The 12 Best Restaurants in Philadelphia: A Local’s Guide

By Kelly McMurtry

For most of us, a trip to Philadelphia came in the form of cheesesteaks—always messy, always glorious. But these days, this city claims an ever-growing crop of restaurants, where you’ll find smoky lamb tacos and perfectly plated pastas. Here are 12 places that embody everything Philly does best: unapologetically good food, served with a side of attitude.

Kalaya

1. Kalaya

Chef Nok Suntaranon’s Kalaya is the culinary equivalent of a firework show: dazzling, intense, and unforgettable. This modern Thai powerhouse moved from Bella Vista to a larger Fishtown space in 2022, bringing its bold flavors and vibrant energy along. The menu features dishes like gaeng kua poo, a velvety crab curry with just the right kick of spice. Add in James Beard nominations and a dining room that feels like a friend’s chic dinner party, and it’s no wonder you need reservations weeks in advance.

2. Her Place Supper Club

Imagine dinner at your coolest friend’s house, but your friend happens to be Chef Amanda Shulman, a former Momofuku Ko talent. Her Place offers a rotating prix-fixe menu with a side of charming irreverence. One night it might be hand-rolled pasta smothered in anchovy butter; another, a delicate duck breast that makes you question every other duck dish you’ve had. The intimate, 20-seat setup and lively service make each visit feel personal—like you’re in on Philly’s best-kept secret.

3. Friday Saturday Sunday

If you’re not talking about Friday Saturday Sunday, are you even talking about Philly dining? Chef Chad Williams’ tasting menus have earned national accolades for good reason. His signature foie gras “Old-Fashioned” combines whimsy with decadence, served in a minimalist yet welcoming space. Add a stellar wine program and one of the most polished services in the city, and you’ve got a recipe for perfection.

4. Laser Wolf

Think of Laser Wolf as the cooler younger sibling to the acclaimed Zahav. This Israeli skewer house serves up smoky, char-grilled meats paired with an all-you-can-eat salatim spread that might actually ruin hummus anywhere else for you. The industrial-chic space buzzes with energy, and the drinks menu features playful nods to Middle Eastern flavors. Oh, and it’s run by the Zahav dream team—Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook.

Hearthside Philadelphia Best restaurants

5. Hearthside

Yes, I’m breaking the rules by hopping over the bridge to Jersey, but Hearthside is worth it. This wood-fired gem turns out dishes like perfectly charred octopus and roasted duck with an umami punch. The open kitchen and cozy-yet-modern design make the space as warm as the name suggests. It’s BYOB, so come prepared with a bottle that can handle the rich, smoky flavors.

6. Irwin’s Upstairs

Located in the historic Bok building, Irwin’s Upstairs feels like dining at the top of the world—if the world came with Sicilian-inspired small plates and panoramic city views. Chef Michael Vincent Ferreri’s menu highlights include pillowy ricotta gnocchi and an unforgettable swordfish agrodolce. Whether you’re here for the food or the sunsets, it’s a Philly dining experience you’ll want to repeat.

7. K’Far

K’Far isn’t just a café—it’s a love letter to Israeli baking. From flaky kubaneh to coffee that fuels your soul, this all-day spot nails casual elegance. Run by Michael Solomonov (yes, him again), it’s the kind of place where you can grab a quick pastry or linger over shakshuka and wine. The airy, plant-filled interior doesn’t hurt either.

8. River Twice

This East Passyunk gem delivers seasonal tasting menus that feel like a love letter to local ingredients. Chef Randy Rucker’s dishes—like blue crab custard with trout roe—are as inventive as they are beautiful. The intimate space at River Twice lets the food shine, though the knowledgeable staff deserves their share of the spotlight too.

9. Vernick Food & Drink

A mainstay with a Michelin star to its name, Vernick Food & Drink is where you go to celebrate something—or someone—special. Chef Greg Vernick’s dishes balance precision with comfort, like a crispy potato rösti topped with crème fraîche and caviar. The polished-yet-relaxed dining room feels like the restaurant equivalent of a cashmere sweater: luxe but not intimidating.

10. Fiorella

What happens when one of Philly’s most beloved pasta spots gets a reboot? Magic. Chef Marc Vetri’s Fiorella serves simple, perfect Italian fare in an intimate, 18-seat setting. The bucatini with pork ragu will make you rethink all your life choices up to this point. Bonus: The space, a former butcher shop, oozes character.

Gabriella's Vietnam Lemongrass Tofu Philadelphia

11. Gabriella’s Vietnam

Chef Thanh Nguyen brings the heat—literally and figuratively—at Gabriella’s Vietnam. This modern Vietnamese eatery has earned rave reviews for dishes like sizzling beef wrapped in betel leaves and caramelized clay pot fish. The casual yet polished vibe is the cherry on top, making it a favorite among locals and critics alike.

12. South Philly Barbacoa

South Philly Barbacoa isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a beacon of community and culture. Chef Cristina Martínez’s famed lamb barbacoa is a smoky, tender revelation, served with fresh tortillas and salsas that are pure poetry. Featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table and beloved by locals, this spot is more than worth the weekend-only lines. It’s the kind of place where food tells a story—and the story is delicious.