Experience delectable flavors from all different cultures without leaving the City of Brotherly Love.
There’s always room for dessert when Apricot Stone’s honey-drenched baklava is on the menu.
1.Abe Fisher
Taste the flavors of classic Jewish cooking (with a modern twist) at Abe Fisher, owned by renowned restaurateurs Mike Solomonov and Steve Cook. With centuries of tradition in every dish, begin your Jewish soul food journey with a fresh take on the beloved latke, served as fries with housemade Russian dressing—for an added flourish, spring for a side of caviar. Next, try chef Mario Juarez’s take on kasha varnishkes—a simple bow tie pasta dish—elevated with Primordia Farms mushrooms and grana padano cheese. While the comfort food coma sets in, imbibe on a Pink Flamingo with house grenadine and Cocchi Rosa. 1623 Sansom St., 215.867.0088, abefisherphilly.com
2.Apricot Stone
Owner and chef Fimy Ishkhanian uses family recipes from Syria to capture Mediterranean, Armenian and Middle Eastern flavors in exquisitely crafted dishes for the Northern Liberties neighborhood. Best enjoyed family style, delectable plates like rich baba ghanouj and savory manti dumplings are plentiful. For main bites, refreshing Greek salads and skewers will keep you coming back. The toughest decision comes with dessert, where honey-drenched baklava and gatnabur (creamy rice pudding with rose blossom water) tempt you to splurge. 1040 N. Second American St., 267.606.6596, apricotstonephilly.com
3.Bistrot La Minette
Bonjour from the City of Lights, or as close as we can get without leaving Philadelphia. Founder Peter Woolsey and executive chef Grant Lloyd bring flavors from various regions of France to craft divine dishes that change seasonally, like the cassoulet de Toulouse. This tomato and lamb stew, which originated from Languedoc in southwest France, is filled with yummy ingredients like garlic sausage, duck leg confit and duck-fat bread crumbs. 623 S. Sixth St., 215.925.8000, bistrotlaminette.com
4.Hardena
Just over 20 years ago, Ena and Harry Widjojo opened Hardena to bring comfort food to the significant population of Indonesian migrant workers in South Philadelphia. But then in 2018, the mission grew with a recognition as semifinalists for best chef of the mid-Atlantic region from the James Beard Foundation. Since then, locals have lined up for unforgettable dishes, including the rendang: a six-hour-slow-braised beef in coconut milk, herbs and spices (think tender, buttery goodness). 1754 S. Hicks St., 215.271.9442, hardenaphilly.com
5.La Fontana Della Citta
Translated to “the fountain of the city,” La Fontana Della Citta has provided Philadelphia with an oasis reminiscent of southern Italy since 2006. Bring your favorite cabernet sauvignon to try with the penne arrabiata and don’t forget to try a piece of the torta calabrese, our favorite chocolaty dessert. Buon appetito! 1701 Spruce St., 215.875.9990, lafontanadellacitta.com
6.Seorabol
As Korean pop culture takes over the world, interest in East Asian cuisine continues to grow. Seorabol makes that easy for Philadelphians, with a menu offering authentic dishes, including ever-popular Korean barbecue and jjajang myun (a noodle dish in silky black bean sauce). Let owner and executive chef Chris Cho take you on a flavorful trip with fan-favorite rice dish bibimbap, or the lesser-known (but still tasty option) yukgaejang: spicy beef and vegetable soup. 1326 Spruce St., 215.608.8484, seorabolcentercity.com
7.Suraya
Suraya took Philly by storm when the Levantine restaurant opened for dinner in 2018, and by now most have experienced its savory dinner delicacies. But have you tried its brunch? Owners Nick Kennedy and Greg Root just brought the menu back in December, and with dishes like Turkish eggs, labneh and samke harra, it’s no surprise that local taste buds are tingling. 1528 Frankford Ave., 215.302.1900, surayaphilly.com
8.Zama
Chef Hiroyuki “Zama” Tanaka takes customers to the streets of Japan with his traditional yet inspired cuisine and sips. To start, excite your taste buds with wasabi truffle escargot over truffle mushroom rice. After this rich indulgence, cleanse your palate with Tanaka’s private sake, Drunken Zama, or a whiskey from Philadelphia’s largest selection of Japanese whisky. After appetizers, the options are endless, from specialty maki to kakiage tempura udon noodle soup. 128 S. 19th St., 215.568.1027, zamaphilly.com
Photography by: Vanesa Karamanian
