Living in Philadelphia means there are always bustling streets, new restaurant openings, and a hot happening to experience. Now is the perfect time to explore a restaurant you haven’t tried before or revisit a favorite. Get adventurous! We’ve rounded up the 53 very best restaurants in Philadelphia that you must try in 2022.
See Also: The 6 Most Sought-After Reservations In Philadelphia
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8235 Germantown Avenue / Website
The Cuisine: Italian
The Atmosphere: Chic tiled bar area, verdant plant wall, and cozy banquettes make this spot a great place for Insta-worthy snaps with your crew.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Mouthwatering, creative Italian cuisine and beautiful platings
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116 S 13th Street / Website
The Cuisine: Steakhouse
The Atmosphere: Rich wood paneling, mocha-colored leather banquettes, and vintage, library vibes
Why You Need To Dine Here: There’s a lengthy menu of high-end, quality proteins including steaks, beef, poultry, and seafood.
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217-219 Chestnut Street / Website
The Cuisine: Spanish tapas (Andalusian to be exact)
The Atmosphere: Inspired by Spanish bodegas with rustic details and
Why You Need To Dine Here: From award-winning chef (and winner of Food Network’s The Next Iron Chef) Jose Garces is this celebrated spot, serving up brunch, happy hour specials, dinner, and an array of wines and cocktails.
Pro Tip: Sit at the six-seat chef’s counter for an exclusive view of the kitchen.
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1840 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. / Website
The Cuisine: Light bites and a stellar cocktail, wine, beer, and liquor menu.
The Atmosphere: Lux rooftop atop The Logan hotel with gorgeous, spanning views of the city and firepits.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Come with your crew for a memorable, al fresco, booze-filled adventure. The menu’s items are perfect for sharing and snacking.
Pro Tip: Only open to those over 21 years of age, leave the kids at home for this one.
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237 S 18th Street / Website
The Cuisine: Steakhouse
The Atmosphere: Chic modern interior with marble counters, crystal chandeliers, and rich wood paneled walls.
Why You Need To Dine Here: The luxurious steakhouse is certified to sell authentic Japanese Kobe beef and Wagyu steaks. There’s a loaded menu of high-end delicacies, but the vibe of the restaurant is very welcoming. Many of the wait staff have been at Barclay Prime for over a decade, so they’re knowledgeable and helpful when deciding what to order.
Pro Tip: There are three types of caviar on the menu.
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325 Chestnut Street / Website
The Cuisine: Modern Asian
The Atmosphere: Opulent and grand with a ten-foot-tall gold buddha as the centerpiece of the dining room.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Enjoy high-quality, inventive Asian cuisine, Asian-influenced cocktails, and a bustling communal table perfect for meeting like-minded food-lovers.
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2011 Route 70 West, Cherry Hill, NJ / Website
The Cuisine: Italian
The Atmosphere: Classy white linen-dressed tables, gorgeous wood and marble statement walls, and a garden patio perfect for al fresco dining.
Why You Need To Dine Here: The high-end Italian restaurant sticks to tradition with quality, contemporary Italian meals paired gracefully with exquisite wines and cocktails by a sommelier.
Pro Tip: There’s the option to create your own customizable raw bar platter.
600 Wendover Street and Henry Avenue / Website
The Cuisine: Philly cheesesteak
The Atmosphere: Simple, classic, bustling spot with friendly chefs and servers
Why You Need To Dine Here: This spot was voted the best Philly cheesesteak in the city by our Philadelphia Style readers and we couldn’t agree more. The restaurant prides itself on only using the freshest ingredients.
Pro Tip: Spice up your sandwich with the restaurant’s selection of peppers in a variety of hotnesses.
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200 Main Street, Town Center, King Of Prussia / Website
The Cuisine: Italian steakhouse
The Atmosphere: Classic, contemporary design with high ceilings and ample outdoor seating.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Delectable steakhouse cuisine that has garnered praise at its locations around the country.
Pro Tip: Save room for gelato for dessert.
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1437 Chestnut Street / Website
The Cuisine: Italian
The Atmosphere: Warm lighting, huge windows, and classy wooden details
Why You Need To Dine Here: A lengthy menu of tasty, authentic Italian cuisine.
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120 S 13th Street / Website
The Cuisine: Sushi
The Atmosphere: Two floors of space to explore and numerous rustic details and artworks to explore under the restaurant’s signature moody lighting.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Gorgeous, intricate plating and a lengthy menu of sushi, seafood, and small bites.
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632 S 5th Street / Website
The Cuisine: Pizzeria
The Atmosphere: Simple and chic. A step above your average neighborhood pizza joint.
Why You Need To Dine Here: The joint has a unique take on American classics, like fluffy-crusted pizza topped with artichokes and award-winning, hearty burgers.
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757 S Front Street / Website
The Cuisine: Italian
The Atmosphere: Clean lines and playful details
Why You Need To Dine Here: As the name implies, this place makes fine foods. Perhaps more than fine. Pastries and gelato are available for pre-order, their brunch is to die for and their dinner menu is curated with Italian staples.
Pro Tip: Go for brunch on the weekends!
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817 Christian Street / Website
The Cuisine: Pasta
The Atmosphere: The storefront has been in Philly since 1892 and was refurbished when current-owner Marc Vetri purchased the space. Vetri’s kept many historic items from the original building, giving the overall space a unique, historic vibe.
Why You Need To Dine Here: This renowned pasta bar is a staple of quality cuisine in South Philly.
Pro Tip: Reservation spaces are made available 30 days in advance.
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306 Market Street / Website
The Cuisine: Modern American
The Atmosphere: Large lantern-like chandeliers, dark wood furniture, and tasteful pops of greenery
Why You Need To Dine Here: A refined, delectable menu of brunch, lunch, and dinner selections. The menu changes seasonally and the wine list features rare finds.
Pro Tip: Stop by for happy hour on Tuesdays to Fridays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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233 Chestnut Street / Website
The Cuisine: French
The Atmosphere: Playful lighting fixtures, hunter-green baseboards, and a plethora of gorgeous plants, including forsythias.
Why You Need To Dine Here: This renowned restaurant utilizes seasonal ingredients to create delicious modern French cuisine as you’d find in a Parisian bistro.
Pro Tip: Head chef and owner Christopher Kearse is a Philadelphia native.
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1716 Chestnut Street / Website
The Cuisine: Italian
The Atmosphere: Friendly, authentic neighborhood Italian restaurant
Why You Need To Dine Here: Get a taste of Italy with a glass of Italian wines, paired carefully with the restaurant’s stellar menu. The wine list features hundreds of wine labels from all 20 regions of Italy.
Pro Tip: Save room for the gelato!
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1525 Sansom Street / Website
The Cuisine: New American
The Atmosphere: A stunning interior complete with high ceilings, large windows, unique chandeliers, rustic brick and plants throughout.
Why You Need To Dine Here: This chic spot is known for its gorgeous interior and subterranean bowling alley. There’s a comprehensive cocktail list that pairs well with the menu’s shareable small plates, making it a great spot to come with friends or a lowkey date.
Pro Tip: Stop by on weekends for the brunch buffet.
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101 S 9th Street / Website
The Cuisine: Bakery
The Atmosphere: Delivery only
Why You Need To Dine Here: A delicious bakery serving up baked goods, sandwiches, and salads made from locally sourced, sustainably-handled ingredients.
Pro Tip: Sign up for the monthly subscription box of yummy, fresh-baked meals.
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1 N 9th Street / Website
The Cuisine: New American
The Atmosphere: Lux with panoramic city views, massive windows, white linen tables, and a stunning central bar
Why You Need To Dine Here: A showstopping interior and a curated, Michelin-starred menu by an award-winning chef team. It’s perhaps the most luxurious way to see the city.
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764 S 9th Street / Website
The Cuisine: Thai
The Atmosphere: Casual and welcoming.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Enjoy authentic Thai cuisine made from family recipes that have been passed down through generations. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are prioritized on the menu.
Pro Tip: There’s a Fishtown location currently in progress.
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110 S 19th Street / Website
The Cuisine: Israeli cafe
The Atmosphere: Glamorous and welcoming with modern white and gold details.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Step inside this friendly neighborhood cafe and be transported to a classic Israeli bakery. There’s authentic baked goods and an Insta-worthy dining room.
Pro Tip: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
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210 W Rittenhouse Square / Website
The Cuisine: International
The Atmosphere: High-end and classy, perfect for special occasions
Why You Need To Dine Here: This Philly classic has been awarded an AAA Four Diamonds award and prides itself on its locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
Pro Tip: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
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1301 N Howard Street / Website
The Cuisine: Israeli grill
The Atmosphere: A colorful interior with unique wall murals and a grand bar area. It’s a cool vibe with the large windows, exposed brickwork, and neon sign.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Flavorful, fresh Israeli meat, fish and veggie kabobs, cooked over charcoal. There are multiple creative cocktails that pair well with the concise and well-loved menu.
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1617 E Passyunk Avenue / Website
The Cuisine: French & American
The Atmosphere: Classy yet understated with both indoor and outdoor seating areas.
Why You Need To Dine Here: This high-end restaurant features a six-course menu and curated premium wine pairings. There’s a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients for this creative chef-centric restaurant.
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1749 N Front Street / Website
The Cuisine: Mexican
The Atmosphere: Fun, playful ,and lots of art, music, and books to explore while you dine.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Enjoy creative Mexican small plates for yourself or order a large, shareable special for the whole table. It’s a great spot to come for drinks and a bite with friends.
Pro Tip: Save room for dessert!
900 Christian Street / Website
The Cuisine: Pizzeria
The Atmosphere: No-frills but very friendly. It’s your neighborhood slice stop! There’s both indoor and outdoor seating.
Why You Need To Dine Here: This pizzeria was voted the best slice in all of Philadelphia by our Philadelphia Style readers. The family behind Lorenzo’s Pizza has been involved with Philly’s Italian Market for over 80 years and they’ve certainly perfected their signature pizzas.
Pro Tip: The Philly cheesesteaks rock too!
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33 S 2nd Street / Website
The Cuisine: Modern Thai
The Atmosphere: Fun and colorful with large, artful chandeliers and an abundance of good vibes daily.
Why You Need To Dine Here: With a vibrant, Insta-worthy interior and infectious energy, the delicious menu is simply the cherry on top.
Pro Tip: The exclusive basement lounge requires reservations.
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723 Chestnut Street / Website
The Cuisine: Japanese & omakase
The Atmosphere: Ethereal and intimate. The interior is illuminated by colorful, modern fixtures as soft spotlights highlight neutral, organic wall art. You could go for the vibes and selfie-ops alone.
Why You Need To Dine Here: From decorated, internationally-recognized Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, this luxurious restaurant serves sublime a la carte items and carefully curated omakase menus.
Pro Tip: Make a reservation, this spot is hot.
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401 S Christopher Columbus Blvd. / Website
The Cuisine: American
The Atmosphere: Waterfront dining aboard a literal ship complete with live music and white linen tables
Why You Need To Dine Here: Coastal dining in Philadelphia sounds crazy, but it’s made to be quite glamorous at Moshulu. Board the refurbished boat and dine on luxurious American classics.
Pro Tip: Check out the nightlife events on The Deck.
1408 S 12th Street / Website
The Cuisine: Italian
The Atmosphere: Exclusive with old-world charm
Why You Need To Dine Here: This uber-exclusive, 30-seat restaurant has been serving up stellar Italian plates for over a century. The restaurant prides itself on only serving meals made from the owner’s family’s personal recipes.
Pro Tip: Members only. Cash and a business casual dress code are required.
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227 S 18th Street / Website
The Cuisine: French
The Atmosphere: Inspired by French bistros, the spot has a carefree yet high-class vibe.
Why You Need To Dine Here: There’s a loaded menu of French classics to satisfy, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert. It’s classy and chic, perfect for a date or weekend brunch with your crew.
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212 Walnut Street 2nd Floor / Website
The Cuisine: Italian
The Atmosphere: Elegant and lux with patterned walls and artwork inspired by the Amalfi Coast.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Tasty, authentic Italian cuisine from a renowned Italian chef, served in a gorgeous setting with plenty of natural light.
Pro Tip: Go for weekend brunch, complete with live music and DJs.
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139 E Lancaster Avenue / Website
The Cuisine: Italian soul food
The Atmosphere: A very red interior paired with fun artwork and vibrant, patterned seating areas.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients with a focus on artisan-crafted cuisine make up the menu at this inventive spot. The menu changes seasonally.
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205 S 18th Street / Website
The Cuisine: American
The Atmosphere: An elegant bistro with views of the park. The scalloped edge bar and the gorgeous color palette throughout set this playful spot apart.
Why You Need To Dine Here: The menu features mouthwatering American cuisine made from high-quality ingredients.
Pro Tip: Sit outside for al fresco dining.
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780 S 2nd Street / Website
The Cuisine: Japanese
The Atmosphere: Vibe-worthy interior with anime art, moody lighting, and laid-back bar energy
Why You Need To Dine Here: Tasty, inventive Japanese bar food paired with creative cocktails in the front of the restaurant and exclusive omakase tastings in the back.
Pro Tip: Try the omakase
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124 S 13th Street / Website
The Cuisine: Pan-Asian
The Atmosphere: Moody and modern with unique lighting and large, spanning wall art.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Beautifully plated bites paired with a cool curation of sake, wine, and beer, along with creative cocktails.
Pro Tip: Stop by for happy hour Mondays to Fridays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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210 W Rittenhouse Square / Website
The Cuisine: Italian
The Atmosphere: An elegant, upscale, luxurious experience
Why You Need To Dine Here: This tasty Italian hotspot is popular across the country with locations in dining hot spots like NYC, Las Vegas, and the Hamptons. All pasta is made in-house.
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1800 N American Street / Website
The Cuisine: Mexican
The Atmosphere: Inspired by artisans of Mexico. The interior features warm, welcoming colors and frequently hosts live music.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Authentic, delicious Mexican cuisine crafted sustainably and in support of Mexican ingredients. The restaurant has a homeware shop that sells hand-crafted goods from actual Mexican artisans.
Pro Tip: Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
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1140 S 9th Street / Website
The Cuisine: Mexican
The Atmosphere: This corner spot features mirror chips and pops of color on the exterior, while the inside is vibrant with multi-colored table clothes and bright yellow walls.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Head chef Cristina Martinez won the James Beard award for best chef in the Mid-Atlantic region in 2022. Need we say more?
Pro Tip: The spot frequently has a line out the door, so be prepared.
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220 S 17th Street / Website
The Cuisine: Mediterranean
The Atmosphere: Bright and lively interior with organic shapes and welcoming energy.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Modern, creative Mediterranean cuisine inspired by coastal flavors.
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260 S Broad Street / Website
The Cuisine: Steakhouse
The Atmosphere: Sleek, classy
Why You Need To Dine Here: This well-known steakhouse features stellar cuts of premium steaks and a tasty lineup of seafood.
Pro Tip: Be sure to follow the spot’s dress code.
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1528 Frankford Avenue / Website
The Cuisine: Lebanese
The Atmosphere: Simple walls and a gorgeous rust-colored patterned floor throughout.
Why You Need To Dine Here: All meals are crafted with recipes from the owner’s Lebanese grandmother.
Pro Tip: Check out the outdoor garden
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210 W Washington Square / Website
The Cuisine: American
The Atmosphere: Warm and welcoming with soft lighting and plenty of greenery.
Why You Need To Dine Here: This farm-to-table restaurant makes the most of the local farms and incorporates fresh seasonal produce into all meals.
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261 S 20th Street / Website
The Cuisine: Middle Eastern
The Atmosphere: This cute corner spot has a chic matte black exterior and a playful interior complete with a plant wall and a neon sign.
Why You Need To Dine Here: The concise menu features the best of the best of Middle Eastern street food. Order a few plates to share with your table or indulge in a full entree.
Pro Tip: Stop by for happy hour Tuesdays to Fridays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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1221 Locust Street / Website
The Cuisine: Vegan and vegetarian
The Atmosphere: Simple, chic, and intimate.
Why You Need To Dine Here: It’s all veggies, what’s not to love?! This healthy spot features modern, seasonal, high-class vegan and vegetarian dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients.
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1 N 19th Street / Website
The Cuisine: Seafood
The Atmosphere: Sleek and modern with coastal touches
Why You Need To Dine Here: Globally-inspired flavors with a focus on oysters and an enviable raw bar.
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1312 Spruce Street / Website
The Cuisine: Italian prix fixe
The Atmosphere: Set in an intimate, historic townhouse.
Why You Need To Dine Here: This renowned Italian restaurant has been a Philadelphia staple for over two decades and the recipient of multiple James Beard awards.
Pro Tip: Reservations are a must.
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1723 Locust Street / Website
The Cuisine: Italian
The Atmosphere: Dramatically black and white with high ceilings and classy place settings.
Why You Need To Dine Here: From local restauranteur Michael Schulson, enjoy small plates, fresh pasta and farm-fresh ingredients.
Pro Tip: Sit outside
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981 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills / Website
The Cuisine: Farm-to-table American
The Atmosphere: Dog-centric decor and rustic details; It’s definitely a fun and playful spot for a dog lover’s outfit of the day snap.
Why You Need To Dine Here: A great date night spot. The menu features a section of sides made for two, on top of its already curated, multi-course menu.
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2009 Sansom Street / Website
The Cuisine: American
The Atmosphere: Elegant and chic with simple decor and breathtaking chandeliers.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Enjoy tasty, beautifully-plated, cuisine straight from the creative minds in the kitchen.
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237 St. James Place / Website
The Cuisine: Israeli
The Atmosphere: Casual and welcoming with gorgeous wood details.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Israeli wine and the pomegranate lamb shoulder set this spot apart. The seasonal multi-course menu is loaded with classics and many new creations.
Pro Tip: Zahav has award-winning desserts, so definitely indulge at this spot.
128 S 19th Street / Website
The Cuisine: Japanese
The Atmosphere: Chic and modern
Why You Need To Dine Here: There’s always something new to try at this high-end sushi spot. Premium seafood is imported regularly as well as locally-sourced produce.
Photography by: Amy Sparwasser / Getty Images
