TASTE OF PHILLY: A LOCAL’S GUIDE TO DINING IN THE CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE

TASTE OF PHILLY: A LOCAL’S GUIDE TO DINING IN THE CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE

If you’re a food lover, Philadelphia should be at the top of your culinary bucket list. With its diverse neighborhoods and world-class restaurants, the city offers an unforgettable dining experience. As a five-year resident, I can attest to the city’s vibrant food scene. One thing’s for sure: Philly is a place where you can always find great dining options from local chefs and restaurant groups, making national chains seem unnecessary.

The city is brimming with unique, independently owned businesses and talented local chefs who keep the culinary scene exciting and innovative. While the food scene is constantly evolving, some of these spots below are tried-and-true spots that have been mainstays for years, and hopefully, many more to come.

Double Knot

Double Knot is by far one of my favorite spots in Philadelphia, which is located on bustling 13th Street in Midtown. It has delicious sushi and pan-asian cuisine from the Schulson Collective. It is my go-to for happy hour, with my typical order including sake, spicy tuna roll, edamame dumplings and the best version of brussel sprouts I’ve ever eaten. Trust me.

Double Knot, 120 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA, doubleknot.com

Friday Saturday Sunday

Friday Saturday Sunday is an eclectic American James Beard winning restaurant in the Rittenhouse area of the city owned and operated by Chef Chad Williams. When I first discovered Friday Saturday Sunday you could order a la carte and I enjoyed some delicious dishes. It’s now transitioned to a tasting menu, available for $150pp.

Friday Saturday Sunday, 261 South 21st Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, fridaysaturdaysunday.com

Parc

A trip to Philly isn’t complete without a stop at Parc. It’s been a staple of dining on Rittenhouse Square for years. If you’re looking for the perfect Parisian style restaurant – this is for you. Enjoy a bistro style table viewing Rittenhouse Square Square, while you dine on French classics like escargot, raw bar, steak tartare or a roast chicken. Always bustling from restaurateur Stephen Starr, you can expect a wait if you don’t have a reservation.

Parc, 227 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, parc-restaurant.com

The Dandelion

The Dandelion is a British-style pub from Stephen Starr restaurant group. This cozy multi-level restaurant has multiple rooms with different vibes from The Dog Room, to the bar, to the cozy space by the fire. They also serve great happy hour eats, but the highlights are a traditional Sunday-Style Roast and High Tea (weekdays only).

The Dandelion, 124 S. 18th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103, thedandelionpub.com

Harp & Crown

Now Harp & Crown is unlike any other spot in the city. They have a wide-range of menus available including lunch, dinner and happy hour, but the star of the show is the buffet style brunch on the weekends. You can find every single brunch food you’d ever want and you can order mimosas to go along with it. When you’re done with your meal, head to the lower level to play a game of bowling.

Harp & Crown, 1525 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, harpcrown.com

Andra Hem

Are you in the mood for some cocktails and some Swedish-style light fare? Step into the luxe Andra Hem where you’ll be greeted by peacock blue walls and gold accents. Settle in for a delicious drink before dinner.

Andra Hem, 218 South 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, andrahem.com

Her Place Supper Club

While I haven’t been to Her Place Supper Club yet, I have to include it on this list just based on concept alone. They describe it as, “Kind of like a restaurant, but kind of like a dinner party.” This restaurant has a different menu every week and reservations are required and quite coveted. They offer a pre-fixe menu at $95 and they won’t accommodate any substitutions. However, they do put their menu on their website. So, if you’re nervous to be adventurous (or the unknown!) you can check it out beforehand. I am intrigued by the concept and can’t wait to get a reservation.

Her Place Supper Club, 1740 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, herplacephilly.com

Via Locusta

Via Locusta is a fairly new Italian restaurant right off of Rittenhouse Square by the Schulson Collective. They focus on handmade pastas and local ingredients for small share plates. This is one of my new favorite happy hour spots with all the plates priced $5-$9 and it’s EVERYDAY from 4-6pm. Come for Happy Hour and then stay for some pasta before you walk across the street to take in a concert at the world-renowned Curtis Institute of Music.

Via Locusta, 1723 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, vialocusta.com

Wilder

I was lucky enough to enjoy one of my birthday dinners at Wilder with some of my very best friends. It was brand new at the time and is a New American restaurant and bar that spans three floors with beautiful interiors opened by restaurateur and chef Brett Naylor and his partner Nicole Barrick. My friends and I basically ordered the entire menu, but some of the stars were the tuna tartare, the steak tartare toast and the roasted oysters.

Wilder, 2009 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, wilderphilly.com

Condesa

Condesa is a Mexican restaurant named after Mexico City from Defined Hospitality that has cuisine from the seven different regions of Mexico. They make their corn tortillas with volcanic stone ground masa on the premise daily. The interiors are stunning, but you also can choose to sit out on the front patio with the fireplace. Any place with ceviche, tostados and queso fundido on the menu is a win for me. If you’re looking for drinks then head up to the rooftop bar El Techo with a stunning view of the city (they also serve brunch!).

Condesa, 1830 Ludlow St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, condesaphilly.com

Charlie Was A Sinner

Charlie Was A Sinner is a vegan restaurant that is celebrating its 10-yr anniversary. The restaurant is creative cocktails and small plates in a cozy, dark environment reminiscent of the haunts during the Prohibition Era. Even if you’re not a vegan, I would highly suggest checking this spot out as the food is delicious and you won’t even miss the meat. Their potato croquettes have been on the menu since the beginning and if you can get their squash blossom dishes when they are in season, it’s heavenly.

Charlie Was A Sinner, 131 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, charliewasasinner.com

Ambra

Ambra is a small modern Italian restaurant down in Queen Village that only seats roughly 16 guests. Co-owners Chef Chris D’Ambro and Marina de Oliveira deliver an exceptional multi-course memorable dining experience. I loved my meal at Ambra so much that I wrote about the entire thing. Read it here.

Ambra, 705 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, ambraphilly.com

Southwark

Again from Chef Chris D’Ambro and Marina de Oliveira; Southwark is a farm to table elevated tavern is right next door to Ambra (they even share the same kitchen). This is a the perfect spot to dine with some locals an enjoy dishes like fried green tomatoes, chicken liver mousse or duck leg. Don’t forget to pair that with one of their delicious cocktails.

Southwark, 701 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, southwarkphilly.com

Bok Bar

Bok Bar is one of those “let’s go there for the view and the vibes” kind of place. A low-key atmosphere with drinks and eats, it’s the perfect place to get some fresh air and enjoy the view with your friends (and your pup!). They offer beer, wine and cocktails and a small curated menu with dishes like Fried Mushroom Roll, Clam Chowder Fries, Falafel Salad and Oysters. If you can time it right, head there during a Phillies game. You’ll get rewarded with seeing the fireworks!

Bok Bar, 800 Mifflin St, Philadelphia, PA 19148, bokbar.com

Wm. Mulherin’s Sons

Wm. Mulherin’s Sons is a beloved Fishtown establishment housed in a historic whiskey factory. I’ve been going here for years and have tried both brunch and dinner. It’s one of those restaurants that keeps me coming back. It offers a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience, specializing in wood-fired Italian cuisine. The interiors and vibe also kind of remind me of something you’d find in a Wes Anderson movie. You can read more about my experience here.

Wm. Mulherin’s Sons, 1355 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122, wmmuhlerinssons.com

LMNO

LMNO is a trendy Mexican restaurant and cocktail lounge in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood. It offers a unique dining experience, combining Mexican cuisine with a lively atmosphere. The restaurant features a vibrant interior, a spacious patio, and a diverse menu of tacos, tostadas, and other delicious dishes like birria. LMNO is a great spot for a fun night out because the vibes are immaculate. They serve both dinner and brunch.

LMNO, 1739-1749 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122, lmnophilly.com

With its vibrant food scene and passionate culinary community, Philadelphia continues to impress and inspire. As you explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods and sample its delicious cuisine, you’ll discover why Philly is truly a food lover’s dream.

Want to find all of my suggestions in one accessible map? Click here.