Philadelphia: a foodie paradise

Philadelphia has long been a favourite destination for foodies, its celebrated restaurant scene is a draw for visitors from around the world, who are keen to experience the city’s flavours. There’s something to excite every palate.

Throughout 2021 Philadelphia’s food scene received a number of high honours, with Eeva being named one of Eaters Best New Restaurants in America in 2021 and Chef Tate recognized on Time Magazine’s Time100 Next List for 2021. In addition, Condé Nast Traveler included Laser Wolf, an Israeli grill from the team behind the acclaimed Zahav, on their 2021 Hot List, naming the Fishtown eatery as one of the best new restaurants in the world.

The accolades are expected to continue in 2022 with a number of exciting new openings on the cards, joining some which have opened over the past few months.

NEW RESTAURANTS

New this month is late night venue Frame, located in Old City, blending art, history, and culture through American fusion cuisine and imaginative cocktails. Frame’s menu offers seasonal dishes centred around locally sourced ingredients and nostalgic favourites such as grilled cheese sandwiches but with a modern twist.

The Fin is a surf and turf concept located in the trendy Fishtown area which opened in October 2021. The sprawling, 10,000-square-feet space features over 220 seats across three distinct dining spaces inside. The menu features a contemporary twist to traditional seafood dishes and includes bison tartare with Ossetra caviar, chicken and waffles, custom seafood boils and a Cajun crab cheesecake.

Also in Fishtown is LMNO, the newest opening by mega restaurateur Stephen Starr, who owns a staggering 17 restaurants in the city. On the menu at this Baja-Mexican restaurant are ceviches, aguachiles, a variety of taco preparations, seafood and house specials for the table, plus a creative and colourful cocktail line-up with an extensive list of agave spirits to choose from.

In October 2021 Lark opened in the Bala Cynwyd area, just west of the Philadelphia city limits. A rooftop restaurant boasting fantastic views of the Schuylkill River, it features sustainably-sourced Mediterranean cuisine.

November 2021 saw the opening of Philadelphia’s newest vegan restaurant Primary Plant Based. Once a pop-up, this all-vegan concept from Chef Mark McKinney is now a full service, 30-seat brick-and-mortar restaurant in Fishtown serving seasonal dishes.

One definitely not for vegans is Ember and Ash, a ‘snout-to-root’ restaurant which works with local farms and purveyors that are dedicated to minimizing their carbon footprint, while showcasing the best ingredients the region has to offer. A custom-built wood-fuelled hearth is the heart of this offal-centric addition to East Passyunk.

COMING SOON

Currently under construction, Liberty Point is set to make its debut on the Philadelphia waterfront in April and will become the city’s largest restaurant. The 28,000 square feet venue (25,000 square feet of space outside and 3,000 square feet of space inside) will be adjacent to and wrapped around the waterfront side of the Independence Seaport Museum. The design includes three main levels for food, drinks, and live entertainment, along with smaller sub-levels, a stage for live music and panoramic views of the water.

The Cauldron Philadelphia is set to open in Midtown Village in May. The magical inspired bar and restaurant is inspired by some of the most popular fantasy tales and makes a great pit stop after a visit to the new Harry Potter exhibition at the Franklin Institute .

OLD FAVOURITES

Reading Terminal Market is one of the largest and oldest public markets in the U.S. and was voted the Best Public Market in the nation by USA Today Best10 in 2021. Housing more than 80 independent merchants under one roof, including 26 restaurants, the market is a must-see for foodies.

Mayfair Diner is a 24-hour diner which opened in Northeast Philly back in 1932. It remains a pure 1950s-era throwback for chicken croquettes, creamed chipped beef, and thick slices of pie.

McGillin’s Olde Ale House claims to be the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia, having opened its doors on narrow Drury Street in 1860.

Family-owned Frangelli’s Bakery has been around since 1947. The South Philly bakery is most famous for its doughnuts, a favourite being its indulgent ‘ranolli,’a doughnut sandwich filled with cannoli cream and chocolate chips.

PHILLY FOOD STAPLES

Cheesesteaks: The most famous of Philadelphia foods, this iconic sandwich is a must-try when in the city. Popular cheesesteak shops include Pat’s, Geno’s, Jim’s and Campo’s.

Roast Pork Sandwiches: Another Philly favourite, maybe not as famous as the cheesesteak but definitely as delicious. Head to DiNic’s in the Reading Terminal Market for their version which has been dubbed the “Best Sandwich in America.”

Hoagies: A regional concoction these are a large sandwich packed with salad and cold cooked meats. In South Philly, still the spiritual home of the hoagie, a favourite is Antonio’s Deli.

Soft Pretzels: The ultimate comfort food for Philadelphians and available throughout the city. Several stalls inside the Reading Terminal Market offer freshly baked pretzels, as does the Philly Pretzel Factory which has multiple locations.

Scrapple: A Pennsylvania classic since 1863, this hybrid meatloaf-sausage is typically fried and is a breakfast staple. The famous Dutch Eating Place in Reading Terminal Market is the standard for classic scrapple, and highly recommended are the scrapple fries at the Down Home Diner, also in the market.

FOOD TOURS

A fun way to explore Philadelphia’s culinary scene is to take a food tour. There are number of companies offering various types of tours, these include walking tours of Reading Terminal Market, tours taking in local favourite eateries, regional foody tours plus much more. For more information click here.