Discover 25 Philadelphia food favorites to eat in the City of Brotherly Love. This foodie list includes cheesesteaks and pretzels plus some surprises.
Travelers visit Philadelphia for many reasons. Some go to explore the cradle of America’s government at historic shrines like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Others are attracted to world-class museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes Foundation. And then there are film and fitness fanatics who want to live out their Rocky experiences.
Regardless of your primary reason for visiting Philly, we recommend taking a walking tour or riding a hop-on-hop-off bus to hit the best sites. Then we recommend you focus your time on Philadelphia’s greatest asset – its food.
25 Philadelphia Food Favorites
Philadelphia is a food traveler’s dream destination. The city transcends famous cheap eats like cheesesteaks and hoagies, with a vibrant, sophisticated restaurant scene that runs the gamut from chef driven food to international cuisine.
Take a food tour if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the choices. Otherwise, we recommend starting your culinary exploration with the following Philadelphia food favorites:
1. Philly Cheesesteaks
While the high protein sandwich has probably outgrown its reputation, there’s no disputing the cheesesteak’s place as a Philadelphia food icon. In all corners of the world, there’s no food that people associate more with Philly than the cheesesteak. Without dispute, it’s one of the best sandwiches in the world.
Famous movie characters like Rocky have eaten them, ad infinitum tv shows have featured them and food lovers around the world in cities like Lisbon, London and even Dubai have duplicated them. But there’s only one city where you can experience a cheesesteak at the source.
Ask a thousand Philadelphians about where to find and how to eat a cheesesteak and you’ll probably get a thousand opinions. Some enjoy their cheesesteaks with Cheez Whiz and fried onions at Pat’s King of Steaks (the sandwich’s origin) while others prefer the provolone topped version at John’s Roast Pork.
Start your Philadelphia cheesesteak odyssey on East Passyunk Avenue but don’t stop there. Without doubt, eating a messy, oozy, meaty cheesesteak should be an integral part of your Philly food experience.
Where to Eat the Best Cheesesteaks in Philadelphia
Check out our Philly Cheesesteak guide for a comprehsensive list. If you’re not in Philly, you can follow our easy cheesesteak recipe and eat one at home.
2. Hoagies
America has a number of great Italian inspired sandwiches. New York has the submarine, Boston has the hero, New Orleans has the po’ boy and Philadelphia has the hoagie. All four American sandwiches are similar, but there’s something unique about Philly’s sandwich icon.
Food historians trace the hoagie’s origins to the early 20th century. Back then, Italian workers enjoyed long rolls stuffed with meats and cheeses while working at South Philly’s Hog Island Shipyard. Today, the best hoagies are filled with great Italian meats like prosciutto di Parma, coppa and Genoa-style salami, enhanced with aged (Philly natives call it “sharp”) provolone and finished with oil, vinegar and oregano. You’ll want to order your hoagie this way unless you have dietary restrictions.
Not in the mood for a classic experience? You can order a hoagie with turkey or replace meat with roasted eggplant and bitter greens like broccoli rabe. No matter how you order your hoagie, your sandwich will likely be big enough to share.
Where to Eat Excellent Hoagies in Philadelphia
Angelo’s Pizzeria, Cosmi’s Deli, and Primo’s (multiple locations)
3. Pretzels
As is the case with much of the best Philadelphia food, historians link pretzels back to immigrants. Back in the 19th century, German immigrants, known today as the ‘Pennsylvania Dutch’ (having nothing to do with the actual Dutch), brought pretzel recipes and rural German traditions to both Philadelphia and nearby Lancaster.
Amish bakers continue to bake pretzels and sell them at Miller’s Twist in Center City’s Reading Terminal Market. When you visit that market, you can start your meal with a hot Miller’s pretzel and end it with a chocolate-covered pretzel at Mueller Chocolate Company. What you eat in between is up to you.
For a real taste of Philly, don’t miss eating a hot soft Philly pretzel at one of the many Philly Pretzel Factory locations in town. Squeeze a good amount of classic yellow or spicy brown mustard over your soft pretzel to achieve the classic Philly pretzel experience.
Where to Buy Pretzels in Philadelphia
Miller’s Twist and Mueller Chocolate Company at the Reading Terminal Market, Philly Pretzel Factory, Street Vendors and Sporting Event Venues
4. Scrapple
Also brought to Philadelphia by the Pennsylvania Dutch, scrapple is a Philly food favorite that only select Philadelphians love. Those on ‘team scrapple’ appreciate this pork product that’s made with random pig parts (including offals and bones), cornmeal and meaty broth. The rest – well, they wouldn’t touch scrapple with a ten foot pole.
Scrapple is pan fried so that the outside is toasty and crispy. The inside has a meaty yet satisfyingly mealy texture.
Only the rarest of ambitious fans dare to cook scrapple from scratch. Locals typically eat fried slabs of scrapple with breakfast dishes like pancakes and waffles at local diners and at buffets in the nearby Amish country. It’s a savory substitute for bacon and sausage that’s worth trying at least once.
Where to Eat Snapple in Philadelphia
Dutch Eating Place in the Reading Terminal and Diners like The Dining Car.
5. Roast Pork Sandwiches
Despite the global popularity of cheesesteaks and hoagies, the roast pork sandwich may be the granddaddy of Philly sandwiches. While it doesn’t receive the star billing of the cheesesteak, the combination of slow-roasted pork, greens and aged provolone is acknowledged by many culinarians around Philly as the sandwich to beat.
The roast pork’s sandwich recipe is simple. Cooks pile specially spiced and braised pork shoulder on a long, soft sesame seed roll. Although you’ll find the best roast pork sandwich at John’s Roast Pork, DiNic’s in the Reading Terminal Market serves an excellent alternative.
Where to Eat the Best Roast Pork Sandwiches in Philadelphia
DiNic’s Roast Pork and John’s Roast Pork
6. Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets
Baked in Philadelphia since 1927, Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets pre-date America’s most famous individually wrapped cake (i.e Twinkies) by three years. Topped with butterscotch icing, the sponge cake is snack food royalty in its home city despite recent behind-the-scenes corporate changes.
While Tastykake started in Germantown, the bakery is now located in South Philly’s Navy Yard. And, as of 2011, it’s part of Flower Foods which owns various other brands including Wonder Bread.
Where to Buy Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets in Philadelphia
WaWa and Other Convenient Stores5. Water Ice
7. Water Ice
Loved by kids of all ages, water ice is the most refreshing summer treat in Philadelphia. Similar to Italy’s granita and NYC’s Italian ice, the frozen dessert provides a dairy-free ice cream option that’s made with fruit, sugar and water. And, with flavors like cherry, lemon and mango, it also tastes delicious.
While past generations ate water ice at mom and pop shops, today’s ‘kids’ typically eat water at either John’s Water Ice in the Italian Market or at one of the city’s many Rita’s locations. Open since 1984, Rita’s now operates in more than 30 states. Note – the Philly locations are only open from March until September.
Where to Eat Refreshing Water Ice in Philadelphia
John’s Water Ice and Rita’s
8. Goldenberg Peanut Chews
Especially popular in Philadelphia where the candy was invented, Goldenberg Peanut Chews are what you’d expect and more with molasses added to the bar’s crunchy roasted peanuts and chocolate mix. They’re also a legitimately high-protein candy that comes in portion controlled ‘fun’ sizes.
While milk chocolate Goldenberg Peanut Chews chocolate are vegetarian, the dark chocolate version goes one step further. Dark chocolate Goldenberg Peanut Chews aren’t just vegetarian. They’re also vegan.
Where to Buy Goldenberg Peanut Chews in Philadelphia
WaWa and Other Convenient Stores
9. Middle Eastern Food
Chef Michael Solomonov is world-famous for starting an Israeli food revolution in Philadelphia. Zahav was just the beginning. Solomonov has opened Dizengoff, Goldie, K’Far Cafe and Laser Wolf in addition to his original flagship restaurant.
You’re missing something special during your trip to Philadelphia if you don’t taste the simple, savory, creamy pleasure of Solomonov’s hummus at one of his restaurants. But it’s not the only Middle Eastern restaurant worth trying. Suraya serves excellent Lebanese-inspired dishes in its airy Fishtown dining room. Its specialty store is great too.
Where to Eat Inspired Middle Eastern Food in Philadelphia
Dizengoff, Goldie, K’Far Cafe, Laser Wolf, Suraya and Zahav
10. Bagels
For many years, bagels in Philadelphia could be described as good but not great – more a vehicle for a Sunday brunch treat of Jewish appetizers like lox and whitefish than the main event. These bagels were generally smaller and less crusty than New York bagels and never carried a unique Philadelphia identity.
Those years are over. Great Philly bagel bakers have emerged over the past ten years, each with a unique style and approach to baking bagels. This is a city where you can eat bagels boiled in a special beer-enhanced water, topped with charred long hot pepper cream cheese or filled with ramen-inspired ingredients.
Where to Eat Great Bagels in Philadelphia
Cleo Bagels, K’Far Cafe, Kismet Bagels, Knead Bagels, Philly Style Bagels and Spread Bagelry
11. Italian Pastries
Italian immigrants didn’t just bring pasta and pizza to Philadelphia. They also brought Italian pastries from regions like Campania, Sicily and Abuzzo more than a century ago. And, most important, they passed that art of baking on to future generations.
Today, Philadelphia’s Italian bakeries serve cannoli and sfogliatelle to crowds that line up for those treats and more. They also bake wedding cakes and Eagles-themed cookies.
Where to Buy Authentic Italian Pastries in Philadelphia
Isgro Pastries, Termini Brother Bakery and Varrallo Brothers Bakery
12. Burgers
Despite the prevalence of the cheesesteak and other meaty sandwiches, burgers are as popular in Philadelphia as they are in other US cities. However, all Philly burgers are not the same. Some are grilled, some are smashed and others are loaded with tasty toppings.
While you can eat burgers at fast food chains around the city, the best ones are served at gastropubs. Not only will you eat a bigger, juicier burger at a gastropub, but you can order a pint (or two) of beer to wash it down.
Where to Eat Banging Burgers in Philadelphia
Fountain Porter, Good Dog Bar, Lucky’s Last Chance, and Village Whiskey
13. Pizza
Philadelphia hit the national pizza radar when Joe Beddia’s original corner pizza joint earned national acclaim from Bon Appetit as “The Best Pizza in America”. He later closed that small spot to open a larger pizza restaurant with communal tables, a bustling bar and a private dining room. Things got real when Dave Portnoy ‘introduced’ Angelo’s Pizzeria to the world via his popular Barstool Sports channel.
There are plenty of other great pizza options in Philadelphia including Neapolitan style pies at Nomad Pizza, Detroit style pies at Down North Pizza and classic old school pies at Marra’s. That being said, Angelo’s Pizzeria wins our personal prize as best pizza in Philadelphia.
Where to Eat Great Pizza in Philadelphia
Angelo’s Pizzeria, Down North Pizza, Emmy Squared Pizza, Marra’s, Nomad Pizza, Paulie Gee’s Soul City Slice Shop, Pizza Shackamaxon, Pizzeria Beddia, Santucci’s and Tacconelli’s
14. Italian Food (Beyond Pizza)
‘Old school’ Italian restaurants like Villa di Roma, Ralph’s and Dante & Luigi’s ruled the South Philly landscape for many years. However, the growth of modern Italian dining in Philadelphia, like much of the United States, shouldn’t be underestimated.
With restaurants like Vetri Cucina, Osteria, Le Virtù, Cicala and Crybaby Pasta, Philly has taken its place at the forefront of the country’s modern Italian cuisine movement. Yes, there are a lot of great Italian restaurants in South Philly as well as in the rest of the city.
While in Philadelphia, you can eat spaghetti and meatballs, an Italian American classic, at Villa di Roma on one night and francobolli, small ravioli stuffed with local black trumpet mushrooms, at Osteria the next. You’ll feel complete… and full.
Where to Eat Italian Food Beyond Pizza in Philadelphia
Cicala, Cry Baby Pasta, Fiorella, Le Virtù, Osteria, Ralph’s and Villa di Roma
15. Brunch
On weekends, brunch isn’t just a meal in Philadelphia – it’s also a social event where groups of friends convene at local cafes to eat pancakes, French toast and/or avocado toast. Those friends also sip coffee while catching up on the week’s gossip.
You can join the queues to eat brunch on Saturday or Sunday. However, assuming that you’re more interested in food than conversation, the better option is to eat brunch on a weekday. Your wait will be far shorter but the food will taste just as good.
Where to Eat a Beautiful Brunch in Philadelphia
Cafe La Maude, Cafe Lift, High Street, K’far Cafe, Morning Glory and Suraya
16. Modern Restaurant Cuisine
Bursting at the seams with great food at all prices, Philadelphia’s restaurant scene is filled with beer-friendly gastropubs and budget-friendly BYOBs as well as some of the nation’s most innovative restaurants. No longer in the shadow of nearby New York City, great chefs like Marc Vetri, Michael Solomonov, Michael Shulson, Greg Vernick, Nick Elmi, Jose Garces and Chad Williams have boosted the city’s excellent dining scene to worldwide fame.
We like to revisit old favorites and try new restaurants when we’re in Philadelphia. Since we lived in the city for a cumulative total exceeding three decades, we know the city well but love to find new gems.
Insider Tip: Plan your Philadelphia restaurant meals wisely. The more popular restaurants book up way in advance.
Where to Experience Fine Dining in Philadelphia
Friday Saturday Sunday, Her Place Supper Club, Vernick and Vetri Cucina
17. Asian Food
The Asian restaurant scene in Philadelphia isn’t enormous compared to American cities like San Francisco and Portland. But size doesn’t matter in a city where each restaurant packs a punch, offering some of the best examples of Asian food in the country.
Philadelphia’s Chinatown has a variety of eating options featuring cuisines as varied as Chinese, Vietnamese and Burmese. Beyond Chinatown, a number of restaurants have opened in South Philadelphia, Kensington, Fishtown and the expansive region of Northeast Philadelphia. These far-flung eateries serve a range of cuisines including Korean, Thai and even Cambodian.
When you crave Asian dishes in Philadelphia, start with great soup dumplings (xiao long bao) at Dim Sum Garden, hand-pulled noodles at Nan Zhou, excellent Cantonese roast duck and char sui pork at Sang Kee or flavorful dan dan noodles at Han Dynasty.
After that, dig deeper and eat pho at Cafe Diem, banh bot Loc at Gabriella’s Vietnam, khao soi at Mawn or shaw muang dumplings at Kalaya. Craving Japanese food too? If so, go to Queen Village to eat a special omakase meal at Royal Sushi & Izakaya.
Where to Eat Tasty Asian Food in Philadelphia
Cafe Diem, Dim Sum Garden, Gabriella’s Vietnam, Han Dynasty, Kalaya, Mawn, Nan Zhou, Royal Sushi & Izakaya and Sang Kee Peking Duck House
18. Mexican Food
Interestingly, although there are great Mexican restaurants in every corner of Philadelpia, many of the best ones are located in and near the city’s Italian Market. The influx of Mexican restaurants and retailers has changed the neighborhood’s landscape, with Cristina Martinez’s South Philly Barbacoa leading the charge.
Martinez has received national acclaim, both for her immigration activism and her wonderful braised lamb tacos. She (along with husband Benjamin Miller) worked at different restaurants before settling in the thick of it all on the corner of 9th and Ellsworth Streets.
When you start your tour of Philadelphia’s Mexican restaurant scene, you’ll want to eat braised lamb tacos at South Philly Barbacoa first. After you pop over to nearby Blue Corn and El Chingon, you can then dine at a number of upscale Mexican restaurants including El Vez in Midtown Village, Cantina La Martina and Mission Tacqueria in Center City, Taqueria Feliz in Manayunk and Cantina La Martina in Kensington.
Where to Eat Magnificent Mexican Food in Philadelphia
Blue Corn, Cantina La Martina, El Chingon, El Vez, Mission Tacqueria, South Philly Barbacoa and Taqueria Feliz
19. Vegan Food
Despite Philadelphia’s global notoriety for inventing the cheesesteak, the city has a surprisingly vibrant vegan scene. Yes, not only is Philly a mecca for carnivores but it’s also a happy place for locals and travelers who don’t eat meat.
Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby put Philadelphia on the vegan map back in 2011 when they opened Vedge in an elegant townhouse formerly occupied by legendary French restaurant Deux Cheminées. Recognized by James Beard and pretty much every notable food magazine, the culinary duo has made vegetables sexy in Philadelphia at upscale Vedge and more casual V Street.
Whether you live a Vegan lifestyle or just like excellent food, dining at Vedge is a plan-ahead must when you visit Philadelphia. Vegan travelers will find want to dig deeper by eating falafel at Goldie, bar food at Charlie Was a Sinner, fast-casual grub at HipCityVedge and pastries at Crust Vegan Bakery.
Where to Eat Outstanding Vegan Food in Philadelphia
Charlie Was a Sinner, Crust Vegan Bakery, Goldie, HipCityVeg, and Vedge
20. Bar Food
Many of Philadelphia’s best bars serve excellent beer that crafted locally, nationally and globally. They also serve food that tastes with that beer.
Some Philly bars serve burgers and fries while others serve Mexican food. Then there’s Monk’s Cafe which serves Belgian-style mussels to go with its vast selection of Belgian beer.
Where to Eat Satisfying Bar Food in Philadelphia
Bars All Over the City
21. Ice Cream
Philadelphia has been an ice cream city since Bassetts Ice Cream started churning back in 1861. Philadelphians still eat classic scoops of Bassetts flavors like French vanilla and mint chocolate chip as well as more modern flavors like birthday cake and salted caramel pretzel. They also eat ice cream at more modern ice cream shops.
Our favorites are The Franklin Fountain and Weckerly’s Ice Cream. The Franklin Fountain looks old even though its history only dates back to 2004. There’s no such confustion about Weckerly’s. Open since 2012, the micro-creamery serves modern flavors like cookie jar and pain perdu in its equally modern Fishtown shop.
Where to Indulge in Ice Cream in Philadelphia
Bassetts Ice Cream, The Franklin Fountain and Weckerly’s Ice Cream
22. Donuts
Donut devotees craving donuts will find plenty of fried dough to eat in Philadelphia. Options range from down-and-dirty Mexican churros on 9th Street to upscale Lebanese beauties at Suraya . As for vegans, they can chow down on dairy-free varieties at Dottie’s Donuts in West Philly.
We typically head to Federal Donuts to fulfill our donut needs in Philadelphia. Now with several locations in Philly and beyond, ‘FedNuts’ freshly bakes cinnamon donuts throughout the day and prepares colorful ‘fancy’ donuts each morning. We typically order a finger-licking-good crispy chicken sandwich to go with our donuts.
We also stop by Reading Terminal’s Beiler’s Doughnuts when we’re in the market. Based in Lancaster, the Amish baker sells a dizzying array of donuts including our personal favorite – Caramel Apple.
Where to Eat Delicious Donuts in Philadelphia
Beiler’s Doughnuts, Dottie’s Donuts, Federal Donuts and Suraya
23. Coffee
Philadelphia joined coffee’s third wave movement more than a decade and a half ago with a handful of coffee shops. Fast forward to the present and the city has more than two dozen excellent specialty coffee shops.
With so many great choices, it would be a shame to drink swill. This is the case whether you’re thirsty for coffee in Center City, Fishtown, Queen Village or another neighborhod.
Where to Sip Third Wave Coffee in Philadelphia
Discover the best Philly coffee shops in our Philadelphia Coffee Guide.
24. Craft Beer
Philadelphia’s beer history is no flash in the keg. German immigrants operated close to 100 independent breweries in the city more than a century after revolutionary patriots plotted rebellion in local pubs. The city’s beer passion ran so deep that Philadelphia has a neighborhood named Brewerytown.
Although this history took a snooze during the 20th century during and after Prohibition, Philly is back in the American beer game with a vengeance. Not only does the city have dozens of outstanding beer bars, but several craft brewers have set up shop in neighborhoods like Fishtown, South Philly and Kensington.
Where to Sip Craft Beer in Philadelphia
Fergie’s Pub, Johnny Brenda’s, Monk’s Cafe, Standard Tap, Human Robot and Yards Brewing Company
25. Cocktails
While there’s no denying that Philadelphia is a beer lover’s city, cocktail connoisseurs will find plenty to imbibe when they travel to the City of Brotherly Love. Not only do local mixologists excel at crafting classic cocktails, but they also create unique cocktails that tickle the taste buds with each and every sip.
Cocktail bars located at restaurants like Friday, Saturday and Sunday are easy to find. You’ll have to look harder to find The Franklin Bar – the speakeasy hides in plain site in the heart of Center City.
Where to Sip Crafted Cocktails in Philadelphia
The Franklin Bar, Friday Saturday Sunday, Hop Sing Laundromat and Middle Child Clubhouse
Frequently Asked Questions
Philadelphia is most famous for the Philly cheesesteak but it’s not the only food to eat in the City of Brotherly Love. Other must-eat Philadelphia foods include hoagies, roast pork sandwiches, soft pretzels and water ice.
Yes. The standard tip at Philadelphia restaurants is 15-20%.
Food in Philadelphia ranges from cheap eats to fine dining. In other words, you can eat for under $50 a day or blow it out and spend much more on fine dining experiences.
Anthony Bourdain visited Amis (permanently closed), Chef Ken’s Cafe (permanently closed), Di Bruno Bros., Dirty Frank’s, the Mutter Museum, the Pen & Pencil Club, Paesano’s, Pho 75, Stateside and Zahav while filming the 2nd season of The Layover.
Phil Rosenthal visited Angelo’s Pizzeria, Dalessandro’s Steaks, Fiorella Pasta, John’s Roast Pork, Kalaya, Laser Wolf, Philadelphia’s Magic Garden, Pizzeria Beddia, the Reading Terminal Market, South Philly Barbacoa and Zahav while filming the sixth season of Somebody Feed Phil.
People typically eat dinner between 7pm and 9pm in Philadelphia.
Yes. Reservations are necessary at Philadelphia’s better restaurants.
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