As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Philadelphia not only witnessed the birth of the Declaration of Independence, but also accumulated a unique humanistic temperament and cultural charm over the long years. Here, there are not only the historical echoes of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, but also the warmth and authenticity of the fireworks in the streets and alleys.
Food is the language that can reach people’s hearts most directly in this city. From hand-baked bagels, steaming cheese steak sandwiches on the street, to the extremely sophisticated plating art in Michelin-starred restaurants, Philadelphia’s taste map is both friendly and diverse, and every step makes people want more.
1. Zahav: The shining soul of the Middle East in Philadelphia
Brief history and features of the restaurant
Since its opening in 2008, Zahav has quickly become a shining star on the Philadelphia food map. Founded by Israeli chef Michael Solomonov, Zahav’s name means “gold” in Hebrew, symbolizing the rich and warm Middle Eastern culture conveyed by this restaurant. It won the James Beard Award for “Best Restaurant in the United States” in 2019 and has been listed in many Michelin recommendations.
Must-try food and taste experience
The most representative dish is its signature butter charcoal grilled hummus (Hummus Tehina), served with homemade laffa bread, which is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The rich sesame and burnt aromas after dipping in hummus are perfectly blended; “Laffa bread” is freshly baked with traces of oven baking, and every bite is satisfying. In addition, its “pomegranate lamb shoulder” is roasted with bones. After stewing for several hours, it is crispy but not mushy, and melts in the mouth. The pomegranate sauce is dotted in between, and the sour, sweet and fresh taste breaks the traditional greasy impression.
Personal experience
From the first bite of hummus, the whole dining experience seems to have opened a taste journey. The restaurant environment is simple and full of oriental atmosphere, and the service is thoughtful. It is worthy of being the ceiling of Middle Eastern cuisine in the United States. It is recommended to pair it with a cocktail blended with Middle Eastern spices to enhance the flavor.
Location and reservation information
Address: 237 St James Pl, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Cost: About $80-100 per person (set meal)
Reservation platform: Reservations can be made through OpenTable and Resy. It is strongly recommended to make reservations at least two weeks in advance.
2. Angelo’s Pizzeria: The mysterious charm of the godfather of underground pizza
Brief history and characteristics of the restaurant
Angelo’s Pizzeria was originally located in South Jersey and moved to South Philadelphia in 2019. Although there is no sign or online menu, its high-quality pizza and sandwiches quickly set off a local food circle. This store has no phone and does not accept takeout. You can only order by “walking to the door”. It is a “legend” in the eyes of pizza lovers.
Must-eat food and taste experience
Classic models such as “Upside Down Pizza” use special tomato sauce on the cheese, with a crispy crust and a crispy bottom. After cutting it, you can still feel the chewy texture of the dough. The dough fermented for 72 hours brings a unique flavor, which is a rare detail polisher in the pizza world. Its Cheesesteak Sandwich is also not to be missed. It uses sliced ribeye beef, paired with rich cheese sauce, sandwiched in freshly baked bread, and the gravy is overflowing.
Personal experience
It is definitely worth standing in the long line for an hour. Every bite of pizza is a trio of crispness, toughness and fragrance. Even cheese lovers will feel that the layers are distinct, rather than simply filled with cheese. The walls are covered with handwritten menus and thank-you letters. It is the kind of existence that is more low-key and higher quality.
Location and reservation information
Address: 736 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Cost: About $20-30 per person
Reservation platform: No online reservation function, only on-site ordering and pickup are supported
3. Vernick Food & Drink: The ultimate expression of American modernism
Brief history and characteristics of the restaurant
Founded by James Beard Award winner Greg Vernick, Vernick Food & Drink has been widely praised for its modern American menu with global flavors since its opening in 2012. This restaurant focuses on the original flavor of ingredients and delicate cooking, which is a perfect combination of high-end dining and homely emotions.
Must-eat food and taste experience
The raw marinated seafood series, such as “crudo of hamachi” yellowtail carpaccio, is served with grapefruit juice, soy sauce foam and chili oil, which is refreshing and slightly spicy, with rich layers. The charcoal-grilled octopus is the chef’s specialty, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, dipped in lemon garlic soy sauce, the smoky feeling is instantly full. For dessert, vanilla bean pod jelly with fruit sauce is a favorite of many diners.
Personal experience
The entire restaurant space is warm and stylish, the waiter’s explanation of the menu is professional and enthusiastic, and the recommended wine pairing is quite appropriate. Multiple small dishes allow people to taste more combinations, suitable for couples or small groups.
Location and reservation information
Address: 2031 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Cost: About $100-120 per person
Reservation platform: You can make reservations in advance through OpenTable and Tock platforms, and it is recommended to make reservations 1 week in advance.
4. John’s Roast Pork: The Ultimate Sandwich Mecca for Philadelphia Locals
A Brief History and Features of the Restaurant
John’s Roast Pork has been standing in the industrial area of South Philadelphia since 1930. It has been run by a family for generations and is a small shop that is truly cherished by locals besides the “Big Three Cheesesteaks” in Philadelphia. It has been specially recommended by media such as USA Today and the New York Times.
Must-eat Food and Taste Experience
The signature here is the roast pork sandwich, which uses local ranch pork shoulder, slow-cooked for several hours, and paired with special Sicilian peppers and fresh cheese. Another big star is its classic cheesesteak, with thick slices of meat with charred texture, onions and special Provolone cheese, and every bite hits the taste buds.
Personal Experience
Although this small shop has a long queue, it is extremely efficient. The sandwich packaging is simple and unpretentious, but it is a microcosm of the authentic Philadelphia flavor. Eating a hot cheesesteak at an open-air table and chair, listening to the local accents around you, is the real “eating in Philadelphia”.
Location and Reservation Information
Address: 14 Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Cost: About $15-25 per person
Reservation Platform: No online reservations, only on-site ordering, takeaway service available through DoorDash and Uber Eats.
5. Morimoto: A Japanese Cuisine Model that Fusions Art and Cuisine
Restaurant History and Features
Founded by “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto, Morimoto has become a representative of Philadelphia’s high-end Japanese cuisine since its opening in 2001. Its overall style combines futuristic and oriental Zen, a feast for the eyes and taste.
Must-eat Food and Taste Experience
The Omakase set menu is a dish that the chef customizes daily based on the inspiration of the ingredients, including a variety of sashimi, nigiri sushi, Japanese hot dishes and desserts. Special dishes such as Toro Tartare (bluefin tuna puree) served with yam grated and sea urchin are dense and sweet, with a smooth texture. The black cod miso grilled fish melts in your mouth, with a burnt aroma of sweet soy sauce and miso.
Personal experience
Every dish is as exquisite as a work of art. Sitting at the open bar, you can see the chef’s operation, and the experience is like watching a “performance” of Japanese cuisine. The service is exquisite and delicate, and the dining atmosphere is quiet and full of ritual, suitable for important occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays.
Location and reservation information
Address: 723 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Cost: Omakase is $150-250 per person, and a la carte is about $100 per person
Reservation platform: You can make reservations in advance through OpenTable and Tock. It is recommended to make reservations at least one week in advance.
From low-key and hidden street shops to world-renowned Michelin restaurants, Philadelphia’s cuisine shows its tolerance and creativity. There is both the persistence of old-fashioned flavors and the innovation of modern cuisine. People who really love food will not miss the aroma of any street corner. And these restaurants are the most authentic and gentle expression of this city.
When you live in Philadelphia, don’t just eat, go “eat the city”. Go to Zahav to listen to the Middle Eastern songs, bite into the most perfect pizza at Angelo’s, and see the cutting edge of culinary art at Morimoto. After taking a bite, you may fall in love with this city.
