Are you looking for the best restaurants in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania? You are in the right place.
Philadelphia is one of the best food cities in the United States, and honestly, it deserves far more attention than it gets.
Beyond the famous cheesesteaks, the city is packed with incredible restaurants ranging from historic Italian spots to cozy brunch cafes and everything else in between.
From iconic local institutions to modern favourites, these are the Philadelphia restaurants truly worth visiting.
The Best Restaurants In Philadelphia For Every Kind Of Food Lover
Pat’s King of Steaks
What To Order: Classic Philly cheesesteak with onions and provolone.
There’s no other way to start a list of the best Philadelphia restaurants than with the original Philly Cheesesteak restaurant.
Pat’s King of Steaks is said to be the ‘Inventor and Originator’ of the cheesesteak sandwich.
The restaurant started as a hot dog stand in 1930.
But when a customer tried a steak sandwich that owner Pat Olivier was making for himself, he suggested the switch to selling steak sandwiches instead of hot dogs.
Pat took the recommendation seriously, and the Philly Cheesesteak was born.
Now, 90 years later, Pat’s is still family-run and at its original and only location, in South Philadelphia.
They are open 24/7, and their menu includes a variety of Cheesesteaks, a Fish Cake Sandwich, Fries, and Hot Dogs.
That makes it one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia.
Zahav Is One Of The Most Famous Restaurants In Philadelphia
What To Order: The hummus and lamb shoulder.
Zahav is arguably the restaurant that put Philadelphia’s modern food scene on the national map.
This award-winning Israeli restaurant is known for its incredible hummus, grilled meats, warm pita, and beautifully layered flavours.
Reservations can be difficult to get, but many people consider it one of the best dining experiences in the city.
Enjoy Parisian Bistro Food At Parc
What To Order: French onion soup and steak frites.
Parc is a French Bistro-style Philadelphia restaurant on S. 18th Street.
There are bistro tables along the sidewalk where you can sit and people-watch while you enjoy a delicious meal.
Inside the restaurant, you’ll find a charming European-inspired space with bistro tables, dark wood, and cream-colored walls, and art scattered throughout the space.
They offer lunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekends.
On the menu, you’ll find delicious options like Beef Bourguignon, Pasta Jardiniere, and Tuna Carpaccio.
As one of the best brunch options in Philadelphia, their brunch menu has Eggs Benedict, French Toast, and Quiche Lorraine.
If you’re looking to enjoy some wonderful French cuisine, you’ll love Parc.
Reading Terminal Market Is A Food Lover’s Dream
What To Do: A roast pork sandwich and fresh doughnuts.
Reading Terminal Market is one of the most famous food halls in the United States and an essential stop for anyone visiting Philadelphia.
You will find everything from cheesesteaks and roast pork sandwiches to fresh doughnuts, Amish baked goods, seafood, and international food stalls.
It is chaotic in the best possible way.
Angelo’s Serves Some Of The Best Cheesesteaks In Philadelphia
What To Order: Cheesesteak with Cooper Sharp cheese.
Over the past few years, Angelo’s has developed an almost cult-like following for its cheesesteaks and pizza.
The bread is made fresh in-house, and the sandwiches are packed with flavour, making this one of the most talked-about food spots in Philadelphia right now.
Best Restaurants in Philadelphia: Han Dynasty Is Famous For Its Spicy Sichuan Food
What To Order: Dan dan noodles and dry pepper chicken.
The original Philadelphia location of the Han Dynasty opened in 2009.
This was after owner Han had successfully opened two other restaurants in the suburbs of Philly.
Now you can find Han Dynasty in the suburbs of Philly, and Han recently opened locations in NYC.
Han Dynasty quickly became known as the best Philadelphia restaurant for authentic and spicy Szechuan food.
Han Dynasty is best enjoyed if you enjoy spicy food.
They do have non-spicy menu items, but their customer favorites and easily their best dishes are all a bit spicy.
The menu includes Spicy Crispy Cucumbers, Dan Dan Noodles, Dry Pepper Style proteins, and Lo Mein and Fried Rice.
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Fork Is One Of The Best Upscale Restaurants In Philadelphia
What To Order: Whatever seasonal pasta or seafood dish is featured.
You can find Fork in the popular Philadelphia tourist district, Old City.
They are open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, for lunch Wednesday through Friday, and for weekend brunches.
While reservations are not required, I highly suggest getting reservations if you want to try this amazing Philly restaurant.
If you stop by for lunch or dinner, you’ll find menu items like Rosemary and Thyme Foccacia, Pennsylvania Whole Rainbow Trout, and Coconut Custard.
They are also one of the best brunch options in Philadelphia, especially if you want to spend the day in Old City.
The brunch menu includes a Zaatar Danish, Chilled Melon Soup, Porchetta Benedict, and a Crispy Skate Sandwich.
Fork is a great place to enjoy dinner in Philadelphia if you want to try elevated American fare.
Best Restaurants in Philadelphia: Grindcore House Is A Must For Vegan Coffee Lovers
What To Order: A vegan breakfast sandwich and iced coffee.
Grindcore House is a very unique coffee shop with locations in South Philly and West Philly.
While you enjoy vegan coffee house classics, you will also be rocking out to heavy metal music.
Yes, that’s right, this completely vegan coffee shop is a lively morning coffee stop thanks to the heavy metal music they have playing.
It’s one of the things that makes Grindcore House so unique, and people love coming back to enjoy the fun and unique atmosphere.
They offer specialty drinks with fun names like the Swamp Thing, or classics like Lattes, Cappuccinos, and hot and iced tea.
Their food menu is full of vegan sandwiches like the Classic Breakfast Sandwich.
They also have baked goods like Zucchini Bread, Sweet Potato Bread, or Blueberry Coffee Cake.
Grindcore House is one of the best vegan restaurants in Philadelphia, PA.
Butcher And Singer Brings Old-School Glamour To Philadelphia
What To Order: Filet mignon and truffle mac and cheese.
The Butcher and Singer is one of the top restaurants in Philadelphia.
You can visit the Butcher and Singer restaurant for dinner Thursday through Sunday only.
Reservations are not required but are highly suggested.
This classic steakhouse is designed to resemble a stunning Old Hollywood-style steakhouse.
Think 1940s era Hollywood glitz and glamour, paired with delicious steaks, and you’ve got Butcher and Singer.
You’ll feel like a celebrity of a bygone era while you enjoy one of the amazing menu items.
The menu includes different cuts of steak, of course.
But you’ll find appetizers and entrees that don’t center around steak as well.
They also have a Raw Bar, Twin Lobster Tails, and Roast Chicken.
Finish your meal with a dessert, like the Turtle Cheesecake or Creme Brule paired with a local wine or coffee.
Huda Is One Of Philadelphia’s Best Casual Lunch Spots
What To Order: The chicken shawarma sandwich.
If you’re looking for something quick while you’re walking around exploring Philly, try Huda.
Huda is a ‘fast casual’ restaurant on S 18th Street that specializes in unique and delicious sandwiches.
Don’t let the term ‘fast casual’ shouldn’t scare you off!
The sandwiches may be made for you quickly, but after one bite, you’ll know it’s nothing like other restaurants that are considered ‘fast casual’.
All of Huda’s sandwiches are made on their homemade Milk Buns, and the sandwiches are ‘seasonal’.
That means that they use seasonal ingredients to create their one-of-a-kind menu options.
Keep that in mind when you plan on visiting. If you want to try something in particular, you may want to make sure it’s still on the menu.
Huda is easily one of the top restaurants in Philadelphia for the perfect meal on the go.
Sri’s Company Serves Some Of The Most Unique Food In Philadelphia
What To Order: The tasting menu, if available.
At Sri’s Company, you’ll be able to try a different kind of cuisine.
You don’t typically see Sri Lankan food at many places, but that is what Sri’s Company specializes in.
It is an incredibly popular restaurant in Philly that has been open since early 2021.
Currently, Sri’s Company is on the lookout for a permanent storefront.
That means that if you want to try their amazing Sri Lankan comfort food, you’ll need to pay attention to their schedule.
They frequently host ‘pop-up’ events or are featured at different venues.
On their menu, they have classic Sri Lankan comfort foods like Dhal Curry, Katta Sambol, and Milk Toffee.
Goldie Is One Of The Best Vegan Fast-Casual Restaurants In Philadelphia
What To Order: Falafel sandwich and a tahini shake.
For a quick vegan meal on the go, head to Goldie.
Goldie makes fresh-to-order Vegan Falafel, French Fries, and Tahini Shakes.
All of the Falafel is Israeli-style and also includes Israeli salad and other toppings tucked into a warm pita.
Each sandwich is built when you order it, so you won’t be eating anything that’s been sitting under a heat lamp.
The combination of delicious vegan ingredients and fresh produce has made Goldie one of the most popular vegan restaurants in Philadelphia, PA.
There are three locations scattered throughout the city.
Each of them has a different opening schedule, so keep that in mind if you plan to grab a quick vegan bite to eat.
Federal Donuts Is Famous For Fried Chicken And Doughnuts
What To Order: Fried chicken with cinnamon sugar doughnuts.
Federal Donuts is a Philly-based donut chain.
They opened their first restaurant in 2011, and now there are six stand-alone locations, two locations in Whole Foods, and even stands in Philly sports arenas.
Federal Donuts grew so quickly because they are so good.
The donuts are ‘old-fashioned style,’ and they offer a selection of Classic and Fancy Donuts.
There are also seasonal flavors, a selection of Coffees and Teas, and some locations have an extended menu.
On the extended menu, you’ll find absolutely delicious Fried Chicken, Breakfast Sandwiches, Wings, and Fries.
A popular item, in particular, is their Zataar Spiced Chicken and Fries.
Federal Donuts is easily one of the top restaurants in Philly.
Vedge Is One Of The Best Vegan Restaurants In Philadelphia
What To Order: Rutabaga fondue and stuffed avocado.
Vedge is located in an old Philadelphia brownstone mansion in Center City.
The restaurant is open for dinner from Tuesday through Sunday and is completely vegan.
Reservations are not required, but it’s an incredibly popular Philly restaurant, so they are highly suggested.
Their menu includes a selection of small plates that have been expertly crafted.
You can try the Celery Root Rillettes, Braised Market Greens, Spicy Dan Dan Noodles, and Ssamjang Tofu.
They also serve desserts like Halva Cheesecake and Persian Love Cake that pair perfectly with a selection from their wine menu.
Jim’s South St. Is Another Legendary Cheesesteak Spot
What To Order: Classic cheesesteak with fried onions.
Philadelphians and visitors are all very particular and split on where you’ll find the best cheesesteak.
While Pat’s is the original creator of the Philly Cheesesteak, there have been many competitors throughout the years.
One of those competitors that people love is Jim’s Steaks.
Jim’s opened in 1976 on South Street and instantly became one of the top restaurants in Philadelphia to get a Philly Cheesesteak.
Their menu is pretty simple.
There is a variety of Cheesesteaks, of course.
But they also have a selection of hoagies.
Popular options are the Special Italian, the Prosciutto and Cheese, and Turkey and Cheese.
If you want to try one of the best Philly Cheesesteaks or Hoagies, try Jim’s Steaks, easily one of the most popular Philly restaurants.
Famous 4th Street Delicatessen Serves Huge Classic Deli Food
What To Order: Pastrami sandwich and matzo ball soup.
The Famous 4th Street Delicatessen is famous for a reason.
They have been open in Philadelphia since 1923, and even though it changed hands in the early 2000s, the restaurant remains a favorite.
Along the walls of this restaurant in Philadelphia, you’ll see photos of famous patrons, including President Barack Obama in 2010.
It is a Jewish Delicatessen that features classic, homemade menu items and is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Their menu is absolutely massive and includes items like Hot Pastrami Overstuffed Sandwiches, Corned Beef Reuben Sandwiches, and Burgers and Cheesesteaks.
They also have Kugel, Kishka, and Potato Pancakes.
The Famous 4th Street Delicatessen is the go-to place for a classic Jewish Deli experience!
Restaurants in Philly: Essentials Packing List
Here are my tips on how to pack lightly. using a carry-on when traveling. And WHY it is almost a necessity!
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves are another solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry on all my trips.
Don’t forget Apple AirTags to track your luggage. (Whether you fly or drive.)
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.
It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.
These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful at pools or spas you happen to visit along the way.
These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.
For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.
Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.
This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.
If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.
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