The calm interior of The Landing Kitchen.
The season of new beginnings is around the corner, and thankfully Philadelphia restaurateurs are giving our palates something to look forward to this spring. From a James Beard Award-winning chef to a wide range of open-air and retro ambiances, these six local spots will surely become some of 2021’s must-try restaurants.
Lamberti Pizza & Market
Freshly prepared grab-and-go Italian meals are exactly what Philadelphians need to shake up their takeout this spring. With a menu that changes daily to include soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, chicken entrees, side dishes, desserts and made-to-order gourmet pizza and cheesesteaks, there will always be something new to try at Lamberti Pizza & Market. 707 Chestnut St., 215.454.6300, lambertipizzafresca.com
Sor Ynéz
From the creators of the Mexican staple Cafe Ynéz, this new Kensington eatery will offer an Indigenous-inspired Mexican menu that focuses on fresh ingredients and sustainability with a vegetable-forward approach. If you’re dying to try Sor Ynéz before its outdoor-dining opening, its delectable takeout is already available online. 1800 N. American St., 215.309.2582, sorynez.com
Lola’s Garden
This Suburban Square spot scheduled to open in April will feature modern American cuisine, including housemade charcuterie. Inspired by the owners’ previous endeavors—Morgan’s Pier and Harper’s Garden—the restaurant will have indoor seating as well as a year-round outdoor trellis and beer/ wine garden with a wide selection of local beers on tap. 49 St. Georges Road, Ardmore, lolasgardenrestaurant.com
The Landing Kitchen
You may know chef Nicholas Elmi for winning season 11 of Top Chef or for his beloved gourmet eateries Laurel and ITV, but now he is embarking on another culinary adventure with seasoned restaurateur Fia Berisha to give us The Landing Kitchen. Located in the reimagined Ironworks at Pencoyd Landing, the all-day cafe will offer exceptional breakfast and lunch menus, a dinner menu of small plates and seasonal entrees, fresh-baked pastries and a Curiosity Doughnut pop-up. 617 Righters Ferry Road, Bala Cynywd, thelandingkitchen.com
Lark
Scheduled to open this April, Fia Berisha and James Beard Awardwinning chef Nicholas Elmi’s other endeavor, Lark, is situated in an airy space with a rooftop terrace that overlooks the Schuylkill River. While enjoying a little fresh air above the river, indulge in sustainably sourced seafood, seasonal produce and handmade pasta. 611 Righters Ferry Road, Bala Cynywd
Grace & Proper
Bella Vista will welcome this neighborhood corner bar and kitchen some time this spring, and we can’t wait to see its take on Italian market cuisine. According to one of the owners, Chris Fetfatzes of Hawthorne’s Beer Cafe (hawthornecafe.com) , the restaurant will combine retro elements with industrial materials to transport guests to a bar in Naples or Lisbon. 941 S. Eighth St.
Photography by: Photos by Neal Santos
