Pizzeria Beddia
Pizzeria Beddia. Photograph by Ian Shiver
Joe Beddia used to run the best pizza joint in the city that no one could get into. Now he runs the best pizza joint in the city that everyone can get into — provided you’re willing to show up early, wait in line, and/or make a reservation. 1313 North Lee Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Ari Miller
Ari Miller. Photograph by Colin Lenton
Musi, Miller’s neighborhood BYO, has all the expected trappings: It’s charming and delicious, and it offers a menu that changes often and relies heavily on what his purveyors have available. But the food is never too serious, and neither is Miller. And that’s what sets it — and him — apart. 100 Morris Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Sarvida
Chicharron with crumbled kesong puti cheese goes best with a cold lager. Pancit is perfect with a crisp white, and the lechon pork belly pairs nicely with a fruity red. Good thing you can bring all three to this homey BYO in Fishtown, a spot that helped birth Philly’s Filipino food boom. 300 East Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Casablanca Moroccan Cuisine
Big tables, belly dancing, and large platters of family-style Moroccan food that keep coming and coming from the kitchen for the unreasonably low price of $25 per person. And it’s BYOB. 1047 West Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Xiang Gourmet
Sautéed trotter, frog with fresh chili, steamed fish head with chopped chilies — on Walnut Street. 1304 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Cry Baby Pasta
Squid ink linguine with clams and chilies at Cry Baby Pasta. Photograph by Stuart Goldenberg
Against all odds, spaghetti pomodoro, fancy fried potatoes and an obscure movie theme became a place so popular that you need reservations on a Tuesday night. 627 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
The Common
The Common’s burger. Photograph by Stuart Goldenberg
The Common’s double-patty burger has the same spirit as a McDonald’s Double Quarter Pounder with cheese, but it’s made with local beef, Cooper Sharp, and a “spicy fancy sauce” to bring it all home. 3601 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Verbena BYOB
With bright, sunny flavors and meticulous care — plus produce, cheese and honey from just minutes away — chef Scott Morozin has brought a little modern Americana to Chester County. 102 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Bar Hygge
First dates can be awkward with a capital A. Give yourself a break by meeting at a restaurant so comforting that it’s named for the Danish word for coziness and conviviality. 1720 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130
The Dapper Doughnut
The doughnuts here are fried to order and topped (Nutella! Blueberry lemon glaze!) in an assembly line that happens right in front of you. Also: They’re tiny and cute. 500 West Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Defined Hospitality
Nick Kennedy, Al Lucas and Greg Root of Defined Hospitality. Photograph by Linette and Kyle Kielinski
With instant hits Suraya, Pizzeria Beddia and R&D, this newly formed group — made of industry vets Greg Root, Al Lucas and Nick Kennedy — have found magic in recognizing talent and soul and building restaurants around that. Keep reading here.
Harper’s Garden
You know how you’re always looking for that perfect place to eat outside with your friends? That imaginary space full of twinkle lights and growing things that will transport you to Napa or Portofino? Yeah, well, Harper’s Garden is that place, with seating for 80. 31 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Cafe Clover
Cafe Clover’s taiyaki cone. Photograph by Stuart Goldenberg
This Korean sweets/scoop shop is the only place in the region making taiyaki cones — fish-shaped, waffle-like baked shells that hold scoops of gelato in flavors like Oreo, Thai coconut and green tea. 1333 West Cheltenham Avenue, #103, Elkins Park, PA 19027
So Long Sal at Middle Child
Middle Child’s Italian hoagie, the So Long Sal. Photograph by Ian Shiver
This hoagie has more ingredients than most five-course tasting menus. But when you bite into it, the only thing you'll taste is pure genius. Keep reading here. 248 South 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Janean Malloy at Irwin’s
Janean Malloy at Irwin’s. Photograph by Colin Lenton
Malloy is a true talent — a server who always anticipates a table’s wants and needs, deals with difficult guests with aplomb, and acts like she owns the place (in the best way possible). She’s got the kind of swagger that keeps people coming back for reasons that have nothing to do with the food or drink. 800 Mifflin Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Jules@Market
The best dishes here are the simplest: seafood served with just lemon, butter and capers. When the fish is this fresh and cooked this expertly, that’s all you need. 111 Market Street, Bristol, PA 19007
Tinys Bottle Shop
Your go-to source for cloudy California pet-nats, wild-fermented pinot noirs and glou-glou bottles is located in a former garage in Port Richmond. We never thought we’d be writing these words either, but hey — that’s 2019 for you. 3124 Richmond Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Lipkin’s Bakery
The Lipkin family’s first bakery was in South Philly, but they left for the Northeast almost 50 years ago. Well, they’re baaaacck. And their knishes, bagels, and poppy seed hamantaschen are better than ever. 2153 South Hancock Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Rouge
Fresh from an extensive face-lift and a menu revamp, Rittenhouse’s original see-and-be-seen spot now has more tables, which means you’ve got a (slightly) better chance of getting a seat at 11:30 on Sunday morning. 205 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
The Crème Brûlée Waffle at Avenue Kitchen
When you need energy to power you through your morning, you get eggs. When you’re staring down an obligation-free Sunday, you order this Belgian waffle, which comes with vanilla bean cream and a shell of caramelized sugar that cracks when you tap it with your fork. 509 Wilmington West Chester Pike, Glen Mills, PA 19342
Blume
Blume. Photograph by Stuart Goldenberg
Pastels, plants, and a butterfly mural that was meant for selfies. If you were born in the ’90s, you’ve probably been here. If you haven’t, get your grandkids to set you up on Snapchat and come see what the fuss is about. 1500 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
New York Bakery
The sweet-tangy gravy, crisp yet chewy crust, and century of history at this South Philly institution is pretty close to the platonic tomato pie ideal. 2215 South 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Art in the Age
It’ll be hard to walk past the tools, bitters, syrups and shrubs in this boutique, but don’t stop till you arrive at the blissfully quiet copper-topped back bar, where chill bartenders are waiting to mix you drinks with all the goods that are for sale. 116 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Vernick Coffee Bar
Vernick Coffee Bar. Photograph by Stuart Goldenberg
It presents like a coffee shop, but don’t be fooled: This second-floor oasis — hidden behind a grove of trees — in the new Comcast Technology Center serves an excellent wild mushroom grain bowl, a fancy porchetta sandwich, and an elegant chicken ballotine. 1800 Arch Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Obsidian Eats
Cassava chip nachos topped with fiery jerk seitan, dairy-free queso, smoky chickpea tempeh “ribs” and barbecue jackfruit … there’s some real plant-based wizardry coming out of this pint-size roving cart that you can find all around West and South Philly.
Estia
We’re not saying you must go here. Because if you did, we’d no longer be able to walk in and get a table, a drink, a plate of grilled Mediterranean sardines, some langoustines and dolmades whenever we want. So no, seriously. We hear the Hard Rock Café on Market Street is super good. Go there instead. 1405 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Garganelli From Pasta Lab
Restaurant-quality agnolotti, lumache and garganelli, made from farm eggs and local fresh-milled whole grains, to have on an average harried Wednesday night. Who needs you, Marc Vetri? Available at various farmers’ markets.
Creste di Gallo at Andiario
The Italian “creste di gallo” translates to “rooster’s crest.” Maybe you’ve had them before (they often look like elbow macaroni with curly mohawks), but we promise, pasta god Anthony Andiario’s are different — handmade, stuffed with all things local and seasonal, both wild and elegant. 106 West Gay Street, West Chester, PA 19380
Tortellini en Brodo at Cry Baby Pasta
Folded pouches of pork and cheese (the pasta so delicate that you can see through it) swimming in an intense pork and chicken broth. It’s easily the most comforting dish in Philly. 627 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Smoked Herring Spaghetti at Friday Saturday Sunday
Chad Williams and his sous- chef, Sashia Lariano, like to break rules by combining unexpected ingredients, with surprisingly delicious results. Case in point: these expert noodles, which only get better with a sauce of briny smoked fish (for depth), crab (for sweetness), chili (for heat), and anise seed (to perk it all up). 261 South 21st Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Gnocchi Sardi at Res Ipsa Cafe
There is literally no difference between Michael Vincent Ferreri’s gnocchi sardi (longish nubs of pasta in a chunky sauce of eggplant, tomato and chili) and the gnocchi sardi you’ll eat in southern Italy. 2218 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Salmon Cheesesteak at Sister Muhammad’s Kitchen
As Philly’s Muslim population grew, so did the popularity of the salmon cheesesteak. It’s become essential to any aficionado’s checklist. Start here. 4441 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Philly Chef Conference
Every year, this event — dreamed up and organized by Michael Traud of Drexel’s Center for Food & Hospitality Management — pulls in some of the biggest names in food and food media in the world. And that only means good things for Philly’s food scene. 101 North 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
South Philly Smökhaus
You can smell Smökhaus owner Eric Daelhousen’s ’cue cred before you’ve even walked through the doors of BOK. Get the chicken salad. Trust us. 821 Dudley Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Aunt Berta’s Kitchen
Whole fried chicken, Cajun-spiced wings, fish and grits, pig’s feet with collard greens and potato salad — any home-style soul food you’re craving can be found at Berta’s. Additional location in Berlin, N.J. 639 White Horse Pike, Oaklyn, NJ 08107
Brewery ARS’s Todas Las Limas
In Spanish, the name of this brew means “all the limes.” When you taste the citrusy, mojito-esque American pale ale, you’ll get it. 1927-29 West Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19145
San Miguelito
With tender homemade tortillas and poppin’ al pastor, Aurora Hernandez and Adolfo Florencio have created a five-table taco oasis in deep South Philly. 2654 South 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Questlove’s Cheesesteak
If anyone could make a meat-free cheesesteak fly at a sports stadium, it’s the Roots drummer. Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA 19148
The Mango Cheesecake at Makhani
The most intense mango flavor we’ve ever experienced, short of biting into the fruit itself. 7 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Sakana Omakase Sushi
At his 12-seat counter, Sam Lin offers only two dinner options: a 60-minute, 12-course $58 option, and a 90-minute, 21-course extravaganza for $108 per person. Both are well below the market price for high-end, chef-driven sushi. 616 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Valente’s Italian Specialties
Shopkeeper Marcello De Feo couldn’t find a place to get the Abruzzo-inspired fare he grew up eating, so he went ahead and opened one up. There’s fresh-made cheese, house-baked breads, handmade pastas, and a Vetri Family alum manning the pizza oven. 7 Kings Court, Haddonfield, NJ 08033
The Black Cat Tavern on 12th
The traditional ones are stuffed with potato and cheese; the fun ones are stuffed like jalapeño poppers; and during the holidays, some even come with smoked duck and cranberry. It’s pierogi heaven where you wouldn’t expect it. 2654 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Va La Vineyards
Illustration by Sunny Eckerle
La Prima Donna is a perfect gateway drug to the world of orange wines — not too dank, unexpected, and with all the complexity of wines from better-known producers. 8820 Gap Newport Pike, Avondale, PA 19311
Amalthea Cellars
The Leda Rosé is Tavel-style — meaning it kindasorta drinks like a red. Meaning it’s just as good with meats as with oysters. Meaning it’s perfect for summer and winter. 209 Vineyard Road, Atco, NJ 08004
White Horse Winery
Chambourcin is an obscure varietal, so here’s all you need to know: It’s good party wine, like a juicy pinot noir. And it’ll work with anything you’re serving for dinner. 106 Hall Street, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Karamoor Estate
Bright, easy, glug-able, with the slightest bit of oak for depth — because we’re quite done with overly oaked chardonnays, thank you very much. 40 East Skippack Pike, Fort Washington, PA 19034
Galen Glen Winery
A little bit bubbly, a little bit zingy, and a lot bit perfect in the August heat. 255 Winter Mountain Drive, Andreas, PA 19211
Martabak OK
Picture a giant pancake. Now imagine spreading it with cream cheese, drizzling on Nutella and sweetened condensed milk, and adding a shower of mild, melty shredded cheese. 1801 Washington Avenue, Unit D, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Oloroso
Oloroso’s new buffet-style brunch blowout is a choose-your-own-adventure of lazy weekend eats, and it’s the closest thing we’ve seen to actual tapas in Philly. 1121 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Safa Persian Teahouse
Safa has siphon-brew teas served in a room meant to evoke the teahouses of Iran. But what makes it a must-visit is the other side of the menu, which has excellent baklava, hummus, dolmeh, and the Turkish Supreme — a decadent iced coffee mixed with chocolate syrup, milk and whipped cream. 4165 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127
Fill A Bagel & Breads
Fill A Bagel & Breads. Photograph by Stuart Goldenberg
A bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich on a fresh NYC-style everything bagel and a cup of La Colombe coffee to go? Breakfast (or lunch) handled. Additional location in Oreland. 424 Old York Road, Jenkintown, PA 19046
Schulson Collective Restaurants
The restaurateur knocks post-work deals out of the park at most of his spots, from the $6 Neapolitan pies at Osteria to the $5 handrolls at Double Knot to the deeply discounted Negronis and tomato pie upstairs at Giuseppe & Sons.
The Raclette at Good King Tavern
You’ll thank Chloé Grigri in your prayers for introducing Philly to the glory of raclette — slabs of funky Alpine cheese heated till bubbly, then poured over crisp-roasted potatoes. 614 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
The Greek Tofu Scramble at the Tasty
Spinach, tomatoes, tofu feta for some salt — it comes with home fries, but spend the extra buck for the tots upgrade. 1401 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
The Reuben at Luhv Vegan Bistro/Deli
You can now get this sandwich — stacked with corned seitan and vegan gouda — at Luhv’s deli outpost in Reading Terminal Market, where it’s giving Hershel’s a run for its money. 101 North York Road, Hatboro, PA 19040
Bar Snacks at V Street
There are three snacks on the happy-hour menu: spicy cold chiu chow noodles, tacos with cured tofu and Peruvian chilies, and chocolate beignets. Order all three, then order them again. 124-126 South 19th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
A Veggie Smorgasbord at Martha
Szechuan roasted broccoli at Martha. Photograph by Ted Nghiem
From the Pickle Boat to Szechuan roasted broccoli to the hoagie made with fermented and terrined veggies, Martha’s commitment to plant-based runs deep. 2113 East York Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Rose Lemonade Popsicles at Lil’ Pop Shop
Rose lemonade popsicles at Lil’ Pop Shop. Photograph by Ted Nghiem
Summer on a stick (sans the dairy stomach pains). Additional location in University City. 229 South 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Smoking Darts at Bar Bombón
Smoking Darts at Bar Bombón. Photograph by Ted Nghiem
Sure, most cocktails are vegan. But this one is a really good vegan cocktail — made with mezcal, rum, creme de violette and rose water — at a really good vegan bar. 133 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
The Vegan Cheesesteak at Good Dog Bar
The vegan cheesesteak at Good Dog Bar. Photograph by Ted Nghiem
Yup, chef Carolynn Angle makes the best vegan cheese-steak in Philly. And given how many attempts at vegan cheesesteaks exist, you know that’s a big deal. 224 South 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Neighborhood Ramen
Lines out the door, graffiti on the walls, hip-hop on the playlist, and some of the most inspired ramen and gyoza you’ll find anywhere. Rumor is they don’t let you take leftovers. Who knows if it’s true? We’ve never had to ask. 617 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
The Grilled Avocado at Nunu
After a turn on the yakitori grill, a creamy hemisphere of avocado gets dressed up with smoked trout roe, nori flakes, and a dash of bracing yuzu. Then, in a playful nod, it gets finished with bread crumbs. 1414 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Empanada Mama
They’ve got the great traditional spiced-beef-filled pastries, but come here for more surprising varieties, like cheesesteak, spinach and artichoke dip, or Mexican street corn. 21 Donaldson Street, Doylestown, PA 18901
Jezabel’s Argentine Cafe & Bakery
When Jezabel Careaga moved her Fitler Square Argentine cafe west, she combined it with a teahouse and retail shop, and it immediately became a hit — a place to eat, work, study, host events, and run into the neighbors. 206 South 45th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Good Good Chocolates
Lisa and Brian Schoenbeck have managed to take the pretension out of fancy chocolates with flavors (s’mores, strawberry cheesecake) that everyone likes, and looks (pastel-toned bonbons, spray-painted bars) that feel totally fresh.
Hungry Pigeon
The judges agree: this is the best croissant in town. Photograph by Jared Gruenwald
With so many good croissants in Philly these days, we had to turn this one over to the experts. And our panel of five French Philadelphians all agreed: This croissant from HP co-owner Pat O’Malley checks all the right boxes. But you knew that already, non? Keep reading here. 743 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Fiore Fine Foods
You could argue about which element puts this item over the top: the perfectly fried egg, the fennel pork sausage, or the Tuscan flatbread made from scratch daily. Or you could just be grateful someone cares so damn much about a breakfast sandwich. 757 South Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Aux Petites Delices
Napoleons filled with kirsch mousseline, boxes of pear bonbons, almond croissants, plus that namesake “Delices” pastry with chocolate mousse and hazelnut crunch: It’s no wonder you’ve smudged the bakery case with your noseprints. 162 East Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087
Bower Cafe
If doughnuts and fried chicken works, why can’t coffee and cured meats? And honestly, it’s one of those things we can’t believe someone didn’t think of before. 263 South 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Bloomsday
It’s a pretty all-day cafe and coffee shop. But it’s also a wine bar and bottle shop where noted Wine Guys Tim Kweeder and Zach Morris prove — with their natural selections — that wine doesn’t have to be fusty or fussy. 414 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Pizza Shackamaxon
Big, beautiful slices, slightly thicker than New York-thin, served by staffers who understand that their primary duty is to get pizza into people’s faces as quickly as possible. 115 East Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Oath Pizza
Oath is the Chipotle of quick-serve pizza, but with sustainable practices and the crust cooked in avocado oil. 59 St. James Place, Ardmore, PA 19003
Old Italian at Uncle Oogie’s
Simple, straightforward, perfected — this is pan pizza that doesn’t come with an agenda. No one wants to think too much about dinner on a weekday night anyway. Multiple locations.
Oyster House
With lump Maryland meat and no filler, chef Aaron Gottesman has returned some dignity to this clichéd menu item. 1516 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Farm and Fisherman Tavern
Made fancy with Benton’s bacon, fresh herbs and a cheese sauce, but still the ideal mix of starch and salt. Additional location in Horsham. 1442 Marlton Pike East, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Sulimay’s Restaurant
Sulimay’s existed well before Fishtown’s culinary renaissance, and yet most people in the city still don’t know it’s there. But that’s cool; more scrapple-heavy Benedicts, pancakes and corned beef hash for the rest of us. 632 East Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Elwood
Go ahead and tell the server you’re getting the roasted pork or whole rabbit to share with the table, but we both know you’re going to eat that entire thing yourself. 1007 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Dim Sum House
Definitely not the rolling-cart, warehouse-like dining rooms in Chinatown, this UCity spot (from the Jane G’s crew) has Shanghai and Cantonese dim sum, full-size mains, a bar and pool tables. The slick, glossy space really picks up when the bar and college crowds roll in late at night. 3939 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Paprica Grill
Meat on a stick is good. Giant meat on a giant stick is better. And that’s what doner is. Paprica uses its version in just about everything, plating the marinated beef in wraps, on burger rolls with yogurt sauce, or as an entrée with grilled tomato and peppers. 811 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Triangle Tavern
Water ice is good no matter how old you are. But one of the special advantages of being a grown-up is getting to have the dangerously boozy adult water ice at Triangle Tavern. 1338 South 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Naya
Naya, an NYC offshoot, is a fast-casual version of the entire Middle Eastern dining experience, with make-your-own pita rolls, bowls and salads that run the gamut from your basic beef schwarma to kafta lamb kebabs to zaatar-roasted cauliflower. 1601 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Philadelphia Distilling’s Vigo Amaro
Philadelphia Distilling’s Vigo Amaro. Photograph courtesy Philadelphia Distilling
The amaro craze has officially hit Philly: We now have a homegrown version of the sweet-bitter botanical after-dinner liqueur that’s as good as a mixer as it is on its own. 25 East Allen Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Angelo’s Pizzeria
There are always crowds outside of Angelo’s, a surefire sign that whatever’s being handed over the counter is worth a wait. If you’re smart, you’ll order a sandwich, the eggplant rollantini, and the monster square pies. 736 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Irwin’s
Remember how excited you were when BOK Bar first opened, with its cool unfinished vibe and expansive views? Well, this is just like that — only with excellent cocktails, Mediterranean small plates and table service. 800 Mifflin Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Spoty’s Chicken & Waffles
You can get the salty, crispy, gently Cajun-spiced fried chicken on a Belgian waffle (good) or as a sandwich, inside a soft, fluffy honey butter biscuit (even better). 550 Kimberton Road, Suite 11, Phoenixville, PA 19460
Amma’s South Indian Cuisine
South Indian cuisine is a rarity in the middle of Philly, which you’ll realize is ridiculous after you taste the ginger and turmeric spikes of the lamb Chettinad, the aloo bonda and the mango lassi. 1518 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Aneu Kitchen + Juicery
Home in on the “healthy shots” part of the menu for straight-to-the-system shocks of goodness like lemon with ginger, turmeric, black pepper and grapeseed oil. Additional location in Paoli. 1225 Montrose Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Pholosophy
Main Liners, you no longer have to hike it to Upper Darby for really good pho and banh mi. 226 Haverford Avenue, Narberth, PA 19072
Crab Fingers at Olde Bar
In this age of architectural apps that taste more like ego than food, there is no classier, more luxe bar snack in Philly than these half-cracked cocktail crab claws in lemon-garlic butter, served with nothing more than a couple of slices of bread for mopping up the plate. 125 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Wissahickon Brewing Co.
They’ve got a ton of beers on tap, they bring in food trucks every day, and you can bring your kids and your pets to the tasting room. What more could you want? Beer yoga? Well, they’ve got that, too. 3705 West School House Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129
Claire Kopp McWilliams of Ursa Bakery
Is it a surprise that the longtime baker for Vetri Cucina makes the best bread in the city? No. Is it worth the trip to the Fairmount or Ambler farmers’ markets for McWilliams’s cloudlike challah, focaccia, and rustic sourdough loaves? Absolutely.
R&D
R&D. Photograph by Stephen Recchia
A dark, gorgeous, and highly experimental bar with a cocktail list that changes every few months but isn’t too full of itself to serve tiki drinks in volcano bowls. 1206 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Korean Grill House
Problem: Cooking Korean barbecue at the table is fun, but we always run out of bulgogi and kalbi too quickly. Solution: Korean Grill House’s reliable $30.95 all-you-can-eat buffet that’s open until midnight on weekends. 7260 Marshall Road, Upper Darby, PA 19082
Fiore Fine Foods
Sous-chef Gina Nalbone also whips up homemade pastas, but one taste of her ricotta cookies, pistachio cornetti, morning buns and bombolini will convince you: This is what she was born to do. 757 South Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Pulla at Rowhouse Grocery
Chef and co-owner Jenn Holman makes pulla — Finnish cardamom-infused twists of rich, buttery dough with just a dusting of sugar — the same way her grandparents did when she was growing up. 1713 McKean Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Flow State CoffeeBar Pizzelle
This portable piece of luxury features Melanie Diamond-Manlusoc’s famous vanilla bean gelato sandwiched between two pizzelles that are dipped in ultra-fancy chocolate and dressed with almond crepe crispies, flaky sea salt and gold leaf. 2413 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Koukouzeli Hellenic Grille
Koukouzeli makes the best gyro and souvlaki in Philly, hands down. The phyllo-wrapped deep-fried stuffed grape leaves? That’s just showing off. 1134 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Kalaya Thai Kitchen
Kalaya Thai Kitchen. Photograph by Ian Shiver
Co-owners Nok Suntaranon and My-Le Vuong set out to create a restaurant that would give Philadelphians a taste of Thailand that we’d yet to experience. Mission accomplished. 764 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Sweet Nina’s Banana Pudding
New Reading Terminal eating game plan: Start at this stand, which has Nina Bryan’s eight varieties of superior pudding. Actually, you might want to end here, too. 51 North 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Càphê Roasters
Vietnamese coffee is nuanced and delicious and often underrepresented. So we’re lucky to have an operation like this new one, which sources single-origin coffee directly from Vietnam and presents it in a way that’s both traditional and appealing to our third-wave coffee sensibilities. Order wholesale, or find them popping up around town. 3525 I Street, Studio 205, Philadelphia, PA 19134