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Of the many, many spectacular things Philadelphia is known for, the city’s restaurant scene is usually near the top of the list. That stellar reputation has been known to attract a visitor or two to explore the city’s award-winning culinary options.
Greater Philadelphia’s food offerings are as diverse as the city itself. From the cozy authentic Mexican eateries in the Italian Market to the restaurant empires built by big names like Stephen Starr, Jose Garces, Michael Solomonov, Marcie Turney and Valarie Safran, Michael Schulson, and the like, Philly has a taste for, well, everything. Whether you’re looking for an experience or simply want sustenance, there’s a delicious meal waiting.
As the city’s restaurant scene constantly evolves, new openings bring variety to an already varied palate. Among the latest restaurant openings are Hi-Lo Taco, offering made-to-order tacos in Midtown Village; recently expanded Dizengoff in Center City, serving its world-famous hummus and other Israeli cuisine and 9 Prime, an elegant steakhouse set in a historic bank in West Chester.
Here are some new dining destinations — all opened since October 2023 — to add to your bucket list.
This sophisticated West Chester steakhouse offers sizzling steaks inside a historic 19th-century bank. Among the grandiose chandeliers, mid-century furniture, marble bars and Art Deco stylings, diners can indulge in the elevated dishes crafted by celebrity chef Fabio Viviani. On the menu: wet- and dry-aged steaks, handmade pasta, seafood towers, lobster macaroni and cheese, and more. The massive bi-level restaurant also contains a fully stocked bar (with premium spirits), separate lounges and a members-only speakeasy.
Where: 9 Prime, 9 N. High Street, West Chester
Delco gets a taste of Mexico with this brand-new cantina. On the menu: tuna ceviche tostadas, al pastor nachos, Aztec old fashioned cocktails and plenty of vegan options. Plus, the new restaurant includes a spacious 3,000-square-foot outdoor patio — just in time for the warm weather.
Where: Al Pastor Havertown, 13 W. Benedict Avenue, Havertown
This new Greek spot adjacent to the Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia in Rittenhouse Square offers a modern menu highlighting seafood and spices from the Mediterranean. The beautiful 200-seat space serves up chicken kofta, filet mignon and shrimp kebabs, and main dishes like braised short rib and Chilean sea bass.
Where: Almyra, 1636 Chancellor Street
What started as a series of pop-up tributes to her mother became Amy Rivera Nassar’s dream store. This new brick-and-mortar takeout spot sports rice bowls, nachos and a rotating menu of pastelillos (a Puerto Rican street food staple), with flavors like guava barbecue pork and ground beef picadillo. Plus, find a curated selection of Puerto Rican merch.
Where: Amy's Pastelillos, 2001 Memphis Street
Philly gets a taste of Havana at the family-owned and -operated Avenida 7 Cafe. The Barosso family shares their family recipes with a variety of lovingly crafted Cuban breakfast and lunch dishes. On the menu: croquettes with spiced ground ham, congri rice and fried plantain platters, Cuban coffee drinks, a Cuban twist on the cheesesteak (using pork and beef), and more. Desserts — like flan, polvorónes and tres leches cakes — are made fresh daily.
Where: Avenida 7 Cafe, 1424 South Street
This new Montco restaurant started with a secret family recipe passed down by the grandfather of owners Leo, Jim and Pep Osmanollaj. Now a reality, Baba’s Hot Chicken & Brews shares these Albanian flavors with a menu of spiced chicken tenders, wraps and sandwiches (on a scale of “no heat” to “permanent insanity”) along with plenty of sides. Complete your meal with one of several frothy craft beers on tap.
Where: Baba's Hot Chicken & Brews, 725 S. Trooper Road, Audubon
That sizzling sound you hear in South Philly? It’s coming from the new Bake’n Bacon location at 11th & Ellsworth streets — the city’s first bacon-themed restaurant. Owners Justin Coleman and Kelvin Anderson celebrate the grand opening of their first brick-and-mortar restaurant with dishes from Coleman’s popular food truck in addition to new entrees like hang’n bacon and a gourmet pork board. For dessert? Pound cake served with a sweet-and-savory bacon caramel sauce. Not a meat eater? Not a problem. Vegan and vegetarians can get their fill by ordering off of the Fake’n Bacon menu.
Where: Bake'n Bacon, 1148 S. 11th Street
An unassuming gem along Rittenhouse Square, Banh Restaurant has become a fast favorite among visitors and locals. The quaint shop offers authentic Vietnamese street food dishes, ranging from fresh spring rolls and papaya salad to warm bowls of phở and flavorful bún chả (aka vermicelli noodles with grilled pork). Even better: Banh Restaurant prides itself on affordable prices and generous portions.
Where: Banh Restaurant, 2102 Chestnut Street
New date-night destination alert: The space above Giuseppe & Sons — Michael Schulson’s popular Center City Italian hotspot — is the setting for this brand-new French restaurant focusing on small plates and elevated a la carte dining. Dishes like kingfish crudo and dry-aged duck are complemented by Parisian-inspired cocktails, an impressive French wine list and decadent desserts. It’s all served up inside a dark-paneled, cozy atmosphere. Très romantique.
Where: Bar Lesieur, 1523 Sansom Street
A Blade Runner-themed ramen bar? Say less. This new, underground spot serves up a menu of Japanese noodle soups (with a dozen optional toppings), sake and craft cocktails in an electric atmosphere. Looking to satisfy those late-night cravings? Chika (Japanese for “basement”) is open until midnight or later most days.
Where: Chika Ramen Bar, 1526 Sansom Street
Gelato artist Galen Thomas is on cloud nine with the opening of his new North Philly flagship store. Part cafe, part production facility, the new Black-owned shop offers 36 different gelato and sorbet flavors (featuring non-dairy and vegan options), retail merchandise (like gelato-scented candles), and pints for sale with citywide delivery and nationwide shipping. Artisan flavors include honey lavender and peanut butter stracciatella, plus flavor collabs like Oreo cheesecake from the Philadelphia Cheesecake Lady and strawberry with French Toast Bites, in memory of Lokal Artisan Foods’ Charisse McGill.
Where: Cloud Cups Gelato at Maken Studios North, 3525 I Street
Mike Solomonov and Steve Cook (Zahav, Laser Wolf) do it again with the new-and-improved Dizengoff. Previously known for its popular hummus and other Israeli bites, Dizengoff has expanded and evolved into a full-service restaurant with 95 seats and a fully equipped bar — four times larger than its old location. The eatery sports bright colors and an evocative industrial aesthetic, with lunch and dinner options that include dishes like za’atar roast chicken with crispy garlic and tehina chicken schnitzel with Yemenite pickles. Pair that with the Dizengoff’s robust menu of wines, beer, cocktails and zero-proof drinks.
Where: Dizengoff, 1625 Sansom Street
Lover of fresh kicks and even fresher coffee, owner Louis Quiles found the perfect blend with his new dream spot, Encanto Kicks & Coffee. The vibrant and colorful shop sells sneakers and apparel, as well as imported Puerto Rican coffee and scrumptious pastries. The drink menu also features cappuccinos, matcha, chai and more. Want to kick back and stay a while? Grab a table and play a board game or two.
Where: Encanto Kicks & Coffee, 2110 E. Norris Street
After two-plus years of takeout-only operations, High Street is reimagined as a full-service restaurant and bar. From James Beard Award-recognized restaurateur Ellen Yin, the spot serves up a wide range of handmade pasta and pizzas. Menu highlights include hand-rolled pici with littleneck clams and lamb meatballs with celeriac tzatziki. Not in a choose-y mood? Opt for the “Leave It to Us” fixed-menu option, featuring four courses served family-style.
Where: High Street Restaurant & Bar, 101 S. 9th Street
Restaurateur Jeff Newman brings smoky flavors and laid-back vibes to Midtown Village with this no-reservations American-style taco bar. Pull up a seat and chow down on made-to-order tacos, featuring hand-made tortillas and creations like Guajillo barbecue chicken tacos, smash burger tacos, all-day breakfast tacos and more. Wash it all down with ranch water on tap, additive-free tequila and mezcal, or a bevy of creative cocktails and margaritas. And don’t miss Taco Tuesdays, with new taco specials each week.
Where: Hi-Lo Taco, 1109 Walnut Street
Seasonal dishes and fresh ingredients star at chef Denise Gesek’s new spot in South Philly’s Point Breeze neighborhood. On the menu: small plates like grilled octopus, pastrami egg rolls and tuna wontons, and larger portions like bone-in rib-eye and New England lobster rolls. Brunch features favorites like fresh-baked cinnamon rolls and mouth-watering monte cristo sandwiches.
Where: Insatiable, 1200 S. 21st Street
The brainchild of Malaysian chef Ange Branca, Kampar finally opens the doors to its highly anticipated dual-concept restaurant. On the first floor: a kopitiam (coffee shop-style) restaurant with prix-fixe tasting menus featuring Branca’s traditional cuisine, plus an upcoming rotation of new chefs in residence. Upstairs: a no-reservations kongsi (casual social club) with an extensive a la carte menu ranging from spiced braised beef in coconut cream to saucy street-style Malaysian burgers with cabbage, egg and sweet potato buns.
Where: Kampar, 611 S. 7th Street
Recently named by USA Today as one of the 10 best new restaurants in the country, this new spot in Washington Square West serves up a vegetable-forward menu highlighting Pennsylvania-grown produce. On the brunch side of things, diners drool over dishes like brioche French toast and Dutch baby pancakes.
Where: Kiddo, 1138 Pine Street
Spearheaded by Albert Murraku (formerly of La Viola), this brand-new Italian BYOB brings rustic authenticity and cozy vibes to South Street. The menu offers traditional recipes with a modern twist, with staples like calamari and spaghetti carbonara, plus lobster ravioli with rose sauce, potato gnocchi Genovese with pesto and walnuts, and more.
Where: La Sera Italiana, 1608 South Street
Located on the ground floor of the Arthaus building on South Broad Street, this new Philly outpost of the Baltimore-based seafood restaurant offers an impressive raw bar and a selection of succulent seafood towers and mouth-watering Maryland crab cakes. Feeling fancy? Spring for the priced-per-ounce caviar.
Where: Loch Bar Philly, 301 S. Broad Street
A Philly fave reborn, Lucy’s is back with a brand-spankin’ new location in Rittenhouse Square. Featuring an impressive food and drink menu (think: smash burger sliders, braised pork belly buns, frozen margaritas and more), the sports bar doles out cocktails, small plates and good times until the wee hours, with TV screens showing the latest game and weekend dance parties led by guest DJs.
Where: Lucy’s, 1720 Chestnut Street
Experience Saigon-style street food with a contemporary twist at this culinary love letter to Vietnam. With vibrant, culturally immersive decor — including hanging basket lights, a living green wall and pop-art murals — this bi-level restaurant sports a dining space, three bars and a bustling cocktail lounge. Featured menu items include mini bánh mìs with paté, butter aioli, cucumber, pickled vegetables and cilantro; giant river prawn sautés with lime, onion and herbs in Saigon-style (spicy, sweet and garlicky) sauce; and more. Plus, look forward to guest DJs on Fridays and Saturdays, and LGBTQ-inspired rainbow cocktails throughout the week.
Where: Miss Saigon, 1316 Walnut Street
This new sushi spot in Old City offers a traditional omakase dining experience at a 12-seat sushi counter. A 23-course menu crafted by acclaimed chef Minoru Ogawa begins with cold appetizers like Kumamoto oyster, crab with Hokkaido uni and wagyu with foie gras. A hot appetizer course features miso soup and 15 pieces of nigiri sushi, and a sashimi course highlights tuna, ocean trout, and shiromi. Reservations are required.
Where: Ogawa Sushi & Kappo, 310 Market Street
Italian coastal cuisine anchors the menu at this new spot in Rittenhouse Square. Chef-owner and restaurateur Townsend Wentz (known for Orloso and The Hayes, among others) combines his passion for the sea with classic Italian flavors. Highlights of the seafood-forward menu include bluefin tuna crudo, fluke ceviche and polpo (charred octopus). Make the most of your meal: Pair your plate with selections from an extensive list of Italian wines, amari and hand-crafted cocktails.
Where: Oltremare, 2121 Walnut Street
Mangia! The portions are more than generous at Paffuto (Italian for “plump” or “chubby”), a new brick-and-mortar home for three chefs who have been churning out wildly popular Italian staples at pop ups throughout Philly. On the menu at the new spot in Bella Vista: bountiful breakfast sandwiches, heaps of Italian meats and chicken cutlets, and stuffed panzerottis (think miniature calzones).
Where: Paffuto, 1009 S. 8th Street
On the fringe of South Philly’s Italian Market, this new eatery from longtime pals Vincent Tran and Kiet Trinh reflects the cuisine and techniques of their heritage. The cozy Vietnamese restaurant features staples like summer rolls and stuffed rice crepes, alongside showstoppers like barbecue filet mignon bánh mì. But the main attraction is in the name: The shop offers several steamy soups including more than 20 phở options, with toppings running the gamut of brisket, veggies, steak, tofu and more. Cap things off with a refreshing bubble milk tea made with homemade boba.
Where: Phở Skyline, 910 Christian Street
From the same owners of Fishtown’s Pizza Shackamaxon, this old-fashioned pizza parlor in Port Richmond cooks up a simple menu of thin-crust, New Haven-style pies, featuring rotating specials. You can get your classic plain and pepperoni slices, or you can spice things up with limited-time pizza creations like marinated portobello mushroom and long hots with caramelized onion, or Italian sausage and roasted broccoli rabe on lemon cream. Complete the meal with salad and soft serve, and bring your favorite drink — it’s BYOB.
Where: Pizza Richmond, 3136 Richmond Street
A sleek BYOB led by sushi extraordinaire Yonten Gyamtso, Shiso Noodle and Sushi Bar serves up gourmet sushi and craft ramen that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Ramen dishes — like the melt-in-your-mouth tonkatsu — feature rich broths with handmade noodles, and the ever-fresh sushi and sashimi options are made with care. Sit around the open kitchen to watch the magic happen — and keep an eye out for an upcoming omakase experience.
Where: Shiso Noodle and Sushi Bar, 604 South Street
It’s all in the name at this new restaurant in Northern Liberties. SIN — an acronym for Steak Italian Nightlife — promises just that, offering a menu of high-quality steaks (ranging from an eight-ounce filet mignon to a 32-ounce tomahawk steak) and red- and white-sauce pasta dishes in a “vibe dining” atmosphere. Think mood lighting, trendy cocktails and low-volume DJ sets during the dinner hours with increasing volume and energy as the night goes on. Reservations are recommended.
Where: SIN Philadelphia, 1102 Germantown Avenue
Soko Bag in Chester County offers crispy Korean fried chicken and a whole lot of personality. The star of the streamlined menu is the marinated, double-fried chicken — in aged white cheddar and bamboo salt varieties — with mouthwatering dips to the tune of gochujang, kimchi aioli, buffalo, blue cheese and jalapeno ranch. The decor? A sports lover’s dream. Sip local craft brews between walls adorned with HD TVs, sports memorabilia and even a version of The Last Supper depicting Philly sports greats.
Where: Soko Bag, 95 Nutt Road, Phoenixville
Strap in for a sensational sushi feast in Fishtown. This new, 90-minute dining experience features 17 (!) courses from chef Mitsutaka Harada — all made fresh right in front of you. The intricate dishes are perfectly paired with craft cocktails, imported sake and curated flights. Reservations are required.
Where: Sushi Suite Fishtown, 1832 Frankford Avenue
Just off South Street in Society Hill, the new Tamalex Bar & Grill is an evolution of the 7th and Federal Tamalex restaurant that put brothers David and Efren Piña on the map. The interior features an exposed brick aesthetic, a pair of bars (loaded with more than 20 mezcals) and seating for 100. The authentic Mexican menu puts lightly elevated dishes like bacon-wrapped shrimp with pumpkin flowers in tamarind sauce, right alongside crowd-pleasers like quesabirria tacos. Tip: Save room for dessert. Among the decadent dessert menu items are tres leches sponge cakes with strawberries, peach and mint; flans Napolitano with a touch of lemon; and, of course, sweet-and-crisp churros.
Where: Tamalex Bar & Grill, 122 Lombard Street
Philly’s restaurants, hotels and attractions get a lot of attention from national and international media. We’re talking Travel + Leisure, The New York Times, Eater and more. See which eateries made headlines last year in our roundup of awards and accolades for Philly spots in 2023.
Philadelphia is home to some of the best restaurants, chefs and bar programs in the country — and many of those establishments have been recognized over the years by the James Beard Foundation. Iconic spots like Zahav and Vedge are multi-time honorees; High Street Hospitality and two of its critically acclaimed holdings, Fork and High Street Philly, have all been recognized; and more recently honored restaurants like Hardena, Kalaya and South Philly Barbacoa show off the amazing flavor and incredible value that Philly’s new class of restaurants are brining to the city. For more, check out our guide highlighting the restaurants and chefs that have been honored in the foundation’s annual long list of semifinalists, nominees and winners.
Why go home after dinner? Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks, including two tickets to The Franklin Institute, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rodin Museum, or the National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution. Or indulge in the Visit Philly 3-Day Stay hotel package, which includes buy-two-get-one-free hotel nights at participating hotels.
Now that you’ve got your dining plans settled, pair a stellar meal with one of the region’s best museums and attractions or a street festival or big event. For more things to do in Philly (and there are always more things to do), click here.
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks, including tickets to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute, or the National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution.
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.
Which will you choose?