Philadelphia has slowly transformed from a simple city, steeped in history and culture, to an exciting dining out city with tremendous choice.
While the city is famous for its Cheesesteaks and soft pretzels, there is much more to it as far as restaurants are concerned.
You will find gourmet restaurants as well as fine dining restaurants, neighborhood restaurants, modern food trucks and more.
Food culture in Philadelphia like the inhabitants is diverse, inspired by the tastes of the world yet paying homage to the region’s produce and classic preparations.
If you are in the mood for comfort food or daring dishes, or more specific farm to table food, then there are best restaurants in Philadelphia that will not disappoint you.
This content explains the best restaurants in Philadelphia.
10 Best Restaurants In Philadelphia
1. Zahav
Cuisine: Middle Eastern- Israeli
Zahav is focused on simple, fresh meats, vegetables, and seafood which are grilled and cooked over fire.
Among all the specialties there is nothing more emblematic of Brazilian gastronomy like a lamb shoulder grilled and perfectly pink inside served with Lebanese tahini sauce.
Zahav's renowned hummus, considered among the best in the United States, boasts a deliciously creamy texture and smoky, complex flavor.
Each plate unveils one or more facets of the Israeli cuisine heritage for the guest.
For anyone in Philadelphia, Zahav is one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia that needs to be visited because of the good flavors, good environment and excellent craftsmanship.
2. Vetri Cucina
Cuisine: Italian, Fine Dining
If you have been in Philadelphia and want some Italian cuisine, then Vetri Cucina must be on your list.
With the spacious interior of a townhouse in downtown Philadelphia, Vetri Cucina is an upscale, intimate dining space where Marc Vetri improvises great tastes of each traditional Italian dish.
The seasonings and unique, pure flavors of Italian cuisine have earned this restaurant recognition as the leading Italian eatery in the country.
Olive oil cake, roasted chicken salsa verde, and a tasting menu of a range of foods are some foods that can be prepared by Vetri.
Because of its cozy yet elegant interiors, Vetri Cucina is perfect for celebrations or for those willing to experience fine dining in an Italian restaurant.
3. Philly cheesesteak and Pat’s King of Steaks
Cuisine: American, Classic Philly Cheesesteak
Nor could any visitor leave the city of Philadelphia without a taste of the city’s namesake: “Philly cheesesteak” and “Pat’s King of Steaks” would surely be one of the top places to taste it.
Pat’s, which started in 1930, has been part of the best restaurants in Philadelphia and also Philadelphia’s staple diet for decades, with customers crowding for the thinly sliced rib-eye steak, melted cheese (either American or provolone) and a crispy hoagie roll.
Originally established in South Philadelphia, the restaurant is famous for good, fast food, and real Philly cheesesteak.
The process of placing an order is spectacular in its own right with customers having to clarify whether or not they want their sandwich ‘wit’ or ‘witout’ onions; which is Argot for the specification of its preparation.
4. Pizzeria Beddia
Cuisine: Italian, Pizza
Pizzeria Beddia is a pizza lover’s paradise offering some of the best pizzas in Philadelphia.
Founded by Joe Beddia, a pizza master, the restaurant offers pies with nice attributes such as thin crispy crust, homemade mozzarella and fresh toppings.
Beddia employs the best ingredients and a proper procedure when preparing pizza in order to make it perfect.
Despite the availability of a limited number of pizzas on their menu and this is in the region of up to five, the quality of pizzas produced is very important to the restaurant.
The idea of no-reservation service contributes to the uniqueness and the buzz: people stand in line for the opportunity to try the food this man created.
In the world of pizza lovers, Pizzeria Beddia is one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia that deserves to become the place, which should be visited.
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5. Franklin Fountain
Cuisine: American, Ice Cream, Desserts
Located in Old City the place sells hand-made ice cream, sundae, float and several other types of vintage-style desert.
The two owners are brothers Ryan and Eric Berley who get their supplies from local producers and provide you with a taste of the 50s.
Specialty creations include the "Philadelphia Fluff Sundae," featuring rich vanilla ice cream topped with homemade marshmallow fluff, along with a variety of soda fountain floats served in elegant glass sherbet dishes.
Franklin Fountain, using the feel of an old-school diner with its decor and taste of desserts is the best restaurant in Philadelphia to visit for families with kids, lovers and anyone craving for a sweet treat.
6. Osteria
Cuisine: Italian, Contemporary
Osteria is a modern Italian restaurant based in the Fairmount area with finesse dining and an informal dining setting.
Its current menu offers traditional Italian cuisine with a touch of the contemporary such as hand made pasta, brick oven pizzas and quality meats and fish.
The "first kitchen gnocchi with tomato sauce and ricotta" hits a sweet spot, featuring fresh tomatoes prepared daily.
Margherita and sausage and peppers are among the pizzas offered here together with their house specialty made in their wood-burning oven.
7. Buddakan
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
”Buddakan” is a new, modern Asian contemporary restaurant situated in the Old City area.
Clean and business-like, decorated with a hint of minimalism on the exterior and a contemporary touch on the interior and menu is quite unique for Philadelphia.
It offers the cuisine of Asian classes with the professionals using modern technology to prepare visually appealing and tasty meals.
Some of the specialties include ‘’dim sum platter’, ‘’ spicy tuna tartare’ and ‘’kung pao chicken’ with the signature claim of spicy and delicate taste.
8. The Dandelion
Cuisine: British, Gastropub
If you are in the mood for British style food then “The Dandelion” is a highly regarded gastropub and best restaurant in Philadelphia.
Nestled in Rittenhouse Square, the Dandelion Pub offers a warm Anglo-Scotsman experience, featuring British favorites like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and bangers ‘n’ mash.
The pub is inside and has beautiful wooden furniture with old fashioned drawings along with cooks.
The whole atmosphere of the pub is very impressive and comfortable. A unique offering of The Dandelion is the impressive choice of craft beers and ales inclusive of many British ones.
The restaurant is ideal for diners who enjoy good classic British dishes served in a casual but very upbeat environment.
9. Supreme Philly
Cuisine: American, Gourmet Philly Cheesesteak
Supreme Philly steps up the Philly cheesesteak a notch and adds a gourmet touch to the signature sandwich offering.
Ever blending quality to luxury, Supreme Philly offers its cheesesteaks with some top-grade cut of steak, freshly baked rolls, and a range of optional toppings.
These options include the brisket cheesesteak or the surf and turf cheesesteak where the diner can choose to have lobster or shrimp lumped with Fine steak.
It is served with specialty sauces and fresh vegetables to add a twist to fatty sandwiches that take after the Philly steaks.
The Supreme Philly restaurant is situated in the city that hosts Liberty Bell where one can taste upscale Philly institutions.
10. Talula’s Garden
Cuisine: American, Farm-to-Table
Talula’s Garden in Washington Square is also regarded as one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia.
This restaurant is a classic farm to table sorting it out with a menu that uses the best produce from the region it is located in or nearby.
It is a way where the new food and drinks are available based on seasonal availability of the vegetables, meats and fish.
Such dishes as roast chicken infused with honey and rosemary along with baked beet salad with goat cheese explain the tendency towards the idea of farm to table.
Featuring sidewalk charming slim constructions and plenty of green plants around the restaurant’s outside eating area, it is perfect for couple dates or group hangouts.
For anyone who’s looking for a light, delicious meal in a pretty location, Talula’s Garden restaurant is one of the best places to go to.
Conclusion
The food offered in Philadelphia is a true representation of the culture, the people of the city and scrumptious, quality and uniqueness.
Over the years, people have associated this city with hearty and traditional food such as the cheesesteak sandwich, but this diverse city has a variety of restaurants to suit various diets.
Whether you are expecting traditional American dishes such as famous cheesesteak at Pat’s King of Steaks or taste exotic at Zahav or Vetri Cucina or any other restaurants, the food places in Philadelphia are as diverse as the areas themselves.
Most of these restaurants not only feature the city’s home grown produce but also international cuisine which depicts influence from cultures that have contributed towards the development of Philadelphia as a modern city.
Philadelphia continues to boast of a great variety of eating places, and great history, creativity and quality food make this city a perfect culinary destination.
