Philadelphia Restaurants

Perfect for day drinking when it’s nice out, this German-style beer garden has everything you’d hope it would: ample outdoor seating in the form of picnic benches (and outdoor heaters, plus space inside, for when it’s chilly), some greenery, a lots of German beer served in steins, and really good giant pretzels. Their menu also includes schnitzel and six different types of sausages, among some other gems—plus, they’ve got classic games on deck like ping-pong and Jenga.

From the same people behind Vedge, V Street is a similarly impressive and popular vegetable-forward dining spot, where you can expect some next-level vegan food that’s really just excellent food, period. Consider some of their brunch options: pho French dip, waffles with sesame butter, blackberries, and ponzu, a side of Peruvian home fries, and purple sweet potato ice great with orange granita, coconut whip, and picked pineapple for dessert. This spot is decidedly more casual (and cheaper) than Vedge, but it’s still sleek and vibrant; they have a full bar with great cocktails, plus a selection of natural wines and draft beers.

A drop-dead gorgeous example of marrying old with new, antique with modern, Harp & Crown is a destination for foodies and the design-minded alike.

A newer tapas spot in Philly’s booming Fishtown neighborhood, Root serves up an American twist on Italian and Spanish small plates including black cavatelli and lamb chops with lemon and mint. But what we love most is the impressive cheese plate with local selections from Pennsylvania and Vermont and further variations from Spain. With its chic interiors and progressive cocktail list (go for the Fishtown Mule with rhubarb bitters and grapefruit juice), this is one of our favorite spots for a fun night out with friends. (Pro tip: They also have an excellent brunch.)

If you talk to a foodie from Philly, they’ll likely mention Goldie. This vegan falafel shop opened spring 2017 to much anticipation–and it’s lived up to its hype. There will likely be a line stretching along the sidewalk, but we recommend waiting, as the menu is mighty and includes some of the best falafel we’ve had: crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside paired with an excellent tehina. And did we mention the fries? Killer. We love the standing counter if you’re looking to grab a quick lunch.

We love a great egg sandwich, especially served on a homemade English muffin, so when heard Res Ipsa was cooking up one of the best in Philly, we were dying to try it–and were impressed once we did. The brunch menu at this newly opened space in booming Fishtown is incredible, from cinnamon rolls with rosemary to mushroom spinach hash–but the menu’s stellar notes don’t stop there. Lunch includes a simple, satisfying fried green tomato sandwich; and dinner, a whole roasted chicken with traditional Italian sweet and sour sauce that we would likely order several times a week if we lived in the neighborhood.

Three locations strong (two in Philly, one in Westport), this Italian spot serves up solid, fresh dishes. Restauranteurs Jeff Benjamin, Marc Vetri, Brad Spence, and Jeff Michaud opened the first location back in 2010, which quickly garnered a crowd. We recommend making a res, as it’s often packed, especially on a weekend night. Order the baked pecorino with almond honey and the bucatini with almond pesto. It's a little pricey, but is an excellent experience overall.

Set in an a hundred-year-old former whiskey blending and bottling facility, Wm. Mulherin’s Sons was brilliantly restored and designed, blending pre-prohibition details and vibes with modern touches. A curved bar and expansive arched windows are the focus of one room, done in a white mosaic tile floor. Another dining room is laid in reclaimed wooden planks, with a central fireplace surrounded by a rich velvet couch and worn leather chairs. The wood-fired menu is driven by pizzas and charred meats, with ideally sharable small plates like roasted cauliflower and seafood crudos. And to make the space even better, four rooms in the historic building are now open as a boutique hotel.

The first venture by Philly native and James Beard Award-winning Chef Marc Vetri and sommelier/partner Jeff Benjamin, Vetri remains a celebrated restaurant two decades (and as many sister restaurants) later. The thirty-two-seat dining room has a rustic wood floor and exposed ceiling beams, and is elegantly dressed with a hand-blown glass chandelier lighting the center of the room. (As of 2014, Vetri has a private dining room upstairs, too, with a dedicated kitchen; intimate ten-person dinners can be had around the chef’s counter, or larger meals around the formal dining table.) The Italian-style tasting-menu-only setup is matched by a 2,500-bottle wine cellar, also Italian-focused, though Vetri offers great craft beer pairings as well.

James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Solomonov, who was born in Israel and raised in Pittsburgh, is the star of this iconic Philadelphia restaurant. Go for the pre-fixe menu, a sampling of amazing mezze and Israeli-style grilled meats and veggies.