Photo courtesy of L’Anima
From Michelin stars to being recognized as one of the only two cities in Travel + Leisure’s Must-Visit Culinary Destinations list, Philadelphia has become recognized world-wide for its cuisine. And, as usual, locals know best. That’s why we checked in with our Q&U agents to highlight their favorites spots for a good bite (and sips).
White Yak
Philadelphia’s first Tibetan restaurant is popular for its authentic cuisine—piled high with plates of momo dumplings and pingsha noodles. whiteyakrestaurant.com
Village Whiskey
The Jose Garces restaurant features a selection of 200 whiskeys, all paired best with a big burger and fries—both available on the robust menu. villagewhiskey.com
Cantina Los Caballitos
Margarita Monday, Taco Tuesday…this Passyunk Mexican hotspot has you covered. Snag a seat in the outdoor dining area for the best summer people watching. cantinaloscaballitos.com
Kalaya
James Beard Award-Winning Chef Nok Suntaranon graces the dining room with plates of mouthwatering curries, dumplings, salads and more. Our go-to order? kanom jeeb nok (bird-shaped dumplings), gui chai (crispy garlic chive rice cakes), goong thod kluae (wok-fried river prawn, and coconut pineapple shaved ice to finish it off. kalayaphilly.com
L’Anima
The authentic Italian trattoria serves full plates of pasta, pizza, carne, pesce, and more that will transport you to Rome, itself. lanimaphiladelphia.com
Gabriella’s Vietnam
Chef Thanh Nguyen (named a James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef) brings flavorful Vietnamese dishes to the Philadelphia restaurant just as they’d look and taste in Vietnam, itself. gabriellasvietnam.com
Middle Child
A variety of hoagies and sandwiches continue to impress at both Fishtown and Center City locations. middlechildphilly.com
Vientiane Café
A great West Philly BYOB serving traditional Thai dishes. Q&U agent Marisa’s favorite? The penang curry and noodle dishes. Run, don’t walk. ventiane-cafe.com
Moonshine Philly
Perfect for brunch or summer evenings in South Philly, the corner bar is best for enjoying an array of signature sandwiches (including a short rib dip) and apps. moonshinephilly.com
Taqueria Amor
Seafood enchiladas with a poblano cream sauce. Enough said. tacqueriaamor.com
Baby’s
The modern Filipino kitchen is popular for breakfast sandwiches, lunch plates, dinner, and more. babysphl.com
Loco Pez
Margaritas, tacos, and outdoor seating combine for the perfect summer affair. locopez.com
Kimchi House
A taste of Korea in Philadelphia serving comforting favorites like kimbap, bulgogi beef rice dishes, stuffed cheese tteok bokki, shrimp tempura, and more. kimchihouses.com
The Sidecar Bar & Grille
While all the food at the French-inspired restaurant is tres bon, Happy Hour is perhaps the best time to find your way over to the Queen Village boîte. Accompany an array of drafts, beer, and wine with a caesar salad, burger, buffalo chicken sammy, mussels, and more. thesidecarbar.com
Yard House
A great go-to spot for an abundance of menu options, drinks, and a sports bar. yardhouse.com
SOUTH Restaurant & Jazz Club
Upscale Southern fare and live jazz combine in the Spring Garden neighborhood for an unforgettable meal. southjazzkitchen.com
Stina
A collection of vintage goods collected by Chef Bobby’s wife dot the interior of the Mediterranean restaurant, where tantalizing plates of chicken shawarma, spanakopita, and fungi pizzas fly out of the Greek-leaning kitchen. stinaphiladelphia.com
Marrakesh
The hidden gem cooks up authentic, family style Middle Eastern cuisine—best enjoyed as a group upstairs, or inside the richly colored, pillow-laden paradise. marrakesheastcoast.com
Adoro
Executive chef and owner Florin Matranxhi brings 15 years of experience to the Italian BYOB, where guests devour plates of steamed clams, capellini scampi, penne vodka, and more. adorobistro.com
Emilia
The new Fishtown restaurant is an impressive addition to the neighborhood—bringing bright, Italian plates to everyone’s palates. emiliaphilly.com
Percy Diner & Bar
Order the ricotta pancake for breakfast; and the French onion soup for lunch. Thank us later. percyphl.com
Meetinghouse
A small, but mighty bar serves an impressive menu from Olde Port Richmond. meetinghousebeer.com
NEW JERSEY FAVORITES
Reunion Hall
Local beers on tap, an extensive menu of food, and large outdoor seating—all located right over the bridge in Haddon Township. reunionhallnj.com
The ChopHouse
Complement specialty martini with the ChopHouse steak experience—you won’t regret it. thechophouse.us
Sagami Japanese Restaurant
The Collingswood gem features gyoza, hiyashi wakame, sashimi, and a rainbow of entrees—just be sure to add. salmon skin roll (or two) to your order. sagami.menu-world.com
Giumarello’s Restaurant & G Bar
A beautiful Italian steakhouse in the heart of Haddon Township. With dishes like prime blackened bone-in ribeye, filet au poivre, seafood pescatore, and Alaskan halibut francese on the menu, you’ll never be disappointed. giumarellos.com
