Philadelphia has so many great restaurants, some big and some small, some well known and some lesser known that it can be hard to find the best of the best. Thats why we’ve put together this Philadelphia restaurant guide of our favorite restaurants within the city!
Philadelphia usually has a restaurant week a couple times a year usually in the summer and then in the fall or winter which brings deals to many restaurants. If you happen to be in the city during one of these weeks it’s a great way to try nicer restaurants while spending a bit less! We have categorized the restaurants based on meal (brunch, dinner, etc.) and then by type of food. After going to plenty of restaurants in the city of Brotherly Love, here our the ones we think you must try!
Brunch
Honey’s Sit ‘N Eat
20th and South Street
Honey Sit and Eat is a very casual restaurant but has a delicious brunch. They don’t take reservations so you will likely find yourself waiting outside for a bit but it is no-fuss good brunch food! It is very affordable and cash only so plan ahead.
Continental
18th and Chestnut Street
Located in Center City, Continental has a really good brunch in a very central location. We have rarely waited too long for a table and the pancakes are amazing and literally the size of your face!
- Continental has a really nice roof top patio with tables so if it’s nice weather head to the top floor to grab a table outside!
Green Eggs Cafe
Multiple locations in the city including South 13th Street
Known for its impressive brunch dishes, you will always have to wait for a table. A bit more expensive for the reputation, and the subsequent brunch instagram posts, but once inside the food is large and delicious and they have a complete bar!
Travel Truth: The Kitchen Sink skillet is everything delicious thrown into a skillet pan.
Read More: 10 Things to See in Philly in the Winter
Lunch / Snacks
Dizengoff
16th and Sansom
Dizengoff is a very small hummus restaurant that makes their own pitas right in front of you! The hummus and pita is so good and it is such a reasonably priced lunch spot. The garage-style door is open on a nice day or you can get it to go and eat it in Rittenhouse Square Park which is about 2 blocks away.
Federal Donuts
Multiple Locations including 16th and Sansom
If you’re looking for a sweet option but don’t want to commit to a big brunch, Federal Donuts is your spot! Their handmade donuts are hands down the best donuts we’ve ever had! The flavors rotate (and definitely sell out by the end of the day) so head in early to get your pick. Otherwise you can always find their hot, fresh donuts and of course, the fried chicken.
Travel Truth: Our recommendation is to get the Fried Chicken Sandwich and a donut that way you get the best of both worlds! There are a few different Federal Donuts locations within the city so be sure to look online before heading to one.
Goldie Falafel
15th and Sansom
On the next block over from Dizengoff and Federal donuts (yes, they are across the street from each other) is Goldie Falafel. For under $10 you get a ginormous falafel sandwich with fresh falafel and a fresh pita! It is a very small restaurant and easy to walk past as it’s a few steps up off the street but so worth it!
Dinner
Oyster House – Seafood
15th and Sansom
Oyster House is our pick for seafood in the city. Complete with an impressive oyster bar, you can get all the raw delights you could ever want. On Saturdays they have happy hour from 9-11 pm so if you’re willing to wait you can cut a ton from your dinner bill! They don’t take reservations for less than 6 people but they do have a big bar area to hang out while you wait.
Travel Truth: The real prize of Oyster House is the lobster roll which comes with a heap of the crispiest fries. In our opinion they are the best fries in Philadelphia!
Bar Bombon – Mexican & Vegan
South 18th Street
We went to Bar Bombon numerous times, ordering dishes such as fish tacos and chicken enchiladas, before realizing it is completely plant based – thats how good it is! The yuca fries and plantains are also amazing. It is a very small restaurant so we would recommend making a reservation!
- Other good Mexican options are Lolita (which is also kind of small on 13th street) and Tio Flores, which is very affordable and easier to get a table at without a reservation.
- A very popular option is El Vez (across the street from Lolita) which is very good but if you walk in with no reservation they will almost always say its a 2 hour wait (although it usually ends up being shorter). If you’re dead set on going we recommend making a reservation 1-2 months ahead of time, and definitely get the guacamole!
Buddakan – Asian
2nd and Walnut Street
Buddakan is amazing, high quality asian food. It’s a bit of a nicer restaurant which makes it great to try during restaurant week. It’s where I (Nicki) always ask to go for a nicer meal and it is so worth it!
Travel Truth: They have so many dumpling options that are all amazing and the Cashew Chicken and Vegetable Lo Mein (although classic) are so good! We hardly ever order dessert at restaurants but the Dip Sum Doughnuts are one of the best desserts we’ve had.
- Jane G’s is a less expensive option for asian food. Although slightly less up-scale, they also have many dumplings and tons of Sichuan style entrees and hot pots. Their Lo Mein is also incredible!
Rex 1516- Southern Comfort Food
15th and South Street
The feel of Rex 1516 is so cozy and the food is so good! We would classify it as southern comfort food but don’t think it has to be winter and snowing to enjoy Rex. The skillet cornbread is amazing and a must try even if you don’t usually love cornbread!
Travel Truth: We don’t eat that much meat but the burger at Rex will make you want to go back again and again!
Tredici Enoteca- Mediterranean / Italian
South 13th Street
It is how to classify Tredici into a type of restaurant as it definitely has influences from different areas of the world. Every time we go every dish that we have ordered has been delicious! Everything is shared and comes out as it’s ready so it’s also kind of a fun experience to go with some friends!
- Another great Mediterranean restaurant is Audrey Claire on South 20th street. It is a BYOB and cash only so make sure you come prepared. The food is outstanding, we always order the grilled artichokes and the maple brined pork chop.
Did we miss any can’t-miss Philadelphia restaurants? Let us know what your favorites are!
