Philadelphia’s Essential Eats

A guide on where to dine in the City of Brotherly Love

A variety of restaurants can be found throughout the many unique neighborhoods of Philadelphia. With an abundance of options, there’s something to satisfy any food craving. Here’s a list of restaurants that both residents and visitors alike can’t stop raving about.

Old City / Society Hill

Rich in American history, but also rich in international flavors, Old City‘s offerings include Cuban specialties at Cuba Libre, seasonal Italian dishes at Positano Coast, Spanish flare at Amada, and Asian fusion plates at Buddakan. Another fan favorite in Old City is Fork, which offers farm-to-table options. Some must-try sandwich shops in Old City are Campo’s Philly Cheesesteaks and Sonny’s Famous Steaks.

For more places to eat in Old City and Society Hill, click here.

Fishtown / South & Olde Kensington

A range of options are available throughout Fishtown, South and Olde Kensington. Laser Wolf was recently ranked as one of the best new restaurants in the world by Condé Nast Traveler and is known for its Israeli skewers, fresh hummus, and baba ganoush. Suraya – a market, restaurant, and garden – features Lebanese-inspired eats for brunch, lunch, and dinner. For a more seafood-focused menu, check out Kensington Quarters. Other favorites include, Cheu Fishtown + nunu and Pizzeria Beddia which ranked as one of the best pizza spots in America by The Daily Meal.

For more places to eat in Fishtown, click here.

Rittenhouse Square

Considered to be one of Philadelphia’s premier dining destinations, Rittenhouse Square has plenty of upscale options. Parc, ranked as one of the 100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America by OpenTable in recent years, is a Parisian brasserie in the heart of Philadelphia. Other Rittenhouse Square favorites include The Love, The Dandelion, El Rey, and Barclay Prime.

For more places to eat in Rittenhouse Square, click here.

Chinatown / Convention Center District

Savor the flavor of Philadelphia’s Chinatown at local favorite Sang Kee Peking Duck House, or sample from various dim sum options available at Tom’s Dim Sum or Dim Sum Garden. Just a short walk away from Chinatown, the city’s oldest continuously operating tavern McGillin’s Old Ale House is also a local favorite. Maggiano’s Little Italy, The Wayward, and Bank & Bourbon are other favorites in this area.

For more places to eat in Chinatown, click here, and for places to eat near the Pennsylvania Convention Center, click here.

South Philadelphia

Home to rival cheesesteak shops Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, South Philadelphia is packed with hometown favorites. Neighborhood staples include Ralph’s Italian Restaurant and Victor Café, along with Sarcone’s Bakery famous for its tasty tomato pie. For sweets, make sure to sample some South Philadelphia favorites include Federal Donuts, John’s Water Ice, Pop’s Homemade Water Ice, and Termini Brothers – a bakery founded in 1921 specializing in Sicilian pastries, cookies, and cannoli.

For more places to eat in South Philadelphia, click here.

Washington Square West / Gayborhood / Midtown Village

Plenty of options await in Washington Square West, including Indeblue, El Vez, Merkaz, and Morimoto. For plant-based dishes, head to Vedge – one of Thrillist’s 33 Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in America. Another well-known restaurant that’s gained national attention recently is Vetri Cucina, one of Thrillist’s 34 Best Italian Restaurants in America.

For more places to eat in Washington Square West, the Gayborhood and Midtown Village, click here.