The 20 best restaurants in Philadelphia for locals and tourists alike

What is it? A Haitian-American café-turned-restaurant that celebrates the African diaspora.

Why we love it: Initially opened in West Philly in 2022 as a grocery store and café, Honeysuckle upgraded in 2025 to a full-scale restaurant in Spring Garden and quickly earned a Michelin nod. Drool-worthy pastries and portable sandwiches gave way to a highbrow tasting menu that changes with the seasons. Nowadays, a tasting can include everything from Creole-spiced scallops with winter citrus fruit to smoked pork belly with black-eyed peas, turnips, and black currants. 

There’s also a bar menu from which diners can order individual items, like black Caesar salad, broiled oysters, and hand-cut fries. If you’re feeling hungry enough to venture beyond small bites, turn to mains like fried catfish and peppers with turnip tartar sauce, roasted chicken with candied lemon and grilled collards, or the McDonald’s Money, a $65 double cheeseburger piled high with Philly-famous Cooper Sharp, truffle, 24k gold, and caviar for good measure.

The cocktail menu is not to be slept on either. While the original Honeysuckle location specialized in coffee and espresso drinks, there’s a full libation program at the new iteration. There’s much Caribbean and Haitian influence, as evident by ingredients like plantain liqueur, sorrel, and Bajan rum. If you’re more into vino, though, you can request a wine pairing curated to match the tasting menu for the full experience. 

Time Out tip: Vegetarians who manage to score a table can request a plant-based version of the tasting menu du jour. Think red garnet sweet potato “barbecue” instead of meat, or king trumpet mushroom in place of fish. 

Address: 631 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19123

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 5–10pm

Expect to pay: ~$135 for a tasting menu, ~$30+ per dish a la carte

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What is it? An Indian and Pakistani restaurant in University City.

Why we love it: There’s no shortage of Indian food in Philadelphia, but Virasat offers some of the most delectable Indian and Pakistani fare in the city. From the wide-spanning menu to the crowd-friendly portions, the resto offers authentic dishes at fair prices that are tough to beat. Plus, the chef trained under a longtime veteran of Desi cuisine, so he knows his way around the kitchen. 

The menu includes all sorts of appetizers, like potato-stuffed samosa, crispy dosa, tangy papri chaat, and vegetable pakora. While there’s no harm in kicking off the smorgasbord with a few small bites, the mains are the real stars. The chicken korma, cooked in a rich coconut sauce with almond and cashew, is equal parts nutty, savory, and fall-apart tender. The goat curry in tomato-onion gravy offers a more robust, pastoral flavor. For a lighter main that’s just as tasty, try the char-kissed fish tikka, in which the salmon is marinated in lemon and herbs before cooking. Of course, there are plenty of vegetarian options too, like lentil-rich dal, chickpea chana masala, and ginger-tinged aloo gobhi. That said, Philadelphia has a large Muslim population, and Virasat guarantees that all its meat is certified Halal. 

There are a number of desserts to savor, too, if you don’t fill up on dinner. For instance, there’s kheer, a traditional rice pudding, as well as comforting gulab jamun and falooda kulfi, or Indian ice cream with cellophane noodles. As far as drinks go, wash it all down with a warm-spiced masala chai or one of the eatery’s fruity lassis. 

Time Out tip: Virasat offers a catering service for special events and parties. If you’re hosting a large group and want to save yourself some time and effort, have the resto feed your guests and stay out of the kitchen. 

Address: 4051 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am–10pm

Expect to pay: about $15-$25 per main

What is it? An Indonesian restaurant in an unlikely shopping plaza.

Why we love it: Do not let the location of this restaurant fool you. Nestled in a cluster of Asian restaurants, tea shops, and grocery stores on Washington Avenue, Sky Cafe is one of those if-you-know-you-know spots in Philadelphia. Locals head to this culinary haven to do all their international shopping, but most importantly, they go to chow down. 

Sky Cafe delivers unadulterated essentials just as you would find them in Indonesia. You can start the feast with savory pork or chicken satay (or beef tongue padang, if you’re feeling adventurous), complete with peanut dressing for dipping. Pempek—or fried fish cake with vinegar sauce—and gado gado—Indonesia’s signature salad—are also available, alongside soul-soothing wonton soups and crispy chicken wings. 

As for mains, you’ll want to try something with noodles or rice if it’s your first time. The mie belacan, starring shrimp-paste-fried egg noodles, will delight you with its springiness and deep umami, while the nasi campur medan, loaded with house-made pork sausage, BBQ pork, and pork belly, will wow you with its varied textures and flavors. But the most essential of all the principal plates is arguably the fall-apart-tender beef rendang. 

Time Out tip: If your meal comes with plain white rice, get an additional side of coconut rice for good measure. It’s fragrant, fluffy, and endlessly versatile, meaning you can pair it with just about anything on the menu.

Address: 1122 Washington Ave. B, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Opening hours: Mon–Wed, Fri–Sun 11am–8pm 

Expect to pay: about $15 per plate

What is it? An immigrant-owned Vietnamese restaurant off the main drag (Baltimore Avenue) of Cedar Park.

Why we love it: This is one of *those* West Philly staples that consistently feels cozy and unpretentious yet special. You can always score a table (despite it always being busy), and the service is equal parts speedy and warm. There are tons of shareable appetizers to split with friends or a date, like crispy pork spring rolls with a zingy chili vinegar dip and grilled meatball rolls with hoisin peanut sauce. For mains, I recommend the grilled pork vermicelli noodles with pickled daikon and cucumbers, the five spice-marinated crispy duck leg with chili pineapple sauce, or the truly revelatory beef lemongrass soup, starring a tangy, spicy broth that you’ll long for in the cold months. There are also plenty of seafood- and tofu-based dishes for pescatarians and vegetarians. Just as essential are the cocktails, which include a range of fruity, notoriously potent Polynesian libations in fun glassware. If mocktails are more your style, I suggest the supremely refreshing Vietnamese limeade, made with fresh citrus juice, sugar, and club soda.

Time Out tip: The Flaming Volcano cocktail is not to be missed—but it is to be shared. Called “the fantastic drink for passion lovers” on the menu, the concoction of four spirits, grenadine, and fruit juice is crowned with a shot of Bacardi 151 that’s set ablaze just before it’s brought to the table. 

Address: 816 S 47th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am–8pm

Expect to pay: $15 to $20 for an entrée

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What is it? A laid-back, bustling Chinese restaurant famous for hand-drawn and shaved noodles and soup.

Why we love it: No matter what kind of food you like or where in Philly you live, Chinatown’s limitlessly rich culinary scene is bound to win you over at first bite. For authentic, supremely flavorful Chinese food that will coax you beyond the confines of your usual takeout spot, Nan Zhou is the move. The menu is pages long and runs the gamut from dishes familiar to the American palate, like mapo tofu and roast pork fried rice, to more unusual fare, like cold jellyfish in sauce, spicy pig ears, and ox stomach noodle soup.

Speaking of soup, it’s arguably the main event there. You can pair your choice of hand-pulled or shaved noodles (FYI, hand-pulled noodles are manually stretched to be long and thin, while knife-cut or shaved noodles are shaped more like ribbons and sliced directly into boiling water to cook) with everything from lamb, fish balls, or pork chops to roast duck, beef tripe, or clams. All the broths are topped with spinach, cilantro, scallions, and pickles, plus you can add a marinated or fried egg to your bowl for about $2 more. 

You can also opt for noodles sans-broth. I recommend the peanut noodles with chili oil, topped with scallions and a thick peanut sauce, or the Szechuan cold noodles, which come crowned with peanuts, scallions, and lettuce. (You can also ask for them to be made extra spicy, or add a protein; I’m partial to pork.) If it’s Americanized Chinese food you’re craving, there are, of course, standards like General Tso’s and sesame chicken on the menu, but there’s truly no better place in the city to branch out from your usual, if you ask me. 

Time Out tip: I know buns, dumplings, and scallion pancakes usually steal the show in terms of appetizers, but you’ll want to order the diced cucumber in sauce as well. It’s zingy, refreshing, and offers a cool reprieve between bites of hot soup, spicy proteins, and fluffy white rice. 

Address: 1022 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 11am–10pm; Fri, Sat 11am–10:30pm

Expect to pay: $20 for a main and an appetizer

What is it? A buzzy, no-frills taco spot in Passyunk Square that specializes in lamb.

Why we love it: Real-deal Mexican food can be hard to find in Philadelphia. But this South Philly joint, run by James Beard Award-winning and immigrant Chef Cristina Martinez, delivers on all fronts. The eatery is so confident in its signature dish—slow-cooked, Capulhuac-style lamb barbacoa—that the menu doesn’t offer much more. However, it’s well worth a meal, whether you order tacos with barbacoa, pancita (aka spicy lamb offal sausage), or steamed root vegetables in green chile sauce. You can also try sweet tamales and quesadillas, or stock up on fresh tortillas or masa, in case you feel like pressing your own at home. Consomé, a soup made from barbacoa drippings with rice and garbanzos, is also on the menu. Order it “con pata,” meaning with the lamb’s foot, for $3 more, if you’d like even more meat. It’s cash only, so load up your wallet before heading over.

Time Out tip: You can order tacos for a crowd by the half, three-quarters, or whole kilo. The meat comes with tortillas, consomé, and toppings.

Address: 1134 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Opening hours: Mon, Tues, and Fri 9am–9pm; Wed–Thu 10am–9pm; Sat and Sun 6am–9pm

Expect to pay: $6 per taco

What is it? A French-American bistro with a raw bar and top-tier steaks.

Why we love it: Need a fancy-ish place for a special date night or birthday celebration? Maybe your parents are coming into town and you want to show them an unforgettable meal. Louie Louie is sure to deliver with its dreamy, French café-like ambiance and delectable food. Nestled in the heart of University City, this Euro-inspired gem is best known for its raw bar, cocktails, and steaks, all of which will make any foodie swoon.

The menu rotates seasonally, but you can count on stellar shellfish (like oysters on the half shell with black pepper-Champagne mignonette), impeccably fresh seafood (hi, tuna tartare in a tomato emulsion), and timely salads (ooh, spring peas and goat cheese?). Before you dig into seafood and starters, though, I recommend the house brioche, complete with everything seasoning, sesame seeds, and an assortment of butters, and the artisan cheese plate, which comes equipped with all the crucial accompaniments. 

As for mains, it’s impossible to make a bad choice. Full disclosure: The best thing I’ve ever eaten here was a short rib stroganoff. While it’s not currently on the menu, I wholeheartedly suggest trying another house pasta (like the clam spaghetti, crowned with gremolata) or going straight for the meat with the braised beef short ribs in red wine jus. On that note, the steak is great for beef devotees or anyone who can’t decide what to order. Choose between the filet au poivre in brandy cream (the fingerling potatoes just might steal the spotlight, honestly) or the ribeye in red wine shallot butter with pommes frites. 

You’ll also find plenty of photo-worthy cocktails, local beers, and diverse wines on the drink list. Personally, I’d go with the Parfum, a mix of gin, pear juice, hibiscus-juniper simple syrup, and fresh lemon. If you prefer a more potent bev, try the Smoking Oaxacan, a twist on an old fashioned that’s smoked table-side and made with tequila, mezcal, and lavender simple syrup. You can also ask about their selection of mocktails, if you want something fancier than water but without booze.

 Time Out tip: If you’re clinking glasses with friends, the espresso martini tower may be the ultimate move in terms of cocktails. It comes with five potent, caffeinated libations that are sure to get the evening rolling. 

Address: 3611 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–9pm; Fri 11am–9:30pm; Sat 10am–9:30pm; Sun 10am–8pm

Expect to pay: $20 per appetizer, $35 to $60 per entrée

What is it? a French-Canadian upscale eatery beloved for cocktails and a menu of (mostly) small plates that rotates daily.

Why we love it: Anyone with their finger on the pulse of Philly’s food scene knows My Loup. Opened in 2023 by chef-owners Alex Kemp and Amanda Shulman, the French eatery is just steps away from Rittenhouse Square. Not only is there a full bar and stacked wine list, but most importantly, there’s also a menu of chic, photogenic small plates that puts precedence on peak-delicious seasonal ingredients and raw seafood. Dishes are constantly rotating, but recent hits include hiramasa with pickled ramps and dill, fried skate cheeks with pepper relish and horseradish, and foie gras mousse with peaches and brioche. There are also a few larger plates on the menu if you’re feeling like a full main, like roast chicken with frites, duck breast with beets and chicories, and a 10-ounce striploin with bone marrow-stuffed leeks. The bar program keeps the party going with an ever-rotating cocktail menu that features both zhuzhed classics and new-school libations, like the Pornstar Martini Milk Punch with Champagne foam or the black sherry Manhattan with cherry liqueur.

Time Out tip: If you’re visiting with a party of six or more, opt for the four-course menu instead of ordering individual dishes. It can be tweaked for allergies and dietary restrictions and costs $125 per head.

Address: 2005 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5–10pm

Expect to pay: at least $100 for a sampling of raw bar dishes and small plates

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What is it? A bar and restaurant with house-brewed beer and a modest luncheonette menu.

Why we love it: It’s a casual pub that offers laidback food and drink with a retro, sophisticated spin. Located in what was formerly Memphis Taproom, a Kensington watering hole that was a cornerstone of the neighborhood since 1935, Meetinghouse has made quite the mark on Philly since its 2023 opening. According to Philadelphia Magazine, “having a chill, come-as-you-are hangout to casually gather with friends is getting more difficult to come by,” and this gem is trying to keep the practice alive. Collaborations with breweries and food makers (typically every Monday) keep the menu fresh and allow other local purveyors to get some love. The house beers are varied but simple: the pale Morning Swim, the dark Living Thing, and the hoppy Mount Pleasant. (You can also order wine, cider, and a few classic cocktails, like a gin martini or old fashioned, as well.) As for food, spring for the hot roast beef sandwich, complete with horseradish and a pickle, or the broiled cod with white wine sauce, if you’re feeling fancy. Also, don’t sleep on the desserts, which range from chocolate pot de crème to caramel toast. 

Time Out tip: Some folks don’t know that Meetinghouse offers a small brunch menu from 11am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Options include creamed chipped beef, waffles, and breakfast sandwiches, along with brunch cocktails, like Bloody Marys, Irish coffee, and mimosas.

Address: 2331 E Cumberland St, Lebanon, PA 17042

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4–11pm; Fri 4pm–midnight; Sat 11am–midnight; Sun 11am–10pm

Expect to pay: $6 to $11 for a drink, $10 to $20 for food, $6 to $9 for dessert

What is it? A contemporary Mediterranean restaurant.

Why we love it: A trip to East Passyunk can stand in for a European vacay if you have a res here. Mish Mish’s menu is subject to daily updates, but so you get the vibe, past dishes include steak tartare with capers, black garlic, and saltines, braised celery with brown butter almonds, Asian pears, and Comté, and slow-roasted salmon in arak butter with smoked beets, English peas, and trout roe. (The fried string cheese is a can’t-miss, too.) There are also a handful of Middle Eastern flourishes, like lamb kofta or Aleppo pepper, a nod to restaurateur Alex Tewfik’s half-Egyptian upbringing. The drink menu is just as cool and chic, teeming with French and Spanish wines and variations of classic cocktails (like the off-white negroni with white vermouth, or the rum and Coke made with two top-shelf rums, Averna, and Mexican Coca-Cola).

Time Out tip: Keep an eye on Mish Mish’s Instagram to stay informed on upcoming pop-up events. You can expect drool-worthy international wine tastings, not to mention a nonstop rotation of hot dogs. 

Address: 1046 Tasker St, Philadelphia, PA 19148

Opening Hours: Sun, Mon, Thu 5–9pm; Fri, Sat 5–10pm

Expect to pay: Less than $20 for small plates and veggies; $25 to $40+ for mains

What is it? A cool, moody sushi spot for sashimi, buns, and cocktails.

Why we love it: Chef Jessie Ito was a 2024 James Beard Awards finalist for his Old City resto for good reason. With its packed sushi and sashimi bar in the front and a posh, reservation-only omakase suite in the back, you can get the best of both worlds at this beloved sushi joint. Reviewers rave about the Royal Chirashi box ($160), which comes complete with fish, uni, scallop, and caviar. But if you really want to go all out, spring for the 17-course, $355 omakase. If it’s warm apps you’re after, consider broiled Japanese eggplant with sweet miso glaze or karaage wings with soy-chili vinegar sauce, red onion, and scallions. For drinks, you’ll want to scan the cheeky, fun cocktail list (including Poor Impulse Control, a mix of mezcal, yuzu kosho, shiso liqueur, and lime) and take in the extensive sake selection, whether you’re in the market for a glass or a bottle.

Time Out tip: If you’re not sure what to drink and want to invest in the experience, ask your waiter for a sake pairing to go with your food.

Address: 780 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Opening Hours: Tue–Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat 5–11pm; closed Sun and Mon

Expect to pay: $10 to $15 for individual rolls, $20 to 60 for sashimi or chirashi combos, $10+ per starter or bun

What is it? An innovative sit-down with a comforting, throwback vibe offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and dessert.

Why we love it: Middle Child, a cult-favorite sandwich shop in Old City, is always packed with hoagie-loving patrons. If you want to avoid the crowds to try the goods, head to the Clubhouse in Fishtown, which offers many core sammies (I’m partial to the duck fat Cubano with house-pulled pernil, smoked heritage ham, Swiss cheese, sour pickles, yellow mustard, and mayo on ciabatta, as well as the Shopsin Club, piled high with house-made turkey, bacon, and cranberry-miso mayo), in addition to brunch and dinner exclusives you won’t find at the flagship store. And phew, is the breakfast incredible. If you’re feeling savory, you can’t go wrong with the pastrami egg and cheese, which was once named the Best Breakfast in America on Good Morning America. But if you lean sweet, the big-as-your-face Olivia’s Pancake—which is malted and slathered in citrusy honey butter—will floor you at first bite. No matter what time of day you go, do yourself a favor by ordering the latke-inspired hash browns, complete with dill cream and a verdant herb oil. Bonus points for paying an extra $5 to top them with trout roe.

Time Out tip: Breakfast and lunch are served until 2pm and dinner service starts at 5pm, so be sure not to go when kitchen service is paused.

Address: 1232 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 8am–10pm; Fri–Sat 9am–midnight; Sun 9am–10pm

Expect to pay: $13 or less for breakfast, ~$15 for a famous sandwich, $20 to $40 for dinner, not including drinks

What is it? A farm-to-table eatery and bar housed in a uniquely decorated brownstone.

Why we love it: Farm-to-table fare may seem like a post-2000s trend, but White Dog has been doing it since 1983. It was one of the first of its kind in the city, dedicated to sourcing sustainable, organic, and local ingredients from nearby farms. Nestled in the heart of University City (the Philadelphia location, that is; there are four others in the suburbs), this cozy bar and resto feels nostalgic and chic all at once with an industrial-lite bar decked out with wood and brick, chairs with crimson velvet backs, and a ton of pop art-adjacent dog paintings. Lunch and dinner options range from the fan-favorite White Dog double cheddar burger, slathered with bacon mayo, to the simplistically exquisite whipped feta, finished with rotating seasonal accompaniments (like heirloom baby tomatoes and basil pesto). But brunch is the real gem, if you ask me. The pork belly Benedict, complete with pickled onions and rosemary-maple cream sauce, will keep you full for the day. But TBH, the house's monkey bread with brown sugar toffee alone is worth making a reservation for.

Time Out tip: If you go for brunch, keep an eye out for the always-scrumptious stuffed French toast. It changes from season to season, but past varieties include pumpkin cheesecake, s’mores, and peach.

Address: 3420 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–9pm; Fri 11am–9:30pm; Sat 9am–9:30pm; Sun 9am–8pm

Expect to pay: $20 to $40 for a main, $20 for shared appetizers

What is it? a family-owned Lao-Thai restaurant in University City

Why we love it: Beloved by soup stans, curry lovers, and noodle fans alike, Vientiane Café was opened in 2002 by immigrant Chef Daovy Phanthavong and her family. She got her start selling $3 servings of pad Thai and curry outside her home. After rave reviews spread among locals, she eventually opened two brick-and-mortar outposts, one on Baltimore Ave. in West and one in Kensington. Of course, the O.G. beloved dishes are on the menu, but my go-to is the startlingly sour, herbaceous beef laab, marinated in roasted rice powder, kalanga, fresh herbs, and a generous dose of fresh lime juice. When the weather is cold, the king’s soup is my favorite, as it’s loaded with rice noodles, herbs, and produce in a soul-warming red curry coconut broth. As far as appetizers go, don’t let classics like satay, spring rolls, and fish cakes distract you from the sweet-tart, sticky tamarind tofu, which comes with chili, lemongrass, and kaffir leaves for good measure. Did I mention it’s BYOB?

Time Out tip: The Baltimore Avenue location (there’s also Vientiane Bistro in Kensington) is cash only, but don’t worry if you can’t get money in advance—there’s an ATM on site.

Address: 4728 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19143

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 4–9pm 

Expect to pay: $10 to $14 for soup or appetizers, at least $18 for noodles, soup, fried rice, or other mains

What is it? a French-Korean fine dining restaurant with an ever-evolving tasting menu.

Why we love it: With only two reservation-only seatings per night and Chef Nich Bazik at the helm, this Michelin-caliber spot in Headhouse Square is worth the hype—and splurge. It’s only the latest project on Bazik’s impressive resume, which includes Philly landmarks like The Good King Tavern and Fork. But it’s already made major waves since opening in summer 2024, as Philadelphia Magazine called it “Philly’s most ambitious restaurant.” There are no a la carte offerings, but rather a seasonally inspired, four-course tasting menu that features 20 to 25 dishes. You’ll start with plates of raw bar-inspired canapés and seasonal produce, then work your way up to partially cooked and cooked seafood, then an entree, salad, and a series of desserts. The cuisine is French at its roots with Korean flourishes. (Dishes like sweet adzuki soufflé and samgwang rice with lamb belly, truffle, and aged Parmesan highlight the seamless collaboration between the two.) If you’re feeling like treating yourself, you can spring for a sommelier-curated wine pairing, or alternatively, a non-alcoholic pairing or something from the bar. 

Time Out tip: Getting a table can be tricky some nights, but it’s not impossible. Reservations are released on the first of every month at noon, so head to Resy to book for the following month. 

Address: 408 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5-10pm

Expect to pay: $225 per person, plus taxes and a 20 percent service charge

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What is it? An award-winning Indian restaurant with four locations across Philadelphia.

Why we love it: Its feel is so understated that you may doubt how special the food is at first. But if you ask around, Philadelphians are very aware of the edible bounty Ekta has to offer. (The fact that the resto has four locations in Fishtown, Bryn Mawr, Manayunk/Roxborough, and, my favorite, University City, makes it even more well-known.) Behind lively music, colorful artwork, and ornate tapestries awaits real-deal Indian food that’s competitively priced, authentic, and varied.

My favorites include the South Indian-style lamb chettinad, cooked in fresh coconut, fragrant curry leaves, and potent mustard seed, and the tandoori shrimp, bright and slightly spicy due to a marinade of green chiles, fresh ginger, and tangy sour cream. Of course, there are also beginner favorites, like butter chicken, as well as a slew of vegetarian mains for folks who don’t eat meat, like saag paneer.

I’d also be remiss not to mention the staggering number of breads on the menu, which are ideal for scooping up rice, meat, and every drop of sauce on your plate. My go-to is the Ekta naan, stuffed with nutty sesame seeds, lightly sweet dried fruit, and earthy chopped nuts. But you can’t go wrong with options like methi ka paratha, made with whole wheat flour and fenugreek leaf, or vegan roti, cooked in a tandoor oven for optimal char. I’m also partial to the mango chutney, which is ridiculously thick and jammy without being cloying. 

As for drinks, Ekta is a BYOB, so you can tote your own wine or beer to pair with your meal. If you’re not interested in a nightcap, you can choose from one of six lassi drinks instead, made with a tangy yogurt base and a variety of fruits. (Think mango, strawberry, pomegranate, and guava.)

Time Out tip: Sides are everything, if you ask me. Whether you opt for lip-smackingly tangy raita, decadent mango chutney, or the house pickles (which are *not* for the faint of heart, given their intensely sour brine), they’re the easiest—and cheapest—way to upgrade your meal. 

Address: 106 S 40th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Opening hours: Sun 11am–9pm; Mon–Thu 11am-9:30pm; Fri–Sat 11am-10pm

Expect to pay: $7 to $11 per appetizer, $15 to $20 per entrée

What is it? a French-inspired American bistro with a knack for wine.

Why we love it: As if you needed another reason to spend the day in Rittenhouse Square, a.kitchen’s food and drink are well worth the trip. Operated by High Street Hospitality Group, which was founded by James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Ellen Yin and is led by award-winning executive Chef Eli Collins, the resto has been a local favorite for more than a decade. There’s something for serious foodies and newbies alike to enjoy on the menu. They do everything from breakfast to dinner, and I especially appreciate how they dress up the basics. (I’m talking cornmeal pancakes with lemon curd and maple syrup, crispy soft shell crab with braised leeks, and the house cheeseburger, slathered in Dijonnaise and crowned with cornichon.) Wine lovers will adore perusing the list, but there are plenty of next-level cocktails and a few local beers to consider as well.

Time Out tip: Save room for a glass of natural wine, specifically—this restaurant has one of the most impressive collections in the country.

Address: 135 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Opening Hours: Mon 4:30–9pm; Tue–Fri 8am–3pm and 4:30–10pm; Sat 10am–3pm and 4:30-10pm; Sun 10am–3pm and 4:30–9pm

Expect to pay: At least $80 on dinner or $60 on brunch

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What is it? A buzzy Fishtown Thai restaurant.

Why we love it: Chef Nok Suntaranon, winner of the 2023 James Beard award for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, moved her beloved Italian Market BYOB to a spacious, tropical-inspired spot in Fishtown that’s even more vibrant than its first iteration. The concept is the same—preparing wonderfully flavorful dishes the way she saw her mom do it when she was growing up in Southern Thailand—but now, you can dine there for dinner and lunch on the weekends. You can’t go wrong with a crowd-pleasing starter like gui chai, crispy garlic-chive rice cakes with spicy-sweet soy sauce. For salad, I have my eye on the laab ped, made with ground duck and crispy duck skin, chilis, and fish sauce, all served with sticky rice. For the main event, consider massaman lamb shank curry with pearl onions, tamarind and coriander-glazed mangalitsa pork chop, wok-fried prawns in brown butter, or the khao pad pu, fried rice with colossal crab and all the essentials. 

Time Out tip: There’s a full bar cranking out innovative tropical cocktails and beer slushies, as well as a full list of whites, reds, rosés, and oranges for good measure. 

Address: 4 W Palmer St, Philadelphia, PA 19125

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–10pm; Fri 5–11pm; Sat 11am–2pm and 5–11pm; Sun 11 am–2pm and and 5–10pm

Expect to pay: $15 to $20 per appetizer, $30 to $40+ for entrees and curries

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What is it? A casual Mexican BYOB in Passyunk Square.

Why we love it: Chef Carlos Aparicio has gained national recognition for cultivating traditional cooking styles and flavor-packed recipes from across Mexico in Philadelphia. (El Chingón was named one of the best restaurants of 2023 by The New York Times and was a James Beard Award semifinalist in 2024 and 2025.) Expect cemitas (those are Puebla-style sandwiches, for the uninitiated) stacked with a variety of meats and veggies on delightfully fluffy bread, carpaccio-style beef tenderloin with ancho chile and avocado leaves, aguachile with peppers, lime, garlic, and hominy, and tacos served on house-made sourdough tortillas. Options for the latter range from ever-trendy quesabirria, complete with house cheese, to Yucatán-style cochinita pibil, made from pork shank and finished with red onion curtido. Don’t sleep on brunch either, which offers Mexican staples like huevos rancheros, molletes with ayocote beans and chihuahua cheese, chilaquiles with your choice of protein, and concha French toast in chocolate-tahini batter with salted dulce de leche. 

Time Out tip: There are a few mocktails on the menu (like horchata), but you should know that it’s a BYOB…or a BYOT, rather. Bring your own bottle of tequila to add to one of the alcohol-free drink mixes for easy (and cheaper) cocktails.

Address: 1524 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 (Passyunk); 1431 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125 (Fishtown)

Opening Hours: Tue–Thu, Sun 11am–9pm; Fri–Sat 11am–10pm (Passyunk); Tue–Thu, Sun noon–9pm; Fri–Sat noon–10pm (Fishtown); closed Mon at both locations

Expect to pay: ~ $50 for a main and an appetizer

What is it? A cozy-yet-chic new American resto in a Rittenhouse brownstone.

Why we love it: Vernick Food & Drink remains a decidedly influential restaurant for many local chefs. This cozy, two-level space boasts one of the most knowledgeable and hospitable teams (ask about a wine club membership from their shop next door). In fact, Chef Greg Vernick was named Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic by the James Beard Foundation in 2017. The menu is constantly changing with seasonality in mind, but dishes like sea urchin with scrambled eggs, wood-fired roast chicken with lemon and herb jus, and foie gras and persimmon jam toast remain legendary for a reason. There are at least six specialty toasts on the menu at all times, as well as an impressive selection of raw seafood, ranging from oysters with ginger mignonette to tuna in miso-ginger dressing. Split a few small plates with friends, or splurge on a large plate (hello, braised veal cheeks with crispy polenta?!) or the whole fish du jour. As for drinks, there are plenty of artisanal cocktails to consider, along with craft beers and vinos of all kinds. 

Time Out tip: If you visit and enjoy your meal, head to Vernick Fish (specifically for oysters) or Vernick Coffee Bar at Logan Square next.

Address: 2031 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 4:45–10pm

Expect to pay: At least $100 for a main and something from the raw bar or a small plate