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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 Michelin-honored and James Beard Award-winning culinary options.
Greater Philadelphia’s food offerings are as diverse as the city itself. From the 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 new ventures are restaurants from award-winning culinary talents — like Ellen Yin’s Bar Cicci and Christopher Kearse’s Known Associates — plus buzzworthy newcomers dishing out chill vibes, including Negril Gardens and Luna Marre. Oh, and don’t forget to sip a latte while you shop for books at Sister Robert’s Coffee.
Here are some new dining destinations — all opened since June 2026 — to add to your bucket list.
This 45-seater from the husband-wife team of Victor Nguyen and Anna Huynh promises Vietnamese comfort food in the form of phở and bánh mì alongside a 20-seat bar. The spot’s crispy-fried tofu dish is already drawing drools on Instagram.
Standout menu items include Vietnamese classics like cà ri (a fragrant stew with aromatic spices) and bò tái chanh (rare beef in lime juice), along with a show-stopping baked lemongrass chicken and bánh mì sandwich.
Know before you go: There are no reservations — walk-ins only.
Where: Anh Em, 1252 S. 21st Street, Philadelphia, PA
The only thing missing is a gondola.
James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Ellen Yin’s ode to Northern Italy, including Venice’s cicchetti culture (Italian tapas), is just a Lambretta scooter ride away. Bar Cicci is an aperitivo bar that operates all day and never shuts the door on la dolce vita, from pastries and espresso in the morning to spritzes and snacks in the evening.
Chef Christina McKeough runs the kitchen, raising her profile after serving as culinary director for High Street and The Bread Room. Some early menu standouts include a pizza bianca sandwich and ’nduja arancini.
Grazie mille. Bar Cicci is now open for walk-ins only, first come and first served.
Don’t miss: Cicchetti, crostini topped with seasonal ingredients, like heirloom tomatoes and burrata
Where: Bar Cicci, 1620 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Blue Warbler — a new all-day cafe — focuses on Mediterranean cuisine, offering a walk-up section for coffees and pastries and a sit-down dining room. Try the Pastorius, a crispy-fried tofu sandwich on a sweet potato bun.
Journalist-turned-restaurateur Fred Mogul settled on the concept after the historic brick building came on the market. Today, the Blue Warbler — named for the black-throated blue warbler bird native to Chestnut Hill — serves up a vegetarian-friendly menu with Mediterranean, Jewish, Balkan and American influences.
Don’t miss: Grilled non-meats on skewers, like The Carnegie featuring pastrami-spiced “wheat meat”
Where: Blue Warbler, 8001 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
The on-the-move “mighty green” food truck recently earned a permanent parking spot.
Burrito Feliz, owned by Puebla native Miguel Nolasco, saw lines wrapped around the block for its grand opening in University City this past July. Owners quickly commented: “We don’t say I love you. We say let’s go get tacos!”
Feliz is also partnering with South Philly’s Brewery ARS to offer canned beers and margaritas in a casual new taco spot. Look for your hefty steak handhelds — salsa is a must! — and plenty of non-meat options like the spot’s in-demand Tofu “Chorizo” and Fajita Veggie.
Where: Burrito Feliz, 4403 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Imagine the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum opened up a swanky cocktail lounge. Cannonball Cafe, a members-only social club located on Frankford Avenue, might be the most interesting concept to open in years. It features a full-scale restaurant and private bar, plus a storage garage for serious car collectors.
Wait, there’s more: Owner Chris Allen is a professional race car driver who has entered competitions across the globe, including the Pirelli GT4 America and 24 Hours of Daytona.
Good for: Anyone who has a need for speed
Where: Cannonball Cafe, 1105 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
This is what happens when a stand-up comic walks into a neighborhood diner …. Claude’s marries two concepts into one, featuring a casual bar on one side and a ticketed comedy club on the other.
Claude’s menu is light and fun, calling to mind church bingo nights. Try the Gaucho Hot Dog (basil chimichurri, truffle aioli) or a classic grilled cheese sandwich … and save room for the Tastykake Flight, with whipped cream and jimmies.
Don’t miss: The brand new pool table. Do your best Tom Cruise or Paul Newman impression while cracking the eight-ball.
Where: Claude's Comedy Club & Bar, 1123 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Owner Evan Fong Jaroff traded a career in finance for a one-of-a-kind sandwich counter specializing in Chinese-Cuban mashups. Wait, what?
Following a successful two-year run manning pop-up cafes, Chibanos is now a permanent brick-and-mortar spot in Washington Square West. Experience it for yourself with sandwiches like the Chickibano, filled with slow-cooked chicken, then topped with Chinese broccoli and onions — all on a savory garlic mayo spread.
Know before you go: The shop offers a variety of fusion drinks as well, from Cuban espressos to Hong Kong milk teas.
Where: Chibanos, 1127 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA
The husband-wife team of Leo Wei and Haley He are banking on “little treat culture” to sweep over the Main Line. Half A While offers cold-brewed teas and exotic-sounding pastries in the former Kung Fu Tea space.
This is very much a center for recharging, too. Pay attention to the calming sign on the wall, telling people that “not every moment needs to be rushed.” Order a mango tiramisu and tune out adult life for a while.
Don’t miss: No, really, the mango tiramisu
Where: Half a While, 22 W. Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, PA
Chef-owner Tony Krupa is bringing white tablecloths back at this authentically old-school BYOB joint in Old City.
By leaning into Italian American classics (think: saucy chicken parm bigger than your head and flash-fried calamari crispier than your breakfast toast), Il Gusto is making it a point to stay away from buzzy food trends and Instagram fads.
Don’t miss: Venturing off the pasta path with the pillowy housemade potato gnocchi and the creamy Arborio risotto
Where: Il Gusto, 114 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Owner Anyae Wilson-Worley plays on “Harlem Renaissance” type vibes at this new Fishtown pizza joint, churning out pies topped with oxtail and collard greens, as well as chicken wings coated in cayenne pepper and peri peri sauce.
The restaurant celebrates flavors from across the African diaspora, offering diners a culinary Black history tour with every bite. The restaurant also doubles as a center for community engagement.
Don’t miss: Trust the Greens, an ooey-gooey dip featuring collard greens and all the cheddar cheese that can fit into a cast iron skillet, served with pizza crust chips
This playful, Philly-coded (and halal!) pizza spot pays homage to local culture and takeout traditions in the most unexpected ways.
Be adventurous! With pizzas named after local lingo and topped with Jamaican jerk chicken, Southern-style shrimp and grits, and more, this is not the place to default to your typical pepperoni pie.
My friends and I devoured the Uptown Crown, loaded with succulent pieces of ox tail and collared greens, plus a side of crispy Corner Store Wings with no regrets.
Open until midnight on weeknights and 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s a great post-show or -party pitstop after leaving The Fillmore, the Margolis, Brooklyn Bowl or even The Met.
Where: In Crust We Trust, 965 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Chef Christopher Kearse’s laid-back lounge (in the former Varga Bar space) draws heavy inspiration from his train rides through the European countryside, with floral wallpaper and marble-topped tables shaping the 40-seat cocktail bar.
Expect a perfectly compact menu of elevated bar fare, including cool ranch peas and hamachi toasts, plus a soon-to-be viral dipped au poivre burger (caramelized onions, comté cheese, peppercorn sauce). Known Associates is an eclectic neighborhood bistro, one meant to feel different every time you walk through the door.
Know before you go: Christopher Kearse’s pioneering first spot, Forsythia, is a Michelin-recognized restaurant.
Where: Known Associates, 941 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA
Lillian’s Bar — Point Breeze’s cozy new cocktail bar — leans into Mediterranean bistro fare (including tinned fish!) while hosting chef pop-ups on a rotating basis, including Habibi’s Supper Club and Chef Miled Finianos.
Lillian’s Bar is named in honor of owner Sam Ahern’s great-great-grandmother who ran a speakeasy in her basement, earning her the nickname Diamond Lil.
This throwback machine leans into nostalgia, inviting guests into an old-school living room parlor where bartenders sling fresh, inventive cocktails created by Bosnian barmaster Avdo Babic.
Don’t miss: Persephone’s Garden, a Mediterranean drink featuring gin, Lilet, pickle juice, lemon, toasted black pepper, coriander and celery seed, clarified with Greek yogurt
Where: Lillian’s Bar, 1900 S. 19th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Cheesin’ is encouraged at this modern Mexican restaurant in the heart of Northern Liberties. Luna Marre, owned by hospitality veteran Wayne Shulick, brings a foodie flair for the dramatic — yes, the gooey cheese pull is bonkers here! — on classic dishes like chicken mole, shrimp guacamole, wagyu beef empanadas, birria tacos, crispy pork belly tostadas and ahi tuna ceviche.
Oh, and margaritas. Boasting one of the best tequila lists in the city, Luna Marre’s beverage program shines brightest during Sunset Social Mondays when hand-crafted cocktails and elevated small bites are discounted for happy hour. Make sure to try the Acapulco, featuring Espolòn Blanco, guava, fresh lime, agave and jalapeño.
Don’t miss: Dessert. Save room for the dream-inducing flambéed plantains.
Where: Luna Marre, 1001 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Following sold-out residencies at area farmers’ markets (up to two-hour waits!), Temple grad Saif Manna opened a retail space for easier access to Basque cheesecake, manakeesh (flatbreads), sumac-spiced chicken buns and other Palestinian/Levantine delights.
The recipes here are heartfelt and deeply rooted, with Manna citing childhood trips to Jordan to watch both of his grandmothers lay their hands in the dough. Each recipe is a family heirloom. Each pastry bakes in authenticity.
Know before you go: The bakery continues to pop-up at farmer’s markets across the city, including Headhouse, Rittenhouse and Clark Park.
Where: Manna Bakery, 110 W. Berks Street, Philadelphia, PA
Lamb ribs and charbroiled oysters steal the show at this new bar and restaurant (plus hookah lounge, with bottle service) on Lancaster Avenue in West Philly. Also, ask your server about the Chef’s Selection, a rotating du jour dessert option.
Additionally, the restaurant caters to large groups and private parties. Call ahead to book your VIP section and reserve that Don Julio 1942 or Clase Azul you’ve been saving for. It’s time to splurge!
Don’t miss: Weekday happy hours from 4-7 p.m. and $2 Taco Tuesdays
Where: Mister, 3800 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Chef Ange Branca’s pop-up potato concept ushers in a new era on South Street.
Based on her formative experiences studying in Scotland, Mod Spuds delivers “comfort food with a passport” as crispy, salt-rubbed potato skins get pumped full of sweet and savory fillings like chili con carne, pulled barbecue jackfruit and chicken tikka masala.
Yes, there is a strong Southeast Asian influence on a tight menu of surefire hits, but subtle nods to Philly make the fast-casual restaurant stand out. Try the Philly Spud (cheesesteak and pepper relish) and wash it down with a housemade Shirley Temple or Malaysian iced tea.
Vibe: Taters gonna tate.
Where: Mod Spuds, 1424 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
Leaning into Asian-inspired flavors, the husband-wife team of Jack Chen and Xiaoyu Ma are packing natural fruit (think: less sugar) into their sorbets and gelatos, alongside espresso and specialty coffees.
Look for decadent flavors like creamy coconut sorbet, cheesecake crumble gelato, cookies and salted caramel, plus real matcha, all sifted fine and whisked until the lumps are gone.
Vibe: Flower power. No, seriously, Moment sometimes sells fresh-cut flowers, like roses, snapdragons and gerbera.
Where: Moment Gelato and Coffee, 129 S. 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Did you know Thomas Edison designed the original lighting at The Bellevue? Now you do. Mr. Edison plays into the inventor’s ingenuity, wrapping that can-do spirit into a 1940s-feeling supper club. Diners can find swanky tributes to Philly’s dynamic culinary scene everywhere, like crab galette — an ode to the former Le Bec-Fin.
This is a scene, and you’ll want to be seen. A shimmering 12-foot Ferris wheel stocks wine and liquor bottles behind the bar, with a strict “upscale fashionable” dress code enforced. Plus, the lounge area offers live jazz music almost nightly.
Know before you go: Mr. Edison has a photograph policy: Guests are asked to snap and post “discreetly, respectfully.”
Where: Mr. Edison at The Bellevue, 1400 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Negril Gardens combines modern gastronomy and Afro-Caribbean soul into breezy island bites. From tantalizing appetizers, like oxtail spring rolls and salmon bites, to authentic jerk chicken and goat curry, these are the recipes used to fuel Bob Marley’s lyrics.
Grab a rum punch during happy hour and let Chef Dante do the rest. Negril Gardens’ unbeatable lunch specials — available 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — include build-your-own bowls and Rasta Pasta, penne pasta in an island herb cream sauce.
Vibe: A first-class flight to Jamaica
Where: Negril Gardens, 1433 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
This upscale Ogyu Japanese BBQ & Bar is all about the grilled meats — premium yakiniku, that is. One must-have menu item is an A5 Wagyu Ribeye, served tableside.
This grill-it-yourself Japanese barbecue joint, which features 60 burner-top tables, specializes in only the choicest steak cuts with a tiered experience at fixed prices. Consider the Diamond Tier menu for an upscale date night and indulge in wasabi lobster tempura and bluefin tartare, plus wagyu meat options paired up with luxurious caviar or foie gras.
Don’t miss: Wagyu beef tongue — thick cut. You can thank us later.
Where: Ogyu Japanese BBQ & Bar, 60 Greenfield Avenue, Ardmore, PA
Oroshi — the name translates to grated in Japanese — brings affordable sushi to town without skimping on quality or elegance. Omakase dinners start at $68 (15 courses) and $48 for lunch (10 courses), affectionately known as “zoomakase.”
Chefs Leo Liu and Ming Lee highlight choice cuts of meat and fish (see: wagyu hand rolls and otoro with uni and caviar) while maintaining a minimal aesthetic in the dining room. Approachable is the name of the game here.
Know before you go: Oroshi remains BYOB, so bring your favorite sake.
Where: Oroshi Sushi Omakase, 425 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
The Brandywine Hotel gets a new happy hour destination as Pomelo Rooftop Terrace delivers seasonal small plates and botanical-inspired cocktails from five stories up.
Pomelo breathes new life into steakhouse favorites, including a smash burger with Cooper Sharp on a potato bun and a British-inspired “rockfish and chips,” plus a vegan-friendly lion’s mane mushroom cake.
Know before you go: Merrick’s Tavern opened earlier this year in the lobby.
Where: Pomelo Rooftop Terrace & Merrick’s Tavern, 165 King of Prussia Road, Radnor, PA
Born on the block — an ode to owner Dean Owens’ city pride — Really Ice delivers on Philly’s food triumvirate of water ice, ice cream and pretzels. Start with blueberry, churned smooth and scooped cold and — yes, these instructions are printed for all to see — sprinkles aren’t optional here. They are the point.
Really Ice’s swag matches their swagger. Look for iced-dot shirts and heavyweight hoodies emblazoned with the shop’s funky raspberry mascot.
Vibe: All the major Philly food groups tried out for the same reality show
Where: Really Ice, 2620 N. 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
What if someone held a contest asking Philly residents to send in generations-old family recipes, then invited those home chefs in and opened a new restaurant? This is Recipe Philly, a reality show and cooking contest that also takes reservations!
With a 175-seat dining room and home-cooked recipes from 60 competitors, Recipe Philly takes restaurant dining to a grand scale. Owner Ed Baumstein wishes to honor Philly’s can-do spirit which he manifests as “Heirloom Hospitality” — memory, tradition, connection passed down from one generation to the next.
Vibe: As if the producers of Chopped opened up a restaurant
Where: Recipe Philly, 1401 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
This latest project from Jose Garces alum Tim Spinner evokes summer trips to the Jersey Shore, with a working jukebox in a beach shack bar. This is elevated boardwalk food that doesn’t apologize for keeping the fryers on.
Look for a refreshing lineup of beach-inspired vodka crushes — we personally recommend the Watermelon Tavern Crush — and dirty sodas for the sober-curious, served alongside crispy cod sandos, cheesy crab dip and fried zucchini bites.
Vibe: You’re on the set of Baywatch.
Where: Riptide Tavern, 4388 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA
This breakfast-and-lunch cafe already has lines out the door, enticing people to try the city’s newest viral sandwich: a crispy potato latke on a slow-baked egg — opt to add schmaltz (rendered chicken fat that adds a rich and savory flavor).
Operated by husband-wife team Jeremy Asch and Abby Armstrong, Schmaltz has been drawing lines down the block in Point Breeze as customers can’t get enough of the spot’s home-y Jewish delicatessen comfort foods.
Don’t miss: Adding housemade pastrami to any breakfast sandwich
Where: Schmaltz, 1300 S. 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA
A Black-owned business born out of the pandemic, Joel Michel proudly channels his mother’s ethos by instructing guests to do the following: Come as you are, be loved and get some good food.
Sister Robert’s Coffee marries a coffee shop and a bookstore into a spirited conversation starter, one serving up sweet banana bread lattes alongside an expansive menu of handhelds including its trademark chiwaffles.
Wait, what? The comforting Chiwaffle Genesis plops down a juicy, fried chicken breast between two buttery, golden waffles.
Additionally, the cafe doubles as a cultural hub featuring soulful acoustic nights from local musicians, book giveaways and author events, talks with licensed therapists, and whatever else the community wants to talk about.
Good for: Conversation starters and certified bibliophiles
Where: Sister Robert's Coffee, 2015 N. 63rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Now serving Escargots de Bourgogne and Confit de Canard in a charming garden.
Soufiane at the Morris is a stunning French Moroccan brasserie in the courtyard of the historic Morris House Hotel, which traces its architectural bones to 1787. Co-owners Christophe Mathon and Soufiane Boutliliss lean into unfussy cooking at this 120-seat bistro that effortlessly marries Moroccan soul and Paris bouillon traditions.
Burgundy velvet banquettes and warm brass set the mood in a dimly lit dining room that transports you to the Left Bank. Outside, a secret garden springs to life amid charcuterie and cheese boards, and French champagne.
Don’t miss Order the beef tartare “on a cloud,” topped with a quail egg and served under glass, gently perfumed with smoked lavender from Provence.
Where: Soufiane at the Morris, 225 S. 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Plant-based soul food restaurant Vegans Are Us opened inside Chinatown Square, serving up new classics like the Philly V-Steak, made with seasoned vegan steak, cheddar cheese, sweet peppers and special sauce. Looking for a stamp of approval? Just ask singer Ashanti.
The restaurant is a passion project for owner Sharonda Harris-Brunton, who opened Vegans Are Us after losing several loved ones to health-related illnesses. She studied plant-based nutrition, eventually leveraging her newfound knowledge on vegan recipes.
Don’t miss: Creative and rotating specials, including a vegan take on a meatball sub and bratwurst on a soft pretzel roll
Where: Vegans Are Us Philly, 1016-1018 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
This South Korean chicken chain, founded in 2017, has 70 locations across the globe. Bird is the word here as Vons Chicken offers oven-roasted chicken and fried chicken, all done in Asian-inspired flavors like sweet Padak (scallion) and the spicy Red Burn (chili).
An early Instagram favorite? Honey butter fried chicken, dusted generously with snow cheese powder on the outside and cooked to juicy perfection on the inside. Better yet, Vons has multiple backdrops for all you content creators out there.
Don’t miss: Crispy Real Garlic Chicken, laced with whole garlic cloves
Where: Vons Chicken, 1714 Washington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Don’t tell Sebastian where you’re going! Two Street Crab House in Queen Village unshells some of the freshest crustaceans in Philly, including an overstuffed twice-baked potato starring shrimp, crabmeat and garlic butter sauce, then topped with a lobster tail. Two words: Instagram. Worthy.
This seafood lover’s dream also offers a varied take on a traditional cheesesteak. Here, the restaurant subs out ribeye steak for (what else) seafood — specifically, salmon, shrimp, peppers, onions, broccoli and crabmeat in a spicy aioli. Better yet, everything is locally sourced. .
Good for: Fans of the owner’s first restaurant, Germantown’s A King’s Cafe.
Where: Two Street Crab House, 604 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
The Monto is the newest collaboration from industry veterans Fergus Carey and Jim McNamara. Housed inside the former Mac’s Tavern space in Old City, this Irish pub has quickly become a go-to watering hole for watching the English Premier League while quaffing a proper pint of Guinness.
The Monto cheekily draws its name from a popular Dubliners song from the 1960s. The lyrics — take her up to Monto, lan-ge-roo — set the mood, but the Cheers vibe keeps the regulars coming back for more.
Owners are leaning hard into The Pogues for inspiration, too, inviting folk musicians, harp players and Irish brogues of all sorts to sing into the wee hours. Food? The menu’s still in progress, but expect to see playful nods to Irish pub fare in the near future.
Good for: Anyone who ever wanted to know what it felt like to be an extra in The Departed
Where: The Monto, 226 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia has long been one of the best restaurant cities in the world, and we’ve got the international acclaim to prove it.
Three restaurants gained Philly its first-ever stars, plus 10 restaurants have received a Bib Gourmand for great food at a great value, 20 restaurants have earned the Recommended honor (with cuisine spanning elevated French to classic cheesesteaks) and one restaurant has received the rare Green Star for sustainability.
See which eateries made the list in our guide to Philly’s Michelin-honored restaurants.
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 culinary names in Philadelphia, like Kalaya and Royal Sushi & Izakaya, are multi-time honorees; High Street Hospitality and some of its critically acclaimed holdings have been recognized; and more recently honored restaurants like Honeysuckle, Her Place Supper Club and Royal Sushi & Izakaya show off the amazing flavor and incredible value that Philly’s new class of restaurants are bringing 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 tickets to five major attractions in Greater Philadelphia — a perfect pairing if you ask us.
Reimagined for Philly’s biggest year yet — America’s 250th Anniversary — this is Philly’s biggest deal yet. In addition to free hotel parking, the super-sized package of perks gets you two complimentary tickets to Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute, the Mercer Museum in Bucks County, Longwood Gardens in Chester County, the Brandywine Museum of Art in Delaware County and Elmwood Park Zoo in Montgomery County — a $446 value!
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.
Web Content Manager, Visit Philadelphia
It’s Philly’s biggest year yet!
Make the most of it by booking the Visit Philly Overnight Package, which comes with free hotel parking and complimentary tickets to some of the most popular attractions in each of Greater Philadelphia’s five counties including Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute, the Mercer Museum in Bucks County, Longwood Gardens in Chester County, the Brandywine Museum of Art in Delaware County and Elmwood Park Zoo in Montgomery County.
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