Best in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA

Philly has a special place in my heart since over the four years I went to school there, I was able to eat and drink so many delicious things even on a student budget. Unlike New York, in Philly you can actually try all the restaurants in your neighborhood and become a local. Very fancy restaurants are still within a reasonable price point, particularly for restaurant week or during lunch. Many also offer a BYO option which is so unique to Philly. Literally what more could you want? If you’re visiting or just moved to Philly, below is my starter pack of the best things I ate (and still dream about).

Best in Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market is a giant food hall similar to Chelsea Market in NYC but with more grocery options in addition to food stands. Although it can be quite crowded on weekends and closes relatively early if you want to catch dinner there, you can always find a spot to sit and it’s the perfect place to share a ton of food with a big group. My highlights are the alligator gumbo and fried mac n cheese balls from Beck’s Cajun Café, a sandwich from DiNic’s, a grilled cheese with chunky tomato soup from Meltkraft and a whoopie pie from Flying Monkey or ice cream from Bassetts. Most importantly, for love of God get a pretzel from the non-descript Amish stand in the hot cases. It looks like its going to be the most average street pretzel ever but it’s perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside and the mustard is also bomb.

Best Cheesesteak

Although Pat’s and Geno’s are the most famous (if you’re going to pick one of those I’d pick Pat’s) but if you want a lower key place that is easier to get to, go to Jim’s on South Street. Not only do I think that their meat and rolls are better quality but the guy who served me my cheesesteak during finals told me I looked beautiful, winning my undying loyalty.

Best Burrito

The first time I returned to Philly there were only two things on my list: wawa mac’n’cheese and Honest Tom’s. This west philly californian taco shop produces tacos that rival even the one I had in the Mission District in San Francisco. Although the tacos are delicious and hit the spot, get the sweet potato burrito with pork (or chicken if you have to) or if you’re very early and lucky, the breakfast burrito for the real experience. Both are stuffed with so many ingredients (this is not a just rice and beans taco bell situation) and with their home-made hot sauces and Valentina pair with a Jarrito, there is no better weekend meal.

Best Brunch

Admittedly I finally made it to Honey’s Sit-n-Eat this past Labor Day weekend and instantly regretted never coming here during my four years at school. It’s a jewish/southern inspired restaurant with a brunch that put you right back into bed in the best way. There are staples like country fried steak with side options of latkes or corned beef cash. In addition to these hefty options, Honey’s Sit-n-Eat also had delicious vegetarian options like a turmeric grain bowl and shakshuka. Although there is a long wait, the neighborhood is cute to wander around in for a quick coffee especially when the weather is good.

Best Fancy BYO

Marigold Kitchen is definitely a bit of a splurge with its $95 tasting menu but compared to anything in New York this is a steal. It comes with 10-12 courses and is also a BYO! Outside of that, the menu is always changing and seasonal and the décor is super cute in this converted house hidden away in West Philly. Each course was very unique and the kitchen also uses some molecular gastronomy techniques (but without being overdone which I sincerely appreciated). I highly recommend this place to celebrate something special with a loved one who has already eaten at every place in center city.

Best Cheap Pre-Game

Dim Sum Garden is an a-la-cart dimsum BYO restaurant in Chinatown where you can eat very good dumplings and other dimsum staples galor for less than $15 and drink between you and your friends with no additional fee. I like to think that Dim Sum Garden is my restaurant spirit animal. Even my parents approve of the food here which is saying something.

Best Speakeasy

Another awesome thing about Philly is the plethora of cool speakeasies and underground bars (that don’t even have a ridiculous wait line or reservation system!). The one I continue to return to whenever I go back to Philly is Hop Sing Loundromat across from another favorite on this list, Dim Sum Garden. The door literally looks like it would lead to a maintenance room but magically opens up to a red-lit leather bar with several delicious cocktails. The doorman is picky about dress (no shorts or t-shirts for guys and preferably no sneakers) but other than that I’ve never experienced any issues getting in.

Best Frozen Dessert

Now that I have moved away from Philly, I realize how special Yogorino is. I have never had such fresh and tart froyo anywhere else or as decadent of toppings. The chocolate/nut sauces here are as equally important as the froyo and I highly recommend the dark chocolate or the pistachio (it may look weird when they pour it on but do not fear, it’s delicious!). It’s a high price point but every time I get it, I remember why I recommend this place to out of towners.

A very close second though is the Little Pop Shop if you’re not feeling something quite so fancy and want something fun. Their mint chocolate chip and raspberry lemonade is particularly good.

Best Dessert

The salted caramel budino from Barbuzzo has a cult following of its own outside of the restaurant itself. There have been plenty of times I’ve stopped at Barbuzzo just for the budino as a nitecap after eating dinner somewhere else in the vicinity. It’s super creamy, very sweet, with the perfect amount of salt that leaves you feeling satisfied.

Best Overall Restaurant

A long-standing staple, there’s a reason why it’s impossible (even by NYC standards) to secure a reservation at Zahav even months in advance. A sneaky tactic is to show up and try to sit at the bar instead which still serves most of the dishes (and most importantly the hummus). This is the OG Israeli restaurant where Dizengoff in NYC comes from and literally everything on the menu is 1. Delicious 2. Beautiful 3. Memorable. I had the opportunity to have the tasting menu for $48 (which is definitely the way to go if you have a big group and special occasion) and everything from the hummus, salatim (six different pickled vegetables), fried cauliflower, haloumi, to the lamb were simply amazing. The hype is 100% real.

Honorable Mentions:

Mac n cheese at an outdoor table at Parc

Chicken hearts from Khymer Grill in Chinatown Square

Hot pot and Korean bbq at Nine Teng

Pizza and beer at Dock Street Brewing Co.

Pretzels and steins at Frankford Hall

Farm-to-Table at Pumpkin

Senegalese food at Kilamandjaro

Kebabs at Saad's Halal House

Ethiopian food and an upstairs speakeasy at Abyssinia

Captain Crunch dusted fish tacos at Cucina Zapata food truck

Any New York Gyro food truck (seriously they are way better than the ones in nyc)

Next on my list:

Double Knot happy hour

Pizza Beddia

Serpico

Vedge

#philadelphi #dumplings #speakeasy #best #israeli