Philadelphia Travel Guide

USA #1 in Best Day Trips from New York City

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What to Eat in Philadelphia

Philadelphia's dining scene has experienced a culinary makeover in recent decades, with new dining establishments rapidly popping up all over the city. The pricier restaurants are concentrated around trendy Old City and Rittenhouse Square (Parc, The Dandelion and The Love are two relatively new favorites). Meanwhile, you can enjoy French, Indian and Japanese fare in Center City. Head to South Philly or Center City for simple Italian and farm-to-table cuisine (Talula's Garden is a hit with both critics and visitors).

But no trip to Philly would be complete without tasting a soft pretzel or a Philadelphia cheesesteak. A hoagie-like sandwich made with thin slices of steak and cheese and often accented with onions, peppers and mushrooms, Philly's trademark sandwich is best experienced in South Philly. Recent travelers specifically recommend the area's Italian Market for your own customized cheesesteak, but Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks are also popular stops. Another great place to sample a variety of foods is the Reading Terminal Market.

BYOB (bring your own bottle) establishments abound in Philly and can help keep you within budget, since you can pick up your own libations and take them to the restaurant. Call ahead if you're unsure about a certain establishment's BYOB policies.

Find the Best Restaurants in Philadelphia

#1
Ristorante Pesto
#1 of 5,225 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
TripAdvisor (2458)
$ - $$ | Italian
1915 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19148-2216
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#2
Beiler's Bakery
#2 of 5,225 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
TripAdvisor (1205)
$ | American, Fast Food
Reading Terminal Market 51 North 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
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#3
Miller's Twist
#3 of 5,225 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
TripAdvisor (157)
$ | American, Fast Food
51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2902
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#4
Cafe La Maude
#4 of 5,225 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
TripAdvisor (159)
$ - $$ | Lebanese, Cafe, Mediterranean
816 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123-2271
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#5
The Victor Cafe
#5 of 5,225 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
TripAdvisor (636)
$ - $$ | Italian
1303 Dickinson St, Philadelphia, PA 19147-6213
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#6
Bistro Romano
#6 of 5,225 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
TripAdvisor (544)
$ - $$ | Italian, European, Seafood
120 Lombard St Society Hill, Philadelphia, PA 19147-1602
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#7
Reading Terminal Market
#7 of 5,225 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
TripAdvisor (9923)
$ | Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, American, Indian, German, Irish, Caribbean, Dutch, Southwestern, Seafood, Fast Food, Mediterranean, Spanish, Asian, Thai, Greek, Middle Eastern, Eastern European, Jamaican, International
12th and Arch Sts., Philadelphia, PA 19107
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#8
Talula's Garden
#8 of 5,225 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
TripAdvisor (1325)
$$ | American
210 W Washington Sq, Philadelphia, PA 19106-3514
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#9
Vernick Food & Drink
#9 of 5,225 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
TripAdvisor (780)
$$ | American
2031 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103-4493
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#10
V Street
#10 of 5,225 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
TripAdvisor (155)
$ - $$ | American, International
126 S 19th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103-4647
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#11
Zahav
#11 of 5,225 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
TripAdvisor (1552)
$$ | Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Israeli
237 Saint James Pl, Philadelphia, PA 19106-3936
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#12
The Couch Tomato Cafe' & Bistro
#12 of 5,225 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
TripAdvisor (504)
$ - $$ | Italian, American, Pizza, Soups
102 Rector St 1st Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19127-1507
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#13
Bassetts Ice Cream
#13 of 5,225 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
TripAdvisor (611)
$ | American
51 N 12th St Ste 45 Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2902
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#14
Hershel's East Side Deli
#14 of 5,225 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
TripAdvisor (365)
$ | American, Fast Food, Deli
51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2902
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#15
The Original Turkey
#15 of 5,225 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
TripAdvisor (187)
$ | American, Fast Food
45 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2902
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#16
Gran Caffe L'Aquila
#16 of 5,225 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
TripAdvisor (679)
$ - $$ | Italian, Cafe
1716 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103-5132
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#17
Terakawa Ramen
#17 of 5,225 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
TripAdvisor (160)
$ - $$ | Japanese, Asian
204 N 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107-1813
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#18
Butcher and Singer
#18 of 5,225 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
TripAdvisor (798)
$$ | American, Steakhouse
1500 Walnut St Ste M101, Philadelphia, PA 19102-3523
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#19
Vedge
#19 of 5,225 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
TripAdvisor (669)
$$ | American
1221 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107-5572
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#20
Capogiro Gelateria
#20 of 5,225 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
TripAdvisor (425)
$ - $$ |
119 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107-4807
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