27 Reasons Why You Should Put Philadelphia on Your Culinary Adventure Travel Radar

Philadelphia is waiting! You now have 27 more reasons to visit the City of Brotherly Love. Check out the latest restaurant openings and start planning your trip today!

Credit: Photo courtesy Founding Fathers via VISIT PHILADELPHIA

*Source – press release via Visit Philadelphia

Center City:

1. Alice – The folks behindRittenhouse coffee shop Gran Caffe L’Aquila bring the neighborhood another Roman pizza shop, where altaglio (rectangular, square slice) pizza is sold by weight, and sit-down dinners pull from an expanded menu, starting at 3 p.m. Also for sale: Italian wine, beer and cocktails. 236 S. 15th Street, (215) 545-2020, @alicepizzaphiladelphia

2. Andy’s Chicken – The Fishtown phenom expands to a second location in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood, this time with seating. Fans will note that the menu of Korean fried chicken, rice and noodle dishes, remains unchanged. 2108 South Street, (215) 515-3553, andyschicken.com

3. J’aime – A French bakery fills the demand for note-perfect éclairs, brioche and crepes in Midtown Village. The sunny white space features a marble countertop and booth seating and opens to sidewalk tables in milder weather. 212 S. 12thStreet, (267) 928-3172, jaimefrenchbakery.com

4. Keen Philly – First-time restaurateurs Caitlin and Chris Rorer claim this modern pub and its menu of hearty hand pies, burgers (including veggie), pig candy, noodles and just-as-hearty cocktails, beers and wines. 1708 Lombard Street, (215) 515-5336,keenphilly.com

5. The Love – Restaurateurs Stephen Starr and Aimee Olexy of Talula’s Garden team up for a third venture, this time for homey American fare in Rittenhouse Square. Exposed brick, comfy banquettes and plank floors set a welcoming stage for ricotta-stuffed pierogi, smoked whole trout with maple farro and spicy pecans and a thoughtful wine list. 130 S. 18th Street, (215) 433-1555, theloverestaurant.com

6. Middle Child – Providing a friendly daytime respite in busy Center City, this newfangled diner serves breakfast, sandwiches, salads and Elixr coffee. The tailored menu features creations like blintz toast with blueberry masala jam and the “phoagie” (with hoisin eggplant, frizzled onion and sambal paste). 248 S. 11th Street, (267) 930-8344, middlechildphilly.com

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Wakey wakey eggs and bakey #MiddleChildPhilly

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7. Moustaki – The storefront gyro gets a sleek update with this casual Greek restaurant in Center City West. On the menu are authentic mezedes, gyro and souvlaki sandwiches and feta-topped pizza. 161 N. 21st Street, (215) 964-9151, moustakigyro.com

8. N2 Sweet Café – Now’s the time to try liquid nitrogen ice cream. The Chinatown parlor scoops up signature flavors such as “the camper” (with toasted marshmallow and graham crackers and topped with Hershey’s chocolate) as well as design-your-own creations. 125 N. 11th Street, (215) 925-3200, n2sweetcafe.com

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Just in case you forgot! We Have Vegan options 😉

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9. Oloroso – Chef Townsend Wentz of Townsend and A Mano turns his attention to authentic Spanish tapas: boquerones, roasted bone marrow, paella Valenciana, a roasted half pig’s head to go with a full bar, heavy on the sherry and vermouth lists. The setting: banquettes upholstered in Persian rugs and a mural depicting the conquest of Majorca. 1121 Walnut Street, (267) 324-3014, olorosophilly.com

10. Royal Boucherie – Having built a small empire of Royal restaurants, Stephen Simons and David Frank teamed up with celebrated chef Nick Elmi (Laurel) for an American brasserie in Old City. The bi-level space opens into a bar and tufted green banquette seating where guests can enjoy raw seafood, natural wine and bistro eats like steak au poivre.52 S. 2nd Street, (267) 606-6313, royalboucherie.com

11. Trattoria Carina – Swiftly and quietly replacing the well-loved Fitler Dining Room, this new, no-reservations Italian eatery from the same ownership aims to feed neighbors with approachable eats and a curated drink list. The corner boîte specializes in platters of bucatini cacio e pepe, chicken Milanese and zuppa di pesce. 2201 Spruce Street, (215) 732-5818

12. Tuna Bar – Chef Kenneth Sze brings Old City’s new Bridge Building a polished Japanese raw bar. On the menu: Sze’s grandmother’s recipe for wonton soup, classic sashimi and homemade dumplings. 205 Race Street, (215) 238-8862, tunabar.com

13. Ugly Duckling – The owners of the Blue Duck and Blue Duck on Broad take their whimsy to a third and boozier enterprise. The Center City East restaurant serves classic cocktails, chorizo mac and cheese and smoked BBQ rib s with house-made cornbread. 212 S. 11th Street, (267) 639-5195, facebook.com/uglyducklingphilly

https://instagram.com/p/BcxX21wB6bx/14.Yeeroh – South Street West’s newest fast casual spot is a great place to score a gyro fix. Hefty portions of feta fries and pork souvlaki can be ordered for takeout or enjoyed at one of the modern-rustic wood tables. 1412 South Street, (215) 545-8000, yeerohphilly.com

North of Center City:

15. Gin & Pop – Francisville residents no longer have to travel to sate a craving for tuna crudo or short rib poutine. This high-end bar serves both, along with burgers, craft beer, wine and cocktails like the Rye and Gosling (rye, Gosling’s, amaro, ginger and orange). 1839 Poplar Street, (267) 687-1009, ginandpop.com

https://instagram.com/p/BdOFPvqFtxH/

16. The Kettle Black – The loaf’s the thing at this slate-toned boulangerie overlooking 2nd Street. Charcoal bread, croissants and bagels and sandwiches therein can be ordered with Peddler coffee drinks. 631 N. 2nd Street, thekettleblackphilly.com

17. Mad Rex – Fishtown’s expansive restaurant and bar with a post-apocalyptic theme allows “survivors” to feast on cook-your-own meats on hot lava slabs or enjoy the certainty of burgers, steaks and bananas Foster. 1000 Frankford Avenue, Suite 1, (267) 773-7566, themadrex.com

18. Suraya – This expansive Middle Eastern-accented cafe, market, restaurant and outdoor garden promises to serve many purposes—and patrons in Fishtown. Market is open now; restaurant to follow in early 2018. 1528 Frankford Avenue, (215) 302-1900, surayaphilly.com

19 Yards Brewery and Taproom – The relocated Yards Brewery production facility in Spring Garden features a full dining experience. The menu, courtesy of chef Jim Burke, beckons with beer-friendly eats like pork belly kebabs, patty melts and venison chili with maple cornbread. 500 Spring Garden Street, (215) 634-2600, yardsbrewing.com

South Philadelphia:

20. Philly Tacos – The master behind the original Los Taquitos de Puebla brings his al pastor magic to a new venture, a Point Breeze taqueria with a casual storefront atmosphere. Guests can choose from a list of dozens of taco fillings, or try the alambres and quesadillas. 2011 Reed Street, (215) 334-1200, phillytacos.com

21. Pistola’s Del Sur – The thirdPistola’s restaurant completes the trifecta with a Passyunk address and daily lunch and dinner service (the kitchen is open until 1 a.m.), with brunch on the weekends. The casual beer-centric menu keeps the focus on nachos, queso fundido and tacos. 1934 E. Passyunk Avenue, (267) 519-2329, facebook.com/pistolasdelsur

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Hey guys, we’re kinda known for our Nachos.

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22. Rival Bros. – The Philly roasters take on a third coffee bar location, this time in South Philly. The stylishly airy space features mod lighting, hardwood floors and the usual caffeinated suspects, plus pastries from Machine Shop Boulangerie, bread from High Street on Market and pies from Stargazy. 1100 Tasker Street, rivalbros.com

West Philadelphia:

23. Hatch & Coop – University City’s former Jake’s Sandwich Board is now this fried chicken eat-in or take-outery, featuring fried chicken, roasted thigh, fried cauliflower—and made-to-order ice cream—sandwiches, along with a single salad and fries. 125 S. 40th Street, (215) 921-9580, hatchandcoop.com

Wissahickon:

24. Louie’s Little Hut – Chestnut Hill meets surf shop meets sandwich shop is open all day for breakfast and lunch. Menu highlights include waffle sandwiches and a cream-cheese-topped variation on the cheesesteak. 8419 Germantown Avenue, (267) 766-5044,

louies-little-hut.business.site

https://instagram.com/p/Bdz7jICBg-9/

Suburban Openings:

25. Bam Bam Kitchen – Downtown Ardmore now has its first Korean restaurant. Colorful lights and a glittery tiled wall shine on authentic dishes such as japchae, pajeon and bulgogi. 31 E. Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, (484) 844-7827, facebook.com/bambamkitchen

26. Buena Onda – Jose Garces makes the newly hot King of Prussia Mall an even more desirable dining destination with the second location of his Baja-style taqueria. Classic and seafood tacos, quesadillas and kid-friendly portions—served on Frisbees—at the Savor Food Court. 160 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia, buenaondatacos.com

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When in doubt, have one of each 💁‍♀️

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27. Founding Farmers – The hospitality group operated by the North Dakota Farmers Union went big with an epic 14,000 square foot restaurant in King of Prussia. The first Pennsylvania location of a sustainably-focused chain features a something-for-everyone menu with seven-cheese macaroni, vegan grain bowls and salads and sandwiches in between.  255 Main Street Suite 180, King of Prussia, (484) 808-4008, wearefoundingfarmers.com

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