Whenever I think of Philadelphia, I don’t just picture Independence Hall, cobblestone streets, or murals stretching across building facades. What I remember most vividly is food. From sizzling cheesesteaks to elegant chef-driven tasting menus, Philadelphia’s dining scene has carved a place in my heart.
When I first landed at Philadelphia International Airport, I was starving after a delayed flight from Chicago. Instead of heading straight to my hotel, I took a cab to a late-night spot, and that decision set the tone for my trip. Food in this city isn’t just about filling your stomach—it’s about storytelling, heritage, and the surprising ways old and new flavors meet.
In this guide, I want to take you through the restaurants that shaped my experience. Each stop on this journey is tied to a memory, a flavor, or a conversation that made Philadelphia unforgettable.
Along the way, I’ll share practical tips about reservations, how to score discounts, and even which platforms I used for bookings.
1. Pat’s King of Steaks
📍 Address: 1237 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147
No Philadelphia food adventure could truly begin without a stop at Pat’s King of Steaks. Established in 1930, this iconic eatery has become more than just a place to grab a sandwich—it’s a living slice of Philadelphia history, a culinary landmark that draws tourists and locals alike. The moment I stepped onto the neon-lit corner, the air was thick with the scent of sizzling beef and melting cheese. The line stretched out onto the sidewalk, buzzing with anticipation and casual chatter, and I found myself swept up in the excitement of everyone waiting for their turn to taste what has made Pat’s famous for nearly a century.
When I finally reached the counter, the ordering ritual felt almost ceremonial. I nervously said, “Whiz wit,” the local shorthand for a cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and onions. Moments later, a massive sandwich was handed to me, wrapped tightly in paper that could barely contain the layers of tender steak and gooey, golden cheese. Every bite was rich and satisfying, the onions adding the perfect punch. Sitting outside, I watched the world pass by, feeling connected to both the city and its culinary culture.
Must-order dish: The original cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and onions.
Reservation tips: No reservations—this is counter service only. Bring cash, and be prepared for a line, especially during weekends or game nights.
Money-saving advice: If you’re hungry but want to try multiple Philadelphia eats, split the cheesesteak with a friend. Visiting during off-peak hours, like late mornings or mid-afternoons, often means minimal waiting time, giving you a more relaxed experience without sacrificing quality.
2. Geno’s Steaks
📍 Address: 1219 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Directly across from Pat’s is Geno’s Steaks, a rival in the famous cheesesteak wars. Bright orange signs light up the corner like a carnival, and the vibe is electric.
The cheesesteak here felt cleaner and sharper compared to Pat’s. The meat is sliced thinner, and the bread seemed slightly sturdier. Standing outside with my sandwich in hand, I couldn’t help but compare bites between Pat’s and Geno’s. For me, the winner changes depending on my mood.
Must-order dish: Cheesesteak with provolone and onions.
Reservation tips: Also counter service, no reservations. Card payments accepted here.
Money-saving advice: Don’t feel pressured to buy drinks—there are nearby convenience stores where you can grab something cheaper.
3. Zahav
📍 Address: 237 St James Pl, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Zahav is where I discovered how refined and elegant Philadelphia dining can be. This modern Israeli restaurant is helmed by Chef Michael Solomonov, and getting a reservation is like winning the lottery.
The moment I sat down, warm laffa bread and creamy hummus arrived at the table. I could have stopped there, but I chose the tasting menu. Each dish felt like a revelation—the smoky lamb shoulder, the crispy branzino, the spiced vegetables bursting with flavor.
Must-order dish: The lamb shoulder with pomegranate molasses.
Reservation tips: Book weeks in advance on OpenTable or the restaurant’s website. I snagged my table by setting an alert on OpenTable.
Money-saving advice: If you can’t book dinner, try lunchtime for a la carte ordering. It’s less expensive and easier to reserve.
4. Reading Terminal Market
📍 Address: 1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Walking into Reading Terminal Market felt like stepping into a wonderland of food. The smells of fresh bread, sizzling meats, and sweet pastries hit me all at once.
I wandered between stalls before landing at DiNic’s Roast Pork. The sandwich—stuffed with thinly sliced pork, sharp provolone, and broccoli rabe—was the juiciest thing I’d eaten that week.
Nearby, I grabbed a soft pretzel from Miller’s Twist, buttery and twisted by hand, and then couldn’t resist a slice of pie from Beiler’s Bakery.
Must-order dish: DiNic’s roast pork sandwich.
Reservation tips: No reservations needed—this is a market. Visit during weekdays for fewer crowds.
Money-saving advice: Many stalls offer combo deals if you order before noon. I scored a sandwich and drink for less than \$10.
5. Jim’s Steaks
📍 Address: 431 N 62nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19151
When I bit into Jim’s Steaks’ sandwich, I realized why some locals swear this is the true cheesesteak king. The flavor balance felt perfect—the onions were caramelized just right, the roll had the right chew, and the steak wasn’t greasy.
Must-order dish: Provolone cheesesteak with onions.
Reservation tips: No reservations, counter service. The South Street location often has lines, but it’s worth the wait.
Money-saving advice: Order a small cheesesteak and pair it with fries—it’s cheaper than going for a large.
6. Talula’s Garden
📍 Address: 210 W Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Dinner at Talula’s Garden felt like stepping into a secret oasis. Twinkling lights, lush greenery, and rustic wooden tables set the stage. The food leaned farm-to-table, fresh, and seasonal.
I ordered a creamy burrata starter followed by roasted chicken with seasonal vegetables. Every bite felt comforting yet elevated.
Must-order dish: Burrata with local greens.
Reservation tips: Book on Resy or the restaurant’s website. Dinner slots fill quickly, especially on weekends.
Money-saving advice: Visit for brunch, which is slightly cheaper but still highlights their best dishes.
7. El Vez
📍 Address: 121 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Bright, colorful, and buzzing with energy, El Vez is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in the city. I still remember the guacamole, prepared with just the right amount of lime, followed by tacos al pastor dripping with pineapple sweetness.
The décor is fun—motorcycles hang from the ceiling, and neon signs light up the room.
Must-order dish: Tacos al pastor.
Reservation tips: Book on OpenTable. Walk-ins are possible but wait times can be long.
Money-saving advice: Happy hour margaritas are a steal. Pair them with tacos for a budget-friendly evening.
8. Vernick Food & Drink
📍 Address: 2031 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
At Vernick, the atmosphere felt chic without being pretentious. I ordered small plates—grilled bread with spreads, roasted chicken, and a seasonal fish dish. The flavors were delicate and sophisticated, and the service was attentive.
Must-order dish: Grilled bread with spreads.
Reservation tips: Book early on Resy.
Money-saving advice: Share small plates instead of each person ordering a full entrée. It allows you to taste more without overspending.
9. Federal Donuts
📍 Address: Multiple locations, including 1632 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Sometimes, simple pleasures hit hardest. Federal Donuts serves fried chicken and donuts, and I couldn’t resist trying both. The chicken was crispy and spicy, while the donuts were warm, sugary, and addictive.
Must-order dish: Fried chicken with honey glaze and a fresh donut.
Reservation tips: No reservations, casual counter service.
Money-saving advice: Combo meals are cheaper than buying chicken and donuts separately.
10. Morimoto
📍 Address: 723 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Dining at Morimoto felt like stepping into a sleek, futuristic dream. The glowing interior set the mood for Japanese fine dining. The sushi was some of the freshest I’ve ever had, and the omakase menu blew me away.
Must-order dish: Omakase (chef’s tasting menu).
Reservation tips: Reserve weeks in advance through OpenTable.
Money-saving advice: Lunch specials are significantly cheaper than dinner, with equally high-quality sushi.
11. Barbuzzo
📍 Address: 110 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
This Mediterranean gem is small, cozy, and always bustling. I ordered the wood-fired pizza and the salted caramel budino, which is one of the most famous desserts in Philadelphia. The balance of sweet and salty was unforgettable.
Must-order dish: Salted caramel budino.
Reservation tips: Use Resy. It’s a small space, so reservations are essential.
Money-saving advice: Order pizza to share—it’s large enough for two.
Booking Tips Across Restaurants
I used OpenTable and Resy frequently to secure reservations. Both platforms often offer points or credits that can be used for discounts at future restaurants. For food tours and bundled dining experiences, GetYourGuide and Viator sometimes list packages that include multiple restaurants at a reduced price.
When it came to flights and accommodation for the trip, I booked through Expedia because bundling a roundtrip flight and hotel saved me almost 20%. For hotel deals, I also checked Booking.com, where last-minute discounts sometimes popped up.
Late-Night Cravings and Hidden Gems
Beyond the big names, Philadelphia surprised me with its smaller eateries. A late-night slice at Lorenzo’s on South Street, dim sum in Chinatown, and coffee shops tucked into alleys filled my downtime between reservations. Each one reminded me that this city thrives on diversity and authenticity.
