Philadelphia’s dining scene is a vibrant display of culinary diversity which reflects the city’s rich history and multicultural influences. From iconic cheesesteak joints to innovative pop ups, fine dining establishments and vibrant food markets, there’s something to tantalize every palate in the largest city in Pennsylvania.
Philly’s current food culture celebrates authenticity and innovation, with chefs infusing traditional recipes with modern twists and embracing farm-to-table principles. A variety of restaurants can be found throughout the many unique neighbourhoods of Philadelphia, such as Fishtown and Passyunk Square which are culinary hotspots, teeming with trendy eateries, cozy cafes, and bustling gastropubs.
Farm-to-table menus where restaurants source responsibly from local farms and producers to create unique regional meals are not hard to come by in Philadelphia. One of the first restaurants in the city to adopt this methodology is White Dog Café, which uses environmentally sustainable, organic and local foods sourced from farms within 50 miles. Talula’s Garden, Fork, Front Street Café, and High Street Philly also prioritise local ingredients whilst Elwood also uses classic cooking techniques to showcase the culinary history of the Philadelphia region. At Urban Farmer Steakhouse they build personal relationships with local farmers, ranchers, fisheries, and foragers, considering everything from the diets and treatment of animals to land use.
Considered to be one of Philadelphia’s premier dining destinations, Rittenhouse Square has plenty of upscale options. Parc, ranked as one of the 100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America by OpenTable in recent years, is a Parisian brasserie in the heart of Philadelphia. Other Rittenhouse Square favourites include The Love, The Dandelion, El Rey, and Barclay Prime.
Philadelphia’s open spaces come alive during the warmer months, transforming into al fresco dining areas, pop-up parks and beer gardens that make for great places to grab a bite to eat or a drink. Restaurants and cafés throughout the city offer outdoor dining areas. Or, head to the water to enjoy a drink on the Delaware River waterfront at Spruce Street Harbor Park or Cherry Street Pier. Independence Beer Garden, is a must visit whilst in the city, a 20,000-square-foot outdoor retreat overlooking the Liberty Bell Centre and Independence National Historical Park which boasts 40 taps pouring local and domestic craft beers.
No trip to Philadelphia is complete without tasting the city’s most iconic item – the legendary Philadelphia Cheesesteak. Thinly sliced chopped beef and melted cheese served on a long roll, the sandwich has been elevated to an art form in cheesesteak shops across the region. Pat’s, Geno’s and Dalessandro’s are classic spots, but also don’t miss Campo’s in Old City, Ishkabibble’s on South Street, or Cleavers in Rittenhouse Square. For a hipster vibe check out Poe’s Sandwich Joint in trendy Fishtown.
For more local tastes of Philadelphia, be sure to visit one of the city’s many markets. The most famous being Reading Terminal Market which is the largest and oldest public market in the USA, dating back to 1893. Boasting over 80 merchants selling fresh produce, breads, meat, and fish along with a wide variety of gourmet prepared foods that are perfect for a quick lunch on the go. You can also find several Amish specialties as well as locally-made crafts and jewellery.
Head to South Philadelphia to find the Italian Market – America’s largest and oldest continuously operating open-air marketplace – along S. 9th Street, from Wharton to Fitzwater streets. Here, you’ll find cheese shops (including the quintessential DiBruno Bros.), fish and meat merchants, and dozens of outdoor stalls bursting with colourful, fresh produce.
For information on where to eat in Philadelphia, go to discoverphl.com/discover/where-to-eat/.
