Philadelphia Travel Guide

USA #1 in Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania

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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 4,860 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
Tripadvisor (3109)
$ - $$ | Italian
1915 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19148-2216
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#2
Beiler's Bakery
#2 of 4,860 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
Tripadvisor (1288)
$ | American, Fast Food
Reading Terminal Market 51 North 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
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#3
The Victor Cafe
#3 of 4,860 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
Tripadvisor (724)
$ - $$ | Italian
1303 Dickinson St, Philadelphia, PA 19147-6213
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#4
Miller's Twist
#4 of 4,860 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
Tripadvisor (187)
$ | American, Fast Food
51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2902
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#5
Reading Terminal Market
#5 of 4,860 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
Tripadvisor (10606)
$ | Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, American, Dutch, Seafood, Spanish, Asian, Greek, Middle Eastern, International
12th and Arch Sts., Philadelphia, PA 19107
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#6
Cafe La Maude
#6 of 4,860 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
Tripadvisor (175)
$ - $$ | Lebanese, Mediterranean, Cafe
816 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123-2271
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#7
Bistro Romano
#7 of 4,860 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
Tripadvisor (633)
$ - $$ | Italian, European
120 Lombard St Society Hill, Philadelphia, PA 19147-1602
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#8
V Street
#8 of 4,860 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
Tripadvisor (180)
$ - $$ | International
126 S 19th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103-4647
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#9
Hershel's East Side Deli
#9 of 4,860 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
Tripadvisor (395)
$ | American, Deli
51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2902
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#10
The Couch Tomato Cafe, Manayunk
#10 of 4,860 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
Tripadvisor (527)
$ - $$ | American, Pizza, Soups
102 Rector St 1st Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19127
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#11
The Original Turkey
#11 of 4,860 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
Tripadvisor (200)
$ | American, Fast Food
45 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2902
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#12
Vernick Food & Drink
#12 of 4,860 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
Tripadvisor (815)
$$ | American, Seafood
2031 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103-4493
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#13
Terakawa Ramen
#13 of 4,860 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
Tripadvisor (184)
$ - $$ | Japanese, Asian, Soups
204 N 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107-1813
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#14
Bassetts Ice Cream
#14 of 4,860 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
Tripadvisor (635)
$ | American
45 N 12th St Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2902
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#15
Talula's Garden
#15 of 4,860 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
Tripadvisor (1415)
$$ | American
210 W Washington Sq, Philadelphia, PA 19106-3514
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#16
Vedge
#16 of 4,860 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
Tripadvisor (718)
$$ | American
1221 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107-5572
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#17
Zahav
#17 of 4,860 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
Tripadvisor (1646)
$$ | Israeli
237 St. James Place, Philadelphia, PA 19106-3936
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#18
Dutch Eating Place
#18 of 4,860 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
Tripadvisor (493)
$ | American, Dutch, Cafe, Diner
1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2956
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#19
Vetri Cucina
#19 of 4,860 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
Tripadvisor (349)
$$ | Italian
1312 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107-5885
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#20
Gran Caffe L'Aquila
#20 of 4,860 Places to Eat in Philadelphia
Tripadvisor (755)
$ - $$ | Italian, Cafe, Tuscan, Romana, Lazio, Central-Italian
1716 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103-5132
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