Eating in Philadelphia feels like catching up with an old friend—familiar, comforting, but full of surprises.
It’s the BYOBs tucked into quiet streets, the pizza shops turning out pies you didn’t think could get any better, and the markets where every stand has its loyal following.
The City of Brotherly Love doesn’t try too hard, and that’s, more than likely, why the restaurants are so good.
If you’re looking for spots that locals swear by and visitors wish they could take home, this guide is your next move.
1. El Chingon
1524 South 10th Street, Philadelphia
Let’s start strong with El Chingon in East Passyunk—the word around town is that it’s the best restaurant in Philadelphia.
Chef Juan Carlos Aparicio takes everything he learned from years in French and Italian kitchens and brings it back to his roots in Pueblan cooking—and the result is magic.
The cemitas are to die for, built on soft, fresh-baked bread, and the tacos al pastor are just as good, maybe even better.
Even the vegan tacos arabes, made with mushrooms and wrapped in sourdough tortillas, feel like something you’d come back for.
At El Chingon, every dish speaks for itself, so it was a no-brainer to put this restaurant at the top of our list.
2. Alice
901 Christian Street, Philadelphia
Next up is Alice.
You can find this gem in a corner of the Italian Market, and it’s already making a name for itself as one of the best restaurants in Philly.
Chef-owner Dave Conn, who honed his craft with Jose Garces and Stephen Starr, brings an eclectic menu that somehow makes global flavors feel right at home.
You’ll find everything from latkes and naan to fresh pasta and perfectly cooked rib eye.
If you’re feeling hungry, go for the $110 chef’s tasting menu—it’s a curated lineup of the restaurant’s top dishes, with some wiggle room if there’s something else you’ve got your eye on.
3. Little Walter’s
2514 Amber Street, Philadelphia
Little Walter’s in East Kensington is where Polish comfort food gets a glow-up.
You’ve got cheesy pierogi, vegan pierogi, and yes, even chocolate pierogi—basically, it’s a pierogi party, and everyone’s invited.
The trick here is to balance the rich, carb-loaded dishes with something pickled or bright, but honestly, just wear your comfiest pants and go wild.
The cocktails, made with Polish spirits, are a perfect match, and their zero-proof menu is just as thoughtful for anyone skipping the booze.
Little Walter’s is warm, welcoming, and has all sorts of big flavors—the place you can’t wait to tell your friends about—a gem that easily sits among the top restaurants in Philadelphia.
4. Friday Saturday Sunday
261 South 21st Street, Philadelphia
Friday Saturday Sunday has been a Rittenhouse staple for decades, but Chad and Hanna Williams have turned it into one of the best Philly restaurants.
The second-floor dining room offers creative dishes like coco bread with jerk quail and curried pâté, while the downstairs bar has shrimp cocktails and smoked herring spaghetti.
The cocktails here deserve their own mention, but whether you’re stopping in for dinner or drinks, this spot makes every visit worth it.
5. Her Place Supper Club
1740 Sansom Street, Philadelphia
Her Place Supper Club in Rittenhouse is unlike many Philadelphia restaurants—it’s smaller, cozier, and feels more like a dinner party than a night out.
Chef Amanda Shulman brings together French, Italian, and Jewish influences in a 24-seat dining room where the menu changes with the seasons.
One night, you might find corn ravioli topped with truffle, and the next, something completely unexpected.
Plates come out on charmingly mismatched dishes, and everyone leaves with a sourdough chocolate chip cookie because, well, why not?
6. Irwin’s
800 Mifflin Street, Philadelphia
At Irwin’s, sitting on top of South Philly’s Bok Building, the focus is simple: great Sicilian food cooked with love.
Chef Michael Vincent Ferreri leans into family recipes and bold flavors with dishes like hand-rolled gnocchi sardi with eggplant and spaghetti with clams.
And if you’re up for something different, there’s Salvatore’s Counter.
Every other Sunday, Ferreri hosts an intimate four-seat dinner with 10 courses that never repeat.
It’s personal and special, which is a big part of why Irwin’s is mentioned in any conversation about the best food in Philadelphia.
7. Mawn
764 South Ninth Street, Philadelphia
Mawn feels like the best kind of neighborhood secret.
On a quiet street in Bella Vista, Chef Phila Lorn brings his Cambodian roots to life with a menu that makes you rethink your usual go-to spots.
The khao soi is rich and warming, the head-on shrimp is a little messy in the best way, and the banh chow salad is so good you might just order two.
It’s a classic Philly BYOB setup, so grab something bubbly, bring a group, and settle in for a meal at Philly’s finest Cambodian joint: Mawn.
8. Gabriella’s Vietnam
1837 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia
If there’s one place in East Passyunk that could turn a meal into a memory, it’s Gabriella’s Vietnam.
Chef Thanh Nguyen takes Vietnamese classics and gives them their own personality.
The bánh bèo chén—small water fern dumplings topped with crispy pork and shrimp—come in tiny bowls and are so delicious.
Then there’s bánh bột lọc, tapioca dumplings wrapped in banana leaves, which is basically the edible equivalent of unwrapping a gift.
The star of the table, though, might just be the catfish hot pot. With its tangy broth and bursts of tomato and okra, it’s a dish that has everyone talking, and it makes complete sense.
Locals say this spot is one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia, and we second that.
Places to Eat in Philly
Let’s face it—Philly isn’t messing around when it comes to food.
From head-turning tacos at El Chingon to the warm, rich khao soi at Mawn, these restaurants remind you why this city’s dining scene deserves all the buzz.
It’s a mix of bold flavors, neighborhood gems, and chefs who clearly love what they do.
So whether you’re into rooftop Sicilian at Irwin’s, a Vietnamese hot pot at Gabriella’s Vietnam, or chocolate pierogi at Little Walter’s (yes, really), these places to eat in Philly are worth the trip—and maybe a second one, too.
Bonus: Don’t think we’d let you leave without letting you know where to get the best cheesesteak in Philly.
