While you may know Philadelphia as the City of Brotherly Love, the birthplace of the United States’ independence, and a critical stop in National Treasure, the city is making a name for itself as a foodie destination, which is probably why you’re looking up what to eat in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia is as known for its street food (exhibit A: cheesesteak) as for its James Beard-award-winning restaurants. Immigrant populations from the past, such as Italians and Germans, and of the present, hailing from Mexico, Southeast Asia, and former Soviet Republics, have played a major role in shaping this vibrant food scene.
Buckle up because we’re taking you on a journey through Philly’s most tantalizing eats. We hope you have a snack handy, because you’ll be hungry very soon (if you aren’t already). Keep reading to discover:
- What food is Philadelphia famous for
- What to eat in Philadelphia and where to find it
What Food Is Philadelphia Known For?
While you’ve probably already heard of the famous Philly cheesesteak, you may not be familiar with some of the other signature Philly foods. Here’s a pretty comprehensive list of what food Philadelphia is known for, and where to find it.
1. Cheesesteak
Cheesesteak is a hot sandwich that consists of thinly sliced, well-done steak paired with cheese, and sometimes onions, on a long bread roll. The traditional way to order this street food is by saying the cheese name and if you want your cheesesteak “wit” or “witout” onions.
For example, an order of “wiz wit” signifies Cheez Wiz (the traditional cheese of choice) and onions. “American witout” would get you a cheesesteak accompanied with American cheese, and served without onions. If these rules are giving you anxiety, don’t stress and just order however you’d like.
There are endless famous cheesesteak spots all over Philly. For a fun photo op and rivalry, head to Pat’s and Geno’s: two competing shops on opposite corners with Instagrammable neon signs (excellent case studies for restaurant Instagram marketing). Then there’s Jim’s which recently reopened after a fire, local favorite Dalessandro’s, and Angelo’s. For an off-the-beaten-path cheesesteak, head to Woodrow’s; this sandwich shop makes its own Cheez Wiz with truffle powder and offers gluten-free rolls.
2. Water Ice
No, it’s not a snow cone or a slushie or sorbet. In some parts of the U.S., you may know this frosty treat as Italian ice, but in Philly, we insist that it’s called water ice. While you stand in line at John’s Water Ice, one of the best spots in the city for this treat, listen for accented locals who pronounce it “wooder” ice.
While flavors like lemon, cherry (tastes like cough syrup and summer), and chocolate (an odd choice for a water-based treat) are classics, we recommend mango, which was popularized by local chain Rita’s.
3. Hoagie
While a cold sandwich consisting of a long bread roll, deli meats, and cheeses is known as a “sub” or “hero” in other places, in Philly it’s called a hoagie. These sandwiches are named after the sandwiches Italian shipyard workers in Philly’s Hog Island would eat on their breaks. And because of its Italian roots, a typical hoagie is filled with a combination of ham, salami, cheese, pickled peppers, and Italian seasoning or dressing.
While you can’t get a bad hoagie in Philly, locals love to get them from Wawa, a gas station/convenience store with a cult following and many locations, or local mom-and-pop delis like Cosmi’s.
4. Soft Pretzel
If you grew up in the Philadelphia area, soft pretzel sales at school are a core childhood memory for you. If you’re just visiting Philly, eating one will become a core memory of your trip after stopping by Philly Pretzel Factory.
Soft pretzels are a legacy brought to Philly by the Pennsylvania Dutch (also known as the Amish) community, which actually hails from Germany. To feel like a local, dip your pretzel in mustard.
5. Pork Roll
Next on our list of what to eat in Philadelphia is another famous sandwich that’s actually originally from neighboring Trenton, NJ, but has been adopted as a Philly staple. In North Jersey, pork roll is known as “Taylor ham,” after creator John Taylor.
Pork roll is essentially a processed pork meat product that resembles Canadian bacon. It’s usually served with a fried egg and cheese on a breakfast sandwich. Get the Taylor Pork Roll sandwich on a soft pretzel at Rowhome Coffee to check two items off this list in one go.
6. Scrapple
Like the soft pretzel, scrapple is another specialty given to Philly by the Pennsylvania Dutch. And, like pork roll, scrapple is another breakfast meat favorite in Philly. What’s in scrapple you ask? You’d rather not know. One source describes it as “traditional mush of fried pork scraps and trimmings combined with cornmeal and wheat flour, often buckwheat flour, and spices.” Another describes it as “everything but the oink.”
Get it at Shank’s Original, a standalone shack located next to an abandoned warehouse next to the Delaware River. You can try hoagies, cheesesteak, pork rolls, and roast pork sandwiches here too. If you’re sticking around the touristy parts of Philly, you can also get scrapple from several counters at Reading Terminal Market.
7. Tomato Pie
Tomato pie is square bread topped with tomato sauce; essentially pizza without the cheese. These savory pies are classic Philadelphia foods often consumed during tailgates and football watch parties. They’re usually served at room temperature and sprinkled with parmesan or oregano.
Try tomato pie at Sarcone’s in Philly’s Italian Market neighborhood or in Fishtown at Pizza Shackamaxon or Liberty Kitchen.
9. Roast Pork Sandwich
You get it: Philly is known for its sandwiches. While not as well known to tourists as the cheesesteak, the roast pork sandwich is just as beloved by locals. This hot sandwich consists of roast pork, cheese, onions, and the most important ingredient: broccoli rabe.
Try it at John’s Roast Pork, a shack situated between two strip malls, an abandoned railroad track, and a mysterious building that looks like a defunct power mill. For a more refined version of this Philly staple, get the Arista sandwich at Paesano’s in the Italian Market.
What to Eat in Philadelphia
The list above is all about what food Philadelphia is famous for. These are comfort dishes that you can usually get in a fast food setting on the cheap. They’re essential Philadelphia foods for anyone who is trying to understand the cultures that have made the city what it is today.
Below are dishes from the new guard of Philly chefs that are putting the city on the map as a foodie destination. They’re made by born-and-raised Philadelphians and by people who have brought the flavors of their homelands with them as they’ve made Philly home. They’re dishes that you can get for a few bucks from a walk-up window, and meals that you have to snag reservations for months in advance and drop serious cash on. They’re from some of the best new restaurants in Philadelphia, as well as from icons that have stood the test of time. These dishes represent a little bit of everything the City of Brotherly Love has to offer and come from some of the top restaurants in Philadelphia.
1. Barbacoa Tacos from South Philly Barbacoa
Philly’s Italian Market is a stretch of 9th Street that got its name from the thriving Italian community that was there in the 19th century. Today, the area reflects the latest wave of immigrants to Philly and has some of the best Mexican food outside of Mexico.
People line up down the block from the wee hours of the morning for James Beard award-winning Chef Cristina Martinez’s barbacoa. This melt-in-your-mouth, slow-cooked lamb is sold by the pound and served with tortillas, sauces, and sides, making it great for a group. The restaurant recently moved into neighboring Casa Mexico as a pop-up.
2. Pomegranate Lamb Shoulder from Zahav
Zahav is consistently voted one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia and was the best restaurant in the country in 2019 according to the James Beard Awards. Zahav is the brainchild of Chef Michael Solomonov and entrepreneur Steve Cook, who together form CookNSolo restaurant group. Chef Mike, as the staff call him, is very involved, so if you’re lucky enough to snag a reservation, you’ll probably see him walking around the restaurant, chatting with customers.
Zahav is the kind of place you go to for a special occasion, due to its price point and how difficult it is to get a table. Once you snag a reservation, you have to get the lamb shoulder, which is dripping in pomegranate molasses and falls off the bone. It’s served with pole bean stew and crispy Persian rice, which are perfect accompaniments to this dish that you’ll be dreaming about beyond dinner.
3. Steak Frites at Parc
Parc is one of the top restaurants in Philadelphia, and one of the most profitable restaurants in all of the United States. This bistro transports you from Philly to the streets of Paris thanks to its classic French menu and sidewalk seating overlooking picturesque Rittenhouse Square.
Order the steak frites for a hearty, delicious meal. The steak is always perfectly cooked and the fries are worthy of an Olympic medal. Bon appétit!
4. Philly Vegan Cheesesteak from Tattooed Mom
Located between head shops and vintage stores on funky South Street, you’ll find a bar like no other serving a plant-based twist on a Philly classic. This grungy venue makes you feel like you’re both a punk and back at your pediatrician’s office, thanks to the band and political stickers covering the walls, novelty plastic toys and temporary tattoos sitting on the bar, bucket of lollipops the server brings you after you pay the bill, and bumper car seats.
Tattooed Mom serves one of the best plant-based alternatives to a classic cheesesteak in Philly. Come on a Monday when they’re only $7 for Meatless Monday. Don’t fret if someone in your party wants the beef version, as Tattooed Mom has those too.
Come during an open mic night or poetry slam for quintessential Philly experiential dining.
5. Cheese Pizza from Angelo’s Pizzeria
Next up on our list of what to eat in Philadelphia is pizza from Angelo’s. It’s much loved by locals and tourists alike, so be ready to wait. Locals order ahead and then arrive in time for pick up to avoid the worst of the queue. If you see crowds of people hanging around outside, you’ve come to the right place.
Angelo’s is cash-only, takeout-only, and only sells whole pies. The pizza is pricey, but so worth it. While Angelo’s offers a variety of topping options, cheese pizza is the way to go. After all, you have to judge a pizza place by its simplest offering.
If pizza somehow isn’t your thing, some locals say that Angelo’s has the best cheesesteaks in the city.
6. Anything from Mawn
Everything our field reporters have tried at Mawn has been incredible. Need some direction at one of the best new restaurants in Philadelphia? Start with the Burmese ginger and melon salad, which is surprising, refreshing, crunchy, and bitter. Then have the prohok dip, which consists of spicy ground pork served in cabbage leaves. For your entree, get the yellow curry noodle soup or the Thai crab fried rice, both of which are so succulent and so yummy. Round out the meal with the jasmine rice pudding, which is topped with a light and fluffy mango mousse.
Getting a reservation at Mawn is difficult, but worth it. If you can’t snag one for your visit, come as soon as Mawn opens for lunch when they only take walk-ins. Partake in the Philly tradition of BYOB by bringing your own alcohol here, as they don’t have a license to serve their own liquor.
7. Nam Kaeng Sai from Kalaya
Fun fact: Before James Beard-award-winning Thai restaurant Kalaya moved into its space in Fishtown, it used to be located in the space that Mawn currently occupies. Seeing as Kalaya consistently tops the lists of the best restaurants in Philadelphia, you can’t go wrong with anything from the menu. However, we strongly recommend saving room for dessert.
Get the Nam Kaeng Sai, a shaved ice that gets an A+ for food presentation. Order one of the three varieties (That tea, guava, and banana OR yuzu, lychee, and Thai basil OR coconut, passion fruit, and milk chocolate) and you’ll get a bowl that’s larger than your head filled with syrups, herbs, fruits, and flavor. Ask for a few spoons, and dig in.
8. Terong Balado Sautéed Eggplant from Hardena
If you haven’t had Indonesian food before, you have to try it at Hardena, and you have to have this sauteed eggplant dish. Hardena is an unassuming hole-in-the-wall gem only locals know about. You’ll know you’re at the right place when you see a gorgeous mural celebrating Indonesian culture on its facade.
Hardena serves its food buffet style, so you point to the dishes you want and they pack it up in a box for you. The eggplant in the Terong Balado is so tender and flavorful as is, but you won’t regret asking for some spicy sauce on the side. We highly recommend getting the Beef Rendang and Singkong (collard greens in a coconut sauce) to complete your feast.
10. Khachapuri Adjaruli from Georgian Bread
Northeast Philly is a vibrant community of immigrants from Eastern Europe and former Soviet republics. Georgian food is one of the best cuisines to come from this diaspora, and the khachapuri adjaruli from Georgian Bread is one of the best dishes.
Khachapuri is an eye-shaped boat of dough that holds piping hot cheese. The server cracks an egg into it tableside, and mixes it with the cheese to cook the egg. At Georgian Bread, you can see the bread being made for this dish, and all of their flatbreads in general, in an oven at the front of the restaurant.
Don’t be surprised if you’re the only tourist or party not from the motherland when you visit, as it’s a very authentic restaurant. If you’d prefer to find this dish without driving far from Center City, you can also try it at Saami Somi in Reading Terminal Market.
11. Chipotle Fried Chicken Donut Sandwich at Okie Dokie Donuts
Okie Dokie Donuts is a safe haven for anyone who can’t stomach gluten, as everything on the menu is gluten free. But, even if you can eat gluten, you won’t miss it with Okie Dokie’s incredible donuts and savory dishes, like this fried chicken and donut sandwich.
The sandwich contains chicken strips that are battered and crisped to perfection and served in a fresh, savory yeasted donut bun, and topped with arugula, pepper jack cheese, and sauce.
If you’re looking for a sweet treat, you can’t go wrong with any of Okie Dokie’s cake or yeasted donuts. The yeasted donuts are particularly incredible because they’re served piping hot and are worth the several-minute wait. Okie Dokie’s flavors change on the regular, so there’s always something new in store.
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Now that you know what to eat in Philadelphia, it’s time to start making some reservations. Perhaps you might consider even extending your visit to make more time to enjoy all of these incredible Philly foods.
If you didn’t see your restaurant on this list and want to be included, get in touch!
Katherine is the Content Marketing Manager at TouchBistro, where she writes about trending topics in food and restaurants. The opposite of a picky eater, she’ll try (almost) anything at least once. Whether it’s chowing down on camel burgers in Morocco or snacking on octopus dumplings in Japan, she’s always up for new food experiences.
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