New Restaurants in Philadelphia

From cozy BYOBs to cutting-edge cuisine and sultry cocktail bars, Philadelphia has it all. So the city’s strong showing in the James Beard nominations this year is no surprise. Check out these new restaurants in Philadelphia.

Center City

This bustling business district is home to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, major hotels, and some of the city’s most sought-after dining destinations. The culinary scene in Center City is like its inhabitants – innovative, ambitious, and passionate.

High Street Philly

Address: 101 S 9th Street

Ellen Yin, who recently took home the national James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurateur, brings back her award-winning High Street concept by expanding the takeout version. Look for the outstanding breads, pizzas, and pasta the award-winning concept is known for, plus cocktails and a welcoming room to savor it all.

Kichi Omakase

Address: 112 S 12th Street

Looking for a quality omakase experience for under $100? Head to this Washington Square West newcomer, where chef Jeremy Zhu serves 15 courses in under an hour, a concept he modeled after his experience as a sushi chef in New York City.

Loch Bar Philadelphia

Address: 301 S Broad Street

Conveniently located across the street from the Kimmel Cultural Campus, this swanky new spot in the luxury Arthaus building is sure to be a destination for theatergoers and oyster fans alike. The luxury seafood tavern promises an outsize raw bar and live music.

Vinyl

Address: 215 S 15th Street

Vinyl invites patrons to relive Philadelphia’s rich musical legacy. Diners become immersed in the intimate ambiance of live performances, complemented by a modern yet classic cocktail menu, and shareable light bites. With VIP seating, front-row lounge options, and cozy cocktail tables, Vinyl ensures a personalized experience that harmonizes the best of the past and the present.

Rittenhouse Square

The green park at the center of Rittenhouse Square is an outdoor oasis for anyone looking to relax in the busy city. The neighborhood’s restaurants are equally cathartic – sophisticated with style and transporting patrons to a new flavor plane.

Enswell

Address: 1528 Spruce Street

From early morning coffee to nighttime cocktails, this glamorous Art Deco café from Rival Bros. founders offers something for everyone. Look for refined lunch and dinner plates by chef Andrew Farley, plus a bottle shop carrying local New Liberty spirits.

Osteria Ama Philly

Address: 1905 Chestnut Street

Philadelphia has a rich history of Italian BYOB restaurants like this new Rittenhouse outpost from Chadds Ford. Think comforting from-scratch pasta and pizzas in a cozy, homey environment.

Bella Vista/Queen Village

One of the oldest neighborhoods in Philadelphia, the Bella Vista/Queen Village district keeps it local and lowkey. Surrounded by green spaces and friendly pubs, the dining scene creates a hospitable environment that matches its world-class fare.

Alice 

Address: 902 Christian Street

A buzzy new addition to the Italian Market from chef Dave Conn and his wife, Sarah. This bright corner bistro showcases charcoal-grilled meats, fish, naan flatbreads, and more. Their seasonal American menu dishes can be paired with Italian wine, local beer, or a cocktail like the rye-forward King Vidi.

Fishtown

Fishtown is a neighborhood where artists and innovators are always looking to create something new. Ditto goes for its chefs, who are constantly pushing flavor boundaries and experimental new tastes to create one-of-a-kind dining experiences.

Elma

Address: 431 East Girard Avenue

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this Kensington BYOB offers everything from to-go options to a $150 six-course tasting menu. You can expect donuts and chicken cutlet sandwiches during the day and entrees like New York strip steak at night.

Liberty Kitchen

Address: 1400 North Front Street

What’s better than a sandwich shop serving popular, well-executed Philly classics? Matt Budenstein leveled up his original location by moving it a block away, adding dining-in seats, and hosting private events like “build your own cutlet bar and buffet.”

Post Haste

Address: 2519 Frankford Avenue

Head to this new East Kensington cocktail bar to check out a “farm-to-glass beverage philosophy” and modern American small plates from industry vets Fred Beebe and Gabe Guerrero. The duo aims to reduce the bar’s carbon footprint by stocking the bar exclusively with products from the Eastern United States and reducing food waste.

Sushi Suite

Address: 1832 Frankford Avenue

Book an intimate sushi “experience” at this 8-seat counter situated in its own room within Izakaya Fishtown. The 90-minute, 17-course progressive omakase comes from a national chain that operates primarily in luxury hotels.

South Philadelphia

Home to the Italian Market, South Philadelphia is a spicy pocket of city life. The residents are as authentic as the restaurants, where chefs incorporate their personal backgrounds onto their menus.

Casablanca Mediterranean Grill

Address: 947 Federal Street

In the former 30-year home of Bitar’s at 9th and Federal streets, Walid and Talal Baruki serve up Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes at their eat-in spot. The siblings also offer their veggie-friendly menu for takeout and catering, with pita and other items available for sale in the onsite market.

Nipotina

Address: 2238 S 21st Street

Nostalgia for Italian grandma cooking is the inspiration behind this new sandwich spot from Marlo and Jason Dilks, owners of P’unk Burger and Slice. Look for breakfast sandwiches, classics like meatball parm, and modern vegan takes on the chicken cutlet.

Old City/Society Hill

Old City and Society Hill offer a captivating stroll through America’s history with cobblestone streets, preserved colonial architecture, and iconic landmarks like Independence Hall. The neighborhoods brim with a charming blend of historic charm, trendy boutiques, and a diverse culinary scene.

Eatwell Philly

Address: 106 Chestnut Street

Nigerian immigrants and cousins Aisha Wahab and Stephen Oyelakin opened this African BYOB in part to introduce Old City diners to their favorite family recipes. Featuring dishes like jollof rice with assorted meats, the restaurant’s menu is an expansion of its successful takeout operation in Irvington, New Jersey.   

Fringe Bar 

Address: 140 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard

This new concept for the restaurant at the FringeArts Theater on Columbus Boulevard offers pub food and the same scenic outdoor beer garden with a stunning view of the Ben Franklin Bridge. Check the FringeArts calendar for the latest shows and make a night of it.

Brewerytown/Callowhill

Just north of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Brewerytown and Callowhill are known for their eclectic mix of industrial charm and contemporary art. From repurposed warehouses to trendy galleries, the neighborhood seamlessly blends history with a thriving arts scene, creating a dynamic urban experience.

Baby’s Kusina and Market

Address: 2816 Girard Avenue

Husband and wife team Tam Dang and Raquel Villanueva Dang are opening this Filipino restaurant and market in Brewerytown after a successful pop-up run. Its name comes from Tita Baby, Villanueva’s mom’s nickname.

Cafe Lift

Address: 1124 Spring Garden Street

For 20 years, Michael and Jennifer Pasquarello offered brunch at their popular Callowhill spot. Now, they’ve moved nearby to a larger café with seating for up to 100 people to enjoy favorites like lemon ricotta pancakes and cannoli French toast.

Lucky Well Incubator

Address: 990 Spring Garden Street

Retooling his barbeque restaurant after the pandemic, chef Chad Rosenthal now hosts up-and-coming chefs at this new community-building concept on Spring Garden. It’s a first-of-its-kind shared kitchen project designed to offer a platform and launching pad for talented, up-and-coming chefs and culinary entrepreneurs. The first group of entrepreneurs serves Navajo fry bread, hand-made pasta, Vietnamese dishes, and the barbeque Rosenthal is known for.

Poison Heart

Address: 931 Spring Garden Street

When you’re in the mood for a relaxed vibe paired with impeccable wine and cocktails, head to this bar. A tight snacks menu features oysters and waffle fries with melted Raclette “wiz,” served until late at night.

University City

Home to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, University City is a pocket of Philadelphia bustling with vibrant cultural flavors and a folksy community.

Pod

Address: 3636 Sansom Street

After a few different iterations over the years, this STARR Restaurant Group favorite is back with chefs Kevin Yanaga and Kenjiro Omori. Now, the menu is fully Japanese, emphasizing refined food with an element of fun.

Check out our Things to Do page to discover activities and experiences that fill out your Philadelphia experience between meals.