stalls - follow their Instagram page @seamarket_fdrpark for all the details. fdrseamarket.com

9^th Street Italian Market & East Passyunk Avenue

Philadelphia’s Italian community has a long history – and remains one of the most thriving diasporas in the city. The Italian market on 9^th Street is their culinary heartland, a buzzing parade of speciality delis (Di Bruno Bros), pasta restaurants (Ralph's), butchers (Cappucio’s Meats), and Italian bakeries (Sarcone's). The south end of the market is also home to brilliant traders from countries like Mexico and Honduras including the unmissable South Philly Barbacoa from chef Cristina Martinez. Eventually this turns into East Passyunk Avenue – with Pat’s and Geno's Steakhouses marking the intersection. East Passyunk Avenue itself is lined with trendy independent natural wine bars (Supérette), small-batch ice cream shops (Milk Jawn) and casual all-day restaurants (Barcelona). Be sure to check out the delicious Vietnamese restaurant Gabriella's right at the very end. italianmarketphilly.org

Best bakeries in Philadelphia

The Bakeshop on 20^th

This bijoux bakery – just a block away from picturesque Rittenhouse Square – serves some of the most delicious sweet treats in the city. It's especially known for glazed morning and sticky buns, freshly baked soft-chewy cookies and exceptional homemade flaky pastry pop tarts filled with flavours like tart cherry. Plus, deep-filled sandwiches, fresh baked scones and blueberry or Nutella-filled muffins. bakeshopon20th.com

K’Far Cafe

This bakery – whose name means 'village' in Hebrew – is another of Philly legend Mike Solomonov’s establishments. It’s a bright, buzzy space that specialises in pastries like chocolate rugelach, marzipan challah danishes and babka. The Jerusalem bagels come with inventive fillings like the ‘labneh trio’ with za’atar, sumac, and honey pistachio-flecked curds. Their coffee comes from Ox Coffee and they also have a lovely outside seating area if it’s sunny. kfarcafe.com

Dream World Bakes

Nestled on a quiet, unassuming corner of trendy Fishtown is Dream World Bakes from the exceptionally talented Ashley Huston. Her inventive cakes include creations like Baby Spice with cardamom cake, passionfruit curd and mango-chai mousse; Cherry Cherry with brown butter cake, black and sour cherry pie filling and dark chocolate sea salt mousse; and Strawberry-Matcha with condensed milk buttercream. Save space for her exceptional thin-crunchy chocolate-chip and walnut cookies that are shatteringly crispy on the outside and pleasingly chewy in the middle. dreamworldbakes.com

Shane Confectionery

Located in the heart of historic Old Philly, the enchanting Shane Confectionery is America’s oldest confectionery shop. It’s a beautiful and charming place to visit, with baby blue counters, vintage tills and an antique hot-chocolate bar in the back. Today it specialises in ethically made chocolates – with playful bars like their Harmoni-yum cherry pistachio-praline bar; house-dipped pretzels; homemade peanut butter cups and craft bon bons with flavours like yuzu cream, honey-sesame and wild rose. Don’t miss their sister ice cream and soda parlor Franklin Fountain two doors down, that’s just as historic, captivating and unique. shanecandies.com

Best cocktail bars in Philadelphia

Lovers Bar at Friday Saturday Sunday

The cocktail list at the Lovers Bar in restaurant Friday Saturday Sunday by Chad Williams is so inventive it’s been James Beard nominated. It’s a classy, vibey space for discerning drinkers and those seeking adventurous, flavour-forward drinks. They’re famous for cocktails like the Assassin’s Handbook with cognac, Jamaican rum, Averna, mulled wine shrub and habanero; Sob Story with Torino vermouth, coconut rum and arrack; and the room temperature-served Ekling with bourbon, pear eu di vie and allspice. instagram.com/theloversbar/

a.bar

This intimate, cosy cocktail bar – right on Rittenhouse Square – is the perfect place to get your evening started. They serve up an innovative drinks list and French-inspired food from their sister restaurant a.kitchen right next door. Along side creative inventions like their Train to Nowhere – a mix of Oka Kura gin, Japanese plum, miso-infused honey, Cocchi Americano and lemon cordial – they also serve up a menu of forgotten classics and old time favourites. Try the adonis – the manhattan’s older and easier-to-drink cousin; their light-floral take on an aviation; and their take on an old fashioned with absinthe and cherry bitters. abarphl.com

Sky High

The view from Sky High bar at the top of the Four Seasons Hotel in Logan Square is spectacular – taking in the skyline of the city with thrilling style. The space itself is a bright spacious parlour with glass windows on every side, mirrored arches, comfortable sofas and gigantic floral displays. Try delicious cocktails like their Lychee Raspberry Bellini with De Perrier crémant; the Agace Negroni with Banhez Mezcal, Mi Campo tequila and Carpano Antica; or the Cucumber Collins with Bluecoat Gin, Onó sotol, and Ancho Reyes Verde poblano liqueur. The view is completely different at every hour – being particularly special just as the sun comes down. skyhighphiladelphia.com

Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co

This atmospheric speakeasy – hidden behind a secret unmarked door in the lobby of The Franklin on Rittenhouse Hotel – is a great place to come for a night cap. It has a dark, sultry vibe with cosy nooks, a large open bar and vintage-feeling brown leather chairs. The cocktail list is divided into ‘light & refreshing’, ‘boozy & direct’, ‘long & carbonated’, or the most unusual but equally delicious ‘odd & fun’. Try the Self Made Monster – with Ford’s Gin, persimmon, almond, Cocchi Americano and orange bitters. thefranklinbar.com