People who love to eat are always the best people.
-Julia Child
When people think about food in Philly, they usually only think about cheesesteaks… or Philadelphia cream cheese if they’re European. This is really disappointing since Philly restaurants have a lot more to offer than just boring old cheesesteaks.
SO…here is a list of some of my favorite restaurants and food in Philadelphia:
Favorite Burger: Pub and Kitchen
I am more than OK with paying for a $15 cheeseburger if this is what it’s going to taste like. Juicy, huge and messy; this was one of the best burgers I’ve had the pleasure of consuming EVER.
Favorite Pad Thai: Circles
Fun fact: I’ve never actually been to Circles, but this has been my go-to hung-over meal (in delivery of course) for the past year. Finally a dish where “spicy” actually means spicy. This is the most perfect Pad Thai I’ve had so far, but I do go to Thailand in March so that’s subject to change.
Source: Circles Website
Favorite Restaurant for Foodies: Matyson
I’ve heard great things about Matyson for awhile, and it wasn’t until I actually ate there that I understood what all the talk was about. One order of Goat Cheese Gnocchi (beef short rib, sweet potato, apple, pine nut, rosemary) , one order of Duck Two Ways (seared foie gras, duck rillette, black cherry compote, port), one pork chop (grilled pear, salsify, brussels sprouts, lardons, mustard) and one pumpkin sundae later, it was one of my favorite restaurants.
Favorite Restaurant to People Watch: Parc
Parc is the place to see and be seen during a nice day in Philly. Located conveniently next to Rittenhouse Park and the downtown shopping area, you’ll have plenty of entertainment during your meal (the food is excellent as well).
Source: http://devicq.com/assets/images/Parc-awning_3.jpg
Favorite Sushi: Raw Sushi & Sake Lounge
The fish is fresh and delicious, the presentation is great, and there is a large variety of rolls. Last time I went I literally had to unbutton my pants.
Favorite Outside Seating: Talulas Garden
If you visit Philly in the warm weather, make sure to make a reservation at Talulas Garden, which has a charming outside seating area. You’ll see it in all it’s glory if you go during dinner time when it’s dark and the lights illuminate your table.
Source Drink Philly
Favorite Restaurant Overall: Vernick Food & Drink
I love everything about Vernicks, from the design, to the food, to the music they play, to the cocktails, to how the waiters all wear the same pair of converses…EVERYTHING. The food is great, the cocktails are amusing (I had an interesting tequila, lime, and cayenne drink), the wait staff makes killer recommendations, and the vibe is really relaxed and comfortable.
Favorite Smoothie: Marathon
Marathon has an amazing organic mixed berry & honey smoothie… and that’s all I have to say about that.
Favorite Bloody Mary: Manayunk Tavern
I usually judge Bloody Marys by three things: 1. How spicy it is, 2. What kind of toppings they give me, and 3. How much alcohol is inside. Manayunk Tavern has an excellent spicy Bloody Mary, that comes with an entire pickle spear AND three olives. The alcohol content isn’t bad either.
Favorite Place for Spanish Tapas: Jamonera
I love Spanish Tapas. Amada and Tinto are great too, but there is something about Jamonera that just has me hooked. Jamonera boasts a warm space and is smaller and cozier than the other restaurants. Everything here is delicious, but don’t leave without trying the pork belly paella.
Favorite All You Can Drink Brunch: Brick
First try Big Al’s hangover sandwich, then wash it down with all-you-can-drink-in-two-hours Bloody Marys, mimosas, and sangria for $20. Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-3pm.
Favorite Brunch Overall: I almost went with Sabrinas, until I saw Hawthornes is back open!
Hawthornes brunch is amazing, featuring classic items with a twist, like omelettes with braised short rib, or a sandwich termed “The Crabby Dick”. For something on the sweeter side, try the Drunken Waffles. Everything is good here, I usually get whatever special they are serving (one time I got a breakfast gyro? genious.) Hawthornes was out of business for a while due to a fire, but now they are back!
Favorite Pizza: Lorenzos
For a city with so much great food, I will admit that the pizza here sort of sucks. The only good pizza I have found yet (that comes by the slice) is Lorenzos. Extra large slices, extra thin crust.
Favorite Mexican: Destrito
It is so hard to decide between Destrito and El Vez, but I am going to say Destrito for now. The margaritas are tasty and strong, and the tapas menu is exciting and offers several interesting combinations.
Favorite Chinese: Han Dynasty
It’s refreshing to eat at a place that has familiar, spicy, and delicious Szechuan food, rather than the sweet Americanized Chinese food we all order for take out.
Favorite Oyster Shooter: Audrey Claire
This was actually the first oyster shooter I’ve ever had, and it was also the best. I got it as a part of a tasting menu and I haven’t had one like it since.
Favorite View of the City: R2L
You can’t get a better view of Philly than the one you get from R2L. Top of the Tower offers a pretty awesome view, but is only open for special events, and of course the beloved SIPS.
Source: R2L
Favorite Presentation: Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a tiny cozy restaurant in Graduate Hospital and the food is just as good as it looks. This picture below is actually squid:
Favorite Trendy Restaurant: Buddakan
Stepping into Buddakan is sort of like stepping into a night club: loud music, dim lighting, loads of people dressed to impress. Except theres a huge golden Buddha looking over everyone. Pretentious? Yes. Expensive? Definitely. But the food is also very good. Get the Edamame, skip the Pad Thai.
Source Visit Philly
Favorite Mimosa: Winnies Le Bus
Introducing the first and only pumpkin mimosa I’ve ever had:
Favorite Cuban Food: Mixto
First of all, the plantain chips you get here are out of this world. They also have a huge selection of Mojitos.
Favorite Place for a Group: Marrakesh
Marrakesh is probably one of the coolest restaurants in Philadelphia. Correction: one of coolest restaurants that nobody knows about. It is a fun Moroccan restaurant, suitable for groups looking for an exotic and fun experience. Once inside, you’ll be surrounded by endless carpets and tapestries hung on the walls, moroccan music, and very dim lighting. The menu is fixed and consists of 8 courses for ~$30 a person. There are hookahs and belly dancers, AND you eat with your hands. If this isn’t amazing already, it’s also a BYOB.
Do you know of any places that would make us change our minds? Feel free to comment below!
No favorite Philly Cheesesteak??
I was trying to stay away from the obvious Philly Cheesesteak, but of course there’s a favorite! That would be a tie between Jims and Steves..I’ll have to make a tie breaker post. There’s an idea for the future 🙂