Best Philadelphia Restaurants

Tables spill out onto the street in this French-inspired brasserie that feels more Paris than Philadelphia. Settle into one of the rattan outdoor chairs for a perfect vantage point of nearby Rittenhouse Square, or head inside and sidle up to the original zinc bar for a kir. Parc is known as one of the best Philadelphia restaurants, and for good reason. Comfortable, homey French classics—beef bourguignon, steak frites, trout amandine—reign supreme, and the crispy, chewy house-baked baguette will transport you to Paris minus the hassle of the 7-hour plane ride.

At this eponymous jewel box, Chef Marc Vetri has been serving up a faultless blend of contemporary and classic Italian cuisine that quickly put him on foodies’ radar after he opened the doors in 1998. On weekends, the intimate trattoria’s 40 seats fill up quickly with diners poised for personalized, multi-course tasting menus culled from a rotation of seasonal ingredients. Call two months in advance for weekend tables, and know upfront that the tasting menus cost upwards of $100. Those without an expense account should head north to Vetri’s casual, yet equally acclaimed Osteria, where lightly charred pizzas and lighter-than-air gnocchi don’t come cheap, but won’t break the bank either.

The atmosphere might be gaudy and you can literally swing from the rafters (the lounge chairs on the second floor are swings), but don’t let the Pepto-Bismol pink paint job and floor-to-ceiling wall of glittery wrestling masks fool you. Distrito is one of the best places in Philadelphia to eat some serious Mexican street food. Don’t leave without trying the skirt steak nachos, served with chile de arbol and a sprinkling of cilantro, or the slightly spicy house-made salsa.

The crispy spring rolls alone are reason enough to visit this unassuming Chinatown eatery. While the street front of this restaurant may hum with the neighborhood’s energy, the vibe inside is calm and the menu extensive. First timers should order the barbeque platter, which eats like a greatest hits appetizer list—tender meatballs, smoky stuffed grape leaves, moist grilled chicken, and those oh-so-delicious crispy spring rolls. If you’re feeling festive, order the ostentatious “Flaming Volcano,” a fruity cocktail for two, complete with paper umbrella and a center well filled with 151 rum set ablaze—just be prepared to turn some heads.

Imaginative brunch creations—cream cheese- and banana-stuffed caramelized challah French toast with vanilla bean maple syrup—have Philadelphians braving the elements, and their hangovers, to stand in line at this always-packed Italian Market eatery. Get there early to score a table inside the quirky restaurant, where wire whisk chandeliers hang from the ceiling and staff artwork adorns the walls. There’s more room outdoors in warm weather, but the sidewalk tables are cramped and awkwardly placed. 

The name of this gelateria, which means to swoon at something wonderful, is completely appropriate. While the menu sports breakfast and lunch items like pastries and paninis, the rainbow rows of locally-sourced, made-that-morning gelatos will have you ordering dessert first. Reliable standbys like vanilla and chocolate grace the case, but the standouts are more inventive flavors, like orange cardamom, rosemary honey goat’s milk and champagne mango. The dense creaminess and intense flavors lend themselves to smaller portions, so if you’re more interested in quantity over quality, you might want to head to the nearest Dairy Queen instead. 

Forget famous rival cheese steakeries Pat’s and Geno’s—you don’t need to head to the Italian Market to get an authentic taste of Philly. While there are four locations scattered around the city, Jim’s Steaks’ South Street storefront is undoubtedly the go-to spot for visitors and locals alike who are hankering for a hunk of whiz-slathered perfection. Come prepared to queue up, as the line often snakes out the door, and be ready to order when it’s your turn—the steak-slingers can turn surly when confronted with indecision.

Continuously cited as the best Indian food in the city, Tiffin has garnered countless devotees and inspired a handful of wannabes since its inception in 2007. Inspired by the lunch courier systems in Mumbai, the Northern Liberties location originally began as a delivery service, but has now expanded into a full-on restaurant, complete with an IKEA-inspired dining room. Tiffin is one of the top Philadelphia restaurants for a quick, delicious and wallet-friendly lunch. Come for Indian specialties, like yogurt and thyme-marinated tandoori chicken, and vegetarian favorite malai kofta, or plan a relaxing night in by ordering delivery online instead.